How narcissists think everyone else is the problem. — They were on their first date having coffee together. Before she could finish her latte, he’d already told her about his crazy ex-girlfriend. “She’s a psycho,” he said. He later mentioned that his sister and mother were both crazy too. Yet he was charming and so handsome. He gazed into…

Because marriage isn’t for everyone. — Some people are not wired for marriage. They’d be a lot happier single. Yet they don’t listen. They get married and then spend years living in misery. Because not everyone is meant to get married. According to “Changing Attitudes Towards Marriage and Single Life,” by A. Thornton and D. Freedman…

Writer, Songwriter, Producer, and Mom — My name is L.A. Strucke, and not just because I love L.A. They’re my initials. Early Life My life began 2 months before my mother’s due date. I had a 50–50 chance to live. My first home was an incubator. My childhood home was in New Jersey on a cul de sac…

Don’t fall for that fluffy face with the cool sunglasses — Do you see that cute fluffy cat that’s living with you? You know, the one with the sunglasses? Watch out. He could be a narcissist. Here’s how to tell. 1. He’s self-centered and craves admiration Is your cat self-centered? Does he spend his time admiring his new sunglasses in the mirror? Does he expect your whole…

Which one were you? — I was lost until I found my group in high school. When I started high school as a naive Freshman, I was intimidated by all the upperclassmen. I had no idea where half my friends were because we were in all different classes. I wasn’t a jock or a cheerleader…

Because being single is underrated — She’d had enough. It was the last straw. Their marriage was a sham. She’d put her heart and soul into the relationship, yet he treated her like she didn’t matter. He was angry and abusive and treated her like a servant. She loved to play her piano, but her husband…

Pros and cons — Your children were your world. You were a great parent and did the best you could raising them. You loved them more than life, and your life was exactly what you wanted it to be. Then your children grew up. You heard the news that shook your world. Your children…

Women often diminish their light — A friend had found out her story was published in a national anthology. She was thrilled. A newspaper reporter even called to inquire about writing a story about her. She was thrilled when she received the check in the mail. …

When our home is our haven — When I was younger, I loved to go out. Concerts, dinners, book stores, movies, plays, and seasonal events were my scene. I even played keyboards in a band at bars and local events. If I weren’t out doing something, I felt like I was missing out on life. I went…