‘I dumped him because he’s anxious avoidant…’ Understanding what attachment styles really mean
Are labels like ‘anxious’ and ‘avoidant’ being thrown around too much — by people who have no idea what they really mean? Expert Laura Mucha explains all.
Love life
Love can be shown & expressed differently from person to person at any given time, navigating your love life is not always easy, we know…
Uncovering the secret pain of loving someone with mental illness
When depression, anxiety or postnatal depression enters a relationship, the focus naturally falls on the person who is struggling. But behind closed doors, another emotion often takes root – one that few people feel able to admit, even to themselves. There are mornings when she leaves the house with a smile fixed firmly in place, […]
The ‘second injury’ of narcissistic abuse: why the damage often continues long after the relationship ends
Psychologists say many survivors of narcissistic abuse experience a hidden aftermath known as the “second injury” — and it can be one of the hardest parts of recovery
Beware the silent saboteurs: why the support of a narcissist could be quietly destabilising your confidence
Even those who appear supportive can secretly undermine your ambitions. Psychologist Dr Ritz Birah and creative coach Sheryl Garratt explain how narcissistic traits and subtle sabotage erode confidence — and how to protect yourself Sometimes the people closest to us are also the ones most likely to subtly undermine our goals. Known as silent saboteurs, […]
It’s not about watching porn or being unfaithful: the truth about sex addiction
Many people labelled “sex addicts” are actually dealing with stress, shame, or compulsive patterns — not sex addiction. Here’s how to tell when sexual behaviour becomes a problem and what to do about it. For many people, sex is one of the most confusing parts of life. Society tells men in particular to be sexual, […]
The alluring danger of narcissism: How to recognise and avoid narcissists
Author Joanna Briscoe shares her experience of being charmed and reeled in by narcissists, how to spot them in your life, and how she drew on her experiences and research to write her new novel, The Seduction.
‘I just can’t leave…’ How my empathy kept me stuck in a narcissistic relationship
It’s rightly seen as a strength — but if you’re in a narcissistic relationship, empathy can be exactly what keeps you from leaving. We’ve heard more and more about empathy in recent years. It’s been rebranded — once simply part of getting along with other people, it’s now framed as a kind of superpower, the […]
What does “Narcissist” really mean? Understanding overt and covert narcissism
Narcissism is more than just self-centredness. From overt showmanship to covert manipulation, understanding the traits of narcissists can help you recognise unhealthy relationships and protect yourself. Are you living with a narcissist? It’s the insult of choice for many on social media right now. But what does narcissist really mean? And how do you know […]
Seven signs you’re dating a narcissist: identifying red flags in an abusive relationship
Narcissistic abuse can be hidden, subtle, and psychologically damaging. Recognising its warning signs can keep you safe. Abuse by a narcissist is rarely obvious at first. It’s slow, manipulative, and often leaves you doubting your own perceptions. The patterns are subtle, making it difficult to recognise the extent of control and emotional harm until it […]
The subtle signs of narcissistic abuse: why you might not recognise it until it’s too late
Narcissistic abuse is easy to miss, but it can destroy your self-esteem — here’s how to spot it and start taking action “Is that what you’re wearing?” he asks, eyebrow raised. You instantly scan your outfit. Too smart? Skirt too short? What’s wrong with it? Yes, you were going to wear that, but swiftly reconsider […]
