Relationships Archives - Blossom Counseling

Why “Letting Them” Might Be Your Best Mental Health Move Yet

If you’ve ever found yourself constantly stepping in to fix, manage, or smooth things over for everyone else, you’re in good company. It’s a habit that sneaks in quietly and stays for the long haul. And while it often comes from a caring place, it can leave you feeling exhausted and emotionally drained. What if […]

Why “Letting Them” Might Be Your Best Mental Health Move Yet Read More »

Acceptance, Challenges, Family, Mental Health, Relationships

What to Do When You Feel Abandoned: A Therapist’s Guide to Navigating Emotional Disconnection

Feeling abandoned isn’t just about someone walking away. It’s that deep, gut-twisting ache that makes you question if you’re enough, if people care, or if you can really trust anyone to stay. It might come from a breakup, a friendship that faded, or growing up with a parent who was there but never really there.

What to Do When You Feel Abandoned: A Therapist’s Guide to Navigating Emotional Disconnection Read More »

Attachment, Connection, Emotions, Guides, Relationships, Therapists

What We Need to Normalize Asking Our Partners (Yes, Even the Awkward Stuff)

Healthy relationships aren’t built on mind-reading. They’re built on open communication—and sometimes that means asking questions that feel a little uncomfortable, a little vulnerable, or a little too honest. But here’s the thing: the more we normalize asking thoughtful, intentional questions in relationships, the more connected, respected, and secure both partners feel. So why do

What We Need to Normalize Asking Our Partners (Yes, Even the Awkward Stuff) Read More »

Communication, Connection, Relationships

Joyful Reciprocity: The Mental Health Magic of Giving and Receiving with Intention

There’s something quietly magical about the moment someone does something kind for you—and you genuinely want to give back. Not out of obligation, not to even the score, but because it feels good to respond with care. That feeling? It’s joyful reciprocity. And it’s more than just good manners or emotional instinct—it’s a concept deeply

Joyful Reciprocity: The Mental Health Magic of Giving and Receiving with Intention Read More »

Celebrate, Friends, Mental Health, Relationships

Why Setting Boundaries Feels So Hard (And How to Make It Easier)

Setting boundaries seems simple, doesn’t it? Just say “no,” speak your truth, and voila—stress-free living! But if you’ve ever tried to set a boundary and ended up feeling guilty, anxious, or frustrated, you know it’s rarely that simple. So why is setting boundaries so challenging, especially when we logically know they’re essential for our mental

Why Setting Boundaries Feels So Hard (And How to Make It Easier) Read More »

Boundaries, Communication, How To, Relationships

The Real Difference Between Requests and Boundaries in Relationships

“Can you not do that?” “I need you to stop.” “That makes me uncomfortable.” These all sound like boundaries—but are they really? In therapy (and honestly, in life), we talk a lot about boundaries. But one of the most common misunderstandings is the difference between a request and a boundary. They’re both about communication, they

The Real Difference Between Requests and Boundaries in Relationships Read More »

Boundaries, Couples, Family, Friends, Relationships

Understanding Why Other People’s Opinions Don’t Define You

Have you ever felt paralyzed by the fear of what someone might think about you? Maybe it’s the hesitation to wear a bold outfit, share a creative idea, or set a boundary with a friend. That nagging voice in the back of your mind whispers, “What will they think?” Spoiler alert: their opinions don’t matter

Understanding Why Other People’s Opinions Don’t Define You Read More »

College/Students, Connection, Coping Skills, Relationships, Teens

7 Signs Someone Lacks Self-Awareness (And Why It Matters for Mental Health)

Self-awareness is one of those qualities that everyone assumes they have—until reality proves otherwise. It’s the ability to recognize your emotions, understand how your actions affect others, and adjust your behavior accordingly. But for some people, self-awareness is more of a blind spot than a skill. A lack of self-awareness can show up in small,

7 Signs Someone Lacks Self-Awareness (And Why It Matters for Mental Health) Read More »

Challenges, Communication, Relationships

Understanding Attachment Styles: How Your Childhood Bonds Shape Adult Relationships

You know that feeling when someone pulls away and you suddenly spiral into overthinking every text you ever sent them? Or maybe you’re the one who feels smothered the moment someone gets emotionally close. These responses aren’t random—they’re often rooted in something called attachment styles. Attachment theory isn’t just psychobabble—it’s a well-researched framework that helps

Understanding Attachment Styles: How Your Childhood Bonds Shape Adult Relationships Read More »

Attachment, Children, College/Students, Couples, Family, Friends, Relationships

The Truth About Closure: Why It’s More Complex Than You Think

Closure is one of those concepts we hear about all the time—often in the context of relationships, loss, or life’s messy transitions. The idea sounds comforting, almost like a magic trick: tie up the loose ends, process the experience, and voilà, you’re free to move on. But let’s be real—closure is rarely that simple, and

The Truth About Closure: Why It’s More Complex Than You Think Read More »

Attachment, Challenges, College/Students, Couples, Family, Grief, Parenting, Relationships

Understanding the Hidden Behaviors of Anxiety That Might Seem Rude

Imagine this: you’re talking to someone, sharing a story, and they suddenly look away, fidget with their phone, or offer a one-word response. It might feel dismissive or even rude. But for someone living with anxiety, these behaviors aren’t about disinterest or bad manners—they’re often a protective mechanism or a symptom of their inner struggle.

Understanding the Hidden Behaviors of Anxiety That Might Seem Rude Read More »

Anxiety, Relationships, Stress

Are You Being Manipulative Without Realizing It? Here’s How to Tell

Have you ever caught yourself saying, “I didn’t mean it like that!” or “I was just trying to help!” after someone reacted negatively to something you said or did? Maybe you’ve felt hurt when someone didn’t take your advice, or frustrated when a friend didn’t pick up on what you were hinting at. If so,

Are You Being Manipulative Without Realizing It? Here’s How to Tell Read More »

Gaslighting, How To, Relationships

7 Things Secure People Do Differently in Relationships (and Why It Matters)

Have you ever met someone who just gets relationships? They don’t overthink every text message, they don’t panic when their partner needs space, and they don’t seem to get caught in the same emotional loops that others do. These people aren’t perfect, but they do have one thing in common: secure attachment.Securely attached people experience

7 Things Secure People Do Differently in Relationships (and Why It Matters) Read More »

Couples, Relationships

Why Offering Reassurance Feels Impossible for Avoidant Attachment Styles

We all crave a little reassurance now and then. A quick “I love you,” a text that says, “Thinking about you,” or even a simple nod when we’re venting about our day—these tiny moments can be grounding and affirming. But if you’ve ever been in a relationship with someone who leans avoidant, you might have

Why Offering Reassurance Feels Impossible for Avoidant Attachment Styles Read More »

Attachment, Emotions, Family, Relationships

How to Use Your Love Language for Better Self-Care

We often think of love languages in the context of relationships—how we express love to partners, friends, and family. But what if we flipped the script and used our love language to take better care of ourselves? Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and scented candles (though those can be great!); it’s about understanding what makes

How to Use Your Love Language for Better Self-Care Read More »

Couples, Family, Five Love Languages, How To, Personal Development, Relationships