Complicated Love

Family Dynamics

5 Hacks for Holiday Disaster Prevention

Kathy McCoy Ph.D. on December 11, 2022

Dreading the holidays due to problem relatives, overwhelming expectations, or clashing celebration styles? This year can be different.

Dreading the holidays due to problem relatives, overwhelming expectations, or clashing celebration styles? This year can be different.

Relationships

7 Tips for Building Friendships to Last a Lifetime

Kathy McCoy Ph.D. on November 8, 2022

What's the secret of keeping and nurturing lifelong friendships? They don't just happen; it takes effort.

What's the secret of keeping and nurturing lifelong friendships? They don't just happen; it takes effort.

Relationships

When You Loathe Your Adult Child's New Love

Kathy McCoy Ph.D. on October 10, 2022

Is your daughter's new boyfriend your worst nightmare? Is your son's girlfriend the antithesis of your dream for his lasting love? Here's what to do to show love and avoid estrangement.

Is your daughter's new boyfriend your worst nightmare? Is your son's girlfriend the antithesis of your dream for his lasting love? Here's what to do to show love and avoid estrangement.

Marriage

9 Reasons Why Many Miserable Marriages Survive

Kathy McCoy Ph.D. on September 6, 2022

We've all seen marriages of quiet desperation. Why and how do people endure decades of misery? And what are the breaking points that enable some to escape?

We've all seen marriages of quiet desperation. Why and how do people endure decades of misery? And what are the breaking points that enable some to escape?

Relationships

7 Signs of Doom in a Relationship

Kathy McCoy Ph.D. on August 29, 2022

Relationships in trouble can look, at first glance, very much alike. But there are some differences between marriages that weather a difficult time and those that are doomed.

Relationships in trouble can look, at first glance, very much alike. But there are some differences between marriages that weather a difficult time and those that are doomed.

Sex

Sex Education in a Post-Roe World

Kathy McCoy Ph.D. on July 22, 2022

In this post-Roe world, making wise sexual choices is even more important. How do you give your teenager the tools to make responsible, life-affirming choices?

In this post-Roe world, making wise sexual choices is even more important. How do you give your teenager the tools to make responsible, life-affirming choices?

Jealousy

5 Ways to Keep Jealousy From Destroying Love

Kathy McCoy Ph.D. on February 22, 2022

Is jealousy sabotaging your relationships? Are you wondering why it happens and what you can do? Here are some tips for taming jealousy so your love can thrive.

Is jealousy sabotaging your relationships? Are you wondering why it happens and what you can do? Here are some tips for taming jealousy so your love can thrive.

Gratitude

4 Reasons for Lost Friendships

Kathy McCoy Ph.D. on March 30, 2021

Why do some friendships fade while others last a lifetime? Here are some common reasons friendships end, as well as what to do when a friend is in trouble or lost.

Why do some friendships fade while others last a lifetime? Here are some common reasons friendships end, as well as what to do when a friend is in trouble or lost.

Forgiveness

Living with Estrangement

Kathy McCoy Ph.D. on February 25, 2021

You've reached out to your estranged loved one time and again and have been met with silence or rejection. What do you do now?

You've reached out to your estranged loved one time and again and have been met with silence or rejection. What do you do now?

Anger

When You Secretly Wish a Parent Would Die

Kathy McCoy Ph.D. on January 25, 2021

It's a painful secret: There are times when you wish your suffering, insufferable, difficult, or distressed parent would die. What do you do with your sadness, anger, and guilt?

It's a painful secret: There are times when you wish your suffering, insufferable, difficult, or distressed parent would die. What do you do with your sadness, anger, and guilt?

Grief

Laughing Between the Pain

Kathy McCoy Ph.D. on December 28, 2020

After losing three members of my family suddenly in the same year, I thought I would never smile again. Then I got life-changing advice from an unexpected source.

After losing three members of my family suddenly in the same year, I thought I would never smile again. Then I got life-changing advice from an unexpected source.

Relationships

Love After Heartbreak

Kathy McCoy Ph.D. on November 30, 2020

Before you say "never again" after a romantic heartbreak, consider these strategies for resolving past pain and taking the risk of loving again. Love can be wonderful this time.

Before you say "never again" after a romantic heartbreak, consider these strategies for resolving past pain and taking the risk of loving again. Love can be wonderful this time.

Relationships

Living with Differences

Kathy McCoy Ph.D. on October 27, 2020

Facing the 2020 election and the days beyond, how do you live with and continue to love the people in your life whose views are at odds with yours?

Facing the 2020 election and the days beyond, how do you live with and continue to love the people in your life whose views are at odds with yours?

Marriage

Just a Few Words of Advice

Kathy McCoy Ph.D. on September 30, 2020

On the brink of marriage or commitment? Newly married and struggling? Listen to some advice from couples married for decades.

On the brink of marriage or commitment? Newly married and struggling? Listen to some advice from couples married for decades.

Child Development

What New Parents Want Us to Know

Kathy McCoy Ph.D. on August 25, 2020

How can grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends best show their love and support for new parents? Listen to what new parents have to say.

How can grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends best show their love and support for new parents? Listen to what new parents have to say.

Divorce

Little Cruelties and Marital Unhappiness

Kathy McCoy Ph.D. on July 28, 2020

What can make or break a relationship? Sometimes the small things, moments of cruelty or of kindness, can make a huge difference.

What can make or break a relationship? Sometimes the small things, moments of cruelty or of kindness, can make a huge difference.

Bitterness is bad for your health, and forgiveness has benefits. Here are five ways to begin to let go and move on.

Relationships

Fighting Fair in Love and Marriage

Kathy McCoy Ph.D. on May 26, 2020

Are you fighting more with your spouse but resolving fewer problems? Here are seven ways to handle marital conflicts and find new hope.

Are you fighting more with your spouse but resolving fewer problems? Here are seven ways to handle marital conflicts and find new hope.

Aging

Couples Claustrophobia: How to Balance Time Together and Time Apart

Kathy McCoy Ph.D. on April 28, 2020

Whether you're quarantining during the pandemic, recently retired, or newly living together, these 5 steps can help create a happier relationship.

Whether you're quarantining during the pandemic, recently retired, or newly living together, these 5 steps can help create a happier relationship.

Anxiety

Caring Instead of Panic Can Maintain Safety and Sanity

Kathy McCoy Ph.D. on March 15, 2020

Love and caring can help you stay safe, and sane, during fear and uncertainty.

Love and caring can help you stay safe, and sane, during fear and uncertainty.