If you’re like a lot of people, you have a lot of stress at the holidays. If so, you’re not alone! Whether you’re having big celebrations with a lot of people, limiting your gatherings to just a few or visiting others… You might have a …
Expectations–We all have them. We have expectations of ourselves that can sound limiting like this… –“I could never do that! That’s above my paygrade!” Or our expectations of ourselves can run on the positive side like this… –“Doing that will be a piece of cake …
There’s a dance that often goes on in relationships that is REALLY destructive to the love that exists between two people if you don’t get wise to it. We’re talking about a “one-up/one down” relationship drama or an Inferiority/Superiority dance. Here’s an example of how …
The Inferiority/Superiority Dance: What It Really Is and How to Stop It Read More »
Many of us suffer from the addiction called “Black and White Thinking” but don’t see it or don’t realize all the trouble it causes. Black and white thinking is “either-or” thinking. It’s thinking there are ONLY two options (or even just one option) and not …
Black and White Thinking–What It Is and How It Kills Communication Read More »
There was about a two week window of time after I told my first wife I was leaving her that was totally real, raw and vulnerable. Most of the time, I’d just as soon forget all the stuff that happened before (and after) that caused …
Vulnerability in Love and Life– A Good Thing or Something Else? By Otto Collins Read More »
Many of us grow up thinking that “vulnerable” is a dirty word and a sign of weakness. We’re taught we have to protect ourselves and be safe from physical and emotional harm by holding back our true feelings. We don’t want to hurt the other …
Is Being Vulnerable a Sign of Weakness or Power? Read More »
Are you making this classic mistake in your relationship? Some people ignore the “danger signs” in their relationship for far too long. That’s exactly what Hal did… In fact he did it for 10 years. Now he’s asking us for help–but is it too late? …
Relationship Danger Signs and How to Benefit From Them… Read More »
As Judy mulled over what her sister had said, she felt hurt and very angry. In planning a family reunion on zoom, her sister who Judy had always been close to… Abruptly told Judy that she didn’t care what happened at the reunion and left …
How We Misinterpret the Signs From Those We Love Read More »
As Otto left for the home improvement store with measuring tape in hand, I cringed. I thought his idea for how to anchor the banister to the wall leading to the top floor of our home would look like people who didn’t know what they …
How to Communicate and Love Someone Who’s Stubborn Read More »
As the paralyzing fear of confrontation built inside her, Paula found herself once again lying to her husband. She knew it was wrong, but couldn’t stop doing what she’d done her whole life with everyone she’d been close to. When she sensed the other person …
