Elizabeth Laura Nelson

As a person who writes about relationships for a living, I might be one of the people least in need of all this well-meaning advice, which usually amounts to clichés and can even veer into the territory of outright insults. What I need – what most of us need – is for people to hear me, and to trust me.

Yes, a lot of parents are assholes. But you know what? A lot of people are assholes; some of them happen to have kids, some don’t. I can’t speak for all parents, and I wouldn’t want to try. But speaking as one particular person with kids, here’s what I wish my childfree friends would understand…

If you have these four types of friends in your life, they could literally be making you sick. Consider yourself warned and remove these toxic friends!

A relationship with a narcissist may start out with butterflies and fireworks...But don’t be fooled: it’s not about you. It’s about them.

The problem with people pleasing: You’re trying so hard to be good. So how come you feel so bad?

My anxiety doesn’t mean I can’t be a good parent. In fact, it makes me a better one.

Reading in bed together, while it might not be a major milestone — like marriage or having children — truly is a significant event in a relationship.

“Parenting” has become a competitive sport. But it’s kids who are losing. Let your kids screw up.

A low libido doesn’t have to be a clinically diagnosable condition in order for it to be a problem.

Is it possible that talking about your relationship less could actually be the key to making it better? Sometimes, stop talking and just let yourselves be.