Relationship Roadblocks

Relationship Loneliness: Why It Happens & How to Fix It

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The feeling of loneliness isn’t the same as simply being alone. You can feel lonely even in a relationship, no matter how intimate the relationship is, potentially highlighting the complexities of emotional attachment.

In fact, loneliness is a widespread issue that affects relationships and well-being. According to a Harvard report, 36% of Americans report feeling profound loneliness. That number jumps to 61% for young adults and 51% for mothers with young children.

So, what does it mean when you’re in a relationship but still feeling alone? Here’s a look at some of the causes, signs, and strategies for addressing the feeling of loneliness in a relationship.

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How to Shut Down Gaslighting: Boundaries & Assertive Phrases

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Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic where one person gradually undermines another person’s sense of reality. The gaslighter makes you question your memory, your perceptions, and even your sanity.

Over time, gaslighting can have a devastating impact on your mental health. You might find yourself constantly second-guessing your decisions, unsure of your memories, and doubting your emotions. You may feel anxious, confused, and increasingly isolated as you lose your grip on what’s real.

If you think you’re experiencing gaslighting, it’s important to take action. The first step is recognizing the signs, which can be tricky because gaslighting is insidious by design. The gaslighter wants you to doubt yourself so you’re less likely to challenge their behavior.

Once you understand what’s happening, you can learn strategies for how to shut down gaslighting. This article will provide specific phrases you can use to respond to a gaslighter, along with guidance on setting boundaries and seeking support. Remember, you deserve to feel confident in your own reality.

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If a Guy Sleeps With You More Than Once, Read This First!

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Okay, so you’ve slept with a guy, and he wants to do it again. What does it mean if a guy sleeps with you more than once? It’s a question as old as time, and the answer? Well, it’s rarely simple.

Relationships, especially in the early stages, can feel like trying to decipher a secret code. Everyone has their own expectations and interpretations. What one person considers a casual fling, another might see as the start of something serious.

That’s why we’re going to explore some of the possibilities, look at common expectations, and talk about how to communicate to figure out what you both really want.

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Dealing With a Fearful Avoidant Partner? 5 Keys to Success

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Have you ever heard of attachment theory?

In a nutshell, attachment theory explains how your earliest relationships—typically with your parents or primary caregivers—shape how you connect with others throughout your life. These early experiences create what’s known as your attachment style.

There are four main attachment styles:

  • Secure
  • Anxious-preoccupied
  • Dismissive-avoidant
  • Fearful-avoidant

This article will focus on the fourth type: fearful-avoidant attachment.

A person with a fearful-avoidant attachment style craves intimacy but simultaneously fears rejection. This inner conflict often leads to contradictory behaviors. They might seek closeness one moment and then push you away the next.

Being in a relationship with someone who’s fearful-avoidant can be challenging, to say the least. But if you understand their attachment style, you can learn strategies for better communication and a healthier relationship overall.

If you’re wondering how to deal with a fearful avoidant partner, keep reading. This article will cover:

  • The characteristics of fearful-avoidant attachment
  • Communication strategies
  • Ways to build a healthy, supportive relationship

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Get Closure: Relationship Endings & Moving Forward Guide

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When a relationship ends, it’s normal to want answers, understanding, and a sense of completion. This is often referred to as “closure,” and it’s a crucial step in moving forward.

But what does closure really mean? In the context of relationships, closure is about accepting the end, processing your emotions, understanding what happened (as much as you can), and taking control of your healing journey.

Seeking closure is rarely easy. Breakups are often messy and emotionally complex. You might feel a mix of sadness, anger, confusion, and even relief. It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is unique, and there’s no right or wrong way to feel.

So, how do you get closure from a relationship? This article explores both internal and external strategies to help you find peace. We’ll discuss the importance of emotional processing, self-care, building a support system, and ultimately, accepting the past so you can embrace the future.

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Friends With Benefits & Situationship: Risks & Boundaries

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Dating has changed. A lot. What used to be a simple path from “hello” to “I do” has turned into a maze of labels and relationship styles. Two popular, yet often confusing, terms are “friends with benefits” (FWB) and “situationship.” These arrangements are different from traditional dating but can be a good fit for some people.

So, what’s the difference between friends with benefits and a situationship? Both offer alternatives to traditional commitment, but that’s pretty much where the similarities end. Navigating both requires clear communication and a solid understanding of the potential benefits and risks.

This article dives into the nuances of the FWB and situationship dynamics, clarifying the distinctions, potential benefits, and inherent risks associated with each. The goal is to provide insights that empower you to make informed choices and navigate these relationships with greater awareness and intention.

Understanding the key differences and similarities between FWB and situationships is crucial for setting appropriate expectations, fostering healthy boundaries, and minimizing the potential for emotional distress. Open and honest communication is paramount to the success of both FWB and situationship arrangements.

Keep reading to learn more about each of these relationship types, how they differ, and if either one might be right for you.

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How to Get Your Ex to Miss You: The No Contact Rule Reboot

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Breakups suck. There’s no way around it. Whether you initiated the split or your partner did, you’re probably dealing with a mix of sadness, confusion, and maybe even a little bit of anger.

It’s also totally normal to wonder how to get your ex to miss you. Maybe you secretly hope for a reconciliation, or maybe you just want to know you made a lasting impression and if lost feelings can come back. Whatever the reason, wanting to be missed is a pretty universal feeling.

So, how do you actually make someone miss you? It’s not about playing games or trying to manipulate them. It’s about understanding a few key psychological principles – things like scarcity, cognitive dissonance, and even attachment styles – and using that knowledge to your advantage.

This isn’t just about getting your ex back, though. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself in the process. We’ll explore actionable strategies you can use to make yourself a more attractive and desirable person, both to your ex and to potential future partners. We’ll also talk about the importance of self-improvement and emotional well-being, because ultimately, that’s what really matters.

Ready to dive in?

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10 Emotionally Manipulative Phrases & How to Respond to Them

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Emotional manipulation involves sneaky tactics one person uses to control another person’s actions, thoughts, or feelings. It’s a subtle type of abuse that can erode a person’s self-esteem and independence.

It can be hard to spot. Maybe that’s why it’s so effective.

People who engage in emotional manipulation may use threats, guilt, shaming, gaslighting, or other abusive tactics to get what they want, particularly when an empath is dealing with a covert narcissist.

And if you’re the target, you may feel confused, alone, and wonder whether you’re imagining things.

If you’re concerned that someone in your life is using emotionally manipulative phrases to control you, it’s time to learn more about the psychology of manipulation and what you can do to protect yourself.

In this article, we’ll explore common emotionally manipulative phrases, manipulative behaviors, and actionable steps you can take to foster healthier relationships.

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Girlfriend Has Trauma: Understanding & Building Trust

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If your girlfriend has trauma from a previous relationship, it can show up in many different ways and affect how she behaves in your relationship.

She might be hypervigilant, easily startled, or have difficulty trusting you. It’s important to remember that these behaviors are often involuntary reactions to past experiences, not deliberate choices she’s making to hurt or frustrate you.

Understanding trauma is key to building a strong and supportive relationship with someone who has been through a difficult experience. It can help you respond with empathy and patience instead of judgment and frustration.

In this article, we’ll explore the impact of trauma on relationships, how to recognize the signs that your girlfriend may be struggling, and how you can provide support and create a safe and loving environment for her.

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Married & Thinking of Someone Else: 5 Steps to Take Now

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Okay, let’s be honest. You’re married, but you can’t stop thinking about someone else. Maybe it’s a work colleague, an old flame, or even someone you barely know. First off, know that you’re not a terrible person. Finding other people attractive, even when you’re committed, is a normal part of being human.

The real problem starts when those thoughts become constant, intrusive, and start to mess with your head. It’s that internal battle, the emotional tug-of-war, that can be incredibly draining. It can create a lot of distress, not just for you but potentially for your marriage too.

So, what’s going on? Why are you married but constantly thinking about someone else? Are there unmet needs in your marriage? Is it simply infatuation? Or is there something deeper at play?

This article will explore the tangled web of attraction, commitment, and those pesky thoughts that just won’t quit. We’ll delve into the possible reasons behind these feelings and, more importantly, offer some practical strategies for navigating this tricky situation. After all, a healthy marriage is built on commitment, not just attraction. It’s about setting boundaries, avoiding situations that could lead to trouble, and actively choosing your partner every single day.

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