First romance is the start of a learning curve, not a place to hang around if it isn’t working.

Talking sense to the gossipmonger is a better path than passing on the dirt.

Alone time must be balanced with couple time; but if there are no compromises, the relationship is in question.

Intimacy and involvement in the life of someone you know is wrong for you, is a set-up for trouble.

Other people’s relationships may be flawed, but so is being judgmental about them.

Staying friends with an ex is fine, if it doesn’t push a partner away.

Passion that’s directed at winning someone away from another, often fades once the goal is reached.

When a relationship reaches a stalemate, someone has to take the courage to ask the right question.

When “time and space” from a serious relationship is taken, it needs to a deadline for either a firm commitment or a break-up.

Outing yourself to family is a personal story, to be handled with respect for them as well as for yourself.

If an opposite-sex friendship doesn’t include your partner sometimes, it’s open to controversy.

A relationship based on “rescuing” a partner from mental health issues, is unhealthy for both parties.

Ex-lovers should put some space and time between their former passion and being just friends.

Staying with someone when you feel trapped, only traps the other person too.

Dealing with difficult teenagers often requires re-defining everyone’s roles in the home.

When a romance goes flat, don’t dwell on false hopes.

When a romantic relationship with a friend appears to be too complicated, stick with what works- the friendship.

Vulnerability and loneliness often lead to poor relationship choices.

In dating relationships, one style does not fit all.

Interventions are a delicate task, and must be carried out with full knowledge of the best possible practices.

A break provides the chance to make a thoughtful decision, rather than hanging on until a nasty break-up.

When seriously dating a person who’s living with their children, be prepared to be a family, not just a couple.

Marriage counselling can only help if both parties are determined to work at it.

Chronic anger is often more harmful to the person feeling it than to the one to whom it’s directed.

Difficult work relationships often require a paper trail plus a plan of action.

When an affair is an escape from reality, it’s doomed to fail in the light of day.

Differences of values are far more problematic than differences of opinion.

When children from previous unions are rejected by a new partner, re-think the relationship.

Self-knowledge and acceptance are important factors in becoming confident in your relationships.

Grandparents’ role is to be supportive but not to interfere or take over the adult child’s responsibility.

When a partner is openly running toward trouble, it’s time to draw a line in the sand.

Clutter can be a symptom of more than a mess, and should be looked at from several perspectives.

When the “best friend” tries to come between a couple, they need to unite in setting limits on her.

If it looks wrong and feels wrong, your instinct is likely right, that it’s wrong.

When relatives consistently play upsetting mind games, limit your exposure.

The people who broke your heart years ago are unlikely to be the ones to mend it decades later.

Fidelity can only be quantified over time, but persistent paranoia about it eventually needs to be addressed.

When you’re being pushed into an uncomfortable situation, change it to one you can handle.

In the dating world, when you play off two people, the outcome often leaves you home alone.

Company policy can be better questioned, if you get thoroughly informed.

Mutual sexual comfort as well as satisfaction, requires both parties to communicate and compromise.

Adult children should be prepared that staying under the parental roof means abiding by parental rules.

If you can’t take the heat, stay out of the limelight.

Excusing drunken misbehaviour assures repeat performances.

Outlandish tales in relationships usually get revealed as plain lies.

Even a dog-lover has the right to put personal property out of bounds.

Muddy relationships drag everyone involved into anger, resentment and regrets.

Friendship should mean caring about other people, not just about what you want from them.

You can’t push a relationship into your own plans; you can only hope that both of you will adjust your plans.

Love that smothers doesn’t allow room for the other person’s feelings.