When smoke gets in the way, compromise or re-think the relationship.

If a relationship is likely to cause parental disapproval, be open sooner than later, rather than add deception.

When planning to re-marry, a couple needs to agree on dealings and boundaries with their ex'es. 

A serious phobia must be addressed professionally, since coaxing or ignoring it won't help.

Every new relationship phase requires adjustment – communication helps, criticism hinders.

When winning's the dominant goal between partners, both become losers.

Relationship changes need to be talked out, not just denied by the hurt party.

Ignoring major differences over years, puts a relationship at risk when there are challenges.

When a trauma threatens your stability and self-image, get counselling. 

When adult children are happily following a different path, respect their choice and privacy.

The "secrets" you reveal too casually often become open news to others.

Six months of dating should tell you where a relationship is going…or never going.

There's help available, if only you reach out for it.

Wishing all, love, laughter and health in 2011.

Family "ghosts" need to be accepted before they can be dismissed.

Tell a cheater how you feel about his/her behaviour that hurts someone you care about.

Family disapproval needn't be a relationship deal-breaker…. unless you can't handle doing without it.

Forgiveness is gifted, not guaranteed.

Season's Greetings to all, for peace, joy, and goodwill in your relationships. 

Addiction of any kind can ruin a relationship, unless both people agree to manage it.

When it's down to Job vs. Family, go with your heart.

If you "mother" a partner, he/she may easily respond as a child.

When you're the backup for a romantic partner's pursuit of another, back out of the game.

Trim Christmas to its basic message and create new traditions you can manage.

A generous partner deserves deeper understanding.

Dating a married person inevitably reaches a turning point, or turmoil.

Date nights provide opportunity for intimacy, but they aren't the only solution to marriage breakdown.

When you hang onto a User, you easily end up the Loser.

Moving on from a relationship should include knowing what really went wrong.

Entering the new lifestyle of being parents takes at least as much thought and planning as entering the workplace.

From a reader – "The reality is, marriage is work…hard work!!"

When dating, focus on who the person really is, rather than on your own fears.

Marriage break-up is tougher than you imagine from the perspective of an affair.

It's in everyone's best interest to be sensitive about poor workplace hygiene.

When you change your reactions, old behaviours change too.

If you can't accept porn addiction, you'll be unable to stay happy with the addict.

If you pick away at another's old anger at you, it's bound to hurt him/her again.

Leave your fantasies to private daydreams, or their exposure can make you look the fool.

When a spouse says the "straying" is over, believe or leave.

When a family crisis is looming, find your inner strength instead of caving to fear.

A committed partner shouldn't mind having you "meet" his/her online friends.

Loving someone new should never have to mean giving up a child.

When a close relative remarries, families need to adjust to a shift in dynamics.

Look for the real meaning and motivation behind sensitive "issues" that arise during a separation.

Be sure of what's shadowing you instead of just ignoring it. 

When in-laws are nasty, it's their adult child who has to respond or rebuff.

If you can't stay civil, it's hard to stay connected.

People who won't confront their past demons, often can't trust relationships. 

People who refuse to adapt to others, often end up alone.