Ending a long-time friendship was one of the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. Although it was extremely challenging because I truly cared for my friend, it was also the most liberating action I’ve ever taken on my own behalf.

I discovered how profoundly depleting a friendship can be when it’s a mismatch and one person is dependent on the other. After the initial sadness subsided, it became wildly apparent in so many ways why it was the best decision for both of us.

Choosing what’s best for you sometimes requires unwavering boundaries that can end a friendship. Here's what I learned.

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Have you ever wondered why some people seem to easily connect with others, while others struggle to make even small talk feel natural? Or why do some leaders inspire trust, and others don't? The answer often lies in these two powerful skill sets: social intelligence and emotional intelligence.

Let’s explore how these two kinds of intelligence differ, why both matter, and how developing them can make you more effective in every aspect of life.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

We’ve all been there—a conversation takes a turn, a text is misunderstood, or a loved one reacts with frustration—and we’re left wondering, “What just happened?”

However, good communication doesn’t just happen. It’s not about personality or a lucky fluke. It’s a set of intentional choices, practiced habits, and emotional awareness that we bring to our relationships—day in and day out. 

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Becoming a parent is a life-changing and joyous experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. With the arrival of a new baby, sleepless nights, diaper changes, and endless feeding schedules are demanding, so it’s easy for couples to find themselves drifting apart.

Studies show that mothers experience a sudden decline in relationship satisfaction after the birth of their first child, whereas dads experience a more gradual decline between months 6 to 14.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Research shows that open communication is the best predictor of relationship satisfaction. But when you're rushing to work, working a full day, picking the kids up from school, then off to soccer practice, who has time for a meaningful conversation? Our schedules can be relentless!

An open, honest conversation about your relationship might feel like the last thing you want to do at the end of a long day. And when you finally sit down to talk with your partner, you might find yourself nodding and saying "uh-huh" more than staying present. Although a half-hearted response is understandable, it [...]

In today’s business climate, business owners and leaders alike are perplexed by and grappling with the challenge of keeping employees. They struggle with employee turnover, high hiring costs, employee drama, unresolved conflicts, and the growing complexity of the virtual workplace with employees working from home but unproductive. (And no, spying on employees is not the answer!)

If you're around children—or even adults—for any length of time, you will eventually hear "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it" or "I'm sorry, it wasn't my intention to hurt you." And then the child or person goes along their merry way like nothing ever happened.But if we didn't mean it, why did we do it? Why do we so easily dismiss our behavior with a casual comment?

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

A happily-ever-after Hollywood storyline is often depicted as the ultimate relationship, but in real life, creating a long-lasting and thriving relationship takes work—and there are bumps along the way. With the many wonderful experiences, you’ll most likely also face a few tough situations.

One of these challenges is commonly centered around finances. When working with couples, finances and spending habits are at the top of the list of disagreements and conflicts. One partner is a spender, and the other is a saver. One is a generous giver, and the other is frugal. And sometimes, one partner [...]

When we think of the typical gamer, a few images come to mind. One is the idea of a loner spending most of their time glued to a computer or television screen. For years, gaming has been synonymous with a lonely lifestyle. Due to this perception, it has been a wary road for parents, especially when it comes to teaching their children how to socialize during their formative childhood years.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

In many families, unfortunately, a lack of boundaries is the norm. In many cases, these types of families are idealized as “tight-knit” in television shows and movies. But an overbearing mother insinuating that it’s time to provide her with grandchildren, or a sibling who wants to spend all your free time together (and gets upset when you go out with friends), can be more than characters on-screen. For many people, it is their reality and disrespected boundaries strain relationships.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes