As the internet has exploded with resources on narcissism, so too has the list of supposed narcissistic "types." From grandiose and covert to spiritual and parental narcissists, we’re now flooded with labels—each one carrying its own characteristics, red flags, and horror stories.

The journey to healing after an abusive relationship often involves redefining freedom in one’s life. Two distinct but complementary types of freedom, freedom to and freedom from, can help reshape one’s path forward. While "freedom from" focuses on liberation from past limitations, "freedom to" highlights the newly opened doors for personal growth and self-expression. In a post-abuse context, these two freedoms offer different but equally empowering opportunities.

Low self-esteem can create patterns of behaviour that sabotage relationships, making it difficult to experience healthy love and connection. In this article, I’ll explore ten common mistakes people with low self-esteem make in relationships and offer two journal prompts with each to foster healing and self-awareness.

Abuse is not always obvious, especially in intimate relationships where manipulation and emotional tactics are often at play. To break free from the confusion that abuse creates, it can be helpful to understand what drives the abuser's actions. At their core, many abusive behaviours stem from three fundamental needs: the need to feed their ego, the need to feed their narcissism, and the need to maintain control. Recognising these needs in your partner’s behaviour can offer clarity and help you realise that what you are experiencing is not love—it is abuse.

In the journey of life, we absorb ideas, beliefs, and behaviours from the people and environments we encounter. But not all of these influences serve us well. Some subtly creep in, shaping the way we view ourselves, others, and the world. Over time, these negative influences can become heavy burdens, quietly driving decisions and reinforcing unhelpful patterns. The question we must ask ourselves is: Are we intentionally living life on our terms, or are we letting negative influences shape the path we walk?

When a woman leaves an abusive relationship, her journey to healing is both courageous and complex. However, one of the most insidious obstacles many women face during recovery is victim blaming—the harmful belief that the victim is somehow responsible for the abuse she experienced. Victim blaming not only adds unnecessary shame and guilt but can also stall or derail the healing process, making it harder for survivors to rebuild their self-worth. This article explores the damaging effects of victim blaming and offers practical advice on how women can reject these attacks, reclaim their narratives, and embrace healing unapologetically.