The “8 Rules”
Reader’s Question:“In social media I keep reading about the “8 rules for this” or “the three rules for that”, usually purportedly written by someone with some claim to professional expertise. How legitimate are these?” M Thanks M, I suspect many people have wondered about that. We are bombarded on social media with advice that comes […]
How do I know if a relationship is worth keeping?
Relationships of all kinds can bring joy, comfort and meaning, but they can also bring frustration, disappointment and doubt. When things feel uncertain, it is natural to wonder if staying connected is the right choice. There are two principles which help provide a clear path: taking responsibility and honest self-evaluation. Taking responsibility means looking closely […]
If It’s Not Social Media, Then What?
I read a recent article by Professor Patrick McGorry about the decline in young people’s mental health. The easy path is to blame social media. Governments, parents and educators are quick to point the finger at Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. While there’s no doubt these platforms can add pressure, the story is bigger than that. […]
The quiet power of everyday connections
When people think about health, they often picture the gym, a run along the river, or a carefully planned diet. One of the most overlooked supports for both body and mind is something far more ordinary, it is the brief conversation with a neighbour over the fence, the smile at the checkout, the quick word […]
Why We Dig In So Deep
Have you noticed how once someone commits to a particular group or belief, it often becomes almost impossible to shift them? Whether it’s a political party, a sporting club, an ideology, or even a family tradition, people often hold on with surprising intensity. It isn’t just loyalty or stubbornness which drives this, something much deeper […]
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 […]