Relationships
How to Validate Someone
The need for validation, whether conscious or not, is universal. We all want to feel acceptable, worthy, and not-kooky in other people’s eyes. But what is validation, anyway? Most of us are a little fuzzy on this concept, and for good reason: Validation can be hard to come by in everyday life. Let’s talk first … Read more
8 Things to Absolutely Expect in Relationships
Even though there’s a lot of talk about how entitled young people are these days, I see a lack of entitlement among all age groups in my practice as a therapist. I see people putting up with pretty poor behavior from people they love, without uttering a word of protest. Or, if they do protest, … Read more
What to Do When Someone Won’t Talk to You
The reasons for estrangement are as diverse as the parties involved. Sometimes there was a very close relationship in the past, and something happened that created distance.
If you’re estranged from an adult child, a sibling or someone in your social circle, and the estrangement is their choice rather than yours, you’re probably feeling rejected.

Conflict Avoidant? Here’s What It’s Costing You
I’m bad at confronting people — I don’t always choose the right words because I’m so nervous about having the conversation in the first place — but I’m even worse at suffering in silence.
So when something’s up between me and someone else I just have to say something, even though it’s guaranteed to be awkward and uncomfortable (at least for me).
Additional Posts:
- Why You’re Attracted to the Wrong People
- What Scares You in Relationships?
- Do Toxic People Even Exist?
- Why Our Relationships Hold the Key to Personal Growth
- 7 Ways to Spring Clean Your Relationships
- “I’m Sorry You Feel That Way”
- How to Break Up for Good
- The Secret Ingredient in Healthy Relationships
- Two Parenting Styles, One Clear Winner
- The Surest Way Not to Teach Kids Respect
- Getting Out From Under Parental Alienation Syndrome
- Forgiveness Tips If You’ve Been Wronged
- 6 Tips for Better Boundaries
- 4 Tips for Dealing With Stubborn People
- Are You Emotionally Available?
- “Why Is Estrangement Always the Parent’s Fault?”
- What To Do When You’ve Made Someone Angry
- Listening Is the Cheapest Medicine
- Differentiation, Part 2
- Differentiation: “Normal” Estrangement From Parents?
- When You Say the Wrong Thing
- What to Do When Someone Cries
- “You Hurt My Feelings”
- Are Those Hurt Feelings Justified?
- Making Sense of “Irrational” Anger
- Sometimes We Just Need Someone to Talk to
- What to Do After an Argument
- Throw Out the Need to Be Right
- Is It Them or Is it You?
- “Stop Crying, Or I’ll Give You Something to Cry About”
- What to Do When Your Feelings Are Hurt
- How to Apologize
- Conversations With Your Ex
- Estrangement Takes Two, Part 2
- How to Deal With Negativity
- Estrangement Takes Two
- How to Deal With a Persnickety Friend
- Video: The Courage to Be Assertive
- Mind-Reading is Bad for Relationships
- How to Assert Yourself Without Being Mean
- When Adult Children Won’t Talk to Their Parents
- The Green-Eyed Monster