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“The biggest devil is me. I’m either my best friend or my worst enemy,” Whitney told Diane Sawyer in a 2002 interview with her then-husband Bobby Brown. Brown, who had a bad-boy image, would be arrested several times over the years on DUI charges and failure to pay child support. It was the prelude to the epic fall of a superstar with a once squeaky-clean image, religious roots and spiritual influence.

Interestingly, Whitney commented that their personalities were not that far apart. In 1993, she told Rolling Stone “When you love, you love. I mean, do you stop loving somebody because you have different images? You know, Bobby and I basically come from the same place.” She later revealed that it was around this time that she became drug dependent. She suffered anxiety, unable to meet expectations and continue at that level of success. She began to care about herself less and less, evidenced by drug abuse, poor judgment and public meltdowns. Like many superstars, she was surrounded by people who were dependent on her and  who also enabled her.  Whitney could not get a reality check! Continue reading →

As people and professionals, we all have obstacles, gaps and blind spots that prevent us from reaching our career goals. Historically, young adults were encouraged to engage a mentor for personal development, educational pursuits, career advancement and networking. In today’s ultra-competitive job market, having a mentor is just not enough. A Virtual Personal Board of Directors (VPBOD) – instant access to a robust consortium of resources – is now a “must have” for navigating all the stages of a successful career. Continue reading →

Learning the Art of Fair Fighting is essential to a lasting relationship. Many people view fighting as bad and destructive. It is important to accept that no two people think or feel exactly alike; disagreements are unavoidable and are a natural part of all relationships. 

Think of fighting as an effort to negotiate differences in a relationship. The trick is to learn to negotiate in a manner that is mature and respectful. How you fight will enhance or damage your relationship. Disagreements about money, household chores, sex, parenting, jobs, extended family, time and socialization are all universal grievances that lead to fights. Continue reading →

Authentic friendship is the key to long-term healthy and happy relationships.

During the course of a lifetime, most people report having had lovers that have come and gone but friendships that have stood the test of time. There is no doubt that combining love and friendship makes for a stronger lasting connection.

Research shows that one of the primary predictors of a successful long-term relationship is having a strong friendship at the base. Fun, collaboration, trust, good interaction and dependability comprise the foundation of a high-quality friendship — and are necessary for a long-term, fulfilling relationship. In other words, having a deep friendship greatly enhances the quality of an intimate relationship.  Continue reading →

The Urban Dictionary defines the term bromance as “the complicated love and affection shared by two straight males.” Now you know why this term is not widely recognized!  Many men are reluctant to admit that they are involved in a “bromance”, even despite the increased publicizing of the term in recent years due to popular television shows.

Throughout history, close-knit emotional relationships are generally what women have been known for. Women can easily tell girlfriends that they love them, and even show physical affection towards them without fear of disapproval. Men on the other hand, are often restrained by the stereotype of masculinity, and what it means to be a real man. Historical roles and societal pressures frequently force men to hide the fact that they are emotionally attached to their buddies. Due to the impact of homophobia, sadly, many straight men feel as if they must make extra effort to prove to the world that they are,  straight. Continue reading →

The checkbook is often the primary reason for fights and failed relationships! Yet, money is often the least discussed topic prior to couples committing.Whether you have a lot or a little, one thing is universal to all: some amount of agreement on money matters is crucial for the survival of a healthy relationship.

 Discussions about money are often delayed or never had until after a commitment. Most of us grew up with the belief that discussing money is not polite and should remain private. Therefore, warning signs of money troubles are often ignored especially if everything else seems right. This is especially true if the person is overspending in the name of love e.g. gifts, restaurants, trips, outfits, etc…since you are not privy to the entire financial picture, it is easy to believe that the person is financially responsible and generous. Continue reading →