by Nancy | Jan 25, 2023
I love a grand gesture. When I see videos of elaborate marriage proposals or clever invitations to the prom, I marvel at the creativity and effort put forth.  And don’t even get me started on gender reveal parties or showy flash mobs! I am completely in awe.  ...				
					
			
					
											
								
							
					
															
					
					 by Nancy | Jan 18, 2023
Take one look at my face and you’ll know exactly what I’m feeling.  Whether it’s joy, pain, frustration, surprise, or anger, I am comfortable showing my emotions.  When someone wins a car on The Price is Right, you’ll see happy tears rolling...				
					
			
					
											
								
							
					
															
					
					 by Nancy | Jan 11, 2023
It’s natural to label people by their occupations. She’s a cardiologist. He’s an accountant. They are teachers.  Labeling people by their job titles isn’t a bad thing.  Judging them for what kind of work they do is, on the other hand, patently...				
					
			
					
											
								
							
					
															
					
					 by Nancy | Jan 4, 2023
Statistics show that one in three Americans is either a stepchild, a stepsibling, or a stepparent. That’s a lot of blended families! Those of a certain age can certainly remember The Brady Bunch, but let’s not forget that it was a fictional family. There are celebrity...				
					
			
					
											
								
							
					
															
					
					 by Nancy | Dec 28, 2022
I’ll answer first.  I rarely make New Year’s resolutions because I cannot keep them.  One year, a friend and I resolved to not eat meat for the entire month of January.  I ate a hamburger on January 6th.  Obviously, I have zero willpower. How many times will you...				
					
			
					
											
								
							
					
															
					
					 by Nancy | Dec 21, 2022
Changes happen in life and, as a result, holidays may look different.  Whether you’ve relocated or lost your job, whether you’ve had a baby or are a newly empty nester, whether you’re married, divorced, or in a new relationship, or whether this is...				
					
			
					
											
								
							
					
															
					
					 by Nancy | Dec 14, 2022
Let me be clear, I do not have a son-in-law, so the title to this post is actually not about me. I was inspired by a woman I recently met at an anniversary party.  The second after she told me her name, she added that her newly married daughter was a lawyer, and that...				
					
			
					
											
								
							
					
															
					
					 by Nancy | Dec 6, 2022
I recently had a conversation with a friend about politics. Imagine that! Well, at least it started that way. What it almost turned into was a shouting match. Good thing I’m a peacemaker . . .Do you know people who raise their voices in order to convince you of...				
					
			
					
											
								
							
					
															
					
					 by Nancy | Nov 30, 2022
My name is Nancy, and I am an unsolicited advice giver. I am also solution oriented. As a Mediator, I am tasked with helping my clients to figure things out.  In my personal life, I’m responsible for making my own choices.   And along the way, I’m...				
					
			
					
											
								
							
					
															
					
					 by Nancy | Nov 23, 2022
Is it okay to simply ask “are you okay?”Maybe we need to distinguish between the physical okay and the emotional okay. Obviously, if your toddler takes a tumble and starts to cry, the first thing you’re going to ask is if he’s okay. (Unless you’re my niece, Lisa,...				
					
			
					
											
								
							
					
															
					
					 by Nancy | Nov 16, 2022
Partners sometimes speak different languages about money. Whether it’s due to gender, cultural differences, or paycheck inequality, divergent attitudes towards spending and saving can destroy a relationship. In fact, according to many experts, it’s the second leading...				
					
			
					
											
								
							
					
															
					
					 by Nancy | Nov 9, 2022
Dolly Parton said it best:  “Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” I admit it. My life isn’t exactly in balance these days. I’m focusing way more time on work than I am on play. And working mostly from home means...