In a healthy relationship, you want to be a better version of yourself. Relationships help you learn how to share, think of someone else first, and build a future together. A mature relationship isn’t about finding your other half or “fixing” your past hurts. The only person who can “fix” you is you, and you do that by accepting where you’re at and making strides to change the behaviors holding you back. Your partner should believe in you and encourage you in your growth. But

Love bombing, a manipulative behavior that utilizes excessive flattery to control an unsuspecting potential partner, is the antithesis of everything love stands for. It’s cruel and selfish, often leaving a person feeling confused and foolish for falling for such a manipulative person. Here’s what love bombing looks like: They say they love you first early in the relationship and go to extremes to show you. They will go above and beyond only after a few dates. They will help y

As a clinical psychotherapist, I see couples who do not belong together. There are individuals who tolerate being screamed at or insulted by their partner. Yet when it’s suggested that they should take a break or separate from each other, they vehemently decline. They protect their partner in public when they go off on a rage and even attack family members who voice their concerns. Understanding why people stay in toxic relationships is the first step to helping them leave. B

The royal wedding is days away and the most popular month to get married is right around the corner. If you’re considering marriage, you might be getting swept away with honeymoon venues and cake flavors. But is the person you’re vowing to share your life with forever the right person? There is a myth many couples believe when they walk down the aisle, particularly women. That myth is that you can change your partner after you’re married. Not only is it a myth but trying to c

In the United States between 40 to 50 percent of married couples divorce. Divorce happens for many reasons, but marriage experts often believe if the couple had taken time apart, worked with a mental health professional, or received pre-marriage education, divorce could have been prevented. However, there is one situation that this does not apply, and that issue is abuse. Abuse begins early in the relationship but continues to worsen the more it is tolerated. When you hear th

A question from a viewer wanted to know what they could do with their emotionally abusive child. It’s a very serious topic and one parents need to understand. Occasional conflict is normal between parents and their children, especially when the child is a teen or young adult. Children at this age are separating themselves from their parents and establishing their own independence. However, you should never tolerate emotional abuse from anyone especially when it’s from your ch