The Nurturing Obsession
Nurturing someone, helping them to grow and change for the better, is part of a loving relationship. People in healthy relationships often say that over time, their partner has helped them become a better person. But when nurturing turns into an obsession, it becomes a kind of over-parenting with...
Understanding The Anxious-Avoidant Relationship Trap
There are many different types of dysfunctional relationships. In codependent types of relationships, a common pattern of behavior that can be found is the anxious-avoidant trap. I explain this pattern in full detail in my book, "The Marriage and Relationship Junkie,"and once you know the trap, i...
How To Stop The Pursue-Withdraw Pattern in Your Relationship
Most people have, at some time in their dating past, experienced a pursue-withdraw relationship pattern. This is also sometimes called a demand-withdraw pattern, and it is almost always the female in the relationship that is pursuing as the male in the relationship is withdrawing.The reason for t...
Loving a Narcissist… Regardless
Why do we pick the wrong partners? In my practice as a clinical social worker, I meet many clients, women especially, who settle for less than they deserve because they’re desperate to be in a relationship. What is it that drives some people to believe that having someone (anyone) is better then ...
Is Your Spouse Having An Emotional Affair?
An emotional attachment to another person while in a relationship can be just as devastating to a partner as a physical affair. However, it is also possible to simply have a good friend who shares an emotional bond, without being in anything more than a friendship relationship. But sometimes it's...