Oteriz Take

  Opposite-sex friendships have become one of the most misunderstood and emotionally charged issues in modern relationships. Many boyfriends feel uncomfortable when their girlfriends have male friends, just as many husbands dislike their wives maintaining close friendships with other men. At the same time, many girlfriends argue that a boyfriend—especially one they are not married to—does not have the right to tell them who they should or should not be friends with. This clash often feels personal, but it is rarely just about friends; it is about trust, autonomy, commitment, and boundaries. For many men, discomfort around male friends comes from fear rather than control. Jealousy, insecurity, past experiences of betrayal, cultural expectations, and a desire to protect a relationship all play a role. These emotions are human and understandable. However, feeling uncomfortable does not automatically grant the right to control another person’s social life. Emotions explain reactions, b...

We grow up being told that  love  is what binds two people together. Movies, songs, and social media frame it as the ultimate emotional force—something magical and mysterious. But if you strip away the romance, what many people call love is often something far more practical: dependence. Not dependence in a negative or shameful sense, but dependence as a fundamental human behavior. Most relationships revolve around shared needs: happiness, validation, comfort, connection, intimacy, and support. People often talk about “love” as if it’s some unique emotional force, but often what differentiates a romantic partner from a close friend isn’t the depth of conversation—it’s the expectations surrounding those conversations. With a close friend, conversations can be honest, deep, vulnerable, humorous, and reflective. You might share fears, frustrations, dreams, and secrets. A best friend can know your history, your weaknesses, and your strengths. Yet despite the depth, the emotional e...

These days, the word “nonchalant” gets thrown around a lot, especially to describe people who don’t constantly express their love using words.  But the truth is, not everyone shows affection the same way.  Some love loudly, others love quietly — and both styles are valid. Consistency, loyalty, support, and presence can speak just as loudly as daily “I love you’s.” At the same time, the need for reassurance is completely understandable. Some people feel safe when they hear love expressed verbally.  Their need doesn’t make them clingy or dramatic — it simply means they value emotional security. The problem appears when reassurance becomes a requirement every single day, like a test someone has to pass forever. That kind of pressure can make people feel like their natural way of loving isn’t enough. Life also gets busy. There are moments — sometimes even two weeks or more — where someone might be overwhelmed, stressed, or pulled in different directions. During those times, t...