Empathy – Easier for Some Than for Others (Three Minute Read)

Empathy – Easier for Some Than for Others (Three Minute Read)

My divorce mediation clients often accuse each other of not having empathy.  And I find myself tossing the word around like it’s commonplace. Honestly, I used to think either you have it or you don’t, and if you don’t, it’s too late to learn. ...
No Good Deed Goes Unpunished (Three Minute Read)

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished (Three Minute Read)

I confess that I intensely dislike the title of this article.  It’s cynical, negative, and is typically used in the context that when someone does something good or helpful, they may experience adverse consequences or hardships as a result.  In other words,...
Impasse? (Three Minute Read)

Impasse? (Three Minute Read)

Whether you’re negotiating a real estate deal or which movie to see, occasionally you’re going to encounter an immovable force. You want to get your way but it’s not looking good. Do you cave? Will you seem weak? Do you push? Will your actions be perceived as overly...
Choosing Peace Over Perfection (Three Minute Read)

Choosing Peace Over Perfection (Three Minute Read)

I am 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 even have a file in my phone labeled “Typos” to store the numerous pictures...
Rebuilding Broken Trust (Three Minute Read)

Rebuilding Broken Trust (Three Minute Read)

We already know that relationships require trust.  You trust the person who’s cleaning your house, and the babysitter who’s keeping your kids safe.  You trust that your employees will take good care of your customers, and you trust the instructor who’s teaching...
Stressed?  S.T.O.P. and Read This!  (Three Minute Read)

Stressed? S.T.O.P. and Read This! (Three Minute Read)

Everyone experiences some stress from time to time. Everyone can also admit to feeling anxiety from time to time. Many of us get angry more often than we’d like. In each and every moment of discontent, we all have the ability to deal with these negative emotions...
The Relationship Rollercoaster (Three Minute Read)

The Relationship Rollercoaster (Three Minute Read)

Relationships, like life itself, rarely have a smooth, upward trajectory. It’s natural to experience periods of closeness and harmony, as well as periods of distance and conflict. Understanding that “ups and downs” are a normal and inevitable part of...
Throwing in the Towel (Three Minute Read)

Throwing in the Towel (Three Minute Read)

If you’ve been married more than 20 years and are contemplating divorce, you’re not alone.  For more than 10 years, I have helped a surprising number of couples to end their long term marriages, some even after 45 years! This phenomenon has been labeled...
How Was Your Day?  (Three Minute Read)

How Was Your Day? (Three Minute Read)

Because I’m a divorce mediator, the interaction between partners is always interesting to me.  I pay particular attention to other diners when I’m at a restaurant.  If the couple seems to barely engage in conversation with each other, or if they seem to be...
Nicely Saying “No” (Three Minute Read)

Nicely Saying “No” (Three Minute Read)

I had an interesting discussion at a recent Adam’s Place meeting. (Adam’s Place is a non-profit organization supporting children and their families who have suffered the loss of a loved one. I have been facilitating the adult group for eight years, and...