How to Solve a Perpetual Couple’s Fight
Back when I was in psychology grad school, we were taught that when a couple is having the same fight again and again – over how to load the dishwasher properly, for example – the fight was merely a decoy. A cover for something deeper. As a therapist, it was our job...
Help! My Friend’s Partner Is Abusive!
Dear Meli, My best friend has a new partner. At first, I was really happy for her. But the last few times I’ve hung out with both of them, I’m noticing that my friend’s partner is not nice to her. It’s pretty stressful to be around. I...
How Can I Be There for My News Junkie Friend?
Dear Meli, I have a friend who watches the news every day. She’s really upset about everything that’s going on in the world and it’s really stressing her out. I, on the other hand, do not watch the news. I know that there’s a lot going on in...
What Do I Do About Being Attracted to People Outside My Marriage?
Dear Meli, I am a happily married woman. Or at least, I used to think so. Lately, I have been feeling less attracted to my husband and more attracted to, um, just about everyone. Well, not everyone. But I’m finding myself attracted to other men a lot. Some of...
How Important is Spiritual Compatibility?
Dear Meli, I am newly back in the dating world after divorcing my wife last year. I feel like I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing! Case in point: I recently met someone. She’s really bright, really funny, and really kind. But she’s not at all...