Straight Talk Blog
The Silent Relationship Killer: How to Spot it—and Stop it
"The easy road looks great—until it costs you everything." ~LMB In my last post (A New Trend), I discussed how people—from spouses, to bosses, to world leaders—are doubling down on bad behavior by defending, justifying, and rationalizing it. Some of these people call...
A New Trend and Its Unspoken Consequences
"When you own your mistakes, repair harm, and stay connected to your impact, you become unshakeable." ~LMB Everywhere I look these days—from spouses to bosses to world leaders—I see people doubling down on bad behavior. Defending, justifying, and rationalizing harmful...
How to Take In Critical Feedback Without Getting Defensive
Taking in critical feedback—without defensiveness—is a superpower. ~LMB A fascinating thing about skillfully managing conflict is that it leaves both parties feeling more connected rather than less. Even when you feel hurt by someone, if they can acknowledge the hurt...
Are You Robbing Others and Harming Yourself?
"Managing others’ emotions robs them and harms you." ~LMB Every time you silence yourself to avoid your partner’s blow-up, lie to keep others from feeling sad, tiptoe around someone’s rage, or brush off a hurt to avoid a loved one’s defensiveness, you are attempting...
The Hidden Cost of ‘Man Up’: Will You Have the Courage to Resist?
“'Man Up' carries a steep price for men, women, and all of humanity—think twice before buying in.” In the confines of my office, men frequently open up about their feelings of disconnection and loneliness. They share their struggles with communication, emotional...
Finding the Strength to Challenge Patriarchal Masculinity
“No amount of bullying or aggression will ever give you admiration, respect, or love. “ ~LMB There has been a tremendous push from conservatives to go back to traditional masculinity and for “men to be men” and women to stay at home, be subservient, and not make...
How to Cultivate Compassion for Healthier Relationships
“Compassion fosters relationships and caring nations. Extend it beyond your circle.” ~LMB The greatest need for human beings is the need for love and belonging. Compassion is vital to getting these needs met. Compassion allows you to connect with the experiences of...
Staying Grounded in Chaotic Times: A Guide to Finding Strength Amid Uncertainty
“When everything around you feels amiss, focus on getting grounded.” ~LMB Life is a roller coaster of ups and downs, filled with ecstatic joys and tremendous hardships. These fluctuations can occur in relationships, careers, or the broader political and emotional...
Why Healthy Relationships Require Emotional Safety, Not Outdated Paradigms
"Healthy relationships provide comfort and respite from life’s inevitable storms; Be the respite, not the storm." ~LMB The closest relationships in your life should be those where you consistently feel emotionally, energetically, and physically safe—no matter what....
Humane Kindness Is The Universal Theme in ALL Religious and Spiritual Teachings
“Humane Kindness is the unifying thread that runs through every healthy relationship, team, culture, or nation; Make sure it’s running through yours.” ~LMB Regardless of your faith, political affiliation, race, gender, or (fill in the blank), at your core, you share...
The Cost of Lies in Relationships
“Lies undermine the safety of relationships, damaging the foundation of every relationship and culture.” ~LMB A core pillar for creating healthy relationships and cultures is Uncompromising Safety. Safety builds or breaks down trust. A key aspect of safety is honesty....
The Burden of Unconditional Forgiveness
“The burden of forgiveness should lie with the one causing the harm. Earn forgiveness; do not demand it.” ~LMB There is immense societal pressure to “forgive” others—especially those who have caused the most harm. What you rarely hear, however, is the expectation that...
Embrace Gratitude: How Recognizing Small Gifts Can Help You Savor Life’s Bigger Blessings
“Finding the gift in the smaller things will help you savor the bigger gifts of life.” ~ LMB The holidays are filled with presents of all shapes and sizes. Some are homemade and personal, while others are store-bought and range from a few dollars to...
The Impact of Romanticizing Murder: How Celebrating Violence Harms Our Communities
“When we justify murder, we become a danger to ourselves and our children.” ~ LMB On December 4, 2024, Brian Thompson was targeted and murdered at 6:45 am in front of a New York City hotel. Brian Thompson was a 50-year-old father, husband, and friend. His two...
Breaking Free from Unhealthy Relationship Patterns
“The saying, “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t,” keeps many women in unhappy relationships.” ~LMB The belief in “better the devil you know than the devil you don’t” is a powerful force that keeps many women stuck. Sally, for example, is in a...