What is Abandonment Trauma? Signs & Relationship Impact

by

Abandonment trauma develops as a result of severe neglect or harm, including physical and emotional abandonment — whether it was intentional or not.

The trauma of abandonment can have a lasting impact on mental and emotional well-being.

For example, childhood abandonment trauma can lead to attachment issues, a fear of abandonment, and an increased risk of mental health conditions later in life.

Even perceived abandonment — a parent working long hours to provide for the family or a parent being emotionally unavailable — can have a lasting impact on a child.

What does abandonment trauma look like? What are the signs and symptoms? What are some steps you can take to heal?

This article takes a closer look at abandonment trauma, including the causes, symptoms, and coping mechanisms.

Read more

Relationships & the 80/20: Stop Chasing Perfection!

by

You may have heard of the Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule. In business, it’s the idea that 80% of your profits come from 20% of your clients. But what about 80/20 in relationships?

The 80/20 rule in relationships suggests that your partner can meet 80% of your needs and desires, while the remaining 20% is up to you.

Perfection is a myth, and expecting your partner to meet 100% of your needs is a recipe for disaster. But learning to take responsibility for your own happiness is a key ingredient in a healthy relationship.

Read more

6 Love Styles: What’s Yours? A Relationship Guide

by

Love. It’s complicated, right? What it means to you might be totally different for someone else. We all experience it and show it in our own way.

That’s why researchers have tried to categorize love into different styles. One of the most well-known theories is John Alan Lee’s Color Wheel Theory of Love, which proposes that love can be broken down into six distinct styles, much like the color wheel combines primary colors to create new shades.

These 6 love styles are Eros, Storge, Ludus, Mania, Agape, and Pragma.

This article dives into each of these love styles, exploring their characteristics and how they might influence your relationships. Understanding your own love style, as well as your partner’s, can offer valuable insights and, like following boyfriend rules, potentially enhance your relationship satisfaction. So, let’s explore the fascinating world of love and its many colorful expressions.

Read more

Is No Contact Working? 5 Telltale Signs of Success

by

The no contact rule is a popular strategy after a breakup. The idea is that you completely cut off communication with your ex. No calls, no texts, no social media stalking – nothing. It sounds simple, but anyone who’s tried it knows it’s incredibly difficult.

So, why put yourself through the pain? The goal of the no contact rule is twofold. First, it gives you the space you need to heal, process your emotions, and rediscover yourself outside of the relationship. It allows for crucial self-reflection. Second, it can, in some cases, influence your ex’s perspective. Absence can make the heart grow fonder, or at least make them realize what they’ve lost.

But how do you know if this painful process is actually working? Are there any signs that your silence is having the desired effect, either on yourself or your ex? There are 5 signs the no contact rule is working that you should keep an eye out for.

Of course, it’s important to remember that the effectiveness of the no contact rule varies greatly depending on the specific circumstances of the breakup and the individuals involved. It’s not a magic fix, but it can be a powerful tool. In this article, we’ll delve into the meaning of the no contact rule, discuss the key signs it’s working, highlight potential pitfalls to avoid, and explore other factors to consider.

Read more

5 Love Language Examples: Strengthen Your Relationship

by

We all give and receive love in different ways. These different ways of expressing and experiencing love are often called “love languages.”

The concept of love languages was developed by Dr. Gary Chapman. Over the years, it has become a popular way to understand and improve relationships.

This article explores the five love languages and offers 5 love language examples in relationships to help you understand how they can improve your most important relationships.

Read more

I Miss You? 44 Better Ways to Express Your Longing

by

“I miss you.” It’s a simple phrase, but sometimes, it just doesn’t cut it, right?

Sometimes, you need to say more than that. You want to find a way to express the specific type of longing you feel for the person you’re missing.

That’s why we’ve compiled this list of creative alternatives, from romantic declarations to friendly sentiments. “I miss you” is fine, but these 44 ways to say I miss you are even better, depending on the relationship, of course. Here are a few to try.

Read more

20-Year Age Gap Older Man: Compatibility Secrets

by

You’ve seen them in the news and movies: relationships with a significant age difference. In particular, a 20-year age gap older man with a much younger woman seems to fascinate (and sometimes enrage) people. But these relationships are more common than you might think.

This article explores the ins and outs of relationships where there’s a 20-year age gap. We’ll look at what society thinks, what makes these relationships work (or not), the challenges you might face, and how to make them successful.

Forget the stereotypes. Let’s dive into the real deal.

Read more

20 Qualities of a Good Woman: Quotes & Defining Traits

by

What makes someone a “good woman?” It’s a loaded question, and the answer has changed a lot over time. Forget the old stereotypes; today, being a “good woman” is about inner strength, character, and making a positive difference in the world.

Let’s be clear: what one person considers “good” is totally subjective. It depends on their culture, their experiences, and what they personally value. So, this isn’t about setting impossible standards. It’s about exploring the qualities that generally make a woman a positive force in the lives of others.

This article will dive into 20 qualities often linked to being a “good woman.” We’ll look at them from different angles, backing them up with examples and even some inspiring “20 qualities of a good woman quotes,” so you can think about what these qualities mean to you.

Keep in mind, nobody’s perfect! We all have our strengths and weaknesses, and that’s what makes us human. The goal here is to appreciate the many ways women contribute to society and build strong relationships.

So, let’s get started and explore what it means to be a “good woman” in the 21st century.

Read more

10 Signs of Toxic Relationship: Is Your Partner Toxic?

by

A toxic relationship is one where the behavior patterns are emotionally, psychologically, or even physically damaging to one or both people involved. These relationships can affect all aspects of your life.

The sooner you recognize the signs of a toxic relationship, the better. Getting out early can help protect your mental and physical well-being.

Here are 10 signs of a toxic relationship to look out for.

Read more

He Only Wants Sex? 10 Warning Signs to Watch Out For

by

Meeting someone new can be exciting, but is he really interested in you, or just interested in getting you into bed? So many people have been there: thinking a relationship is developing, only to realize the other person just wanted a casual hookup. It’s disappointing, to say the least. Here, we’ll explore some of the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that a man might only be interested in sex. Learning these signs can help you protect your heart and make smart choices.

The dating world requires you to be aware and able to spot red flags. Recognizing these signs early can save you from heartache and wasted time. This guide is meant to give you the knowledge you need to understand his intentions and whether they align with yours.

Ultimately, a fulfilling dating life is built on healthy boundaries and understanding your own needs. Knowing what you want and communicating it clearly is essential. Let’s dive into the signs that he just wants to sleep with you, so you can assess his intentions and ensure you’re both on the same page.

Read more