Relationships
Relationships can be difficult to navigate, whether its romantic, platonic, friendship or professional ties – we’ve got expert advice & experiences to help.
Four of the most common family conflict mistakes — and how to fix them
Heidi Scrimgeour uncovers the common mistakes we make in our family relationships and, alongside a selection of experts, explores simple changes that will make things a whole lot better
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
‘Summer social overload’ is real — and here’s how to stop absorbing everyone else’s stress on top of your own
Long weekends, weddings, holidays, crowded group chats, family tension, nonstop plans — summer can quietly overload the nervous system. Discover why we absorb other people’s stress so easily, and how to stop carrying emotions that aren’t ours. Summer is supposed to feel carefree. But for many people, it can become one of the most emotionally […]
“Will you come and play with me?” Why saying yes this half term could actually be good for your mental health
From board games to Mario Kart, experts say taking a break to play with your children can reduce stress, boost connection and ease working-from-home guilt. Half term has barely started and already you’ve probably heard it 50 times: “Will you come and play with me?” Usually at the exact moment you open your laptop, answer […]
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, […]
Why do spring cleaning and decluttering cause so many arguments — and what can we do about it?
As millions of households prepare to declutter this bank holiday weekend, discover why clearing out “stuff” can stir up surprisingly strong emotions — and how to avoid conflict. Spring cleaning, decluttering and home organisation are high on the agenda as we enter the bank holiday weekend — but for many households, the push to clear […]
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, […]
