By Bette J. Freedson, LCSW, LICSW Introduction A Sense of Belonging Conclusion Introduction Adolescents intuitively gravitate to cliques. Cliques are developmentally in sync with the tasks of adolescence. When these groups of tightly connected kids and young adults...
relationships
How to Manage Interfaith Holidays
By L.B. (LeslieBeth) Wish, Ed.D, MSS Introduction It's that time of year again. She wants a Christmas tree, he says, "Not in my house." There are many variations on these differences in holiday rituals, but the source of the problem is the same—the couple's...
How Do I Know I’m in Love—And With the Right Person?
By L.B. (LeslieBeth) Wish, Ed.D, MSS Introduction Many men and women of all ages are postponing marriage because of their fears of choosing the wrong person and making a lifelong mistake. Since most important decisions in life are made with incomplete...
Narcissistic Personality Disorder: What you need to know
Narcissists do not change for the better, so you must develop a plan to minimize contact as much as possible.
“But I Love Him”: If You Are in an Unhealthy Relationship
As you practice saying no and reinforcing your boundaries, you will begin to internalize assertiveness, which helps you to express your feelings clearly and directly.
Coping With Toxic Relationships
By Carol Juergensen Sheets, MSW, ACSW Is there a relationship in your life that you would consider toxic? Toxic relationships are volatile, angry and abusive. They hurt you and can be so unpredictable that they leave you feeling as if you did something wrong. Many of...
Build a Strong Relationship With Your Mate’s Siblings
By L.B. (LeslieBeth) Wish, Ed.D, MSS Why are the siblings so important in approving your choice of mate? It's easy to sweat out meeting the parents. Parents and their attitudes toward future sons- and daughters-in-law will always be important, but siblings' attitudes...
How Retirement Affects Retirees and Their Spouses
Both of you need to keep busy, sometimes together and other times by yourselves. And you should strike a balance between doing fun things and doing things you have to do.
Quick Tips to Improve Your Relationship: Suggestions for Men
Men are taught to not talk about their feelings. But there is a great potential for enhancing your relationship by telling your partner what’s important to you.
Widows, Widowers, and Their Relationships
By L.B. (LeslieBeth) Wish, Ed.D, MSS Introduction Dr. L.B. (LeslieBeth) Wish is a psychologist and social worker. Wish. She has been a speaker for non-profit, corporate and university organizations. Dr. Wish offers sound, research-based relationship advice...
Find a Social Worker
Recent Articles
Men and Fatherhood: How to be a Better Dad
"Fatherhood is a journey," said Dr. Charles Daniels in a recent interview. "It's not something that you just learn overnight. It's something that you have to work at every day." Daniels is co-founder and CEO of Fathers' Uplift, a Boston-based organization that...
Are you experiencing a mental health crisis?
It's common to struggle with your mental health at some point in your life. This can happen due to factors such as stress, trauma, or genetics. Here are some signs that you might be experiencing a mental health crisis: You're having thoughts of suicide or self-harm....
Couples’ Lament: Stop Arguing, Start Laughing
By Lorrie R. Appleton, LCSW “You have got to be kidding me! I leave the children with you for five minutes and now they have colored all over the wall? What were you thinking?? Was your brain in your head when I put you in charge?” Verbal Reply: “It’s just a...