In a loving relationship, one partner must not act superior.

Adult table manners are a sensitive topic: Guide, but don’t lecture.

Power struggles aren’t about the actual topic, but about whether two people can solve disagreements.

All relationships have peaks and valleys; find ways to appreciate the ordinary times, and to occasionally renew the spark.

“Are you going to have children?” is NOT a casual question; it’s intrusive and None of Your Business.

Children of addicted parents can benefit from support groups, and may also need professional help.

When your values are totally different, it’s time to cool the friendship.

When doing “everything” for another isn’t working, change your whole approach.

When a relationship is hugely different from what you expected, make sure you can deal with the consequences.

When watching porn interferes with a relationship, the tension can easily build towards a break-up.

Speaking up is the way to insist on a partnership; staying silent will eventually lead you to flee.

A long distance relationship cannot thrive on suspicion and drama.

Look for the way into a difficult discussion through recognizing what factors could’ve created the problem.

The first involvement after a major break-up is often the Transition Romance, but not the last one.

Happiness that’s self-centered can become a lonely one-way street.

When a separation is inevitable, so is the need for learning your legal rights and responsibilities.

When you find yourself going down the same path with each relationship, examine how you make your choices.

Grandparents need to respect their children’s rights to raise their kids as they choose, so long as there are no abuse issues.

Daydreaming about “the one that got away” can be destructive to holding onto the one you chose instead.

When suspicions take over your ability to enjoy a relationship, it’s time to be pro-active about your next move, rather than wait for calamity.

Co-parenting with an ex – along with his/her new spouse – takes putting criticisms last, and your child’s comfort level first.

Long distance relationships require efforts and plans by both sides for contact and visits.

“Breaks with rules” are usually a signal that the relationship just isn’t working.

When any problem makes you feel hopeless, call your local distress centre immediately to re-connect with all that’s worthwhile in yourself.

Secrets and lies are destructive to a marriage, they never “save” the situation.

Confronting a former abuser, personally, should only be done after counselling has made you stronger within yourself.

In-law problems can destroy all the relationships in a family. For my personal help with tough in-law situations, see my reality TV show, “Outlaw In-laws” on Slice TV.

When a sporadic, platonic friendship with someone of the opposite sex creates jealousy, the problem is usually with the relationship, not the friend.

Intimacy is the glue between a loving couple; when it’s withdrawn, usually other aspects of the union have become unstuck.

Talking someone into a relationship, over their doubts, is a set-up for an unequal union.

A foolish flirtation can become a positive turning point in a marriage, if both parties recognize what’s missing.

The “40s” are often wake-up years that point to what needs changing in your life.

When dating seriously, previous close relationships take on new meaning if you fail to mention them.

In a new relationship, listen and absorb what your potential partner is really saying.

Family pressures need to be addressed before a controversial relationship can be introduced.

Big mistakes in a relationship aren’t easily forgiven, if ever, but learning from them offers a chance at future happiness.

Double standards in a relationship leave one partner feeling unfairly treated. 

Sometimes the issue you’re arguing about is a smokescreen for one much deeper.

Sometimes the right signals are there but people are afraid to recognize them, since it means they must act.

Assess who might prefer time to absorb a break-up, before making “goodbye” gestures.

It’s never too late to learn to get along, where children are involved. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

When one or both partners let intimacy diminish, it’s a sure signal of deeper issues that need to be discussed.

Keep your Christmas spirit alive and real by not building impossible expectations.

When relationships are entangled with money and property, get legal advice.

After a miscarriage, partners need to support each other, not grieve alone.

Rushing into a next relationship after a messy divorce, makes adjustments even harder, especially for children.

Children are a worthy reason to try to make a union work, but not a reason to stay together if it can’t work.

Repeated cheating is a risky way of filling needs, especially when you don’t know what you’re seeking.