by Nancy | Aug 18, 2021
My parents used to bicker with each other almost every day, and it had a negative impact on me. I would barricade myself in my room and turn the stereo on full-blast so I couldn’t hear them. Even after I grew up and moved out, they continued to bicker in front...
by Nancy | Aug 11, 2021
Despite bearing the moniker of “Peacemaker,” the very nature of my job requires that I listen to and sort through the drama of others, often rolling my eyes without being noticed. This can be exhausting. Why do some people insist upon creating and/or...
by Nancy | Aug 4, 2021
Let’s assume you’re on the other end of a sincere apology. What happens next? Will a handshake or a hug be enough? Forgiveness is not easy. It’s a conscious choice, day by day, and sometimes even moment by moment. It’s a commitment, that’s for sure, with...
by Nancy | Jul 28, 2021
I happen to think that a sincere apology is important. Do you agree? We all apologize numerous times each day. There’s what I call the “oops-sorry” apology, when you accidentally bump into someone’s heels with your shopping cart. Also easily recognizable is the...
by Nancy | Jul 21, 2021
It occurs to me that life is like a giant relay race. So, in the spirit of the 2021 Summer Olympics, I’m going to belabor the analogy of passing the baton. Humor me. Have you ever thought that you’re the only one who can do something correctly? That if...
by Nancy | Jul 14, 2021
I think William Shakespeare said it best, “Neither a borrower nor a lender be . . .” [“Hamlet,” Act 1, Scene III.]Of course, that’s pretty much impossible. We have student loans, car loans, and mortgages. Who hasn’t hit up a parent or grandparent for an assist at one...
by Nancy | Jul 7, 2021
Wait. What? Our kids have grown up and now we’re the ones who are aging? How did that happen? Weren’t we watching their soccer games like a minute ago? If you’re at all aware of the emotional toll it takes to deal with aging parents, I’m...
by Nancy | Jun 30, 2021
If you’re fortunate enough to still have your parents around, I’m pretty sure you’ve had at least a passing thought about your role in their aging process. Perhaps you’re already dealing with some of these issues: 1. Care, safety, and...
by Nancy | Jun 23, 2021
Somehow, I’ve always understood that in order to have a friend, I had to be a friend. And contrary to the opinions of some, they are not the same. Being a friend means showing interest in the things that are going on in someone else’s life. Having a...
by Nancy | Jun 16, 2021
When we set our expectations too high, we are frequently disappointed. When we set them too low, our standards are often compromised. See what I mean? It’s all about balance. As someone who deals with conflict for a living, I have come to the more-or-less...
by Nancy | Jun 9, 2021
The answer is: It’s None of Your Business.The question is: What Not To Say When Someone Asks You A Personal Question.People have been asking me personal questions for my entire adult life. Here’s the deal: I don’t have children. I can’t tell you how many...
by Nancy | Jun 2, 2021
Jason was 100% convinced that Emily was having an affair and that she was entirely responsible for the end of their marriage. How was he so sure when he had absolutely zero evidence whatsoever? It didn’t matter to Jason because he knew it was true. Is truth...
