Today’s article is in response to a question from a reader (via Ask Melissa!) about what to do if you’re in love with a man but he just wants to be friends. In my response, I provide guidance on how to approach this issue, including specific scenarios in which a friendship with your ex could […]
Why Is He Pushing Me Away If He Loves Me?
Today’s article is in response to a question from a reader (via Ask Melissa!) about understanding why her boyfriend is pushing her away, especially if he’s talking about having a future together. In my response, I provide insight into what’s really going on, the emotional trap that she needs to avoid, and whether she should […]
The Top Five Things That Can Ruin a Relationship — Before It Even Begins
I was excited to share my best advice on Maj Wismann’s blog post featuring “Tips from 62 Famous Relationship Experts” on the “top 3 relationship killers you need to avoid.” Below is an expanded version of the tips that I provided on her blog. Having awareness of these things is so important. These things can […]
Did I Scare Him Away?
Today’s article is in response to a question from a reader (via Ask Melissa!) about the concern that she scared her love interest away. In my response, I provide guidance on how to approach this concern, whether she actually scared him away, and whether she should pursue him to get him back.
Am I Insecure or Is This a Red Flag?
There was a time when I was so insecure in my relationships, I nearly went crazy when a call or text from me would go unanswered. My mind would start thinking the worst “Why isn’t he calling back? What is he doing? Who is he with?” And inevitably I would start blaming myself. “I shouldn’t […]
He’s Not Ready to Commit. Should I Wait?
Today’s article is in response to a question from a reader (via Ask Melissa!) about whether she should wait for her boyfriend to commit if he doesn’t feel ready to commit right now, or if she should leave the relationship. In my response, I provide guidance on what commitment really is, what it means for […]
Burned out in Your Relationship? Warning Signs and How to Avoid It
There was a time when my husband and I were dating where we almost broke it off. He was in the last few months of his divorce being final. It was the home stretch. We’d been through a lot together; what’s a few more months of waiting? But I was tired of waiting. Tired of […]
When You Feel Second to His Ex and Kids
Today’s article is in response to a question from a reader (via Ask Melissa!) about what to do when you feel like you’re always second to his ex and his kids in your relationship and whether you’re being impatient. In my response, I provide guidance on how to approach this question, key indicators for long-term […]
How to Keep from Growing Apart
Three years into my marriage I started to wonder whether I had done the right thing. I had just returned from an evening event watching a favorite blogger speak about his new book and his travels in the past year. I went alone because it was a school night and so my husband was at […]
How to Avoid Settling in a Relationship
I write a lot about relationship readiness and the importance of knowing your vision, needs and relationship requirements. And it’s really important for your relationship happiness to have a deep awareness about all those things so you know what kind of relationship that you really want. But actually having the relationship that you really want […]