Give the Gift of Gratitude
Most winter holidays focus on the theme of Light in the Darkness. Light inspires hope whether you are celebrating the birth of Christ, the sustaining oil of Hanukkah, or light…
Introverts and Extroverts: Bridging the Communication Gap
Most discussions of the introvert/extrovert trait explore how people on both ends of this continuum experience social situations. For example, extroverts generally feel energized by being with other people, whereas…
How to Listen Persuasively
The next time you’re trying to convince your spouse, child, friend, coworker or political opponent to understand your perspective about something, set your argument aside and try a different research-supported…
Relationship Remedies to Prevent Family Conflict from Ruining the Holidays
Are you excited about holiday gatherings with your family? Or are you dreading the prospect? How were your Thanksgiving or Hannukah family visits? During the holiday season we see lots…
It’s Time to Reconnect: How to Build and Deepen Friendships
This past year, loneliness has been searing for many people. For others, it’s been a relief to be off the hook of social obligations and to have more solitude. In…
True Love: Offering Emotional Wound Care
When someone is physically injured, we know to stop and provide care, whether it’s offering help with an ice pack or calling for emergency assistance. You stay with your injured…
Finding Home for the Holidays
This holiday season, I invite you to reconsider your experience of home. Usually the idea of home points to a settled and comforting living space. Going home for the holidays…
Welcome Your Friendly Ghosts
Across the world, varying by faith tradition, most cultures have some special way to honor the departed, such as All Souls’ Day or El Día de los Muertos (the Mexican…
Your Friendship Map
Imagine a map with miniature passport photos of your loved ones, tagging their geographic location. Where do your family and friends live? Hopefully, there is a cluster of connection near…
Authentic Connection
This Valentine’s Day, enhance your connection with your loved ones by sharing more genuinely with each other. Take a risk by asking deeper questions and reciprocate by sharing about yourself…