Friend wants to start relationship counseling
DEAR HARRIETTE »
A childhood friend suggested seeking platonic relationship counseling for our 15-year friendship that's facing challenges due to differing opinions and life phases. We were very close when we were growing up and as life has happened, we seem to be drifting apart. I would love to stay friends with him, but I'm unsure if this is too extreme for a nonromantic relationship. How can I assess whether therapy is appropriate and beneficial for our situation?
— Friend Counseling
DEAR FRIEND COUNSELING » I absolutely LOVE this idea. Why does therapy have to be for couples or families only? In many instances, the people we are closest to are friends, and over time, many friendships face roadblocks. The fact that your friend values your relationship enough to admit that
Happy Birthday: Tidy up and get ready to move forward with enthusiasm. Don't hesitate when you see something you want. Your numbers are 6, 10, 22, 26, 34, 41, 47.
Birthday Baby: You are compassionate, resourceful and wise. You are persuasive and ambitious.
Aries (March 21-April 19): Don't be too eager to offer your services before you understand the situation. Look inward and concentrate on personal growth instead of trying to change others. \*\*\*
Taurus (April 20-May 20): Turn your back on what you don't condone and focus on what makes you hopeful. Your insight and wisdom will impact others and change the outcome. \*\*\*\*\* things are uncomfortable now and you could use help figuring your way through it is outstanding.
Do some research to find a therapist who has experience in counseling platonic friends. Then go to this therapist with an open heart and willingness to go through the process. What commonly happens in therapy is that people begin to discuss things about themselves from their past that impact them today. What you discover will likely be useful for this friendship and beyond.
DEAR HARRIETTE » I'm 19 years old and I still live at home with my mom. Being the youngest in my family, my close relationship with my mom has led to resentment from my older siblings, who are 23 and 27. Now that I'm the only one at home, the strain has increased. They accuse
Gemini (May 21-June 20):
Adopt wisdom, experience and better decisions. Don't let someone lead you in a direction that fulfills them and not you. Concentrate on doing something physical. \*\*
Cancer (June 21-July 22):
Explore what life has to offer. Contact friends who enrich your life and start conversations that fuel your imagination. \*\*\*\*
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22):
Don't let anyone take advantage of you or let your ego trick you into thinking someone's compliments are to benefit you. \*\*\*
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):
An unusual connection will offer insight into new possibilities and people and places that can help you fill your imagination with tangible solutions. \*\*\* me of monopolizing her time or getting her to take my side on things. I think that's ridiculous. Of course I talk to her more. We live in the same house. How can I maintain a strong connection with my mom while addressing the growing tension with my siblings? I value all of these relationships and want to find a balance. — Jealousy
DEAR JEALOUSY » Live your life. The bond you and your mother have is precious and should be treated as such. You are at home. Be fully present. Continue to talk to your mom and support her as she supports you. Soak up all the knowledge you can while you are living with her. What you can do less of is talk about these moments with your siblings. Your relationship with your mom is uniquely yours.
Your siblings are young adults now. At their ages, they are
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):
Don't follow someone else's playbook. Formulate what you want and make it happen. Pick up the slack and put some muscle behind your words. You have plenty to gain if you stay focused, keep it simple and stick to a budget. \*\*\*
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):
Rethink how to use your space gainfully. A change at home will influence how those close to you feel and what they choose to do next. \*\*\*\*
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Take a walk down memory lane and revisit what you'd do differently. Consider what brings you joy and whether it's time to mix things up and try something new. \*\*
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Address issues affecting building their own independent lives, even as they are still clinging to your mom. Their dynamics are naturally changing. Sadly, you are caught in the middle. Do your best to stay out of their drama. Encourage them to spend time with your mom and to call her on a regular basis to check in. You can also suggest times when the three of you can hang out. Ask them to include you in some of their social activities so that you get out of the house and enjoy each other's company as siblings. your home or finances before someone pressures you. Take an intelligent approach that encourages organizing and executing an unexpected plan. \*\*\*\*\*
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Keep your thoughts to yourself until you have a plan and enough knowledge to ward off any interference you encounter. Play down any situation that is causing contempt. Take care of your promises and responsibilities. \*\*\*
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20): Embrace change and discard whatever's holding you back. Set yourself free from negativity and head in a direction that offers a direct link to someone or something you want to pursue. Focus on who and what bring you joy. \*\*\*