Overheard at the mall: “She’s just gonna do it again! It always happens, so why should I go?” And, the reply: “Because you just have to!” (A conversation between two 30-something women that seemed to be about attending a family event.) Well…… adults rarely “just have to!” More often, the storyContinue Reading
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I’ve noticed that, as this holiday approaches, people seem to fall into one of three groups. Which group speaks to you? Most obvious to most of us are those who eagerly look forward to getting together with family and friends. These are the folks who are so excitedContinue Reading
Have you ever listened to two or more people doing what I call “parallel arguing?” Each person is so invested in making that all-important point, that no one hears anyone else! I’ve been spending way too much time lately listening to some political talk shows. Doesn’t matter which party, whatContinue Reading
Your family might not be so perfect — but changing your story can help you feel better.
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on family connections – mine and others. Some families really seem to get along well, have a collective sense of humor and mutual understanding, resolve differences eventually, and stay connected across miles and generations. Those are the fortunate folks that others tend to envy.Continue Reading
Change is supposed to happen quickly, right? Especially if we really, really want that change to happen! Well – maybe “quickly” does get us to those new habits – sometimes. However, more often, no matter how much we plan, think, promise – change takes a little more time than we might like.Continue Reading
Family communication challenges interest me. It doesn’t matter how old you are, how much you’ve grown, how successful you’ve become – going “home” again can make you feel like that kid you once were! My article on that topic has been linked to some professional Facebook pages and seems to have generatedContinue Reading
Sometimes, it’s not about you…. or about me….. Sometimes, that person who ignored us, was rude to us, was dismissive, may just be acting from a place neither you nor I can see at that moment. And, sometimes, it just isn’t worth it to download our anger onto that individual!Continue Reading
It was supposed to be just an ordinary conversation. All you really wanted was to get your point across – quietly and without conflict. But, suddenly, there you are again – in the middle of an argument you’d planned to avoid. And, once again, someone is angry at you –Continue Reading
HABIT: an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/habit) When I started this blog, my plan was to write at least two posts each week! Well – a quick glance at my posts will quickly show that I’m not even close to achieving thatContinue Reading
If only those folks who are so irritating knew how you really feel! How angry, frustrated, upset you get when they just haven’t gotten the point! If only they knew and would change their attitudes so that you could get your needs met and so that they could help youContinue Reading