You can still get in the last word: Apologize. Thanks to Gene Griessman aka Abraham Lincoln. … [Read more...]

My mother-in-law -used to say, "Be careful of asking for someone's opinion. The person may give it to you." If someone asks you for your opinion and if the person perceives that your comments are derogatory, there is a problem. Cognition and emotion go hand in hand, with the latter preceding the former. In other words, what we hear may prompt a … [Read more...]

"Give and you shall receive." We know this, but how often do we practice it? At the root of so many relationship problems is that people stop giving to each other—or they give the wrong things. This is very common in parent-child relationships. parents are more likely to give children" things" rather … [Read more...]

The Golden Rules for Living (author unknown) were shared with me. I share them with you: 1.  If you open it, close it. 2.  If you break it, admit it. 3.  If you borrow it, return it. 4.  If you move it, put it back. 5.  If you unlock it, lock it up. 6.  If you turn it on, turn it off. 7.  If you make a mess, clean it … [Read more...]

We are constantly making choices—both consciously and nonconsciously. We are also aware that timing is important. With this in mind, here is a simple choice to make when having difficulty in dealing with others: "Should I aim at influencing or at clarifying." If you choose to clarify your position, your chances of influencing increase. … [Read more...]

When I gave a keynote in Montana I referred to one of its native sons, Buck Brannaman. He was the horse trainer who advised and worked with Robert Redford on the film, "The Horse Whisperer." Brannaman trained Redford and first doubled for him in the critical scene when the horse was gently taken to the ground so that the teenager could (if she … [Read more...]

Temper is what gets us into trouble. Temper is what gets us into trouble. Pride is what keeps us there. Pride is what keeps us there. … [Read more...]

Here are five suggestions for improving relationships—with others as well as with yourself. Here are five suggestions for improving relationships--with others as well as with yourself. First, give affirmations. A simple acknowledgement can have dramatic results. This is especially important with young people. They want to assert their … [Read more...]

What we think is a simple sharing of opinion can be construed by the other party as denigrating. What we think is a simple sharing of opinion can be construed by the other party as denigrating. In such cases, it doesn't do any good to try to convince the person that the way he or she feels is wrong. You need to deal with the way the person feels to … [Read more...]

Telling the truth may not be comfortable, it may not make you look your best, but it’s a sure way to good relationships. Telling the truth may not be comfortable, it may not make you look your best, but it’s a sure way to good relationships. I like the way one wealthy individual told the truth. He was asked how he had amassed a huge fortune. He … [Read more...]