Never Say Never (Three Minute Read)

Never Say Never (Three Minute Read)

If I had a dollar for every time my mom told me, “Never say never,” I’d have a ton of money.  Did anyone ever suggest the same to you? There’s definitely wisdom in that.When you’re in an argument with your kid, do you find yourself making...
The Psychology of Competition (Three Minute Read)

The Psychology of Competition (Three Minute Read)

I am competitive.  It shows up in my day-to-day choices for entertainment, like being an NFL fan and a devotee of the British Baking Championship.  I play word games every day, competing against myself or the anonymous online masses.  I also sometimes (well, often...
Valentine’s Day Isn’t for Everyone (Three Minute Read)

Valentine’s Day Isn’t for Everyone (Three Minute Read)

I recently had a conversation with my happily married niece. It kind of went like this:Me: What are you doing to celebrate Valentine’s Day?Her: Nothing. It’s a stupid holiday.Me: Why do you think it’s stupid?Her: Because we don’t need a date on the calendar telling us...
Admit It.  We All Gossip (Three Minute Read)

Admit It. We All Gossip (Three Minute Read)

According to dictionary.com, gossip is “idle talk or rumor especially about the personal or private affairs of others.”  It typically happens outside the presence of the person who is in the spotlight and, like it or not, we all do it.   I think we can...
It’s The Little Things (Three Minute Read)

It’s The Little Things (Three Minute Read)

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.  ...
Expressing Emotions (Three Minute Read)

Expressing Emotions (Three Minute Read)

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...
What We Do Is Not Who We Are (Three Minute Read)

What We Do Is Not Who We Are (Three Minute Read)

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...
My Family Looks Nothing Like The Brady Bunch! (Three Minute Read)

My Family Looks Nothing Like The Brady Bunch! (Three Minute Read)

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...
Do You Make New Year’s Resolutions?  (Three Minute Read)

Do You Make New Year’s Resolutions? (Three Minute Read)

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...
Is It Time for a New Holiday Tradition? (Three Minute Read)

Is It Time for a New Holiday Tradition? (Three Minute Read)

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...
My Son-In-Law is in Prison (Three Minute Read)

My Son-In-Law is in Prison (Three Minute Read)

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...
How Important is it to be Right? (Three Minute Read)

How Important is it to be Right? (Three Minute Read)

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...