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Written by: L. Sanchez Grief isn’t reserved just for actual deaths. Rather, grief can arise in any situation where there is a loss–or even just the potential for loss. You might be coming to terms with a loved one’s poor prognosis, or you may have lost someon...

Written by: C. Beck If you find yourself asking whether it’s worth it to get divorced later in life (to have a “gray divorce”), here’s how to navigate your reasonable reservations and the challenges you anticipate in the process. Should I get divorced later ...

Written by: S. Rainne If you follow the news–or open the TikTok app regularly–you know that John Mulaney is somewhat under fire. But while social critique is valuable, life is more nuanced than the picture we see through our screens. For instance, it’s easy ...

Written by: C. Beck Airing grievances is so healthy, there’s a whole holiday for doing it with family: Festivus. As the days get darker and shorter, our grievances may be toward absolutely everything around us: loved ones, responsibilities, the economy, the ...

Written by: M. Stanica Navigating the family dynamic after your parents’ divorce can be a minefield, let alone during the holidays. Anxiety over deciding who are you going to spend the holidays with and not hurting anyone’s feelings can make it hard to focus ...

Written by: C. Beck Was I really raised by a narcissist? Most people shy away from even asking this question: it feels shameful not to praise the people who, in name, helped you get to adulthood. But in reality, our parents are human, and it’s ok to acknowle...

Written by: E. Shabazian Some of us experience mixed feelings about visiting our relatives. Of the many reasons to dread get-togethers, family gatherings can shove painful favoritism in our faces. After time apart, it’s hard to be reminded of the family hier...

Written by: A. Won Spending quality time with friends, in laws, and your own family is important. But you can’t always accept their invites, whether you want to or not. It shouldn’t be a problem, as long as you know how to decline an invitation with authenti...

Written by: Y. Sewdayal Controlling behavior can come from just about anyone in your life. It could be your boss, a family member, a friend, or even your partner. Controlling people are all around. We most commonly hear about controlling husbands and control...

Written by: M. Stanica We’ve all been in situations where we feel a bit out of place–we might feel misunderstood, or maybe even unwanted. However, folks who identify as “the black sheep of the family” have a different experience of rejection and misunderstand...

Written by: A. Won Do you get angry and frustrated when talking politics? It can be hard not to, especially when your political opinion is dismissed before the conversation starts. Learn how to navigate charged political conversations by understanding and uti...

Written by: C. Beck What does “gaslighting” even mean? Use this table of contents below to learn what gaslighting is, where it can show up, how to spot it –and most importantly– how to deal with it. What Is Gaslighting? In What Kinds Of Relationships Migh...

Written by: N. Leonard So you’ve realized you identify as LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex, or Asexual). This is a big part of who you are, and now you’ve got to decide how to include your loved ones in this major revelation...

Written by: S. Inc. In pop culture, dysfunctional families always remain at least slightly reasonable. TV shows like Modern Family and Full House love to portray quirky-perfect families whose problems are simple, all solved within a thirty minute episode. An...

Written by: S. Inc. Have you ever excitedly told a relative about a new job, a fun event, a cool hobby, only to have them point out every bad part about it? Our family usually has our best interests at heart, but they may misunderstand what we need based on s...

Written by: A. Won Sometimes, getting your extended family together is like assembling a mix of the seven dwarves. You have the sleepy uncle, the grumpy grandpa, and the bashful cousin. Most of the time, though, these aren’t the big concern at a family gather...

Written by: S. Inc. It seems like we’ve come not nearly far enough in reducing the stigma associated with mental health. In our modern society, people tend to discuss physical health problems openly, while hiding mental health issues. But it’s so hard not to...

Written by: C. Beck Growing up in a dysfunctional family is isolating – some of us don’t see the reality of our situations, until we’re much older, feeling the after-effects of neglect, abuse, or trauma. Sometimes, we just dismiss the dysfunction as family d...

Written by: C. Beck Most of the time, you surround yourself with people who share your ideals. However, when it comes to family get-togethers, relatives you don’t see often may exasperate you. Talk of politics, moral values, identity issues, and more can mak...

Written by: C. Beck It’s normal to want to help family members through difficult and challenging times in their lives. However, family members may be hesitant to accept your help because it hurts to admit that they have a problem. They may minimize the severi...