Mary Jo Rapini, LPC - Articles

Articles by Mary Jo

Relationships, Parenting, and Emotional Wellness

Are you being stashed in your relationship?

Are you being stashed in your relationship?

Recently, I received an email from a woman asking for relationship guidance. She said she was enamored with a man she met, and they could talk about anything. Their dates were fun, they were intimate together, and they seemed to understand each other well. However, she noticed that her boyfriend never invited her to spend time with his family or best friends. He would post photos of where they went on dates and what they ate, but never included her in the photo. It became cle

When You Can't Let Go of a Loved One

When You Can't Let Go of a Loved One

When someone you love leaves your heart is broken. Taking care of your fragile self is so important. When someone we love leaves or walks out the door, our immediate reaction may be one of hysterics, deep sadness, relief, and sometimes, even jubilation. These feelings eventually dissipate and new feelings take their place. The feelings that replace the initial feelings are more intense and stored deep within our brain. Forget trying to distract yourself from these memories, b

The Men Left Behind After a Divorce

The Men Left Behind After a Divorce

I want to thank all of the men who trusted me in their “brokenness.” At no other time was my perception of their strength so real. Their stories inspired this article, and it hopefully will go on to help others. -MJR Women still initiate most divorces in the United States. The reasons are varied, and it doesn’t really matter why it happened in the mind of the man who is left. If there are kids, the silence can be deafening because the kids usually go with the mom. Feelings of

Take a Break and Refocus for Relationship Success

Take a Break and Refocus for Relationship Success

If you’re worried about your relationship, you may start overanalyzing everything your partner does or doesn’t do. Constantly focusing on your relationship and seeing it as something broken can consume your thoughts and become overwhelming. When you begin to compare your partner to your friend’s partner or complain to your partner about their inadequate areas, resentment builds up. Marriage experts warn against these behaviors because they decrease communication and increase

Friends: The Physical and Emotional Health Benefits

Friends: The Physical and Emotional Health Benefits

A recent article in Time Magazine revealed that friends not only make us feel good but positively impact our health. Socially isolated people are twice as likely to die from heart disease than those with a solid social circle. Strong relationships also support mental health, which ties into our immune functions and reduces stress. With the onslaught of social media, it may seem like making friends is easier than ever before. However, virtual friends do not predict one’s healt

Pregnant and Married to a Serial Cheater

Pregnant and Married to a Serial Cheater

With the latest news about pregnant Kloe Kardashian finding out about her husband’s serial cheating scandals, it hard to imagine a more devastating situation. Marriage research suggests that serial cheaters feel less and less at fault after each cheating episode. Serial cheating is often referred to as “adaptation to dishonesty.” Lying essentially becomes habitual and feels less uncomfortable each time. After a while, you don’t feel guilt or shame, which makes treatment or ch

Are parents to blame for their child’s misbehavior?

Are parents to blame for their child’s misbehavior?

Teachers, mentors, and parents are asking, “Who is raising these irresponsible, rude, and disrespectful children?” Is culture to blame? School? Parents? Raising kids is challenging, and there’s no “one size fits all” method. After a full day at work, coming home to care for children and take care of chores leaves a parent emotionally spent. It’s easy for parents to lose control and lash out at their children, making quick, irrational decisions about punishment. Anyone who has

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