More insights and surprises on cheating, in Parts Two and Three over the next days.

Communicate through open feelings, not open criticism. 

Ongoing ignorance from relatives calls for limited exposure.

The place of intimacy in the relationship is up to both parties to discuss.

An emotionally divided home can negate all the messages about family unity.

In relationships, be aware which lines are too deep to cross.

Feeling "trapped" is poisonous to a relationship; free yourself.

Frequent power struggles usually reflect frustrations that need discussion, not "winning."

When the problem seems at a standoff, look for an underlying cause.

When an alcoholic partner can't or won't save him/herself, bolster your own strength to carry on.

Grieving the end of a marriage is natural and healthy.

Asking a mother to "choose" child or spouse is a nasty set-up.

The Nanny Debate is a joint negotiation, if it's to work for the whole family.

When old trouble comes back knocking on the door, only a fool opens it.

When factual evidence rings alarms, get pro-active in response.

Looking mature doesn't equate to having life experience, so be sure of what you can handle.

If you choose to snoop, think about how long you can accept repeated excuses before it feels worse than leaving.

The topic's too hot to drop: Read Part Two tomorrow, July 3rd.

A Dad's encouragement leaves more impression than what is on his head.

The heartache of a break-up can be healed with self-knowledge and new attitudes.

A relationship isn't a viable goal, unless you're truly ready.

Adult children's wedding-day bliss benefits all.

If you report bad news, remember that some people "shoot the messenger."

In a relationship to last, share your doubts as well as your dreams.

Avoid jealous overreactions through communication and confidence.

When breaking up, maintain a no-sex zone with your soon-to-be ex.

Avoiding nasty, bigoted grandparents can be crucial to a family's well-being.

Maintaining and re-evaluating your family's values is a constant part of parenting.

An extra-marital affair needs to be understood if it's to be forgiven.

Listening to what seems foolish can give clues to other realities.

Avoiding sex is often a symptom of lost self-love, rather than lost romantic love.

Meddling, in the name of "mothering," is still interfering in others' lives.

In most father-daughter issues (excluding abuse), the son-in-law shouldn't interfere.

A call for closer commitment can make or break a relationship.

You can only attempt to repair a relationship, not another person.

It can become more demeaning to you to constantly mistrust, than to let a cheater make his/her own fatal mistake.

If you always avoid risk in relationships, you may never open the door to compelling love.

When kids react to divorce, relatives can help them by participating, instead of judging.

Flirting can be tolerated if it doesn't equal cheating, but persistent disrespect becomes intolerable.

When fear of moving forward is dominant, there's no hope for a relationship.

Show confidence in your relationship, while also staying alert to a third party's behaviour.

A bride's dream of being walked down the aisle by her father takes special understanding when divorce is a factor.

When a friend's relationship looks like trouble, ask leading questions to help him/her face what's really happening.

Loving couples need their relationship to remain their priority, even through tough challenges.

Fill your life with purpose instead of mourning what's missing

When someone’s in serious trouble, encouragement and participation can help, while criticism and judgement only increases stress.

Joint custody relies on communication, without one parent’s control.

When a long-distance partner has already moved on, back off rather than rush to confront.

A control-freak parent reaps a household out of control, when other members rebel.

A sexual problem that's neglected by one partner, eventually cues the other partner to exit the scene.