Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Really? How about “Actions speak louder than words.” I suppose both thoughts have merit. However, our words and ways we use them can have a profound effect on those around us. The words we use with our loved … Read More
Life in the Ivy Patch
I have (reluctantly) been doing yard work. There is one section that is overgrown with ivy (English, not poison) and has been overgrown with for so long now that I am uncertain if there ever was a yard there. (I have a faint memory of a yard.) I have learned … Read More
Clear Understanding
The other evening I had the occasion to babysit my grandchildren. Things were going very well until my two and a half year old granddaughter decided she would test her grandpa. She had been playing with some toys and left them scattered around the living room. That was not a … Read More
My Kid Has a Lot of Friend Drama…What Do I Do?
It can be hard to see your kid upset with their friend or lose a friendship. But most friend drama your kid experiences is a normal part of growing up and can even be an important part of their social development. Most friend drama such as a friend not wanting … Read More
Taxing Relationships
Taxes. A controversial topic to be sure. Some of us pay a much higher rate than we would like. Everyone pays. Recently, as I was working on my return (and complaining) I was struck with the thought of how I implement a form of taxes in relationships. Maybe you … Read More
Listening with the heart
Maybe you have seen the commercial where a couple is out for a romantic dinner yet all the while the male is checking a game while conversation is taking place with his partner. Sadly, the commercial makes light of something all too common in relationships – instead of being intentional … Read More
Friends
You remember the hit TV series…right? There was always something going on, whether it was one of their love lives or just everyday occurrences. They always seemed to be there for one another. Admittedly, some of their advice wasn’t always the best, but they were friends, and friends are there … Read More
Difficult People
Who are difficult people? They’re the ones who pour milk in your tea, just after you put in lemon. They’re those individuals who fail to say “good day” after you’ve said it to them five times. They’re people who leave the mess for you to clean up, even though you … Read More
Helping a friend in an abusive relationship
Melanie had it all, great friends and family, worked from home, lived in a nice neighborhood; all of her friends secretly wanted her life. But Melanie had a big secret of her own she hoped no one would ever find out about. When Melanie and her boyfriend would fight her … Read More
Back to School: Living with your New Roommate
Going off to college is probably one of the most exciting and scary times for a student. You are leaving home for the first time other than for summer camp or spending the night with a friend. Going to college is a lot different than the weekend or week or … Read More