William Shakespeare said, “Expectation is the root of all heartache.” When Shakespeare coined this phrase over four centuries ago,blended families and step-parenting went mainly unnoticed by social scientists. However, the quote is relevant in isolating a profound problem created by today’s blended families’ complex and unpredictable dynamics.

The nature of these relationships creates common problems and challenges that often cannot be anticipated. Yet, as families are combined, individuals may not realize the obscure expectations that often exist within them: expectations around roles, how [...]

In a culture that values abilities and talent, you might pack your resume with job-specific hard skills like software, statistics, project management, different languages, or coding—but without soft skills (a.k.a. emotional intelligence), that knowledge becomes virtually useless in the workplace—especially in today's companies!

Are you equipped to be emotionally intelligent in the workplace? Maybe it's time to increase that EQ (emotional quotient).

Estimated reading: 6 minutes

Resilience is defined as the capacity to recover quickly from hardship or difficulties. We've all known difficulties. However, it is how we respond to what happens to us that determines how we greet the future. Without resiliency, life's hardships can weigh us down, and we become an unbending tree that breaks off in the high winds of a storm.

Estimated reading: 3 minutes

No intimacy in a marriage has many consequences. One of the biggest complaints I hear from couples is that they feel more like roomies than lovers—not what they signed on for. However, there are many varying forms and levels of intimacy; each couple is unique. Every person has a different drive and desire level. So, there are no magic solutions for lack of intimacy, although many behaviors steal the connection from a marriage. Eliminate those, and you'll be on your way to a healthier and happier relationship.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Are you fed up with a boss making you jump through hoops only for them to find fault and chew you out? Do long workdays with zero appreciation sound familiar? Did you know that autocratic bosses and managers are one of the leading reasons for leaving a job?

The autocratic leadership style is a one-way street; they often don't listen or respond to their employees in productive ways. Ordering, correcting, and reprimanding are common so resentment builds in employees.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

No matter how long ago it was, you probably remember what it was like to be a teenager: feeling alienated from the world as if no one could understand you. A common and familiar theme.

When you’re a teen, the inner critic, negative self-talk, and anxiety can spiral out of control unless you know the right coping skills, how to regulate emotions, and develop intrinsic motivation.

Estimated reading time: 4.5 minutes

We have all had others come to us for support. Friends, family, and even colleagues trust each other by the nature of their relationships. Whether the relationship is personal or professional, a part of relationships is developing bonds through a connection that develops trust, closeness, and camaraderie. We lean on people to be there for us for life’s challenges and celebrate our joys and triumphs. What helps to create bonds in relationships is our ability to relate to and genuinely support others in a way that resonates with what they are experiencing.

Communication is a skill at the root of all relationships. Poor communication in the workplace is the single biggest problem in companies wasting enormous time and resources. It is a morale buster for employees and high for leaders in workplace concerns.

Most will agree that good communication is essential for all healthy relationships both personal and professional. Therefore, effective communication is a crucial part of the health of a company culture.

Estimated reading time: 4.5 minutes

Our family, comprised of my husband, two sons, and myself, has historically gotten along pretty well; we are generally close-knit, open with conversations and emotions, and enjoy one another’s company. However, the truth is, after months of COVID forced lifestyle changes, we are sick of each other, really sick of each other. The weirdest thing about it, though? Even though we are sick of each other, we miss each other. What a contradiction!

We miss the preciousness of togetherness.