Pay Attention to Clues of Bad Behavior (Red Flags)

Pay Attention to Clues of Bad Behavior (Red Flags)

DonnaBarnes A New Relationship 1 Comment

After a breakup I always ask my clients if they know what went wrong. Just about all of them can point to at least one thing that happened that foreshadowed their breakup, they just didn’t pay attention to those clues of bad behavior. You can save yourself a lot of heartache and also time …

The First 3 to 6 Months of a Relationship

The First 3 to 6 Months of a Relationship

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The first six months of a relationship are the honeymoon phase. You’re blissfully happy and it feels like it will last forever. However, most couples never last past the first 3 to 6 months of a relationship. You have to protect your heart so you don’t get blindsided. Many people …

I've Never Felt This Way Before” Can Be a Huge Red Flag

“I’ve Never Felt This Way Before” Can Be a Huge Red Flag

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Love is hard to find, so when you hear, “I’ve never felt this way before” you may think you’ve finally found “the one”. But have you? Be careful — it may mean you’re heading for disappointing heartbreak. If you’ve dated a lot but have never truly fallen in love before you have …

Allow Yourself to Be Vulnerable

Allow Yourself to Be Vulnerable

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I know that it can be incredibly scary to allow yourself to be vulnerable and share your feelings. However, if you want a long-lasting relationship you need to be able to express your inner thoughts and feelings to your partner, and be able to listen to his/her wants and needs. Ask yourself, “What’s the …

Are You The Rebound?

Are You The Rebound?

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You always hear that you’re not supposed to talk about past relationships when you first start dating someone new. However, the one exception to that rule is to find out whether he/she is truly available for a new relationship or if you’re just the rebound. Ask permission to ask by saying, “Can I ask …

Insecurity is All in Your Head

Insecurity Is All In Your Head

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Everyone is insecure on some level. We can feel unwanted, unloved, unappreciated, inadequate, undeserving, neglected, and so on. Fear is mostly to blame. We fear abandonment, betrayal, intimacy, commitment, etc.  But all of our fears and insecurities are created by our thoughts. Which means, insecurity is all in your head. …

Don't Get Married Younger Than 25

Don’t Get Married Younger Than 25

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Falling in love is exciting. When you think you’ve found “the one” its fun to fantasize about walking down the aisle together. Nonetheless, if you haven’t celebrated your twenty-fifth birthday yet you should not actually plan the wedding — or worse, go through with getting married. No one should get married younger than …

5 Examples of Inappropriate Boundaries

5 Examples of Inappropriate Boundaries

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Being in a relationship with someone doesn’t give you permission to be part of everything in their life. Time apart from each other is actually necessary to keep you both happy, and snooping is never helpful. Do you know if you have inappropriate boundaries? Part of having healthy boundaries is accepting your …

10 Texting Rules to Help Your Relationship

10 Texting Rules to Help Your Relationship

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I’m not a fan of rules for relationships but texting is one of the worst ways to communicate with a lover. It’s lazy and vague. The true meaning is left up to the reader’s interpretation. As a relationship coach, I have spent far too much time trying to calm down a …

Don't Reject When Feeling Rejected

Don’t Reject When Feeling Rejected

DonnaBarnes A New Relationship 1 Comment

It’s a defense mechanism to reject someone you’re feeling rejected by. But if you’re feeling rejected by the person you’re in a relationship with you need to resist that instinct and instead communicate how you’re feeling. You need to find out what you don’t know before you create a problem …

When and How to Reveal Your Past Hardships

When & How to Reveal Your Past Hardships

DonnaBarnes A New Relationship, Dating Advice Leave a Comment

Being an open book is a sign of unhealthy boundaries. If you reveal deeply personal info about your past too soon you’re waving bright red flags to the person you’re trying to endear to you. Be smart about when and how you reveal your past hardships. There is a time and place for everything. The …

are you in love or infatuated?

Are You in Love or Infatuated?

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Love at first sight is a very romantic notion and can feel absolutely real when you meet someone amazing and feel intensely attracted to each other. But the saying should be connected at first sight because true love doesn’t begin until that “I can’t get enough of you” euphoria starts to fade. …