Are you hooked on approval? Read each statement below. Circle “T” if the statement is true or mostly true, or circle “F” if the statement is false or mostly false. If someone disapproves of me, I feel like I’m not very worthwhile. T F It’s extremely important to be liked by nearly everyone in my […]
Oftentimes, people fight about essentially nothing. Take, for instance, the following example of a couple trying to decide which restaurant to go to. She says: “Let’s eat Chinese food tonight.” He says: “I’d prefer pizza.” She says: “We always eat pizza, let’s try something else.” He says: “Pizza is what I like. I don’t want […]
Dear Neil: My husband of 35 years has diabetes that he barely controls, his stents are completely collapsed, he smokes, does not exercise, and his physical condition is deteriorating badly. I have had a lot of death in my life already, so I am trying to build myself up so that I’m not completely devastated […]
Dear Neil: Before marrying my husband, I was concerned with his inability to communicate his feelings, but I hoped that once he left his family he would come out of his shell. After four years of marriage, I found myself lonely and was left to my own devices every weekend because he enjoyed restoring classic […]
Dear Neil: My boyfriend and I have been dating for several months. I am in my 20’s, and am in university. He’s moving at the end of next month an hour away (I do not have a car), and when he gets another contract, he could be going anywhere. This man is someone I think […]
Can you hear feelings and opinions about yourself without becoming defensive? Can you hear honest feedback from someone you love or care about, or do you force loved ones to walk on eggshells around you so as not to offend you? This column is going to challenge you to talk—and listen—openly and honestly with your […]
Note: This is the second of a two-part series. Click here for part one No adult reading this article is likely to be a novice when it comes to romance. Most of us have been around the block once or twice when it comes to our experiences in an intimate relationship, and some of us have been […]
Note: This is the first of a two-part series. Click here for part two Underneath all our differences, men and women both want the same things: to be loved, cared for, respected, appreciated and desired. To have a place of safety and security where we can be ourselves, and where we can grow and mature. And we all […]
What meaning do you draw from your failures, tragedies, betrayals, disappointments or mistakes? What helps you spring back when things don’t go your way, or when you’re dealing with the various setbacks and bummers that life invariably throws your way? Whether it is a religious belief, the desire to win the heart of one special […]
Dear Neil: What I’d like to see discussed in your column is an article about how a controlling/abusive person can slowly take you over. The use of manipulation, derogatory comments and wild romantic promises keep you confused and reluctant to say anything. I have been single for five years since I broke free of my […]