You don’t teach college students as long as I did without being asked from time to time to give relationship advice. And you don’t teach literature to college students as long as I did without being often tempted to offer relationship advice based on the real-life applications of good literature. One thing I’ve found myself Read more
The government has launched campaign to help young people navigate break-ups with the long-term aim of preventing family violence, believed to be the first of its kind. Love Better is a programme run by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) with support from Youthline, and offers a text, phone or email contact with advice specifically Read more
There’s a common saying in faith-based community organising: “Nothing about us, without us, is for us.” It’s also a particularly important axiom to reflect on as we continue the journey through the synodal process. Over the last twelve years as a community organiser, I’ve come to see first-hand how an emphasis on building relationships brings Read more
With birthday celebrations being downsized, religious services moving back online and indoor playdates getting cancelled, millions of people are having fewer social interactions because of persistently high case numbers and high rates of transmission. It’s not just interactions with friends and families that are getting cut. Routine yet beneficial interactions with people at fitness and Read more
No matter who we are or where we come from, we all desire respectful and respecting relationships. We want our children, our coworkers, our friends, who are women, to find enjoyment and kindness in their relationships – whether its a short term hook up or a long term partnership. In the wake of the trial Read more
After a break-up, people could easily lose touch with their ex, who could move or change phone numbers. Tracking them down, sans Google or social media, was at least somewhat difficult. Today, that has changed. An ex may be far from one’s mind, until a photo of their wedding, or baby, or recent vacation pops Read more
What are the distinguishing characteristics of a person who is happy in his or her relationship? Is there a checklist of key points to help you know if you’re making the right decision about whom to marry? The Pemberton index, which appeared about 10 years ago, is a guide for analyzing a person’s happiness. It’s Read more
A 2degrees survey showed 39 percent of 2200 respondents aged older than 16 believed the amount of time being spent on their smartphones was affecting the quality of their relationship. The survey also found more than half of New Zealanders choose their phone or computer if they have to deliver bad news, but 43 percent of respondents Read more
The Sophie Elliott “Loves-Me-Not” education programme is the 2017 beneficiary of the Catholic Women’s League “Mission at Home” appeal. CWL National President, Kay Blackburn made the presentation during the League’s recent annual conference in Alexandra, Central Otago. The $10,766 donation, on behalf of the 70 CWL branches throughout New Zealand, was gratefully received by Loves-Me-Not writers, Read more
The most remarkable year of my life and easily the one in which my faith grew the most was the 12 months I spent as a young man working at a rural college in India. The double blow of not knowing God and not knowing anybody at all brought me to a place of loneliness Read more