In the last year, most of us experienced loneliness in a way that we perhaps never had before.  For some, living alone was terrible and frightening, for others being quarantined with their children and partners brought to the surface cracks, strains and disconnections in those relationships.  

So what is loneliness?  The UCLA Loneliness Scale looks at factors like feeling a lack of companionship, feeling left out, a feeling of being out of step or not in tune with the people around you, feeling shy and if there are people that you can turn to.  The scale acknowledges that there is a quality to connection(s) that contributes to a feeling of loneliness, not necessarily a quantity.  

Having to lean heavily on online sources for connection caused depression and anxiety to increase exponentially during COVID and introverts and extroverts alike where cut off or restricted from their typical sources of connection.  

We have faced loneliness at work, at home with friends and families.  FOMO (fear of missing out) seemed to take on a new quality as people were worried about gathering but equally feared the possibility of being left behind in their relationships.  

What seemed most noticeable was the inability to ignore things that had long been avoided like addictions, trauma and real fissures in relationships.  It seemed as our distractions and rush to be as busy as humanly possible was stripped away, our ability to outrun our shadows got a lot harder.  

What’s the cure?  

With an understanding that you can’t change what you don’t acknowledge….  Admitting that you’re lonely seems like the first logical step.  After that, things seem to get a bit more complicated.  It isn’t possible for one relationship to meet all of our needs, that can’t be our expectation.  And we don’t want to give up on relationships prematurely.  

Here are some questions worth asking:

  • When is the last time I reached out to someone, even just to hangout?  Though this can be difficult for the shy and introverted, it is important to remember that people cannot read you mind and it is unfair to expect them to.  If you are lonely, reach out to people you want to connect with.
  • When I’m spending time with the people closet to me, do I feel heard and accepted?  For many people who are in relationships but still feeling lonely, this is an important missing piece.  Too often we don’t address things in our close relationships and that can leave us feeling lonely. 
  • What does my selfcare look like?  Getting off screens, going outside, moving your body, eating healthy food all contribute to wellbeing.  If you can’t remember the last time you went an hour without a screen, make today that day. 

As always, I’m here.  If you are ready to work on having the life you want, call me and let’s get started!

Most people associate goal setting with deciding to do something, then doing it.  In an over simplistic way… yes.  But the truth is most goals require the cooperation of others some times in small ways and others in big ways.  There are essentially two types of goals, individual goals/goals of self and relational goals and both require the participation of others.

Individual goals/Goals of self

Individual goals or goals of the self are things like physical fitness, finishing school, reading X number of books in a year, etc.  Most of the time we need all sorts of help with all of these!!

First, resources are needed.  Sure, tons of stuff can be found from google but asking people who have figured it out or who have at least gotten further in the process is MUCH better.  One size will never fit all but if you know someone who has done it or is doing it, then asking them how they do it is at least a place to start!  Their strategy may or may not work but you will learn if it doesn’t work and you will benefit if it does.  Asking for help is huge.  There is a solution to every problem and often it begins with asking for help.

When is the last time you sat down and really wrote out your goals and looked and the things you want to do and what you need in order to accomplish those things?

Second, research has proven that when an individual is held accountable for their goals, they are far more likely to continue to work at them and ultimately achieve them.  “No man is an island.”  This was true in 1642, when John Donne said it and it is no less true today.  If COVID taught us nothing it’s that we actually do need human interaction and connections. 

Third, be impeccable with your word.  When you take on something new and big you will have to adjust your limits.  That means potentially saying no to things you may have said yes to in the past.  You may have to re-draw some boundaries with other people and set new limits.  That does not mean that those things are less important but if you’re seeking change… Then things need to change.  Being impeccable with your word (“The Four Agreements” by Ruiz) in part means that you are honest with yourself and others about your limits. 

Relationship goals

How often have you longed for a shift in one or more of your relationships?  Introspection here is important.  What stories are you telling yourself?  When is the last time you watered your own grass instead of comparing your lawn to someone else’s or thinking that someone else is better or easier to be with?  When is the last time you thought about the impact you have on the other person and how you have contributed to the situation you find yourself in? 

There are times everyone needs a reminder that the people around them can’t read their minds.  If you are mad/hurt/irritated by something and you don’t bother sharing that, the other person is under no obligation to solve a problem they don’t know exists!  This is true for family members, friends, kids, partners, coworkers, bosses, medical professionals, etc.  If you can’t be bothered to talk about what you need, why should they be bothered to do anything differently?

“It works IF you work it.”  Note, that the expression doesn’t say it works if you silently hope it works and take no actions at all to get your needs met.  

As always, I’m here.  If you are ready to work on having the life you want, call me and let’s get started!

For lots of people, it easier to focus on other people’s needs or what other people are/are not doing instead of themselves.  Other people are rarely what is keeping a person from reaching their goals… it’s the person in the mirror.  Focusing on someone else’s needs/goals is a great way to avoid yourself.  

Work

How often have you skipped lunch or been too busy to work out or go to the dentist because you just can’t get away from work?  Like it or not, your company would replace you if you were not performing the necessary tasks for the job.  The irony is, you would be healthier and more productive if you took breaks, worked out regularly, addressed your care needs in a timely fashion.  All those nagging care needs like, “I need to go to the dentist,” “I have no idea what camp to send the kids to this summer,” I need to get a card for Aunt Jane’s birthday,” all swirl around and distract you from the job at hand.  In order to be a better employee, setting limits and boundaries on your time there is critical.  

At the end of the work day feeling as though you didn’t get enough done at work and you neglected your personal needs and your family’s needs doesn’t make work better.  Setting limits at work, taking time off will make you a better employee and get you the ability to start setting and meeting goals both at work and outside of work.

Friends

How often do you say yes to things you do not want to do?  Yes, in every relationship there is some give an take and we show up for people when they need us.  AND…  If you are not getting your needs met, you won’t be able to show up for them.  AND... if you say yes to everyone else, you will start to plan seeds of resentments and when they say no to you, you will not be able to understand why you are as upset as you are at the person you care about. Saying no, is not just being kind to yourself, it is being a good steward of the relationship.

Family

When is the last time you had the opportunity to miss your family? Even if it is only for a day, being away from our family can help us appreciate them. It is so easy to get overwhelmed with the noise of life; carting kids to and fro, making dinners, paying bills, doing laundry, etc. So easy, in fact, that we can forget that our family isn't a chore but a person or persons that we wouldn't want to live with out. The family we create is part of our identity and bring meaning to our lives. When we don't take space from them to care for ourselves we are in danger of putting them in the category of burden. Loving them well, means taking a step back and getting some air for yourself.

No.  See?!  It’s a complete sentence.  It is not possible for one person to take everything on.  A Sad truth is that when we say yes to more than we can actually do, we let people down.  Letting people down impacts our trustworthiness, self-esteem and the way that others feel they can count on us.  

As always, I’m here.  If you are ready to work on having the life you want, call me and let’s get started!

What does a modern, egalitarian relationship look like?  Is it that each person contributes to the household expenses equally?  Is it that both partners take an equal share of household chores?  I think that is a wonderful ideal… But then, what if one partner makes significantly more?  What if one partner is laid off or wants to go back to school?  How does maternity leave impact that 50/50 equation?

Egalitarianism in relationships is really easy in theory; each person in the relationship is equal.  Their feelings are equally important, decisions are made jointly, etc.  That’s fantastic until problems arise.  For example, if one partner makes considerably more and wants more home than the other person can afford, how is that navigated?  If one partner is laid off and is unable to half of the living expenses, how does that shift the power?

I’m in no way pining for the days when it was acceptable for men to have the last say in home but…. I’m watching some of my friends and clients really struggle with the need to keep up with their partners.  

Scenario 1: person gets laid off at the beginning of the pandemic and must deplete their savings to continue to pay half of the expenses.  It’s not that I think that’s wrong but the truth is, when those partners want to retire together, it will be more difficult.  Is there another way to navigate that as a unit?

Scenario 2: person goes back to school in order to ultimately make more money and be a better contributor and happier person.  Person has two options, work like mad to continue to make the same amount while in school, live off their savings and deplete resources while in school.  What is the purpose of living as a unit if we aren’t able to ask for support from each other?

Scenario 3: a person stays home with small children because of medical support needs.  Person can look to their partner for financial support or again deplete resources.  

There is no one size fits all approach to modern relationships and it is still a relatively new concept to have two incomes as the standard in most households.  My question is more around, what is the purpose of partnership?  If the purpose is to pool resources so that I don’t have to work as hard…  Well, I guess just get a roommate.  If the purpose is to pool resources to ensure that we both grow to new heights, then why the need to not share those resources?  

As always, I’m here.  If you are ready to work on having the life you want, call me and let’s get started!

Recently, I went on a vacation with a friend.  We were thoughtful about our safety, we took reasonable precautions, stuck together but also gave ourselves the opportunity to have a good time.  We spent the day on a catamaran, tried some local restaurants and enjoyed the beach.  

Our final evening there, we were enjoying a dinner at the outdoor restaurant and a stranger insisted on buying our dinner and inserted himself into our conversation for roughly 45 minutes.  It was clear to me that the man was lonely and unwell and I remarked to my friend that he needed a shower, a hug and a stay in rehab.  I assumed that would likely be the end of it.  

The next morning, my friend and I packed, had a leisurely breakfast and headed to the airport.  As my friend and I had chosen different airlines and had different destinations, we had to separate upon arriving at the airport.  As I was getting my bearings in the airport, I spotted the unwell man wearing the same outfit as the evening before and pacing the airport.  When he saw me, he told me he had been looking form me in the hope of seeing me off.  I was immediately uncomfortable but felt the need to stay calm.  Just as the evening before when I observed his quickly shifting mood, I did not want to upset him or escalate the situation.  

He informed that he had had a difficult night and had decided to change his travel plans and head to Baltimore that day.  I wished him well and insisted I needed to get through security in order to ensure I didn’t miss my flight.  (What I did not mention is I was there roughly an hour before it was going to board.  I wanted to be in a more controlled environment where it would be more difficult for him to attempt to do me harm.)  He seemed sad but calm as I left him and I again assumed that would be the last time I would lay eyes on him.

Just as I got through airport security, he tells me that he has put himself on standby for my flight and wants to come to Austin with me.  Right away, I flash to my car parked at the airport and wonder how I would be able to get to my car without being followed (and possibly worse) should he make it on to both of my flights and panic began to creep in.

As gently but directly as possible, I let him know that I wasn’t comfortable with that and ask for help from the airline.  While the men that worked for the airline were very kind, they could offer little in the way of protection and comfort. I was basically told I could board the plane first in order to get myself out of the terminal then I could ask for help if I was still concerned when I reached my final destination.  

Please excuse my typos... my hands were shaking.

While I was seeking help and looking over my shoulder, the unwell man sent me a series of passive aggressive text messages and ultimately took himself off of the standby list for my flight.  Oddly, that did little to quell my fear. 

I stood nervously near the ticket counter while I waited and continued to scan the crowd as I had no idea if he had been allowed through security with his standby boarding pass.  

Standing there and as I traveled home, I moved through several different emotions.  Anxiety of course then to guilt.  His tone and messages made it seem as though I had led him on and then deeply wounded him; two things I would never intentionally do.  The guilt made me feel defensive as though I should have to defend myself for:

  1. Not inviting him to sit down
  2. Not asking for him to buy us dinner (in fact, telling him not to twice)
  3. Not wanting to share personal details about myself like my last name
  4. Not returning his call that morning 
  5. Not wanting a stranger to come home with me

Then, I got angry. He continued to call that day and that night, not leaving messages but letting me know it was not over for him.  

But why am I mad?!

So, glad you asked!  Several reasons.  First, I had to defend myself to well meaning family members.  I had to somehow prove that this unwanted, unencouraged attention was in no way accidently brought on by my obliviousness and/or that I could not have prevented this behavior earlier on in the first encounter with this man.  I’m angry at the notion that I could have or should have done anything differently.  

Second, that he thinks that because it is something that HE wants, that he is entitled to it!  I cannot tell you how many sessions I have had with articulate, kind and well-educated women who fret about what they “owe” someone when that person buys them dinner and/or drinks.  Just so you know, and I can’t over state this: NOTHING.  It is polite and respectful to give a sincere, “thank you.”  THAT’S ALL!!!  This unwell man bought my friend and I dinner which was entirely unnecessary but generous.  I assumed that since he was INTERUPTING US he felt the need to offer an amends by way of buying us dinner.  Fine, I did thank him sincerely and assumed we would be done with the whole thing.

Third, I resent being made to be afraid or intimated.  When I think back on my encounters with this man, I consented to only giving him my phone number.  To be honest, I only did that because I felt pressured to after he bought our dinner against my consent.  At no other time, did what I want factor into this man’s decision making.  And when I brought up what I wanted, he treated me as though I had committed a sin against him.  But what really makes me angry about this is he is neither the first or last man to attempt to force me or any woman into a situation she does not want to be in because they “don’t want to be mean.”  Because being nice, even at my own expense, seems to be an expectation of my gender, I am angry. 

Recently, there has been a hashtag going around, “#NotAllMen.”  That’s true.  I am fortunate enough to know and to have known men that would never behave the way that the unwell man did or worse.  But that hashtag has been getting used when women are found raped and murdered.  While it’s true that most men don’t rape and murder, there should be no pat on the back for that!!  

I wholeheartedly believe that I am owed nothing from the world and that my well-being is my responsibility.  And… When do men start to look at themselves and each other differently?  It’s not enough to say, I don’t/won’t rape and murder women.  Shouldn’t the goal look a bit more like… I will actively listen.  I will be respectful.  I will not stand by while a woman is assaulted verbally/sexually/physically.  I will be nice!!  #DoBetterFellas

As always, I’m here.  If you are ready to work on having the life you want, call me and let’s get started!

As kids, individuals take in information implicitly and explicitly.  Implicit information is implied or things we see and interpret.  Explicit learning comes from things read, taught in school or by adults or peers.  Messages are taken in all day; every day and these messages start inform each person about what the world is like.  Is the world a safe place?  Are people good?  Is love easy?  Am I loveable?

Experiences as children are echoed in adulthood.  If an adult is struggling in friendships and romantic relationships, it is often because of incomplete or even harmful messages received as a child.  

What did you learn about love in your family of origin?

For rare individuals that grew up in homes where love was easily shown, they likely learned that love was easily given and received.  For most people, the messages are a bit more muttled and confusing.  

Arguing or disagreeing

Lots of people grow up fearing disagreements and anger.  Many people are taught that anger is bad and destructive, even dangerous.  While people can behave in destructive ways when angry, anger isn’t really the problem.  Anger is a healthy human emotion, there is a lot of energy in anger and it can motivate people to make important and necessary changes.  For those who grew up being taught that anger is dangerous, they struggle to allow conflict in relationships which inhibits growth and breeds resentments. 

When important topics are avoided and resentment is allowed to grow, the relationship slowly takes hit after hit and can decay to the point where it cannot be repaired.  “It’s not what you say it’s HOW YOU SAY IT.”  It is important to express needs and discuss conflict in every relationship and it is equally important to be mindful of how you express feelings and needs.  

People Pleasing 

In Brene Brown’s first TED Talk, she talks about a mask each person wears.  That mask is necessary in everyday life but each person needs people in their life they are able to remove the mask for in order to get the love and acceptance required to feel valued and accepted as their true self.

For those that grew up learning (implicitly or explicitly) that the only way to be loved is to give and give until it hurts then give more and not to expect anything in return, taking this mask off doesn’t feel possible.  If someone wants to love and accept the people pleaser as they are, the people pleaser will often be confused and put off and may even terminate the relationship (platonic or romantic) because they don’t understand how to exist in that kind of relationship.  

The single biggest challenge for a people pleaser, is to make their needs at least as important as everyone else’s.  Difficult but not impossible.  That means making anger acceptable (that’s not the same as screaming and violence), permission to ask for what you want and need and the belief that they are at least as important as everyone else.

When ready, we can all chose to stop living with the unhealthy messages we were given as children. 

As always, I’m here.  If you are ready to work on having the life you want, call me and let’s get started!

As an individual learns and grows, they build and idea or an image of what and who their parents are and what they want from their parents.  At the same time, they are taking in implicit and explicit rules from their parents as well as the outside world.

Implicit: 

  1. Implied, rather than expressly stated
  2. unquestioning or unreserved; unconditional

Explicit: 

  1. fully and clearly expressed or demonstrated; leaving nothing merely implied; unequivocal
  2. clearly developed or formulated
  3. definite and unreserved in expression; outspoken

These rules tell use who we are, who are parents are, who are parents want us to be, how to please them and get the validation we crave. When these rules or stories are healthy and supportive, these can help spring board a person into the life they want. But too often these rules get garbled and twisted into unhealthy patterns that keep people from the relationships they want.

For most people, but especially, those that grow up in turmoil or chaos there is a development of two versions of each parent; ideal mom and actual mom and a similarly an ideal dad and actual dad.  The dueling versions of parents is often what creates tension and confusion in the relationship as an individual grows older.

Actual vs Ideal

Our ideal parents are patient, kind, caring and supportive.  The actual parent may want to be those things and, in some cases, even believe they are those things.  Yet as an adult works themselves into knots attempting to elicit the desired response from their parents often learns, the actual parent may not be able to show up the way you want them to.  

What went wrong? A lot of times people double down on themselves and assume that they are in some way lacking and that is the cause of the lackluster response from their parents. What is far more often the case is that their parents simply don't have the resources to show up the way they were expected to. The rules and/or expectations that have been built up are simply unattainable.

Time to Adjust?

What you want and crave from your parents may be totally reasonable. The problem may not be you at all. A lot of times we long for things that our parents simply cannot give us. Though it sounds easy enough to love and accept your kids as they are, some parents just can't do it. So it falls on you to adjust. Take stock of the person your parent(s) is as a whole person. Do they have good boundaries? Do they love themselves well? Are they able to have other healthy relationships? It is a big and often painful undertaking but realizing that your parents are not and may not be capable of becoming your "ideal" parent, is a big first step to rewriting your relationships stories.

As always, I’m here.  If you are ready to work on having the life you want, call me and let’s get started!

So many couples point to their partner when they think about what isn’t working in their relationship.  While it may be necessary for your partner to make some changes, have you taken a good inventory of what you are bringing to the table that is influencing the relationship?

Does someone have to be at fault?

For some, they grew up in a family being told that if something went wrong that it had to be someone’s fault and blame would be assigned.  The truth is, sometimes things just go wrong.  It isn’t always someone’s fault, it is important to let go of the need to assign fault each time there is a conflict.  

Do you get defensive? 

Defensiveness is a normal human emotion, much like anger.  AND just like anger it must be treated like a warning signal to slow down and get curious, not to launch that at your partner.  The antidote to defensiveness is to take responsibility.  In almost any situation where there is conflict both parties can take ownership of something.  Instead of launching your defense, slow down, listen to yourself and where it is coming from and explore what you can take responsibility for.  

Does your partner know what you value about them?

The way the human brain is built is to find and eliminate dangers and problems. So, in relationships we are quick to notice the things we don't like or don't want. It takes more effort to look for the things that are going right and that we enjoy because those things are easy. Often, couples will spend A LOT more time talking about what they don't like and what is not working and little or no time about what they value about each other. When is the last time you told your partner that you appreciate them and why?

As always, I’m here.  If you are ready to work on having the life you want, call me and let’s get started!

So many people both single and in relationships hold on to the idea that if they were just in a happier relationship, then their lives would be better, easier and more fulfilling.  But that simply is not the case.  It is not possible for your relationship alone (or your kids, or job, etc.) to meet all of your needs.  If you want to improve your love life, it starts with you, your choices and the way you spend your time.  

Debbie Dower is not hot

While it is important to share your hardships with the ones you love, it is just as important that you seek joy.  When all we have to share is unhappiness and suffering it brings us down as well as the people around us.  For you and the people you love or want to attract, go have fun!  Engage in your hobbies, try new things.  Don’t be the person who seems intent on only seeing the worst, scariest, hardest parts of life.  

Eat something!

There are a lot of ways to love yourself and paying attention to your nutrition is important.  I’m not a big fan in fad diets and fixating on denying yourself things.  When in doubt add.  Add vegetables, lean meats and whole foods.  If nutrition is a struggle for you, add as many healthy, whole foods as you can before you worrying about removing things from your diet.  

Do something!

Our brains benefit from novelty.  Do something you’ve never done, the bigger the better.  If that feels hard, start small and try restaurants you’ve been wanting to try.  Even if you get take out, it’s important to try things you’ve never tried before.  We all have a list of things we want to try.  What are you waiting for?  Today is just as good as any to do the things on that list.  Tomorrow isn’t promised, it’s ok to give yourself permission to enjoy today and that excitement will benefit those around you.

Spend time with your friends

Whether you are single or in a relationship, the person who is right for you wants you to be your most authentic and happy self.  That includes spending time with people who are get you, encourage you and that you share interests with.  It great for a partner to be your best friend and critical that they are not our only friend.  

Day dream

It is so powerful to think about what wonderful things could come in the future.  It can also be a great time to learn about which parts of your life you a longing to have a shift within.  Day dreams can help point us in the direction of things that are calling to us.  While every whim couldn’t possibly be acted on, they can help open us up to new challenges we are ready to embrace.  

Spend time with yourself

Spending time with yourself, especially to consider what you may be working to avoid.  TV, internet, drinking, drugs and even food can be ways of numbing, avoiding and escaping.  Time alone is a great way to let those things come to mind.  Avoiding problems typically just makes them worse.  Though working to avoid a feeling can feel good in the short term, it is often not nearly as bad as we think it will be to just allow the feeling to come and go.

As always, I’m here.  If you are ready to work on having the life you want, call me and let’s get started!

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