Expectations are a natural part of being human. We develop them from childhood, shaped by family dynamics, cultural narratives, personal experiences, and even media portrayals of how life and relationships “should” unfold. We expect love to be returned in the way we give it. We expect support from those we’ve supported. We expect fairness, reciprocity, and understanding, especially from those closest to us. At their core, expectations are often rooted in a desire for safety, connection, and predictability, but when left unchecked, they can become silent saboteurs of our peace and our relationships.

Relationships have the power to bring out the best in us—and sometimes, the most vulnerable parts we didn’t know were still raw. If you’ve ever reacted in a way that surprised even yourself—snapping over a comment, withdrawing suddenly, or becoming overly emotional during a disagreement—you’ve likely encountered a trigger. These emotional landmines can cause us to act irrationally, often harming the very relationships we want to protect.

Re-entering the dating world later in life can be both exciting and overwhelming. For many, the experience brings a mix of emotions — hope, anxiety, self-doubt, and even frustration. The dating landscape has changed drastically (and that’s an understatement), and the confidence once felt in youth may now be replaced with feelings of inadequacy or fear of rejection. However, despite these challenges, later in life dating can also be an opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and yes, even love.

A trauma bond is a deep emotional attachment that forms between a person and their abuser, typically as a result of repeated cycles of abuse and intermittent reinforcement. It is a psychological response to intense, often manipulative emotional experiences that create confusion, loyalty, and dependency — even in the face of harm. Unlike healthy attachment, trauma bonding is rooted in fear, shame, and control rather than trust, safety, and mutual respect. This type of bond can be especially difficult to recognize and break, as the relationship often swings between periods of intense connection and episodes of abuse or neglect.

It’s one of the most painful feelings in the world: wondering if the people you care about care about you in return. Maybe they don’t say “I love you” often. Maybe they don’t check in as much as you’d like. Maybe they feel distant, distracted, or emotionally unavailable. Whatever the reason, when someone doesn’t show they care in the ways you need, it can leave you feeling confused, hurt, and alone. But here’s the truth: not everyone knows how to show love — and their silence doesn’t always mean they don’t care.

Being made an option when you’ve given someone your heart — whether in friendship, family, or love — cuts deeply. It evokes feelings of confusion, rejection, and even self-doubt. You start questioning your worth, wondering if you expected too much, or worse, if you’re just too much.

Deciding whether to stay in a romantic relationship can be one of the most difficult and emotionally charged choices you’ll ever make. It’s rarely black and white, but there are some essential truths to consider that can help bring clarity.

There is an old adage: breaking up is hard to do. Most of us at one time or another have suffered the pain of a broken heart. While we know that hearts don’t literally break, it can be hard to believe that’s true when a relationship has ended. It feels like the place that was once filled with love has been shattered to pieces.

In today’s digital world, where the lines between innocent engagement and emotional betrayal are blurred, this situation raises an important discussion: When does social media behavior cross the line, and should it be considered a form of cheating?

In recent years, many of us have experienced challenges like we never have seen before. Watching events unfold it is easy to think: I don’t understand what is happening; it seems like our world is upside down.