Author name: Mary Joan Brinson

Do you ever worry that past bad relationship baggage could adversely affect your current commitment? To some extent, any past relationship that no longer exists must have had some drawbacks. Otherwise, you never would’ve left it. We all get “burned” in some way during our pursuit of a lasting romantic connection. However, if you went […]

Is figuring out how to deal with relationship anxiety a struggle for you? Most couples wrestle to some extent with anxiety when it comes to their commitment. This can especially happen at the start of a bond when it can be harder to know where you stand in your relationship. You may worry about whether

Do you wonder about the difference between infatuation vs love? We sometimes don’t stop to consider the differences between the two until finding ourselves deep in a passionate relationship, wondering what really is at work. Developing such a strong emotional connection can be enthralling and exciting beyond words. Still, it can also feel scary being

When someone takes part in an emotional affair, they find their primary emotional support from someone outside of their committed relationship. Most couples agree that physical intimacy with anyone outside of their bond is strictly off-limits. And it’s easy enough to determine when a boundary like that gets crossed. But defining emotional cheating in a

Would you like to grow a happy relationship with your partner? That’s the goal of all of us in a relationship, right? But sometimes, finding the vehicle to get there can be challenging. One of the key ways to become the happiest couple that often is overlooked is by developing a positive mindset. In his

Wondering how to have a healthy relationship? Deep down, that’s what we all want, but as the months and years slip by, it may seem like you’re drifting further and further from this important desire. That could lead you to believe some couples are destined for great relationships, and some aren’t. Thankfully, the notion that

Nearly one in four pregnancies ends in a loss. So, chances are, not only do you know one person who has suffered a pregnancy loss, but you probably know multiple people. It can be difficult to know how to respond to a loved one, friend or co-worker who has lost a baby. It is equally

The death of an infant is a profound loss, and it is important to acknowledge families’ need to grieve for their babies. The death of a baby is especially difficult to endure because parents envision an entire lifetime for their baby from the moment the pregnancy is confirmed. With the death of their baby, parents

Narcissism has gained popularity in our culture. This can be both helpful and harmful. It is helpful to have a more thorough understanding of what it is, how it has developed and what can be done to develop more healthy ways to manage it. It can be harmful if used to label others without sufficient

Are you experiencing narcissistic abuse in a relationship? If so, your current intimate relationship is far from what you hoped it would be. And your situation is far worse than simply unfulfilling. Instead, your relationship regularly harms you. In her “Psychology Today” article entitled How to Handle Narcissistic Abuse in a Relationship, Darlene Lancer JD,