Imagine that you received a promotion at work that came with a nice raise in your salary. This is a pleasant surprise and will provide money that you had not expected. So, what would you do with it? You are excited to share the news with your spouse, but when you do, a conflict ensues.…
DetailsYou have a pretty good day at work, no major complications or problems. You are feeling pretty good – and then you walk in the front door. Your spouse has not had the same positive day that you have. He had a conflict with his supervisor, an argument with a co-worker, and his computer’s hard…
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While those sound like good kind words; an offer to assist, to provide support – individual’s reactions often don’t seem appreciative. Why? I have found myself trying to carry an armload of stuff (probably too much stuff) to the recycle bin, and my wife says, “Would you like some help?” To which I reply, “No,…
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Do you remember as a kid, playing a game such as kick-ball, volleyball, miniature golf, or any number of other games – when someone would make an initial mistake and would immediately say “Do-over?” It was if they were saying, “That mistake I made didn’t really happen. I want another shot at it.” And as…
DetailsPeople worry. Ok – not a news flash but it is a true statement. While it rarely accomplishes much, except to stress us out, we continue to do it. Some deal with worry by doing something physical – like jogging or going to the gym. Others want to talk about it, perhaps with someone they…
DetailsAs Jennie sat with her friend Lisa over coffee, she said, “David is such a pig. He never cleans up his messes, he doesn’t put anything away, he gets the milk out and then leaves it on the counter – his inconsideration is driving me crazy.” Needless to say, Jennie was frustrated and felt safe…
DetailsLast week I shared with you some of the story of Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher a couple that was married for 86 years. Herbert died at 105 while his wife was 103. What was striking about this couple was that they did not just endure for 86 years but they vibrantly engaged in life together,…
DetailsI was recently drawn in by the words of a Pastor who wrote, “What would you do in the name of love? The best romantic comedies show us the lengths that people will go to for love. Great displays of affection, extravagant acts of passion and feeling, beautiful offerings of words and sentiment and devotion. …
DetailsOver the decades, wedding vows have changed from pretty traditional and predictable to often very inventive. In the more traditional vows, the word “cherish” was often included. I still remember some of the lyrics of the song “Cherish” by the Association, performed in the 60’s. Cherish is the word I use to describe All the…
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