Now at first glance, that question may be confusing. Someone once described addiction as “any coping mechanism or substance used to escape feelings.” This can refer to a variety of issues: alcohol, drugs, gambling, and sex, just to name a few. And one of the ways that a sexual addiction can show up is in…
Have you ever noticed that you have great insight and advice for your family members, but they often respond to your sage wisdom with a “Yea, sure Dad – whatever you say?” Don’t your spouse and kids know what an insightful perspective you have? If only they would heed your brilliance, their lives would function…
These past few months may go down in history as the months that weren’t, or at least it has felt that way. People have been quarantined, ordered to stay at home and shelter in place, wear masks, socially distance, as well as other restrictions. Being forced to stay at home has had some predictable consequences.…
I don’t know about you, but most of the time I need all the clues I can get – just ask my wife. But let me back up; you are probably wondering “Clues about what?” Most of us have probably walked into a restaurant and seen a couple, or perhaps an entire family, sitting at…
If everyone reading this were to answer that question, I would probably get hundreds of different responses. For example, some might say, “Well, we sit down and calmly talk about where we disagree and try to come to a compromise,” (this couple we get an “A”). Others might say, “We just yell until our voices…
“Hmm – I think so, but that seems like a loaded question.” Nope – no loaded question. I think when we ponder the matter we probably find ourselves wanting our mates to be honest and forthcoming with us about pretty much everything. But how about with regards to sex? “See – I knew there was…
How often have you felt this way? You say or do something and immediately feels as though your partner jumps down your throat, assuming the worst? For example, your mate has been talking about her desire to shed a few pounds and get back to regular exercising. Her birthday comes along and you buy her…
“Wow! This sounds powerful – what is it?” OK, are you sitting down? Here it is – Gratitude. You may be thinking, “That’s it? This is all you’ve got? That isn’t some new profound thing.” And you are right. It isn’t. But it is powerful and it is true. A recent study in Social Psychology…
“Only one?” you might ask. Well, no – there is not just one thing that will lead to greater security, but this is one that I want to focus on today – and it’s relatively easy. “Affection.” No, I am not talking about sex. While that certainly has the power to be bonding, sex is…
Over the years I have heard many descriptions of empathy and distinctions between empathy and sympathy. I recently came across a quote that I really like. “Empathy is about finding echoes of another person in yourself.” Now as you ponder that you will probably realize that it is a mixed bag. If the echoes I…