Not every painful breakup is a sign that a relationship was unhealthy. But if the end leaves you feeling as though you’ve lost your identity, can’t stop blaming yourself or are grieving the person they once seemed to be, trauma specialist Zoe Clews says the breakup itself may reveal the clearest warning signs. Most break-ups […]
Monogamy is no longer the only relationship model people are choosing. From open relationships to polyamory and ethical non-monogamy, therapists explain the different approaches, how couples set boundaries, and why communication is the real foundation of any successful relationship. For centuries, romantic relationships have largely followed one accepted blueprint: two people commit exclusively to one […]
Manipulative relationships rarely begin with obvious control. Instead, the warning signs are often subtle, disguised as love, concern or commitment. Discover the behaviours that are easiest to dismiss — and why recognising them early is crucial. No one enters a relationship expecting to be manipulated. Yet emotional control rarely arrives all at once. Instead, it […]
Opening a relationship isn’t a fix for trust issues or a failing partnership. As interest in ethical non-monogamy grows, two relationship therapists explain the warning signs you’re not ready —and the conversations every couple should have before taking the leap. Conversations about love and commitment are changing. While monogamy remains the most common relationship structure, […]
Whether you’re arguing about politics, parenting or money, conflict doesn’t have to end in disconnection. After decades mediating everyone from couples in crisis to parties in international conflict, Gabrielle Rifkind shares seven practical ways to have difficult conversations without making them worse. Most of us don’t struggle to agree. We struggle to disagree. Whether the […]
When depression, anxiety or postnatal depression enters a relationship, the focus naturally falls on the person who is struggling. But behind closed doors, another emotion often takes root – one that few people feel able to admit, even to themselves. There are mornings when she leaves the house with a smile fixed firmly in place, […]
Psychologists say many survivors of narcissistic abuse experience a hidden aftermath known as the “second injury” — and it can be one of the hardest parts of recovery
Narcissistic abuse can be hidden, subtle, and psychologically damaging. Recognising its warning signs can keep you safe. Abuse by a narcissist is rarely obvious at first. It’s slow, manipulative, and often leaves you doubting your own perceptions. The patterns are subtle, making it difficult to recognise the extent of control and emotional harm until it […]
A relationship that starts with promise can quickly spiral into confusion, manipulation, and emotional exhaustion. Here’s why we sometimes choose to stay in these rollercoaster dynamics, and how to break free. As a child, I loved musicals. My favourite was Oliver!, and I was particularly captivated by Nancy’s song, As Long As He Needs Me. Her […]
A spark can ignite a relationship, and shared interests can sustain it — but neither alone defines true compatibility. Scenario one: you meet someone and feel that spark. The attraction is immediate, the chemistry undeniable. Scenario two: you meet someone and discover you have a great deal in common — shared values, interests, and mutual […]
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