Having a successful relationship seems less achievable today than ever before. With a society of 30-second advertisements, rapidly changing technology, and a limit of 140-characters to get your point across, how can anyone expect to remain with one person, monogamously until ‘death do us part?’ Though the task may seem daunting, it is absolutely achievable.

Here are some tips for you and your partner to remain focused on the goal of strengthening your relationship over time.

Listen: Rather than planning out your next sentence, take the time to really here what your partner is trying to tell you. Your partner will felt heard, and you will be better able to address their concerns.

Support: Do not burden your significant other with the responsibility of being your sole source of fulfillment. Maintain friendships to relieve stress that would otherwise be turned inward.

Stay Involved: Though outside resources are imperative, so is remaining close with your partner. Keep them a priority, and spend quality time doing things you both enjoy.

Be Intimate: Remember that intimacy, both physical and emotional, is a driving force in a relationship. Do not forget how important touch and openness are to maintaining a lasting bond.
This topic of the week was written by Danielle Adinolfi, MFT

Bullying has recently become a hot topic in the media, but the concept is nothing new. In fact, it is highly likely that you been engaged in a conversation about being on the giving or receiving end of bullying in school. But the Internet has given way to a more serious form of bullying, allowing rumors to spread exponentially, and the originator of the rumor to be cloaked by anonymity. This is why children today are at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, or even suicide due to bullying. The following are a list of signs that your child may be being bullied:

- Trouble sleeping

- Loss of appetite

- Often feeling ill

- Feeling depressed and/or anxious

- Becoming socially withdrawn 

- Declining grades

- Going to great lengths to stay home from school

- Feelings of isolation

            If your child is displaying any of these symptoms, make sure they know that you are their advocate and will be in their corner. Reach out to anyone who can make an impact at school (teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, etc.), and seek help from a family therapist to give your child as many resources as possible. And remember, there are many online resources to help guide you through helping your child, such as www.stopbullying.gov and www.violencepreventionworks.org. 

This topic of the week was written by Danielle Adinolfi, MFT