We all hear and do too much complaining about our circumstances and how we MUST compromise our values and the well-being of our families in order to survive.  Truthfully?  That's rarely true, if at all.  But it requires a commitment to a goal and a commitment to family that will not be compromised.  That means another way HAS to be found. I've recently gotten "hot and heavy" into polymer clay work.  I love it. More >>

People have, do, and will disappoint you. Simple fact of life. Ask yourself two questions:  did they intend to do damage, and what are you going to do with the disappointment? Let's look at the first question.  People are deeply involved in their own lives.  That doesn't mean they don't care about you or others, but they are first motivated to deal with their own situations and personal emotions.  The more mature, considerate, and less self-centered will also shift gears back and forth to consider the consequences of their actions or inactions. More >>

I found an interesting item on the Fox Small Business Center website, written by Teri Evans.  She wrote an essay titled " Leveraging Loyalty: How to Keep CustomersHooked ." In this economic environment, and with Wal-Mart announcing free shipping for its online sales, competition for consumer dollars is getting tougher for mom-and-pop businesses.  So, I decided to read Teri's ideas, and while I was doing so, I realized these concepts were wonderful for relationships of all kinds: More >>

Moral courage is the most valuable and usually the most absent characteristic in men. More >>

Just when you're about to close the door on an abusive relationship, that nagging feeling he's changed can make you lose your resolve: More >>

It gets late early out there... More >>

While I was listening to your program recently, you read a letter from an older man who mentioned  today's women are so loose. Yes this is true. Sad but true. I am e-mailing you to let you know there are still some women who do have morals and standards. I am 22 years old. I have been married to my boyfriend/husband for 3 years now and have a beautiful baby girl. (No Shacking up!!!) More >>

I've been giving something a lot of thought lately, and have decided to share it with you - to influence you (if you're not already) to open up to friendships. Deborah Tannen, the linguist, recently wrote a piece published in The New York Times which discussed some research which indicated that people with sisters are happier than those without them.  Her point of view was it isn't women who talk better than men, it's that they talk more often - even if it's not about problems.  The very act of just communing is beneficial to both. More >>

As a "family member" and longtime listener, I was touched by the call from a woman afraid to inform her brother of his positive test results for a devastating disease (Huntington's). In your compassionate, firm way, you rightly said her brother must be informed despite the caller's fears of his committing suicide, adding you regret you have no magic wand. More >>

When witches go riding, and black cats are seen The moon laughs and whispers, 'tis near Halloween . More >>