Unpacking the Unwritten Script of Manhood
We expect men to be towers of strength. From a very young age, boys are given a clear, unwritten script: be capable, be competent, and above all, handle it yourself. We treat vulnerability like a flaw in the system.....
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Regret Is Like Cauliflower: The Emotion We Avoid but Need
If there were a list of emotions people most want to avoid, regret would be near the top. It feels heavy, pointless, or even shameful—like admitting failure or weakness. But regret, much like cauliflower, has been unfairly judged....
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When You Didn’t Do Your Best (and Why That Still Counts)
Imagine you finish the round of golf, the run, the practice, and nothing went particularly well. You weren’t terrible, but you weren’t sharp either. The shots didn’t land. Your pace felt off. You left thinking, I should be better than this by now...
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You Don't Have to Perform for Your Family This Holiday Season
For many people, the holidays aren't just about food, travel, or catching up. They're about stepping back into roles we learned long ago-roles we didn't necessarily choose. Maybe you're the one who's supposed to be "doing great," the one who keeps the peace, the one who never says no, or the one who stays quiet so things don't get tense....
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When Gratitude Feels Forced: A Therapist's Take on Toxic Positivity
Gratitude is good for us-most of the time. But especially around the holidays, gratitude can become something else: pressured, polished, and performative. Many people feel the expectation to "be thankful," even when their body and emotions say something entirely different. As a therapist, I often see how forced gratitude drifts into toxic positivity-the belief that we should feel good no matter what. But...
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When Women and Men Do Their Work: Empathy and Courage Can Be Seen
Many men say they want to be more emotionally open- and when they try, it doesn't always go well. They risk a moment of honesty, only to see their vulnerability land with discomfort, confusion, or even withdrawal from the person they most hoped would understand. That moment-when one person reaches out and the other flinches-is often not about a lack...
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