Let’s talk about reactive abuse — or reactionary abuse. A form of gaslighting, reactive abuse is when one person intentionally provokes another into intense, adverse reactions. It can be emotional, psychological, or physical — and in many cases, reactive abuse is an unconscious, reflexive instinct. Is it harmful? What types of people engage in the…
Being interrupted is among the most frustrating communication experiences. It is important to let others finish their thoughts completely unless you have something urgent to say. Interrupting expresses a lack of interest or respect and stops people from sharing the end of their story. Realizing you have an issue is a long way from a…
The chemistry between two people can be very intense. You may feel your chemistry is off-the-charts but wonder if the other person agrees. Sometimes, you can feel something powerful only to realize later the chemistry was either manufactured or short-lived. There are signs that the chemistry between people is solid, deep, and real. You should…
You met a guy, and things were going great for a while. He made you laugh, you had plenty in common, and it seemed like he understood you. But lately, it feels like he’s slipping away. You’re not sure if it’s in your head, but it feels like he isn’t as into you as he…
Guys can sometimes be a little self-conscious, but that feeling can paralyze men with low self-esteem. If you’ve been wondering whether your guy has low self-esteem, there are subtle signs that can help you identify that he might. And if you’re concerned, act sooner rather than later to work on the problems together – or…
Can you tell just by looking at someone that they have the characteristics of high self-esteem? Or can you recognize self-esteem issues a mile away? Healthy self-esteem does have a way of making itself known to others, by tell-tale signs or in ways your intuition is more likely to pick up. Maybe you notice something…
He just told you he thinks you are cute or beautiful. What could he mean? The fact is, men rarely have hidden agendas when they speak. When a guy says you’re cute, it means he thinks you are cute. If he calls you beautiful, that’s likely all he meant to convey. However, when you dig…
Sexual intimacy by any other name — (getting laid, knocking boots, doing the deed) — would still be foundational to the human experience. After all, without sex, none of us would exist. But not all sex is created equal. Sometimes, people have sex; other times, they make love. So what’s the difference? In a word:…
If life sucks right now, you may be struggling to keep your emotional head above water. Whatever the bad thing is going on in your life, it’s bad enough to make you feel that nothing positive will ever happen again. It feels overwhelming and eternal, as though a vast seismic shift has occurred, and you’ll…
Have you and a friend parted ways? Maybe your friendship ended because of betrayal and hurt feelings. Or perhaps one of you moved away, and the distance has taken a toll on your once-close connection. Losing a friend is painful, no matter what the reason – especially a friend you’ve known and loved for years. …
