Category Archives: empathy

Codependency Versus Emotional Dependency

True codependency is widely misunderstood, and often mistaken for emotional dependency, a significant risk factor for abuse and exploitation in relationships.

Obstinate Denial and Mental Filtering

Some so-called denial is rooted in obstinacy, a stubborn refusal to accept a reality that challenges a person to change and grow.

Making Amends Reveals Character

Making amends for harm done is a duty, to be sure. But the spirit with which one does this noble work of repair testifies to one’s character.

Emotional Romeos Are Masters of Seduction

Emotional Romeos are masters of seduction. They can sweep you off your feet at first, but they’ll inevitably bring you pain and heartache.

Culture Influences Character and Vice-Versa

How Culture Influences Character Culture influences character development in many ways. Various values, norms, and traditions largely define a culture. And cultures invariably promote these things and their embrace by constituents. (Cultures also tend to punish failures to embrace these things!) Consequently, culture has a lot to do with the attitudes folks form and the … Continue reading Culture Influences Character and Vice-Versa

Shameless Characters Prove an Important Point

Malignant narcissists are shameless characters. And they prove and important point: not all shame is inherently toxic or detrimental to one’s self-image.

Hot Headed and Cold Hearted Characters

Hot headed characters in relationships are notoriously problematic. They’re easily irritated and can’t seem to regain control once they lose their temper. They might promise to behave better the next time. But that time never comes. All seems well when they have their way. But when they feel denied or confronted – watch out!

Honesty is Crucial to Good Character

We once widely regarded truth as the “best policy.” That’s partly because we understood that it always outs in the end. But it’s also because the it mattered to us more than it seems to these days.

Grandiose Narcissists Are Legends in Their Own Minds

Some folks don’t just boast of greatness. They actually believe in their superiority. And they rarely waver in that conviction even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.