by Nancy | Dec 20, 2023
Both the ancient Greeks and the ancient Romans used an olive branch as a symbol of peace. The expression, “to extend an olive branch,” is often used as a metaphor for reconciliation. And now as the new year approaches, I tend to think about relationships, especially...
by Nancy | Dec 13, 2023
Anybody who knows me will agree that I’m a stickler for proper spelling, grammar, and manners. I’ve been known to reply to random posts on Facebook to point out the difference between “your” and “you’re.” I’ve reminded strangers to say “thank you” to the person...
by Nancy | Dec 6, 2023
I was raised by a Jewish mother. I think that makes me an expert on guilt. Religion notwithstanding, I’m going out on a limb to state that everyone has felt guilty about something. And I think we can all agree that guilt is not fun. So, many of us stay in an...
by Nancy | Nov 29, 2023
Until about a year ago, I had never watched a Hallmark movie. It’s not that I’m a snob with high standards. Anyone who knows me will attest to that. And it’s not that I have anything against romance. On the contrary, I absolutely love love. So, for “research...
by Nancy | Nov 22, 2023
Let’s start with a quick quiz:Question 1: Your spouse just got fired. Do you (a) sit quietly and listen to how it all came down, or (b) suggest that he look at the situation from another perspective?Question 2: Your office mate just told you she had sex with her...
by Nancy | Nov 15, 2023
What comes to your mind when you read the title of this article? Is it the commonly used term for a basketball fundamental? Or is it the “Friends” episode with Ross and the sofa? Dictionary.com had 14 definitions for the word. My favorite is #6: ...
by Nancy | Nov 7, 2023
Tempers often flare during divorce and custody mediations, so dealing with emotions is a large part of what I do.For example, last year I worked with a divorcing couple who had two kids. According to “Molly,” her husband had a drinking problem. “Mike” admitted that he...
by Nancy | Nov 1, 2023
Have you ever lost your wallet? Do you remember that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach at the moment you realized it was gone? You retraced your steps and then contacted the store manager, who told you that it had just been turned in to the lost and found. ...
by Nancy | Oct 25, 2023
One of life’s greatest joys (I am told) is being a grandparent. It’s likely one of the purest expressions of unconditional love, ranking right up there with how your dog or cat feels about you at dinnertime. Pure? Yes. And complicated? Maybe. ...
by Nancy | Oct 18, 2023
As a divorce and family mediator, I sometimes think I specialize in the grudges of others. And I confess, I’ve had one or two of my own (although seriously, not more than two). Do we forgive and forget? I think not. Forgiveness is easier for me than...
by Nancy | Oct 11, 2023
“The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.” ~ Khalil GibranFor more than five years, I’ve had the privilege of volunteering for www.AdamsPlaceLV.org, which is a phenomenal non-profit helping children to deal with the loss of a...
by Nancy | Oct 4, 2023
Let me tell you about a divorce mediation I conducted with a couple ending their 30-year marriage. “Mary” was determined to share that she had read a text on “Bill’s” phone that she obviously wasn’t meant to see. I let her vent about Bill’s infidelity and looked for...
