Hoarding is an obsessive compulsive disorder that involves saving possessions, acquiring new possessions and being resistant to discarding or giving away possessions. Hoarding often accompanies other mental issues, such as dementia or depression. When a person hoards, often times family…
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February 16, 2015 Communication
A good conversation involves a mutual exchange of thoughts and ideas. An important component to skillful communication is learning how to engage another with enthusiasm. One way to stimulate a conversation is to ask questions. By asking questions you can…
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February 15, 2015 Style and Beauty - Other
It is sometimes difficult to separate fact from fiction regarding beauty tips that have been passed down over time. Some contain an element of truth, but most fall into the category of “old wives tales.” Ten common beauty myths in circulation…
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February 11, 2015 Communication
Many people experience shyness. Some spend their entire life trying to overcome the tendency to be shy. Shyness can be the result of lack of confidence, lack of experience or lack of exposure to social interaction with others. Shyness can…
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When work and family life become out of balance, stress levels for everyone in the family are bound to soar. The consequences of a poor work/life balance are apt to be fatigue bordering on burn-out and decreased connection with family…
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It is customs and traditions that give special meaning to the holidays. Events that family members can look forward to year after year, adding a deeper dimension to the holiday, strengthening the family bond and creating lasting memories. Some traditions…
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Some families seem to possess a secret formula for success when it comes to being happy as a unit. Their family members get along well, have close, loving relationships with each another and generally appear happier than other families. According…
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Plus-size clothing modeled by anyone but plus-size models is equivalent to false advertising. A duplicate of the plus-sized item has to be created to fit the regular sized model. The actual item available for purchase is not the same as…
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Even the most loving of families might have a challenge maintaining peace and harmony if a code of behavior is not implemented in their home. Establishing some “house rules” is an effective way to ensure that all family members are…
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When inclement weather causes school to be canceled, highways to close and businesses to shut down, there are two options; bundle up and have fun outdoors in the snow, or cuddle up and stay warm together indoors, enjoying a cozy…
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Businesses routinely practice setting identifiable goals as a means of achieving high levels of productivity and financial success. Families could adopt the same technique to ensure their individual members are all enabled to maximize their potential and garner satisfying careers…
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The image of a large multi-generational family group gathered around the Christmas tree sharing holiday traditions does not align with reality for many people, who may have only a couple of family members, or might live far away from their…
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January 16, 2015 Marriage and Divorce
Bringing up a spouse’s flaws without causing a rift in the relationship takes tact and skillful communication. Criticism is difficult to digest, especially when the source is a trusted partner. Becoming upset or angry might be a predictable reaction to…
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Whether you are firmly grounded in a career, or just starting out, there are certain essential wardrobe items to acquire in order to ensure you make a good impression and are viewed as a serious businesswoman. When making clothing purchases,…
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January 9, 2015 Marriage and Divorce
It is a fallacy to assume because someone is divorced that individual has somehow “failed.” To remain in a questionable relationship would be a failure. To divorce, move on, and improve your life circumstance is a success. There are myriad…
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One of the keys to positive interpersonal relationships is possessing good communication skills. Our style of communication is critical to building rapport with others. Starting sentences with a command is a less than satisfactory way to build rapport. No one…
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Three subjects to avoid in the workplace are money, religion and politics. Politics in particular can be a touchy subject. Especially during “hot topic” times such as the period before elections. What begins as a benign conversation can easily deteriorate into…
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In order to have a viable relationship with another human being, you have to accept and embrace the whole person. Everyone has shortcomings. The desire to be perfect, and to be surrounded by perfection, is a flaw in perception of…
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Some people spend their entire lives never getting what they want, simply because they do not know how to ask. They end up feeling deprived, disappointed and resentful much of the time. When you neglect to ask for what you…
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One important component to good communication is careful listening. It is not enough to simply hear what is being said. In order to absorb the full content and meaning, it is necessary to practice active listening. Too often during a…
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December 31, 2014 Communication
Distinctive speech patterns is one of the ways we are unique from one another. You might not even realize that you can be identified by certain verbal quirks in your manner of speaking, for when you are talking you really…
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December 31, 2014 Communication
If you have committed an infraction that requires you to apologize, it is a good idea to understand what a sincere apology encompasses. You do not want to add insult to injury by offering an apology that might be perceived as less than…
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December 31, 2014 Communication
An important component of skillful communication is being a good listener. Carefully listening to what others say is the way to avoid misunderstandings, hurt feelings and confusion. It can be embarrassing to have someone say, “But, I already told you,…
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Trusting one another is a key element in successful familial relationships. To establish and maintain peace and harmony in a household, it is imperative that the various family members hold one another in high regard and treat one another with…
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Possessing a positive work ethic is key to the level of success an individual might achieve in life. It is a challenge for parents to balance wanting the best for their children and also wanting their children to develop a…
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Family reunions are a wonderful way for extended families to establish and maintain a close bond. Some families schedule an annual event while others may choose to hold family reunions sporadically over the years, often to mark milestones or special…
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With the sagging economy and high price of gas, people are opting to stay closer to home this summer. Vacations to distant places have given way to the popular, trendy “Staycation.” There are several valid reasons why a staycation might actually…
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In the current economic climate it is difficult for some young adults to afford moving out on their own. Much as they might want to exert their independence, the harsh reality is that they may have to live at home longer…
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The best recipe for a happy family combines unconditional love with acceptance, tolerance and flexibility. Add generous amounts of laughter and fun. Spice up with celebrations, traditions and generous amounts of time together. Top with family pride and the result will be a family…
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With divorce on the rise, domestic violence cases overloading the court system, teen pregnancies and runaway youth in staggering numbers, latchkey youngsters roaming free without supervision, one has to wonder what has happened to the traditional family unit; can stability…
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