“I believe that appreciation is a holy thing and when we look for what’s best in a person we happen to be with, at the moment, we’re doing what God does all the time. So, in loving and appreciating our neighbor we’re participating in something sacred.” Fred Rogers How do we show appreciation to our…
Many of us have feel the righting urge when others are making mistakes. We try to right them, because it appears they are in a free fall. It works for cats but unfortunately, people often have the opposite reaction when we attempt to right them. They vigorously reject our corrections and either defend or go…
When someone hurts our feelings, it is hard to see beyond three choices: Have an angry confrontation Say nothing but get even Say nothing and feel bad Three examples: Bill felt angry at recent actions from his neighborhood HOA board. He fired off an angry email to the president. The president became defensive and forwarded…
Normal Varies I overheard my 5-year-old granddaughter murmured something about being normal. When I asked her what she meant she said, “My brother is old, my little sister is young and I am normal.” Her comment made me smile. As a middle child, her perspective makes sense. From a grandma’s viewpoint, all three children are…
Do you find yourself doubting your beauty? A recent Dove documentary shows an artist sketching with his back to women as they describe themselves. After first completion of the first sketch the artist draws the women as an acquaintance describes them. The second rendering is strikingly more attractive than the first; participants recognize they see…
Empathy is not only vital in presidential races but in communities and families as well. How the election turned on one empathy-lacking phrase from Hillary.
Family gatherings with difficult people can be demanding on our emotional resiliency. But keep in mind four basic rules for successful holiday gatherings.
Before you decide you’re in love, go through these questions and think about the character of the person you are considering marrying.
Using these strategies, it is possible to fight successfully with unfair people and either find common ground or maintain your integrity and self esteem.
Principles of successful relationships from my father’s life.