There is the language of sex, and then there is the language of shame, and for most of my life, these two languages have been intertwined. Throughout my adolescence, sex was synonymous with secrecy, and not the good kind. This was especially true when sex looked like a woman exploring her own body—like me exploring …
I have a tendency to stop everything that I start. Here’s how it goes: I get an idea, I am consumed by the excitement of it. I daydream about it, plan it, and acquire the necessary tools to start. I begin with an eager and hopeful heart. And then I lose interest. Perhaps I reach a …
Isn’t it nice to be recognized when you’re feeling cute? The occasional and appropriately timed “you look nice today” can be a confidence boost when we’re needing it most. But appearance isn’t always indicative of our achievements or our abilities. Instead of assigning value to things outside of our control, we can offer compliments that …
Relationship and marriage counseling is perfectly normal. Romantic comedies often paint relationships as easy — effortless, even. But the truth is that a commitment to someone isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it kind of thing. Relationships require maintenance, especially as circumstances shift and change. Perhaps you’ve mastered the art of open and honest communication or you share love anguages with …
As a 20-something, there’s not much that frightens me more than seeing the family members I love get older. But, last year when my mother fell ill, I felt lucky to have the opportunity to be a caregiver as she navigated complex changes in her body. As I sat with her, I witnessed how once …
My daughters were three and five when I learned there was a term for the exhausting running list I’d been carrying in my head since their births. Although anxiety and sometimes paralyzing perfectionism were states I’ve struggled with my entire life, this felt different. It was the administrative steps I had to go through to …
Even after nine years with my partner, I’m still finding out new information about them day after day — and it makes me love and respect them even more. 🫶 “Deepening our relationship requires real, concerted effort in order to learn about each other and to grow together.” After all, deepening our relationship requires real, concerted effort in order to learn …
I am a relatively social person. Maybe it’s my Leo sun and moon placements, or my ambivert personality, but I experience a lot of joy from hanging out with friends on a regular basis. Whether it’s attending an art exhibit or a workout class with a companion, I’ve been known to try new things when I have a …
We have more tools and resources to meet people than ever before — so why does it feel so difficult? In reality, it seems that having more options goes hand in hand with overwhelm, dissatisfaction, and indecision. We easily lose the joy that comes along with new connections. Dating should light you up and excite …
As a 29-year-old childless woman, this is the question I dread the most. Not just because I know I don’t want children, but because I always feel I have to justify why. I’ve never been maternal—not even as a little girl. Unlike other girls my age, dolls and pretty dresses weren’t my things. Instead, I …