Category Archives: Relationships

Ok – so it’s Valentine’s Day. There’s no need for expensive flowers, jewellery or dinners, but it is the perfect day to at least acknowledge your love for your partner. And it’s a good day to consider ways to re-energise … Continue reading →

Bridget Jones would have a witty comeback to the question: So why are you still single? But in reality, a witty comeback doesn’t stop the single person feeling like there is something seriously wrong with them. What are they supposed … Continue reading →

Do you ever feel like a broken record? Does it seem like you’re making the same complaints over and over again and no one is listening? Do your children or partner tune out when you try to explain what’s upsetting … Continue reading →

I used to warn people not to give ultimatums because they were often just empty threats that caused more harm than good. But after years of watching long term relationships and marriages  ending, I have now changed my mind. I … Continue reading →

We laugh a lot in counselling sessions. Despite the intensity of the discussions, there is nearly always something to laugh at. We laugh at the trivial things that trigger such strong reactions. We laugh at how unrealistic expectations can be. … Continue reading →

Most of us do it. We automatically become defensive at the slightest hint of criticism. We cannot bear to leave an accusation hanging in the air, no matter how trivial that accusation may be. We falsely believe that by defending … Continue reading →

Most of us have been confused by mixed messages at some point in our lives. Most commonly, mixed messages can be sent out in the early days of a relationship or around the time of a break-up. But while we … Continue reading →

I had an email this week from someone wanting to know the dos and don’ts of talking about people behind their backs. Obviously there are times when we speak of others to our friends, family and workmates. On many occasions, … Continue reading →

It should come as no surprise that many people have relationship difficulties with their in-laws. Why should the families of the two people who have decided to spend their life together necessarily get on? Sometimes, it seems that all you … Continue reading →

Do you like who you’ve become since you and your partner have been together? Do you partially credit your partner for helping you become nicer, more tolerant, calmer, more courageous and adventurous, less chaotic, more creative, more confident, or simply … Continue reading →