Book of Ruth Part Two Bible Study - Meeting Boaz, Welcoming Opportunity

Seven Keys to Resolving Family Conflict

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Health Matters

Adult ADD/ADHD Documentary

Personal Story and Education on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

You notice that your parent cleans the same item over and over again although it looks clean. You mention to a friend that he or she has something on his or her nose, the person wipes it off, yet they keep touching their nose and asking you repeatedly throughout the day is there something on it.  Simple scenarios that follow more complex issues from obsessing over whether something is clean to people staring, obsessive compulsive disorder just might be causing much difficulty relating to others in the family.  Learn more.  Most of all encourage loved ones to seek treatment!

Schizoid Personality Disorder - They Don't Have Relationships with Others

Ever wonder why some relatives don't come around you or no other family member?  Do you question whether they have friends?  Some people have personalities that go beyond just wanting to be alone.  Learn more about the schizoid personality.

Antisocial Personality Disorder - The Low-Level Psychopath (Impulsive & ...

Overprotective Relatives who Refuse to Face the Truth About Mentally Disturbed Loved Ones

You are having a conversation with a relative about some unusual behavior coming from another relative--this person could be a parent, grandparent and the listener becomes defensive.  "Why are you saying that?  He is acting that way.  Are you starting trouble?  What about you?" the wife/aunt/uncle/sibling or whoever this person is to you is angry.  Why would they be so quick to defend a relative's mental issues?  Oftentimes people already know someone is troubled around them, but they don't want to admit it or hope the secret doesn't get out.  But crazy is crazy no matter what nice names we like to use to cover up the wild, strange, and downright disturbing behaviors of individuals in our lives.  But what can be upsetting is when one or a group would like to point the finger back at you for being the crazy one because you exposed the secret--now we have a problem.

Luckily, there are ways that you can deal with those who like to protect crazy Uncle Joe or Wild Wendy's actions or inactions.

1.  Let them find things out on their own without saying too much.  You can alert people to concerns rather than specifically talk about the person by mentioning your observations without using the name.  "So the bathroom is messed up again, this is a real problem.  What is being done about this issue?  I noticed there was a problem with the car, any story as to why it looks like that yet again?  With so many challenges, what is your plan?  You don't look yourself and seem to be stressed." You see, there is no name mentioned, but most likely someone will say something about the person who is causing much stress, it will be then that you share contact information, videos, or any other thing that might help their situation. 

2.  Distance yourself from people who don't want to admit that their loved one has issues. 

3.  Avoid conversation with those who try to deflect attention away from the troubled person in the family by focusing on you and whatever your personal issues might be.

4.  Don't continue to offer help to people who have repeatedly told you they don't want your help.  You can upset your own household by redirecting your focus from your personal life and on to someone else's.  Think of the many relationships that come to an end because of outside stresses ie.) in-laws, co-workers, friends, civic group associates, etc.

5.  Stay out of arguments with or about the troubled relative.  As much as you would love to share everything you despise about that person, let the protectors deal with the issues.  Keep "I told you so" comments to yourself.  Move on with your life.

The more you know about a loved one's condition the more empowered you will feel.  Ignore people when they act overprotective about loved ones, they do this because it is a natural reaction, don't take it personally.  When others speak angrily about the troubled relative, always think, "That person could be me going through those trials."  Treat others like you would expect to be treated.

Nicholl McGuire

Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder

Often depressed, angry, easily blows up on you for the littlest of things, a family member desires attention and will get it, but when one is unable to meet his or her needs, he or she will act rudely, badmouth, and say and do other things that cause others to question whether the relative is sane.  Video describes one who has a borderline personality disorder, learn more.

Histrionic Personality Disorder | Mood Disorders

Liars in the Family - Don't Be Deceived This Year!

Last year you may have believed one story or another about relatives because "So and So told me..." but then later discovered they were incorrect about the facts, blatantly lied, or did other things that proved that some of your relatives are compulsive liars!  Don't be deceived again! 

An easy way to stay out the loop of others' dramas is to be unavailable for it.  When the liar calls, exchange pleasantries so as not to be accused of being rude, but when the conversation begins to take a negative turn (such as questionable story-telling about another family member), tell the person, "I got to go...I have a lot to do...I have a full day...It's busy around here..." then follow your statement soon after with a "Bye, Have a good day!"  If you choose to entertain the liar, he or she will eventually lead you to respond in a way that might possibly validate his lies and most likely share what you said or did with other relatives.

Liars are always looking out for self first!  They orchestrate plans to get selfish needs met.  When a liar realizes that people no longer want to be in his or her presence, the person will come up with ways to draw them near again.  They will pretend as if they care about others, have changed their evil ways, create family related events, and use others to build up their reputations so as to appear as if they are honest.  When all else fails, they set out to destroy the reputations and partnerships of those who know the liar very well in the hopes to win people on their side.

Nicholl McGuire  

What to do if an in-law does not like you

It happens, people will not like you no matter what you do including in-laws.  There are mothers, fathers, stepmothers and stepfathers who just won't accept the odd, strange, different color, ethnicity, big, little, educated, uneducated, or poor walking through their door.  So what do you do?  Move on with your life!

We spend far too much time trying to figure out how to deal with people that we don't bother thinking about how not to deal with them.  You aren't required to go over your spouse's families' home just because you married him or her.  You don't have to sit down and break bread with people who don't mind joking about the way you look or how you talk.  Your spouse wants to be with his or her family so much, let him or her!  Opt out sometimes.  Don't try to persuade your partner not to visit relatives, but encourage him or her.  You never want to be accused of keeping your partner away from his or her family.  Use your free time wisely--visit your own family and friends, catch up with some chores around the house, tweak your business, or simply relax.  Think, when will you get a quiet house to yourself again?

Now when it comes to having to deal with an in-law that doesn't like you, you can do the following:

1.  Object to what he or she is saying that offends you.

2.  Communicate your concerns openly and honestly about what bothers you and pray that your partner will be understanding.

3.  Busy yourself when this person is around such as: go out of the home, step away and talk on your cell-phone, assist others around you, or bring something to entertain you like headphones and an mp3 player.  You can also schedule to work on the holidays so that you don't have to attend family gatherings.

4.  Allow the voicemail to catch all phone calls from the in-law.

5.  Don't respond to any written correspondence or phone calls if you know this person is known to lie and spread rumors--always have a witness.

6.  Avoid going to the in-laws home and don't invite this person to your home especially when you have had a falling out with this person.  If your spouse has an issue with it, then you will have to question your partner's loyalty?  He or she can easily make arrangements to see his or her family without bringing them to the family home.  If mom/dad/siblings wins and the partner welcomes them despite their disrespectful behavior, you can always pack--this sends a loud message to your partner, compromise or else. 

But for those who need a little more than what this blog entry is providing, see the following link:

What to do if an in-law does not like you