If you watched the Oscars like millions Sunday evening, you saw an example of what happens when someone suffering from toxic masculinity reacts badly. In front of millions Will Smith slapped the host Chris Rock for a joke he had made regarding Will Smith’s wife. It was an impulsive emotionally immature action on Will Smith’s part but is common with anyone who aligns with harmful masculinity. It was not an act of love or honor; it was an act of violence. Healthy masculinity is

Our ability to connect with the world through the internet and social media can often help us feel closer. However, it can also add to our stress load. According to the Holmes-Rahe Stress Scale, a normal amount of stress is 50 to 100 points; since 2020, many have a stress scale that registers closer to 300 to 350. We’re inundated with pandemic disruptions, war updates, breaking weather reports, and work emails around the clock. It’s no wonder so many are left feeling overwhel

Lent is a Christian observance that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends six weeks later with Easter. During Lent, many Christians fast or give up a luxury to symbolize Christ’s suffering and 40-day journey in the desert. You may be seeing social media posts about what people are giving up for Lent – coffee, chocolate, sugar. However, no matter what you give up, it’s the sacrifice that works to deepen your faith and reflect on your relationship with God. If you’re giving up thing

When you’re close to someone, it’s natural to talk to them about your frustrations and vent about what’s going wrong. It feels good to have someone listen and validate. However, sometimes normal venting turns into trauma dumping, which can strain the strongest of friendships. Trauma dumping is an unsolicited barrage of traumatic feelings, thoughts, and experiences onto another person who isn’t prepared for it. It may be face to face or online, and it’s happening more often as

Spring represents new growth and fresh starts as people plant flowers and clean out their closets. Some people are cleaning out their relationships, too, since Facebook data analysts found that breakups are more common in the spring. Both counselors and family lawyers can affirm there are more divorces in the spring with the majority happening in March. Science suggests that the high number of break-ups is due to several reasons: Increased activity in the brain’s pineal gland

Many people get excited by the idea of traveling – the thought of seeing new things and meeting new people while experiencing different cultures, foods, and festivities is thrilling. However, others feel a sense of dread or even fear about traveling, worrying about the logistics or getting to the destination safely. Since the pandemic, we’ve all been limited in travel and that heightens the anxiety of those who already stress about traveling. Living with travel anxiety is pos

As our country continues through the “great resignation,” it seems unfathomable that Americans are collectively suffering from a vacation deficit. According to the Center for American Progress, Americans are working longer and harder than any other country and our brains need a break. The U.S is one of the few wealthy nations without a national paid parental leave. New parents are only one group burning the candle at both ends. This leads to higher burnout and more absences d

Spring is symbolic for a fresh start, getting rid of old stuff, and making room for the new. Spring cleaning gives us a lift, helps us gain clarity, and boosts our morale. We can become more motivated to begin new habits that we may have put off. That’s why springtime is the perfect time to clean up your relationship. Don’t let old, unhealthy habits continue to drag you down. Open the closets of your relationship and begin throwing out the times you’ve taken each other for gr