Keeping It Together: Am I the only one struggling to watch these Olympics?

Happy Saturday! Jenna Ryu here. 

It's been a busy week, and the Olympics have been on my mind – even though at times I have found it hard to watch. Why? So many of athletes seem to be struggling. 

This week, I dug into the backlash Mikaela Shiffrin has received throughout what has been a very tough Winter Games for her. Shiffrin is grappling with the recent death of her father. 

The experts I spoke to said the hate is all too common, especially from those who don't understand our athletes' pressure to be the best.

"There's already so much pressure for the Olympics because all eyes are on you … but it wasn't just the normal Olympics this year. There was a lot of uncertainty about whether and how they would happen," explained Sian Beilock, president of Barnard College at Columbia University and a cognitive scientist who specializes in sports psychology. 

And the hate can be debilitating. Take, for instance, Zhu Yi, the 19-year-old U.S.-born figure skater competing for China, and the harsh online criticism she received for falling. According to CNN, the hashtag "Zhu Yi Has Fallen" reached 200 million views on the social media website Weibo. 

Beilock says we have a "one-dimensional" view of athletes. It's assumed that their worth revolves around their athletic abilities, and it's shortsighted to pretend they aren't vulnerable humans capable of messing up.

Those comments really got me thinking, and I have certainly been watching the Olympics this year through a different lens. 

Have you been enjoying the Winter Games? What do you think of the backlash Shiffrin and Zhu received? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and to read more about the situation, click here.

Yes, people are seeking out sex therapy. It's nothing to be ashamed of.

People – generally – love sex. But that doesn't mean every person loves talking about sex. Especially when issues arise with their partner.

My colleague, David Oliver, reported on why people are trying sex therapy. 

"It's like dipping your toes into the shallow end of sexual communication," says Ian Kerner, a licensed psychotherapist and sexuality counselor. "But very quickly today's couples are figuring out how to swim."

Sex therapists help individuals or couples with emotional, psychological or physical concerns surrounding sex, which can include erectile dysfunction, painful intercourse and relationship and communication problems, as well as dealing with the aftermath of sexual abuse, incest and rape.

"If someone says that they're in distress, we want to believe them, and we don't want to invalidate their distress," says Vanessa Cushing, a resident in counseling at Sunstone Counseling. "So whatever I think might be going on with someone, it doesn't really matter. Because if they're in distress, they're in distress."

This is a look at one of our subscriber stories, click here to read more. 

My partner is getting close with his flirty coworker. Can I demand he quit his job?

A lot of you had interesting thoughts on last week's advice column about a boyfriend whose attitude changed after moving in together. Reader Christine Barrett suggested a re-evaluation of the relationship.

"Tell her to have him move out until he is less volatile and displays temper control and making-up skills," she wrote. "Our culture lets men get away with these flair ups but they are toxic for family life."

In our latest advice column, a person asked the following: "My partner and I have been dating for almost two years and have had a pretty healthy relationship from the start. We met at work and have been really close ever since. In March 2021, I quit that job, however, my partner still works there. One of the new women that was hired is getting way too comfortable around my partner... 

I told him it bothered me, but he said I have nothing to worry about. I have asked him to stop contacting her, but I don't know if he has adhered to that. I think I trust him, but there’s just a part of me that doesn’t, and I know how girls act when guys give them attention. Am I wrong for wanting him to quit his job?" 

Our advice columnist, Morgan Absher, didn't hold back. You can read her response here. Have thoughts? Share them with us here and we may include your advice in a future newsletter.

Today's reads

• We’re lonely. Why’s it so hard to do something about it?
• Kanye West is back in the news for his Instagram posts. Why we shouldn't pay attention.
• Do I really have to tell my partner all my secrets? The Millennial therapist weighs in.
• When someone is grieving, is an emoji really enough?
• Everyone is talking about biotin supplements. Here's what you need to know.

Today's pet

Meet Lucy, an adorable beagle from Massillon, Ohio.

We shared a photo of this sweet pup balancing an empty Gatorade bottle on her head. What a talent!

"Our beagles Lucy and her sister, Sally, have since crossed the Rainbow Bridge. They sure brought our family of seven great joy," writes reader Margaret Coffey.

This picture of Lucy sure is bringing us some smiles this week too. 

Thanks to everyone for reading! Remember you can send pet photos, coping tips and anything else to our email. 

Enjoy the long weekend!

Jenna Ryu