I’ve been thinking about the way, when you walk down a crowded aisle, people pull in their legs to let you by. Or how strangers still say “bless you” when someone sneezes, a leftover from the Bubonic plague. “Don’t die,” we are saying. And sometimes, when you spill lemons from your grocery bag, someone else will help you pick them up. Mostly, we don’t want to harm each other. We want to be handed our cup of coffee hot, and to say thank you to the person handing it. To smile at them and for them to smile back. For the waitress to call us honey when she sets down the bowl of clam chowder, and for the driver in the red pick-up truck to let us pass. We have so little of each other, now. So far from tribe and fire. Only these brief moments of exchange. What if they are the true dwelling of the holy, these fleeting temples we make together when we say, “Here, have my seat,” “Go ahead — you first,” “I like your hat.”
Controlling partners often disguise their behavior as love or concern, making it difficult to recognize. Are you also in a relationship with someone who makes you feel loved at one point then in another constantly dictates your actions, thoughts, or even emotions?
These are classic signs of controlling partners. They often disguise their behavior as love or concern, making it difficult to recognize.
So if you want to identify these signs then below are what controlling partners do to you.
If you think you are in a marriage of convenience, you will know that it doesn’t feel like a fairy tale, rather it’s about maintaining the status quo. Maybe you are staying in this marriage because everything is “okay” and “stable”.
All the bills are getting paid on time, the house is comfortable, and the kids are happy to have both their parents under the same roof. Moreover, you don’t want to deal with the hassle that comes with filing for a divorce, so you just…stay.
Does this sound familiar? The unfortunate truth is that many married couples stay in a loveless marriage because dealing with the alternate option is scary. They’re together, but they’re not really together. They function more like roommates, business partners, or co-parents rather than lovers.
Knowing how to set boundaries is a game-changer—it’s how you protect your time, energy, and sanity without feeling guilty. Whether it’s with friends, family, or coworkers, setting boundaries helps you avoid burnout and unnecessary drama. Let’s talk about how to do it like a pro.
KEY POINTS
Upholding our boundaries means sometimes saying “no” when others wish we would say “yes.”
Setting boundaries can create conflict, even when our behavior is healthy and we act with kindness.
It’s normal to feel uneasy or even guilty after people react badly to our boundaries.
The month starts with Aquarius season in full swing, so it’s the perfect time to march to the beat of your own drum and forget about what anyone else thinks. The beginning of the month also brings a dreamy and almost magical energy between Venus, Neptune, and the North Node in Pisces. This is the vibe for deep, fated connections and romantic moments that feel straight out of a fantasy. Trust your gut—love is in the air, and it’s looking pretty rosy.
On February 4, Jupiter ends its retrograde in Gemini, meaning the floodgates to abundance are about to swing wide open. That same day, Venus moves into fiery Aries, giving love and pleasure a boost of passion. Get ready to make bold moves and go after what you want. Then, on February 9, Mercury has a moment of brilliance in Aquarius
The new moon in Aquarius is here to kick off a fresh lunar cycle! This powerful new moon, which happens on January 29 at 7:36 a.m. EST, brings a chance for new beginnings. As it falls in the innovative and forward-thinking sign of Aquarius, it’s a time to welcome change, creativity, and fresh ideas.
Aquarius is all about thinking outside the box, focusing on the bigger picture, and connecting with others. This new moon will highlight themes of friendship, community, and collaboration, making it a great time to set intentions related to teamwork and group activities.
With Aquarius encouraging radical shifts and new perspectives, you may feel a burst of inspiration or experience a shift in how you see the world. New moons are the perfect time to reflect and plan, so take advantage of this energy to make thoughtful
Some of us felt the pressure to grow up too fast… meet deadlines, succeed academically, and always be on top of things—before we were even ready. It turns out, this pressure is real for some children today, and it’s called Hurried Child Syndrome. Let’s explore more about this condition.
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