Supporting someone we care about is often an expression of love, compassion and responsibility. We offer help when people struggle, stand beside them during difficult seasons and sometimes make sacrifices to help them find their footing again. But an important psychological question arises: at what point does helping someone begin Read more
There is a scene that seems to repeat itself with worrying regularity on Kenyan roads. A lorry overturns, its cargo spills onto the road, and within minutes, a crowd gathers. But often, they are not there to help. They are there to help themselves. Sacks of maize, crates of soda, Read more
From a psychological perspective, avoiding confrontation is rarely just about being afraid of arguments. Sometimes, what looks like avoidance is a learned way of protecting oneself. For some people, the pattern begins early in life. A child may grow up in an environment where disagreement is met with anger, punishment, Read more
People-pleasing is often mistaken for kindness. But sometimes, behind the constant need to please others is a much deeper psychological pattern. For some people, it begins early. A child performs well in school and receives praise. Good grades bring approval. Being obedient brings acceptance. Making parents proud becomes a source Read more
Sometimes, what we call a “difficult employee” is an employee who has been struggling for a long time. The person who has suddenly become withdrawn. The employee whose performance has changed. The colleague who is increasingly irritable. The person who no longer participates in meetings the way they used to. Read more
There is a psychological concept that deserves more attention than it often receives: enabling. Enabling is not always about doing something obviously wrong. Sometimes, it looks like kindness. Sometimes, it looks like patience. Sometimes, it is simply choosing not to confront a difficult situation. We may tell ourselves that we Read more
There is a kind of pain that does not come from being misunderstood. It comes from being understood, held in confidence, and then exposed without consent. Human beings are naturally wired for connection. When life becomes emotionally heavy, we reach for others. We confide. We look for understanding, relief, or Read more