Understanding Your Partner’s Personality'
How to deal with a narcissistic partner
Partners of narcissistic individuals may not know why their relationship is so unrewarding. Their mate initially appeared outgoing, appealing, conversant, intelligent, sociable and desirable. It is only with time that mates of narcissists begin to experience [...]
Respect your partner’s emotional style
Our emotions often thrill us and sometimes frighten us. Whether they are positive or negative, intense emotions are unsettling to our personal equilibrium. Cultural norms dictate emotional containment as one of its parameters of civility. Yet, [...]
Can men be strong and tender?
Women often appreciate and rely on men’s strength, competence and rational approach to life. At the same time some lament that their men are non-expressive, unemotional and contained. Does emotional strength preclude tenderness? One factor in [...]
Can women be powerful and likeable?
Famous powerful women garner admiration, curiosity and perhaps even envy. Yet, they are saddled not only with major responsibilities but also with the struggle to be viewed fairly and favorably. Non-famous powerful women also face the [...]
How to deal with a compulsive talker
Most people have encountered some individuals who speak more than others do. The volume, speed and/or duration of their orations leave the perplexed listener at a loss as to how to handle the incessant talker. As [...]
Dealing with explosive rage in your relationship
Everyone gets angry sometimes. Anger is a healthy emotional alert system signaling real or perceived danger and alerting the individual to act for self-preservation. Yet, some people experience overwhelming explosive anger that involves emotional/physical abuse that [...]
The key to understanding yourself and your mate
Even loving, committed and adoring mates occasionally get into states of misunderstanding, hurt, anger and occasionally lash out at each other, only to deeply regret such occurrences. These times of painful interactions can be curtailed with [...]
Feeling embarrassed by some of your spouse’s behaviors?
Embarrassment is a self-monitoring healthy reaction that guides us in being socially appropriate and valued by others. For some individuals this personal monitoring emotion extends to the behavior of their mate. Is it appropriate to feel [...]
How to deal with a partner who is habitually late
Being punctual is thought to be socially appropriate and being habitually late is regarded as a liability in interpersonal relationships. It is obviously disconcerting to routinely have to wait for a partner who is late. What [...]
Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder impacting your marriage?
Learning to live with a permanent partner requires ongoing adjustments. When your mate has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), both of you are challenged to an even greater degree. Yet, with knowledge, compassion and help your [...]
Prejudice gives a momentary feeling of superiority
Most people sincerely state that they are not prejudiced. They disavow holding negative views of others based on their race, religion, lifestyle, opinions or affiliations. Yet, many of us are quick to judge the behavior of [...]
Understanding compulsive hoarding
Many people will admit to having packed garages, cabinets and storage spaces full of un-used furniture, gadgets, tools, books, and boxes overflowing with forgotten objects. Others will admit to having their closets stuffed to capacity with [...]
Feeling excessively anxious? Help is available
Everyone encounters people who are prone to anxiety, worry and fearful anticipation of life situations. These “worriers” often get reassured, encouraged, debated with and eventually labeled as “negative” people. The partner of the anxious individual as [...]
How to deal with a distractible partner
Some individuals complain that their partner is unfocused, remiss about simple tasks, forgets or consistently fails to follow through on requests, is disorganized, regularly loses basic items, can’t concentrate, is easily distracted and seems to not [...]
How to help an addicted mate become a connected partner
Addiction impacts many families in the United States. It is not only a health and survival issue but also a distancing factor destructive to partners. According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s report in [...]
How to deal with a partner with Asperger’s Syndrome
Many adults, some of whom are not even aware of having neurological diagnosis, exhibit behaviors that are perplexing to others. Partners of people with Asperger’s Syndrome are often very frustrated, confused and at a loss to [...]
How to help the excessively worried partner
Worry is a familiar feeling to most people. Some find it a helpful way to secure their safety, others take pride in being loyal, devoted or loving by worrying about others. Yet, many people find worry [...]
How to deal with a workaholic partner
Some spouses lament that their partners are excessively involved with their work to the exclusion of their mates and family. They label this conduct “workaholism”. The term ‘workaholism’ came into use around thirty years ago with [...]
Understanding your partner’s emotional over-reactions
“I can’t understand why you get so upset about such an unimportant thing?” “What got you so angry?” “I can’t figure out what triggers you to start yelling”. If these or other similarly perplexing questions occur [...]
Is your cup half-full or half-empty?
How do you view yourself, your relationships, the world and anticipated outcomes of your life events? Are you generally optimistic or pessimistic? Interestingly enough how you see life is actually a component in how it will [...]
