Do you enjoy more good times than bad with your significant other? Do you know your partner's hopes, dreams, and fears? Do you talk through conflict rather than bury it in silence in order to keep the peace? How you answer these sorts of questions may point to whether you could stand a bit more happiness between the two of you. Problems in these areas are treatable, but they often fester for years. Don't remain frustrated. Consider moving your relationship forward from "so-so" to "doing great"…

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) affects 3 to 10 percent of internet and video gamers - mostly young adults. Although not yet a mental disorder, IGD is characterized by preoccupation with internet gaming; feeling unable to stop gaming, feeling guilty because one can't quit, experiencing neglect of physical health, decreased academic performance and a decline in social and normal recreational pursuits. IGD is treatable, but seek help with an assessment from a counselor you trust. Many online…

Consider five pathways for managing stress: Focus, Interpret, Prepare, Process, and Distract. "Focus" means giving attention to what you can control (e.g., finding ways to make dollars stretch further so you worry less about bills). "Interpret" means redefining stress (e.g., looking on the bright side of a problem). "Prepare" means taking action to ward off stress in the future (e.g., doing holiday shopping early). "Process" means communication (e.g., discussing stress and solutions with…

The ability to work successfully across cultures is crucial for employers. This is called "cultural competence" (a term coined by social worker Terry Cross, MSW, in 1988). Cultural competency can be applied to an organization or an individual employee. Here is what it means for you: Possessing a set of behaviors and attitudes that allow you to work effectively with people, no matter what their background. When you meet fellow workers or customers, each one has unique thoughts, communication…

A heartfelt "I am sorry for your loss" and offering support remains about the most meaningful gesture to those grieving over the loss of a loved one. Grief is a unique, personal experience. It is not something to fix, but a journey to accept. This is why attempting to go further to "make things better" usually will miss the empathy mark. Statements that are less empathetic tend to help others feel better, not the bereaved person. They include the following: "I know how you feel," "Don't cry,"…

Research continues making advancements in our understanding of Alzheimer's. The strongest risk factors are age and family history. No sure-fire cure exists, but research supporting suggestions for possibly preventing or at least attempting to delay its onset do exist: 1) Keep your mind active using stimulating activities such as puzzles and word games; 2) Stay physically and socially active; 3) Quit smoking; 4) Lower your blood pressure, since high blood pressure may lead to damaging effects on…

Newlyweds may know at a gut level whether they'll be happily married in the future. Researchers surveyed 135 couples to discover their "gut level" responses to questions that revealed their underlying feelings about each other. In many cases these views differed from the more glowing view and beliefs they shared with others. Research sought to discover which beliefs better predicted marital happiness. Gut-level belief won out as being a better predictor of future marital happiness. The message…

Do you interfere with your ability to relax without knowing it? Consider the following: 1) You combine attempts to relax with work-related activities. 2) You feel guilty when you are trying to relax. 3) You feel annoyed by family members who want you to participate in relaxation events with them. 4) You feel unproductive, bored, or fidgety, when you try to relax. 5) You often quit early when participating in any relaxation period or event. 6) When you relax, you do so with office work by your…

One university study found 45 percent of people attempt New Year's resolutions, but only 8 percent achieve their goal. The most powerful strategy to help ensure success is using fear of confrontation by others if you don't succeed. You're hardwired to respond to pain and fear and avoid these threats to a greater degree than you are motivated by pleasurable vision of success. Both are useful, but together they supercharge motivation. The proof of this assertion lies in any resistance you may…