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Authentic Connections, Boundaries, and Relationships

How to Tell if You Are Being Selfish effective communication people pleasing people-pleasers self-improvement Nov 03, 2023

What scares you? Does being thought of as selfish scare you?

Let's talk about selfishness--what it is and how to tell if you are being selfish. It’s a concern I frequently hear from my clients.

The difficulty with figuring out this question is that it is not an either or proposition....

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Why Am I So Bothered by Other People's Emotions? ama ask me anything effective communication people pleasing perspective Sep 05, 2023

Dear Dr. Julie: My husband is throwing his anxiety on me. How do I change this? Thank you!!

--Anxious Annie

Dear Anxious Annie: This is one of my most frequent questions. People really struggle around how not to be so affected by other people's emotions.

When our partners, friends, or...

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One Easy Step to Better Relationships ama ask me anything effective communication relationship advice relationships self-improvement Aug 23, 2023

If you've been in a relationship for a while, have you ever wondered whether there is a better relationship partner out there for you? Or, if you are single, have you ever wondered whether there is a Mr. or Mrs. Right out there for you?

What do you think would make someone right for you?...

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6 Factors that Contribute to an Unhappy Marriage effective communication healthy relationships marriage relationship advice relationships Aug 10, 2023

Marriage is a sacred bond that brings two individuals together, promising love, companionship, and happiness. However, even the strongest marriages will experience periods of discontent and unhappiness. Understanding the key factors contributing to marital unhappiness is important for fostering...

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How do I tell my husband he needs therapy? ama ask me anything effective communication healthy relationships marriage relationship tips relationships Jul 27, 2023

Dear Dr. Julie: My husband continually forgets things we have agreed on, has little motivation for doing household chores (but is totally happy to go do something impulsive that seems like fun for him), and can't seem to take my feelings into account before doing something he knows will upset me....

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I'm repeating old patterns in my new relationship ama ask me anything effective communication marriage perspective self-improvement Jul 13, 2023

Dear Dr. Julie: I was in a bad marriage for 20 years and it seems to have taken it's toll on me. My ex-husband often made me responsible for anticipating his needs and making things easier for him. At the time I thought I was just a bad wife. But post-divorce (and a lot of therapy), I see...

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