By Susan Winter for The Huffington Post What do you do when your relationship isn’t working? Whether you’ve been married for 15 years or dating for eight months, the decision whether to stay or leave is never easy. How long do you keep trying to make it right? And, when do you throw in the towel and walk away? The answer to these questions is easier to find when we start at the end and work our way backwards. There’s always the option to leave. [...]
By Susan Winter for The Huffington Post Dating is a venue for creating a rewarding connection with another person. We want to believe all of this just happens naturally. Sometimes it does. However, the ease we assume should be automatic is actually the result of having these five factors understood and exhibited: 1. Know yourself: Know your true nature and disposition. This allows you to lead with your strengths. What’s your natural style of communication? If you’re prone to light banter and playfulness, then go [...]
By Susan Winter for The Huffington Post Is your partner playing hot and cold? One minute you’re high on the warmth of their attention, the next minute you’re frozen out and left wondering what happened. You begin to question your actions. Did you say the wrong thing? Did you make the wrong move? It’s long been the rule that when dating someone whose behavior is marked by hot and cold reactivity, you’re standing on shaky ground. Behavioral extremes indicate a power play is being employed. [...]
By Susan Winter for The Huffington Post Why do we cling so desperately to a relationship that’s died? Because we’ve been told it’s the right choice to make. Leaving a dead relationship takes courage. Staying in a dead relationship takes self-sacrifice. We agonize over this decision; worrying about our future and the repercussions for those we love. Adding to our emotional struggle is the premium our culture places on sustaining a relationship. The underlying message insists that suffering is better than leaving, which makes the [...]
By Susan Winter for The Huffington Post I have a dear friend in her early 40s. She’s got it all, a great personality and a great life. As a dedicated triathlete she’s physically fit and attractive. Well dressed, well bred, and owns her own apartment in Manhattan (no small feat). She’s inclusive, warm and open. Oh. And... she’s single. She recently met a guy online who was knocked out by her photos, bio and personality on the phone. He’d finally found the “total package.” So, [...]
