by James Robbins, M.A., LPC “I don’t know why, but my partner changed. Around 2 years into the relationship, it’s like he/she became an entirely different person from the one I fell in love with.” As a couples counselor, I hear this all the time. In fact, it’s the rule rather than the exception in […]
Does Mr. Happy Make You Sad?
by James Robbins, M.A., LPC They have a saying in India. “When a pickpocket meets a saint, all he sees are pockets.” While I am no saint, I do have a magic t-shirt. I’m not sure what makes it magic, but every time I wear it, people can’t help commenting. Rescued from the Walmart sales […]
Is Thinking Overrated?
by James Robbins, M.A., LPC You think too much. Although handy in a pinch, more thinking is rarely the answer. When you’re $50 short on rent, thinking helps you make ends meet. When you’re driving from Milwaukee to San Antonio and your GPS goes on the fritz, thinking is your friend. Concrete problems that require […]
The Positive Politics Challenge
by James Robbins, M.A., LPC Picture this scenario: You’re at a party. It’s late. A small group of party-goers is tucked into a corner somewhere, enjoying adult beverages. This group is laughing, clapping each other on the back, having an all-around great time. They’re talking politics. Not arguing, not criticizing various candidates, but expressing what […]
Are You a Relationship Expert?
by James Robbins, M.A., LPC, Maybe you consider yourself good at relationships. Maybe you don’t. But even if you are a relationship expert, you are not the relationship expert in your relationship. If you were, then you wouldn’t be in that relationship. When you are in a serious relationship, this is–by definition–the very best relationship you […]
