Let’s just call it like we see it! A lot of what people label “being self-aware” is actually just self-bullying with better branding.

And if you’re someone who struggles with people-pleasing, perfectionism, or constantly feeling “not enough,” you probably know exactly what I mean.

Your inner critic doesn’t just evaporate because you started therapy, set boundaries, or read three self-help books in one weekend. It still shows up.
But when you start your healing journey, that voice gets quieter, slower, softer, and way less convincing.

Is there a difference between boundaries and punishment? Short answer: Yes. Boundaries and punishment look similar on the surface, the intention behind them couldn’t be more different. And intention matters.

Breakups hurt… but breakups without closure can leave you stuck in a loop of “what ifs” and “why’s.” The truth is, closure doesn’t always come from the person who hurt you. It comes from learning how to give yourself peace, even when you never got the explanation you deserved. In this post, Kansas City therapist Taylor Luttrell-Deeds shares practical, compassionate steps to help you heal and move forward with clarity and self-respect.

Setting boundaries is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself and your relationships, but let’s be real—it’s not always easy.

Sex is supposed to be enjoyable, not feel like a punishment from the universe. Yet, for a lot of vulva owners, pain during sex is way too common—like, 75% of women have reported experiencing it at some point. That’s a big yikes.

So, you’ve read the signs, and now you’re sitting there thinking, “Well, crap. This sounds way too familiar.” First of all, take a deep breath—awareness is the first step, and you’re already there. Codependency is a pattern, not a life sentence, and the good news is that you can break out of it.

Relationships are supposed to be fulfilling, right? But sometimes, they start feeling less like a partnership and more like an emotional hostage situation. If you’re bending over backward to keep your relationship afloat—at the cost of your own well-being—you might be dealing with codependency.

We’ve all been there: a relationship ends suddenly, and one of the first things we crave is closure. It feels like the key to healing, as if understanding why things ended will put our broken hearts back together.

It’s a painful and often baffling experience: You find yourself in relationship after relationship with people who seem to be just wrong for you. Despite your best efforts, the partners you attract don’t seem to meet your needs, don’t treat you the way you deserve, or, in some cases, don’t even match what you’re really looking for. If this sounds familiar, you might be asking yourself, “Why do I keep attracting the wrong partners?”

Sexual compatibility! This beautiful connection describes how well your sexual desires and needs mesh with someone else’s.