by Nancy | Jan 10, 2018
When I was a young paralegal working for a large law firm in downtown Los Angeles, I was a quiet, insecure, rule-following employee who ate lunch by myself every day. I definitely had a different personality at work than at home, and it was very stressful for me to...
by Nancy | Jan 3, 2018
For my first blog in the new year, I was all set to write something inspirational. And then this happened: a couple going through a particularly ugly break-up, confessed to me that they fight in front of their kids. And they said they can see how it’s...
by Nancy | Dec 27, 2017
First, let me be perfectly honest. I have no willpower. That being said, I rarely make New Year’s resolutions because I cannot keep them. But maybe 2018 will be different . . . How many times will you be asked within the next week about your New Year’s...
by Nancy | Dec 20, 2017
I recently had a sad conversation with a daughter who’s having difficulty communicating with her old-school dad. When I was in college, we called it a generation gap and I think that’s still a good description. But that scenario gave me food for thought:...
by Nancy | Dec 13, 2017
What issues might be of concern to your aging parents or grandparents? Maybe one or more of these: 1. Care, safety, and comfort; 2. Physical situation; 3. Sexuality/companionship; 4. End of life decisions; and 5. Mental capacity Wow! Tough stuff. We tend to avoid...
by Nancy | Dec 6, 2017
My mom liked to move the furniture around. On any given day, and for no particular reason, I’d come home from school to find the living room couch on the opposite wall, or my dad’s recliner somewhere new. Those minor changes in the house made me feel...
by Nancy | Nov 29, 2017
You’ve talked (and listened) to the point of exhaustion, and you’ve both agreed to the second chance concept (for a quick reminder, click here). You’re ready for a fresh start, but there’s a nagging doubt in the back of your mind as to...
by Nancy | Nov 22, 2017
I’m a big believer in second chances, and in third, fourth — well maybe I’ll stop there. I know from personal as well as from professional experience that there isn’t an ‘always’ or a ‘never’ when it comes to second...
by Nancy | Nov 15, 2017
Do you dread Thanksgiving with your family? Is it because of your mother-in-law’s condescending questioning? Or your dad’s inability to engage in a decent conversation? Does your sister pretend the dried-out turkey is the best one yet? Are you the only...
by Nancy | Nov 8, 2017
We’ve all heard about the seven stages of grief: shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, testing, and acceptance. Does the same model work when you’ve been fired? Let’s assume you weren’t fired because of your age, race, gender, religion,...
by Nancy | Nov 1, 2017
You want out. The relationship is over. You’re beyond ready to move out and move forward, but she’s threatening to hurt herself. Or worse. IMPORTANT: Threats of suicide can be very real. Make sure you get in touch with a suicide prevention and/or support...
by Nancy | Oct 25, 2017
People sometimes ask me for advice about communication. And to be perfectly honest, sometimes I give it without being asked. (Note to self: write blog about people who provide unsolicited advice. ) In the meantime, here are a few examples: Question: Carrie’s sister...
