We all know people who appear to be very confident professionally, yet when it comes to personal relationships, appear to be very insecure.

As parents, we want our children to like themselves and to exhibit confidence in their pursuits. It makes for a happier child, and a more successful adult.

Our society has swung back and forth between authoritarian and permissive parenting and the result of both is far less than desirable.

In our busy world of ambitious people and out of balance lives, we often forget to take care of our bodies, our creative artistic or musical side, our adventurous side, our inner child selves, and other parts of ourselves.

I was brought up to be ashamed of my needs. I was supposed to be self-sufficient. As a result, I am ashamed of neediness and often don’t recognize my own needs. I also don’t know how to tell if others are “being needy” or simply expressing a need.

People with social phobia experience extreme anxiety or panic when they know that they have to talk or interact with others. They often find themselves isolating rather than risk the rejection or ridicule that they fear.

Do you automatically adjust your behavior to try to have some control over what others think of you – trying to get approval and avoid disapproval?

Clutter is a big problem for many people. At a lecture that I gave, I asked for a show of hands regarding how many people had problems with clutter and disorganization. I was surprised to find that at least half the people raised their hands.

Everyday people change, as well as circumstances, needs, and feelings. This is but normal, for there are relationships that are built to last, while there are those that can only go on for so long.

When perpetrators feel they are losing control, their means to exercise control escalates.