Taking a Break During Conflict Takes Practice Conflict is natural in relationships but knowing when and how to take a break can prevent harm and promote respect for one another. Here's a structured approach for recognizing when to step away and how to return productively. 1. Recognize Signs of Emotional Flooding Emotional flooding occurs when the nervous system is overwhelmed. These are common signs: Fight : You're verbally aggressive, repeating yourself, or feel unheard.  Ex

Emotional abuse is a deeply isolating experience. Unlike physical abuse, there are often no visible scars, and the effects can slowly erode your confidence, self-worth, and trust in your own perception. One of the most deceptive forms of emotional abuse is gaslighting. What is Gaslighting? Gaslighting is a form of manipulation where someone makes you doubt your reality, memories, or feelings. Over time, this can make you feel “crazy,” anxious, or unable to trust your own judg

Addiction touches almost every family in some way. Even if we’ve emotionally cut off a loved one who struggles, the impact lingers. Addiction doesn’t just affect the individual, it weaves its way through families, generations, and relationships. One story I once read captures this truth: An alcoholic father had two identical twin sons. One son grew up to become an alcoholic himself. The other never touched a drop of alcohol in his life. When each was asked why they made the c