With many companies downsizing due to the current tight economy, it is not unusual for unemployment to befall unsuspecting families in greater numbers than ever before. Some famililes, already living from paycheck to paycheck, do not have the recommended six months of…
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July 24, 2013 Marriage and Divorce
Every marriage has its ups and downs and sometimes even problems that appear insurmountable. Navigating through a serious marital crisis could test faith, dashing hopes for future happiness. The first instinct might be to hide away from the world and wallow in despair. You…
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Having a positive work ethic increases chances of achieving success and personal fulfillment. Instilling a positive attitude toward work in offspring is more easily accomplished if the parents in the family both have a healthy attitude toward work. Families can…
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Polite conversation involves an equitable combination of speaking and listening. Conversations can be stimulating and thought-provoking, or they can be dull and boring, depending on the behavior and reactions of the parties involved in the verbal exchange. There are infractions of…
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When you find yourself housebound on a rainy day, view the time alone as a positive. It is not often that you have the opportunity to indulge yourself, without having to consider the needs of others. Instead of focusing on…
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In most cases, dating someone you work with every day might not be a good idea. Mixing work and play is apt to be fraught with pitfalls. However, in the event you are smitten by a coworker and cannot resist the urge to…
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When you make the decision to hold a social gathering where alcohol will be served, it is your responsibility as the host to mitigate the possibility of a guest overindulging, potentially harming himself, and spoiling your event. This is an…
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July 23, 2013 Marriage and Divorce
No matter how compatible you and your spouse are, trouble might invade the relationship in the form of toxic in-laws. Sometimes extended family members overstep boundaries, have controlling, overbearing personalities or other issues that could potentially make your life miserable,…
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Customs vary in different parts of the country and a distant relative may presume that, being family, they would be welcomed under any circumstance. Then there are the carefree sort who relish the fun aspect of showing up at your…
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Survivor’s guilt is the deep feelings of guilt one might experience after a catastrophic event where many lives were lost, but you survived. Survivors often have feelings of unworthiness, thinking they should have been the one to die in place…
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Some parents have difficulty letting go of their adult children. After years of being in charge, making decisions and choices for their offspring’s well-being, the transition from parent to parental friend is uncharted territory and a challenge at best. If…
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July 23, 2013 Marriage and Divorce
Life is not always kind and dementia shows no favorites; it is one of the cruelest potential hazards of aging. According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Health, one in seven Americans over the age of 71…
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One of the most difficult relationships to navigate might be between a newly-married individual and his/her mother-in-law. A person’s mother potentially knows her child more intimately than anyone and if that is not intimidating enough to a newlywed, all the…
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All life’s interactions become easier when they are approached with a confident attitude. Whether interviewing for a new job or mustering up the courage to ask someone on a first date, a confident demeanor can make all the difference in…
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Writing a message of condolence on a sympathy card can be a heartrending task. You might ponder longer, with pen poised over paper, than with any other type of correspondence. It is not easy to know what to say, even…
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Funeral flowers serve a dual purpose; their presence pays homage to the deceased, and at the same time, offers comfort to the grieving mourners. The funeral ceremony is an opportunity to offer a respectful tribute, and what better way than with…
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Romance is one area where little things truly do mean a lot. Possessing a romantic nature means paying attention to all the little details that might create feelings in another person that he/she is special.. When you are in a…
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Since you don’t get a vote in choosing your son-in-law, there could be a probability that you and your daughter’s significant other might not see eye to eye. Getting along with your son-in-law is imperative if you are to maintain…
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July 22, 2013 Marriage and Divorce
To build a healthy marriage you must begin with a strong foundation composed of unconditional love and mutual respect. Add layers of tolerance, compromise, honest communication, appreciation and a good measure of humor. Secure with realistic expectations and effective problem-solving…
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One might assume that sharing memories would bring family members closer together. Sometimes, however, attempting to reminisce about the old days creates conflict and discord, with siblings getting into heated arguments, each believing his/her memories are accurate and a sibling’s…
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July 21, 2013 Marriage and Divorce
When young or middle-aged persons decide to take the plunge again, or for the first time, we congratulate them, wish them well, and return to our busy lives. However, when an individual is 65+, we often feel justified in examining…
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July 21, 2013 Friends and Peers
Thinking about hosting your next class reunion? Times are changing and new technology is providing some fun alternatives for class advisors as they get ready to set up their next class reunion. If your class doesn’t already have their own…
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July 20, 2013 Friends and Peers
All friends are not created equal. Some friends are a joy to be around; they are upbeat and fun, but they also know when to be serious and supportive. When you are in the company of this type of friend,…
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July 20, 2013 Friends and Peers
It is fulfilling to have a life filled with friends. Some could be work buddies, others might be relatives who have common interests and thus extend to the category of friend. Some friends are elevated to the level of soul…
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July 20, 2013 Marriage and Divorce
With divorce rates topping 50% we accept that multiple marriages, blended families, step families and single parent families are an intrinsic part of our society’s landscape. Divorce affects all of us. We are either children of divorce, we experience divorce…
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All the technology that has invaded homes in recent decades appears to improve lives, but can appearances be deceiving? Does the convenience of modern technology really bring families closer together or encourage them to drift apart? Television, computers, video players and…
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One of the ways good friends nurture their relationship and maintain closeness, enjoying one another’s company, is by frequently going to lunch or dinner together. The same can be true of families; coming together regularly to enjoy a communal meal…
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Having a loving, close-knit family does not happen by accident. Being related to one another and living under the same roof are not the only requirements for a family to function effectively. Communicating, being organized and sharing common goals are…
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July 19, 2013 Marriage and Divorce
There are many factors that might influence whether a marriage will succeed or fail. Some circumstances are in the couple’s control and others are not. For example, a couple is more apt to remain married if their parent’s were happily…
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July 19, 2013 Marriage and Divorce
Expectations in marriage do change over the years as the couple matures and their relationship grows. Many of the expectations brought into a new marriage are a reflection of the background, impressions, and observations each person has previously experienced. Sometimes…
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