Tag: relationships

Your Nose Knows: New Science Suggests Scents Matter to Humans as Much as to Dogs

The human nose is not usually considered an asset. Most humans are more concerned with how our noses look than how they function, unless, that is, we’re plagued with sinus infections or have lost our sense of smell due to COVID. While strange dogs will enthusiastically and unabashedly sniff each other when they first meet,…


BFF Etiquette: The Rules That Form Lifelong Bonds

In teen years, a “best friend forever” can simply be someone who doesn’t gossip about you or steal your boyfriend. In later years, BFFs should be supportive, understanding, accepting, encouraging, dependable—and fun! Be Honest Being a best friend isn’t all unicorns and rainbows. A true friend is honest, which is easier said than done. If…


The Art of ‘No’: How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty

You’re not alone when it comes to finding it hard to say no. However, learning to use this simple two-letter word more will reduce stress, save you valuable time, and improve your overall quality of life. Firm No Saying no is much easier when you get the other person on your side. Thank them for…


A Life Coach’s Personal Playbook

Ignore your oppressive to-do list, life coach Kristen Glosserman says. Replace it with a shorter, more powerful and encouraging “do list” each day. Make one of the items on it your “commit”: If you accomplish nothing else, at the end of the day you’ll have completed this commitment. Make it something you’ve been avoiding, and…


Living in a Chaotic World: How to Keep Anxiety at Bay

Ella Fitzgerald sang that “into each life some rain must fall,” but it has felt like torrents of grief have fallen upon us in recent months or years. We all experience hardships and stress, and we are all very well-acquainted with that pit that forms in our stomach when nervousness takes hold. Many of us…


3 Tips Help One-Income Couples Remain Equals

Some couples mutually decide that they want to have a one-income household. But for others, the decision is made for them. The COVID-19 pandemic has left many in this situation, especially at its outset, when companies folded and jobs in hard-hit industries disappeared. And with schools and day cares closing so frequently, many couples may…


Coping With Loneliness

There’s a “Peanuts” cartoon panel that might make you smile or—thanks to our ongoing struggle with social isolation—even cry a little. Creator Charles Schulz’s famous hero, Charlie Brown, is lying in a puffy beanbag-type seat with a thought above his head: “Absence makes the heart grow fonder, but it sure makes the rest of you…


Genuine Gratitude: Make Your Next ‘Thank You’ a Meaningful One

Two of the most powerful words in the English language are “thank you.” Use them often and sincerely, so the recipient knows you’re not just practicing good etiquette, but are truly grateful. Thank You 101 Children are taught to say “thank you” at an early age, yet many adults find it awkward to convey the…


Zen of Busy: Continual Letting Go When You’re Overwhelmed

These past two weeks have been hectic and exhausting for me. My wife’s father passed away, and I’ve been in non-stop planning, coordinating, cooking, cleaning, driving around mode. Yesterday was the funeral, and it was a long, tiring and busy day. Incredibly sad, but busy. In the midst of this busyness, I’ve been trying to remember…


Life After Loss

Two months earlier, Mita’s partner had died suddenly. “I hate this. I hate it so much. When will it get better?” she asked. Her plea carried the familiar chest-crushing tune of grief. As a widow of three years, I knew too well that the truth would seem incongruous if not insulting. So all I said…