We all have an attachment style that develops over time. It starts with our first relationships in life - our families. We learn how to relate with other people based on how our first caregivers related to us.

We all desire to feel connected, loved and appreciated in our romantic relationships. However, the way that people express and receive love can vary greatly within a relationship. According to Dr. Gary Chapman, who developed the concept of “love languages”, there are five different ways that people give and receive love: words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. While the concept of love languages was initially developed for romantic relationships, it can be helpful in any type of relationship including friendships or family relationships.

The world of dating has shifted a lot over the past decade. Online dating is a great way to connect and meet the people you’re looking for. For young adults, Dating can often be confusing, nerve-racking, and seem like a sea of vulnerability. We go from exploring and playing in childhood into the teenage years and then suddenly in a season where people are dating and getting married.

Simplify Life counselors share their book recommendations for parenting.

“I want to read a perfect story that is flat, predictable, and prescribed. I do not want any surprises, twists and turns, nor anything shocking that might interest me.”

… said no reader ever.

While the holidays can bring joy, laughter, and fun, they also can be times of immense loneliness, depression, conflict, and anxiety. Here are some tips that might alleviate some of the stress and help you actually relax and enjoy what the holidays can bring.

This week, the calendar flipped over to November and on the first day I saw a house already decorated for the holidays and heard seasonal music playing in a store. I noticed a social media post commenting on the variety of opinions around this subject. Some think it’s too early; some can hardly wait for the glow of holiday lights to fill up the streets.

The holidays can bring more than just the cheer of the season. The holiday season is known for bringing up nostalgic feelings. It is a time of family, friends, and giving. People often reflect on their year during this time. Holidays can bring our current life stresses to the surface, whether that be changing careers, a new baby, a loved one that has passed or the mourning of a desire. The holidays often bring our biggest emotions to the forefront. The holidays also show us the reality of our support systems, or where those might be lacking.