The holidays aren’t joyful for everyone. For many, this season brings grief—grief for loved ones who are no longer here, for the life you thought you’d have by now, or for relationships that couldn’t make it with you into the next version of yourself. This post offers space to reflect, feel, and honor every form of loss—physical, emotional, or imagined. You are not alone.

Dating today can feel like a maze of mixed signals and emotional games. From negging and breadcrumbing to lovebombing and gaslighting, emotional manipulation can leave you questioning your worth and reality. In this post, therapist Odile McKenzie, LCSW, breaks down each behavior, shares real examples, and helps you learn how to spot these red flags early—so you can protect your peace and date from a place of self-worth.

Learn about how fear influences behavior and relationships by exploring its root causes, such as early experiences, cultural expectations..