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How to Know You are in an Unhealthy Relationship

It is not uncommon for people to find themselves in unhealthy friendships. Unfortunately, this type of relationship can be detrimental to both individuals involved. To help protect yourself and others from being a part of an unhealthy friendship, here are a few warning signs that may indicate that you or someone else is not a good friend.  

One major sign is when one person begins to take advantage of the other person by asking for favors constantly without offering anything in return. This could involve asking for money, rides, or assistance with household tasks without ever reciprocating the favor. Another indication is when one person in the friendship only calls or texts during times of need and neglects their friend most other times. It becomes especially concerning if this individual always has something they need help with, but never takes time to just catch up or show appreciation.  

The most telling sign is when one friend continuously puts the other down or undermines their opinions and decisions. This can manifest in subtle put-downs disguised as jokes, or open criticism of someone's ideas. All these behaviors are indicative of an unhealthy friendship that should be avoided at all costs to protect both individuals involved from emotional harm.

 
If you notice any of these signs present in a relationship, it might be time to reconsider whether it is worth continuing the friendship. It is important to have healthy relationships with others and if a friendship fails this test, then it is best for everyone involved to move on. Remember that having good friends who treat us with respect and kindness is essential to our wellbeing.  

The bottom line is that it can be hard to let go of someone you care about, but if the signs point towards a detrimental friendship, then it may be necessary for your own safety. Be sure to look out for these warning signs in any future friendships you create and do your best to create healthier relationships with those around you.  

More than anything else, remember that having friends who value us and make us feel appreciated should be at the top of our list when it comes to relationships. A healthy relationship will have mutual respect and understanding, as well as plenty of time spent enjoying each other's company without expecting anything in return. Being a good friend means being there for each other and supporting one another in challenging times, but also giving each other space to grow as individuals.  

With a little effort, you can create and maintain relationships that are beneficial for everyone involved! If you or someone you know is struggling with being a good friend, there are many resources available to help. It is important to keep communication open and honest so that both people feel comfortable expressing their needs. With the right support, anyone can work on building healthy friendships! 

Nicholl McGuire is the owner of this blog and the author of Say Goodbye to Dad and Tell Me Mother You're Sorry.

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How to Teach Children Life Skills to Help Them Become Good People

 Teaching life skills to children is an important part of parenting. It can be hard work, but it is well worth the effort in the long run. Here are some tips on how to teach your child some valuable lessons about work, responsibility, caring for others, and overall good character:  

1. Encourage a strong work ethic: Show your child that hard work pays off by setting a good example yourself. Talk about why hard work is important and why it’s necessary to do one’s best at all times. Set achievable goals for your child and reward them when they reach these milestones.  

2. Teach responsibility: Kids need to understand that their actions have consequences and that taking responsibility for mistakes is part of life. Set clear expectations for your child and help them understand why it’s important to take responsibility for their actions. Praise them when they do the right thing, and be consistent with punishment if they don’t. 

3. Foster empathy: One way to teach children how to care for others is to show them examples of people who are in need and talk about ways that they can help out. Showing your child how one small act of kindness can make a big difference will stay with them throughout their lives. 

4. Lead by example: We all want our kids to grow up into good people, but we have to model this behavior ourselves as well. Teach your child the value of respect, kindness, and politeness by living these values in your own life. Show them the importance of integrity and being honest with others. 

 

By teaching your child these important life skills you’ll be giving them valuable tools that will serve them well as they grow into adulthood. Hopefully, these tips have been helpful to you as you work on instilling strong character traits in your child!  

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How to Keep a Family Secret

 When the family gathers for the holidays, there is bound to be some story-telling occurring and when that happens there may also be the temptation to share information you shouldn't. The end result is someone being unhappy resulting in ruined relationships. 

It's not always easy to keep a secret about a family member, especially if you are close. People in your life may ask for details and it can be hard to stay quiet. Here are some tips to help you keep the secret: 
 

1. Know your audience. Don’t tell people who don’t need to know or those who aren't trustworthy. If someone is known for spreading gossip, they probably won't be able to keep your secret either!  
 

2. Have an excuse ready. Before even talking about the secret topic, think of a plausible explanation that doesn't involve disclosing the secret should anyone ever bring it up again in conversation or confront you with questions directly.  
 

3. Be honest, but vague. Don’t lie about the secret, but also don’t provide too many details either. People will often ask more questions if they feel like you have left something out or didn't give them all of the information.  

 

4. Practice self-control and discretion. It can be tempting to tell someone a secret that you have been keeping, but try not to slip up and make sure your body language isn't giving away anything either! 

 

5. Trust yourself to keep it secret. Protecting the secret may require some effort on your part, but remember - it is possible for you to do it! Just stay positive and trust in your ability to keep quiet when necessary.  
 

At the end of the day, you should be able to trust yourself to keep a secret about a family member. With these tips in mind, you can make sure that your secret is safe and secure! Good luck!

Nicholl McGuire is the owner of this blog and the author of Tell Me Mother You're Sorry.