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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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Opening Yourself to Possible Pain: Five Strategies to Help You Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone

How many times have you heard, the best step you can take to grow as a person is to step outside your comfort zone and take risks? This is the theme of just about every self-help book I have ever read, and it has been stated to me by just about every person I have interviewed. I take this advice to heart, and it governs most everything I do. But, even as a staunch practitioner, it’s not always easy advice to follow

The Secret to Happiness

Mark Twain said that humans have one effective weapon – laughter. It can improve your immune system, enhance your intake of oxygen, stimulate your heart, lungs and muscles, increase endorphins, relieve stress, and increase happiness. So why are we more stressed than ever before with suicide rates on the rise and a general decline in positivity and optimism for the future?