Neil Rosenthal's Blog, page 11

How to Spot A Manipulative Person

Let’s say a friend or family member owes you money, and has not paid it back. He appears to be avoiding get-togethers with you, and does not respond to your phone calls, texts or emails. When you finally catch up […]

The Art of Knowing Yourself: Using Journal Prompts

One obstacle to a great relationship with ourselves is that we tend to not dig deeply into our own hearts, our minds and our emotions, so that we are often left not knowing our inner selves very well. Periodically I […]

Empathy Entails a Willingness to “Step Into the Puddle”

Imagine that you have just been diagnosed with cancer, and that your prognosis is uncertain. Now picture sharing this information with a handful of close and trusted people, and telling them you are scared. Which one of the comments below […]

Why Some People Avoid Attachment

Dear Neil: I have recently realized that after a number of failed relationships with men that I have what’s called “avoidant attachment style.” It’s been a year since I was seeing a lovely and kind man. We had mutual attraction […]

Lessons That Life Teaches Us

Of the many lessons life teaches, here are the ones I am most sure of: If you don’t try and try again, you are way less likely to succeed. Perseverance has everything to do with success. You will be far more […]

Why Did My Relationship Break Up?

Dear Neil: I was engaged to a woman with whom I had a wonderful and virtually trouble-free 2 year relationship. Other than a couple of odd breakups precipitated by her and never explained, we never so much as argued. She […]

Maturity Requires Specific Competence

Here are the skills and attitudes that are components of maturity. If I am mature: I exercise considered judgment before acting on something important. I control my emotions and impulses (anger, revenge, lust, vindictiveness, hopefulness, etc.) in order to make […]

How do I Quit Obsessing Over a Relationship?

Dear Neil: How do I stop myself from getting too invested in a relationship? I am a 37 year old female with a good job, and I have spent almost a year with this guy. But he had to move […]

How to Prevent a Divorce or Break-Up

The following questions will help you to evaluate what kind of partner you are, how you’re doing and what changes that would help you to be a better spouse. Answer the following questions honestly and thoroughly. It will help for […]

When One Partner Withholds Sex From the Other

Dear Neil: If I don’t have sex when I’m angry or hurt, or when I don’t feel safe opening up to my husband, am I abusing him? Am I required to have the stomach-churning, skin-crawling, leave me dead inside sex—regardless […]