Learn how to deal with the challenges of relationships, friendships, marriage and family life.
Thanks to technology and social media, we are now more connected than ever before.
Yet we are more isolated and alone than ever before.
Today, the average person has 300+ facebook “friends” yet the average American reports having only 2 close friends. 25% of Americans report having no close friends (Dave Sumrall, The Struggle is Real: Relationships).
Social media has made it easy for us to feel connected to others without actually requiring us to be in relationship. Continue reading
If snuggling with your computer or a good book sounds like your idea of a fun evening, chances are you may be an introvert.
But that doesn’t mean you are shy. Or a party hater. Or that you prefer to live in a closet.
Contrary to popular opinion, many introverts are actually outgoing, creative, and possess a high-functioning inner world. This inner world is an introvert’s best kept secret; a treasure trove just waiting to be discovered.
But seldom will it be shared.
Too many encounters with humiliation, failure, or rejection over time will cause introverts to shut down and close up shop. Out of insecurity, we will draw the shades and remain indoors.
Over time, we will become content to disengage with our world.
I know because I’ve been there. Continue reading
It’s June. Time to bust out the flip flops, sunglasses, and shorts. Dreams of beach days and barbecues are now upon us!
But before we know it, it’ll be July. Then August.
Soon the leaves will give way to color and summer will have turned into fall.
It happens every year.
In a few short months I will find myself wondering, Where did my summer go?
Don’t let summer get away from you this year. Create a summer bucket list the whole family can enjoy! Plan fun-filled activities this summer so that when it’s over you’ll be full of memories instead of regrets. Continue reading
The other day I was sitting at the table recounting all the current and upcoming events that were making me frazzled. Upon hearing my complaints, my husband grabbed a piece of paper and pen and began to write. After a minute of silence, my curiosity got the best of me.
“What are you doing?”
He slid the paper across the counter and grinned. I glanced down and laughed as my eyes caught hold of the first line: Eat a donut.
In a matter of seconds, my action-oriented husband had created a little go-to list for when I’m feeling blue.
Brilliant.
Wouldn’t it be grand if we had a bug-out-bag full of ideas on how to get out of dodge when our days go south? Continue reading
I’ve been a little frazzled these last 2 weeks. The culprit? Those perpetual little tasks I finally check off the to-do list only to find them on my list again…an hour later. You know the ones. Dishes. Laundry. Incessant cleaning. Why are there still clothes on the floor??
And what is that monstrosity of clutter doing on my counter again? For the love of all things organized, can the mailman please stop drowning me in a mountain of papers to sort?! Can things just stay frozen in time (preferably after I’ve deep cleaned) so a girl can get some peace around here?? The futility of the mundane is about to make me go crazy.
At times I wonder, Am I just wasting my life? Continue reading
Forgiveness is that fuel that keeps your marriage (or any relationship) going. If you don’t forgive, your marriage will tank. It’s as simple as that.
But how do you do it? What does it look like? Why is it so important? If you missed the first half of this post, click here to find out what forgiveness is not.
Correcting our understanding of what forgiveness is not paves the way for what forgiveness is… Continue reading
Most of the apologies that come out of our mouth are bad ones. If you ever stop to listen, our go-to apologies sound something like this:
“I’m sorry, ok?” so get off my back.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were so sensitive” this is your issue.
“I’m sorry if you were offended” because I didn’t really do anything.
“I understand that mistakes were made” but they sure weren’t mine.
“I’m sorry but you…” my behavior is your fault.
Guilty as charged. How about you? Making mistakes is just part of being human. But when you are confronted, what kind of message are you sending? Are you apologizing completely? Or is your sorry just a quick attempt to escape the conflict altogether?
A bad apology can create just as much conflict and hurt as the original offense. If you don’t do it effectively, your apology can lose its value over time. Don’t let your words become meaningless. Get good at the “I’m sorrys” and stay fit in your marriage! Continue reading
The word confess sounds intimidating, but it’s really not. In fact, all my relationships – including my marriage – depend on it. And so do yours.
Too often the idea of sharing our dirty laundry with others makes us feel nervous, unsafe, and too vulnerable. So we put on a good face and keep the bad stuff hidden from sight. Continue reading
Rachel Boulos 