it’s nearing the end of january and if you’re anything like me, you’re still processing 2021 (or let’s be real – 2020).
if i was to draw a pie chart of the last year, at least 25% of it would belong to a category i’ve decided to call “growing pains of epic proportions.” last year was incredibly challenging, but i’ve learned some important things, especially when it comes to dating and relationships.
while i’ve always considered the overarching theme of this column to be “the blind leading the blind,” i feel like it would be selfish not to share a few hard-earned nuggets of wisdom that i’ve collected over the last 12 and a half months.
if you’re hoping to have a happier relationship with yourself and others in 2022, here are a few things worth considering.
- even if you don’t think you need therapy, go to therapy.
last fall marked my return to therapy after a years-long hiatus. over the course of the pandemic, i’ve undergone major surgery, lost a beloved uncle to cancer, and watched powerless as my father slipped deeper into dementia (among other things!) i didn’t know how or what to mourn first. not only did speaking to a therapist help me process my grief, it also gave me some valuable insight into other areas, including my dating life. namely, my insecurities around rejection that stem from childhood. the lesson here: small tweaks in how you think about a particular area of your life can lead to profound shifts. go to therapy. even if you don’t think you need it.
- have all the uncomfortable conversations.