As you read that title, you may immediately pull up images of people that contribute to your happiness, as well as those who don’t. You may think of how well you get along with certain friends or where you clash with siblings (or the other way around). But according to the Journal of Personality and…
You may be thinking, “I certainly hope not.” But far too many people are. As a recent study pointed out, “That little screen is always nearby – in our pocket or backpack, on the nightstand or under the pillow – beckoning us.” The average person touches their phone 2,617 times per day. That is nearly…
It’s been a long week and you are looking forward to going out to dinner with your spouse. For some reason you have been thinking all day about Mexican food. Your mouth is watering for some chips and salsa. Your mate comes through the door and says, “I’m hungry. I thought maybe we could try…
From time to time I will see ads on TV that proclaim that the decision to buy their particular product is not a complicated one. And sometimes, that may be true. But I want to tell you a simple story today that exemplifies this idea of a decision not being complicated. In August of this…
We all have times when conversation flows pretty easily, as well as other occasions when communication can be strained. Then there are those times when it is downright difficult. So, what can you do to jump start your conversations with your mate? I want to suggest 4 strategies today to help reinvigorate your communication. 1)…
Another way of asking this question might be – what do you think about? Or what do you focus on? Psychologists have documented some of the benefits of regular meditation, such as clearing the mind, reducing anxiety, increasing calmness, and so on. Some individuals will focus on a word or a phrase and perhaps repeat…
So, how does your marriage stack up with everyone else’s? Are you doing better than most or are you fearful that you are falling behind where you should be (whatever that means)? Or maybe a better question to ask is, “What does it matter?” Social media was originally created with probably good intent. However, it…
Last time we looked at the benefits of embracing anticipation. It impacts our mood and overall well-being when we learn to appreciate the art of looking forward to something. So many times, people, kids especially, view delayed gratification as a negative or even as a punishment. I remember as an elementary kid, my grandmother promising…
That’s not a difficult question to answer. Of course they do – many times the same way that we disappoint them. So, maybe a better question to ask would be – what are some good ways to handle disappointment, because it will happen? I want to share a few productive steps that we can take…
Do you recall a time when you looked forward to something – whether it was a birthday party, an upcoming trip, an expected guest, or even planning and saving to make a large purchase? Those were likely meaningful times. We are caught up in a world of instant gratification. We see it – we want…