Helpful tips and personal stories. Exploring relationships and connecting with others when you’re feeling socially anxious, shy and not good enough. You are not alone.
Sometimes we find ourselves holding on to a relationship that we know, deep down, is hurting us. It’s not easy to let go, especially when we care deeply about someone. We might cling to the hope that things will change, that the relationship will become what we need it to be, and that the person…
In our interactions with others, it’s natural to want to protect ourselves when we feel threatened or misunderstood, which often manifests as defensiveness -a reaction that can create barriers in communication and relationships. For those of us who are with quieter natures it might already make it difficult to express ourselves openly, and defensiveness can…
Attachment styles are ways we naturally connect and build relationships with others, often shaped by our earliest experiences. Understanding your attachment style can help you make sense of how you relate to those around you, offering insights into the patterns that might feel familiar in your connections. It’s a gentle tool for self-awareness, not a…
In any relationship, communication is the lifeline that keeps the connection strong and healthy. Yet, there are times when one partner may be left feeling unheard or misunderstood because the other avoids having a necessary conversation or doesn’t grasp the depth of an issue. But, when something significant remains unresolved, it can have profound effects…
Silent treatment, also known as stonewalling, is a common behaviour in relationships where one partner withdraws from communication, refusing to engage or acknowledge the other. This can leave the affected partner feeling isolated, ignored, and powerless. To truly understand the dynamics of silent treatment, we must explore its relationship with influence and power in the…
In our daily interactions, how often do we assume the worst about others? It’s easy to jump to negative conclusions, especially when we feel slighted or misunderstood. However, there’s a powerful concept championed by Brené Brown and supported by various research studies that can transform our relationships and foster a more inclusive and connected community….
Building meaningful connections is at the heart of what we do here at Quiet Connections. It’s about more than casual interactions; it’s about fostering spaces where everyone feels safe to be their authentic selves. Here, we explore the concept of psychological safety in our relationships – with partners, friends, and all those we cherish. What…
Love is a complex and multifaceted emotion that has intrigued humanity for centuries. One of the most influential theories that provide a comprehensive framework to understand love’s various dimensions is Robert Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love. Introduced in the late 1980s, this theory posits that love can be understood through three core components: intimacy, passion,…
In our ever-evolving understanding of emotions and their impacts on our lives, Barbara Fredrickson’s book “Love 2.0: Finding Happiness and Health in Moments of Connection” offers a refreshing perspective on love. Fredrickson, a leading researcher in the field of positive psychology, redefines love not as a stable, everlasting bond, but as a series of micro-moments…
In the realm of dating and relationships, the phenomenon of ghosting—a sudden disappearance without explanation—has become increasingly prevalent. Of course, we don’t agree with this approach at all. It isn’t kind and it can be utterly painful and bewildering to be ghosted, leaving you questioning your own worthiness, and if any part of the connection…
In 1992, Dr John Gray’s book Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus captured the public’s imagination by suggesting that men and women are so different in how they think, feel, and communicate that they might as well be from different planets. The book’s framework resonated with many, offering straightforward explanations for common relationship…
Chronic loneliness rose by over half a million people to 7.1% between 2020-2023 in the United Kingdom (UK) (McClelland, 2023) with almost half of all adults reporting feeling lonely occasionally, sometimes, often or always (Campaign to End Loneliness, 2023). Our social landscape has radically changed at a fast pace, reducing conditions for social connectedness despite…