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Relationship Anxiety vs Intuition: How to Tell the Difference
Dating and relationships can bring up a particular kind of unease-one that makes you second-guess what you feel, why you feel it, and whether you’re allowed to trust it. You might feel unsettled in a relationship that looks good on paper, or notice a persistent sense of doubt after dates, conversations, or moments of closeness. And then the overthinking begins. Am I ignoring a red flag? Am I sabotaging something good? Can I trust myself? For thoughtful, self-aware people, the

Amanda O'Brien
10 hours ago3 min read


Drop the Chill Girl Act-Why Pretending Not to Care Is Hurting Your Relationships
The “chill girl” act isn’t about confidence. It’s about self-protection. It’s the version of yourself that says “it’s fine” when it isn’t. That downplays disappointment. That pretends not to care because caring feels risky. And while it might keep things smooth on the surface, it often quietly erodes your connection-to both yourself and the people you’re in relationships with. Pretending not to care is one of the most common ways self-abandonment in relationships shows up,

Amanda O'Brien
Jan 153 min read


How to Stop Self-Abandonment in Relationships
Why is it so easy to show up for everyone else-but so hard to show up for yourself? If you’ve ever found yourself shrinking your needs, brushing off your feelings, or convincing yourself that “it’s not a big deal,” you’re not alone. Many people abandon themselves in relationships without even realizing they are doing it. Self-abandonment in relationships often begins as a survival strategy-something that once helped you stay safe-but over time it can leave you feeling resentf

Amanda O'Brien
Dec 4, 20253 min read


Single During the Holidays – Tips for Self-Care & Joy
Why the Holidays Feel Hard When You’re Single The holiday season can be a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration—but if you’re single (and don’t want to be), it can also feel like a spotlight on your relationship status. Between well-meaning relatives asking questions and the constant stream of cozy couples on social media, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out. But being single during the holidays doesn’t have to be a downer. Being Single During the Holidays: How to

Amanda O'Brien
Dec 8, 20244 min read


Why People-Pleasing Can Be a Trauma Response
Let’s be honest—we’ve all done it. We say “yes” when we really mean “no,” agree to things we don’t want to do, or go out of our way to make

Amanda O'Brien
Oct 12, 20243 min read


Why We Fixate on Dating Emotionally Unavailable People (And How to Detach and Move On!)
Have you ever found yourself longing for the attention of someone who seems out of reach? They just aren't giving you that desired...

Amanda O'Brien
Sep 3, 20246 min read


Dating & Sex While Struggling with Body Image
As a therapist with years of experience in treating eating disorders, one topic that frequently arises with my clients in recovery is...

Amanda O'Brien
Aug 26, 20244 min read


Dating Burnout: 10 Ways to Regain Hope and Confidence in Your Love Life
You've been single for a while. You miss the connection. Having someone to explore your city with. You just want to be told you’re...

Amanda O'Brien
Aug 15, 20245 min read


Reconnecting with Yourself-20 Self-love Journaling Prompts to Help You Get to Know Yourself Better
We all want love, but it’s hard to find healthy love without first loving yourself. It’s important to have a sense of who we are, what we...

Amanda O'Brien
Jul 28, 20243 min read
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