Give Me a Break! (Three Minute Read)

Give Me a Break! (Three Minute Read)

I recently had a conversation with one of my favorite people in the universe. (You know who you are . . .) We covered the usual topics: business, politics, and family.  During our call, I complimented him on his parenting skills.  Instead of simply saying...
Is Divorce Harder on Women or on Men?  (Three Minute Read)

Is Divorce Harder on Women or on Men? (Three Minute Read)

I’ve been wondering about the different ways men and women approach divorce, deal with it, and how people survive it. And although every situation is unique, I’ve come to the conclusion that most men think they have it harder than women as they’re navigating a...
Friend Custody (Three Minute Read)

Friend Custody (Three Minute Read)

Often during a divorce mediation, I will ask my clients about their support systems.  It’s important that they have loyal friends to lean on during these emotional times. A few years ago, my close friends announced they were getting a divorce, I wasn’t the...
Can a Reconciliation Be Successful? (Three Minute Read)

Can a Reconciliation Be Successful? (Three Minute Read)

Once in a blue moon, I get a call from a divorce client telling me that the couple has reconciled. It’s news I’m always happy to hear, especially if they have children and even more especially, if they’re willing to do the work. Unfortunately, what typically happens...
Help! My Ex Won’t Leave Me Alone (Three Minute Read)

Help! My Ex Won’t Leave Me Alone (Three Minute Read)

In my divorce mediation practice, I occasionally hear from a client who is struggling with an annoying ex.  I hear that the former spouse can’t seem to let go of the past and is desperately seeking a reconciliation.  (Emphasis here on “desperate.”)  ...
I Like Small Talk (Three Minute Read)

I Like Small Talk (Three Minute Read)

As a divorce and family mediator, I am involved in multiple, deeply serious conversations every day.  Listening to my clients, and more importantly, helping them listen to each other, is critical to the success of each and every mediation.   So, maybe I’m like...
Can Arguing Be Beneficial?  (Three Minute Read)

Can Arguing Be Beneficial? (Three Minute Read)

It’s ironic that professionally, I help other people resolve conflict, yet in my personal life, I am decidedly conflict averse.  Despite my attempts to avoid them, when I find myself getting sucked into an argument, I push back, defend myself, and go to the...
Lying to your Kids (Three Minute Read)

Lying to your Kids (Three Minute Read)

What happens when your kids catch you in a lie? Do you lose all credibility forever?  When I was about 5 or 6 years old, I heard the term “white lie” for the first time, directly from my mom.  (I Googled the expression to make sure it wasn’t racist...
Do You Believe in Luck?  (Three Minute Read)

Do You Believe in Luck? (Three Minute Read)

People who win Powerball, the Lottery, or a ginormous slot machine jackpot are definitely lucky. How about winners of the Super Bowl, the NBA Championship, the Stanley Cup, or the World Series? Are they lucky?  Am I lucky when I make every green light along Eastern...
Oh, the Shame! (Three Minute Read)

Oh, the Shame! (Three Minute Read)

Despite all the news about cyber-bullying, shaming is not solely a social media phenomenon. I can trace it back to my childhood (way, way before the internet), when my kindergarten teacher, “Miss Brooks,” shamed me in front of the whole class. I innocently...