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Joan Herrmann
The Power of Releasing Expectations

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.

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Joan Herrmann
How to Handle Triggers That Cause You to Act ...

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.

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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
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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Love Means Never Having to Say You’re Sorry

Every sappy romantic can recall the moment in the movie, Love Story, when after an argument, Oliver told Jenny he was sorry and through her tears she quivered and replied, “Don’t … love means never having to say you’re sorry.” Anyone who has ever been in a loving relationship understands the point of that statement – unconditional love doesn’t require one to apologize. But, is it really a good practice to forego an admission of wrongdoing or hurtful behavior?