Is it possible to have a relationship without conflict?
Thanks for the question S. Many of us believe that an ideal relationship is one without conflict. We imagine harmony, constant agreement, and smooth communication, as though the absence of tension is proof of love or respect. Yet in reality, conflict is not only inevitable in human relationships, it can also be useful when we […]
Why Winning an Argument in a Relationship Means Everyone Loses
Q Why does it feel bad when my partner and I argue and one of us wins? Y Thanks for the question Y. One of the most common mistakes people make in relationships is believing that arguments mean winning and losing. We are so used to competitive thinking in sport, business, and even everyday conversations […]
How Religious Beliefs Can Meet Human Needs
Religious beliefs have been part of human culture for as long as history records. For many people they are not just traditions or moral codes, but central to meeting deep and important needs. While different faiths vary in rituals and teachings, most share features that give their followers a sense of belonging, purpose and security. […]
Surviving or Thriving?
The difference between surviving and thriving is massive but has less to do with life circumstances and everything to do with how you choose to think about them. Having personally experienced thyroid and prostate cancer with two strokes thrown in for added value I am well acquainted with the challenges that health issues bring. What […]
When a Child Lies: Understanding and Responding with Respect and Connection
Q Why does my child lie and what can I do about it? When a child tells a lie, we may choose to be disappointed or angry. Before rushing to punish or accuse, pause and think: Why did they lie in the first place? At its heart, lying, like all behaviours, is an attempt to […]
Building a Strong Sense of Community in a Rural Setting
A year ago, I wrote about increasing connection in our small rural city. Since then I have noticed people being friendlier and more willing to say hello on the beautiful walking and cycling tracks our council has provided for us and in general around the urban area. I lay no claim to being responsible for […]
The Power of Relationships in Every Part of Life
Q How important are relationships for wellbeing in our personal and work life? Thanks for your question T. Relationships are at the heart of everything we do. Whether we are navigating family life, leading a team or building a business, the strength and quality of our relationships can either support our success or quietly work […]
The Power of Reading Aloud to Children
Reading aloud to children is one of the most powerful and lasting gifts an adult can give, it goes far beyond literacy and vocabulary. When we read to children, we are building trust, connection, and a love of learning. At its heart, reading aloud strengthens the relationship between adult and child, and it helps children […]
Q My partner is not interested in intimacy anymore. What can I do? I am frustrated and unhappy. B
Thanks for the question B. When a partner is no longer interested in being physically intimate, it can feel like rejection. You may feel frustrated, lonely, or even question your worth. These feelings are valid and reflect unmet needs in the relationship. The good news is that you are not powerless. You can take steps […]
Our Memories Are Unreliable, Limited and Suggestible
Our Memories Are Unreliable, Limited and Suggestible Most people think of memory as being like a camera or computer that stores everything exactly as it happened. We trust our memories and believe they are accurate, but research shows that memory is not as reliable as we think. In fact, human memory is unreliable, limited and […]