Mary Jo Rapini, LPC - Articles

Articles by Mary Jo

Relationships, Parenting, and Emotional Wellness

The Secret to a Happy Marriage is Rooted In Couple Traditions

The Secret to a Happy Marriage is Rooted In Couple Traditions

The secret to a happy marriage is never one thing. It’s co-creating something special with your partner over and over again. One of the biggest causes of marital strife is when couples stop nurturing their marriage. Happy couples do small, special actions every day for their partner. The holiday season is the perfect time to create a new tradition for you and your partner. Below are some relationship traditions that will work nicely for the holidays. A successful marriage is

Joy Triggers: Small Moments with Big Impacts

Joy Triggers: Small Moments with Big Impacts

This year has tested us in ways we never expected. It’s easy to become jaded, cynical, or withdrawn. But humans are remarkable in their ability to change and adopt a healthier mindset that adds meaning and purpose. Rather than comparing yourself to others or feeling sorry for your situation, begin awakening to small expressions of joy you can savor yourself and extend to others. What brings you joy? When you begin seeing what triggers joy throughout the day, you can start to

5 Ways to Give Thanks and Celebrate a Virtual Thanksgiving

5 Ways to Give Thanks and Celebrate a Virtual Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving will be different this year, but don’t let that discourage you or your family from celebrating and feeling close to each other. Visiting the grandparents or meeting at a large family table may not be possible, but you can still enjoy the festivities, food and sharing of gratitude for each other. Celebrating virtually is the safest way to keep yourself healthy and it offers a unique intimacy to visit each family in their own home. These suggestions can help you pl

Mental Health Benefits the Pandemic Has Taught Us

Mental Health Benefits the Pandemic Has Taught Us

Before the pandemic began, we led busy, full lives. We complained about being stressed for time and overwhelmed with work. You may have compared yourselves to others on social media, feeling inadequate with your inability to travel and party on the weekends. But the pandemic has turned our lives upside down; now we worry about being laid off, virtual schooling, isolation, and whether to risk seeing loved ones. We don’t need to have blind optimism or forced positivity. Being a

Taking a Break from Sex Improves Intimacy in Your Relationship

Taking a Break from Sex Improves Intimacy in Your Relationship

What happens outside the bedroom between partners is brought to the bedroom. When partners begin feeling like their relationship is stale, their sex life reflects that. Sex becomes routine or boring, leading couples to focus more on it and become more dissatisfied with each other. They are often surprised when their doctor or therapist suggests taking a break from sex and focusing on the rest of their relationship. Whether or not a sex break improves your relationship depends

Cuffing Season in the Time of COVID-19

Cuffing Season in the Time of COVID-19

Maybe you’ve dismissed the idea of cuffing season in the past, but if you’re lonely or wanting to date this holiday season, chances are you’ll reconsider. Single people who feel isolated or vulnerable during the pandemic may find themselves discontent with their status. Cuffing season is a time when people who typically enjoy being single suddenly desire a serious relationship. Since the holiday season has typically been viewed as one of the most romantic times of the year, y

The Best Argument is No Argument with Difficult People

The Best Argument is No Argument with Difficult People

Everyone has different opinions about what should be happening in the world. However, some people make it impossible to have a civil discussion about their opinions. Trying to interact or live with these “difficult” people is often frustrating, but it is possible if you learn to understand what makes them difficult. In the mental health field, we identify them as having a personality disorder. All personality disorders follow an unhealthy pattern of thinking and behaving that

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