by Nancy | Jan 16, 2017
You and your mother-in-law had the fight to end all fights. Granted, it was a long time ago, but it was never resolved. There was no (pardon the overused cliche) closure. There wasn’t even an agreement to disagree. Just silence. When absolutely necessary, you...
by Nancy | Jan 9, 2017
“My expectations were reduced to zero when I was 21. Everything since then has been a bonus.” So said the brilliant Stephen Hawking in a magazine interview. Guess what? I’m going to disagree with a genius. Lowering your expectations, in my...
by Nancy | Jan 2, 2017
An extraordinary person once said, “Friends should bring you joy.” Oh wait! That was me! And that is the barometer I use when nurturing my own friendships. I’ve been researching this question, and asking men and women alike whether it’s...
by Nancy | Dec 26, 2016
At one point or another during practically every divorce mediation session, I remind the soon-to-be-exes that they will be a family forever. Only their marital status and their living situation will change. I offer up scenarios where they’ll be together as a...
by Nancy | Dec 19, 2016
I recently heard a story about two elderly sisters who had been estranged for more than 30 years. There was a reconciliation of sorts at the older sister’s deathbed, but after she passed away, the younger sibling was left with guilt. She had missed out on...
by Nancy | Dec 12, 2016
Ok, you heard it. The apology. Hard to tell whether it was absolutely sincere, but you’re willing to give the benefit of the doubt. Now what? I often hear people use the worn out cliche, “forgive and forget.” Contrary to popular opinion, those...
by Nancy | Dec 5, 2016
Last year around the holidays, I began working with a couple divorcing after more than 30 years of marriage. “Mary” was determined to explain to me that she had read a text on “Bill’s” phone that she obviously wasn’t meant to see....
by Nancy | Nov 28, 2016
The recent passing of Florence Henderson made me nostalgic for The Brady Bunch, tv’s iconic sitcom about a blended family. Bringing it into the 20th century, let’s imagine that Mike Brady passed away many years ago, leaving his entire estate to his wife,...
by Nancy | Nov 21, 2016
As the days are getting shorter, and the holiday season is rapidly approaching, there are some people who dread the annual family dinner. In fact, I’d venture to say that each and every one of us has an Uncle Jake, or a sister-in-law Alice, who annoys the hell...
by Nancy | Nov 13, 2016
I recently listened to an emotional voicemail from a former divorce mediation client, Jenny. She said that her 11 year old daughter, Courtney, was crying hysterically over her dad’s break-up with yet another girlfriend. Jenny wanted to know if a post-divorce...
by Nancy | Nov 7, 2016
As a divorce and family Mediator, I have witnessed great success in the peaceful, respectful resolution of highly emotional situations. There are many reasons for the success, not the least of which is the spirit of compromise most of my clients bring to the table....
by Nancy | Oct 31, 2016
“Life always offers a second chance. It’s called tomorrow.” – Dylan Thomas Months ago, I had the opportunity to speak before a group of young women in business. I prepared a brief presentation on communication in the workplace, but as it turned...
