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Joan Herrmann
How Trauma Bonds Impact Relationships and What ...

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.

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Joan Herrmann
Why People Act Like They Don't Care — What to ...

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.

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Joan Herrmann
Dating Later in Life: Challenges, Changes, and ...

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.

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Joan Herrmann
Four Strategies To Help You Grow From A ...

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.

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Joan Herrmann
Why Engaging with Others on Social Media Can ...

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?

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For Better or Worse: Six Tips to Help Your Marriage Thrive During These Challenging Times

For about a year now, we’ve been living through challenging times. When we examine or talk about the pandemic, often it is in terms of illness or economic instability. But, what about the impact it has had on our romantic relationships? When first dating many dream about being “locked away” with the object of their desire. But, does that dream hold true many years later when there is an actual lockdown? Having a good marriage is difficult in normal times and confinement and isolation doesn't make it any easier. So how can relationships continue to thrive?

Remembering with More Love Than Pain: Healing from Loss

The holiday season is upon us. For many it can be the most wonderful time of the year, but, for others, it can be the loneliest. If you have lost a loved one or suffered a breakup with a spouse/significant other or friend, the holiday season is a constant reminder of the loss. Grief at any time of the year is painful, but it feels especially traumatic during the holidays.