— Relationships —
Creative gifts for new, old, and future friends
I like the idea of “future friends.” Even people you don’t like, or who don’t particularly like you, have the potential to be good friends in the future.
Tag: Relationships
— Relationships —
The power of a “bribe”
I have a confession to make. I’m a shameless briber. For months now, I’ve been bribing the mail carrier, leasing agents, and maintenance staff who work at my apartment complex. Periodically I will randomly show up with cookies, brownies, lemon bars, or some other yummy goodie. Last week it was a whole loaf of… Read More The power of a “bribe”
— Relationships —
Are you judging your reality based on other people’s fantasy?
On an impromptu date last week, my husband and I popped into a local bookstore. As we browsed the shelves, one book caught my eye: “Lord of the Rings Filming locations.” Since we had been to New Zealand together last year, and even visited the famous Hobbiton, I thought that looking through it together would… Read More Are you judging your reality based on other people’s fantasy?
— Relationships —
Why friendship is a choice
A dear friend of mine recently moved into the suburbs of Atlanta. Relatively speaking, she only moved a few miles farther away from me, but it more than doubled how long it takes for me to drive to her house – about 45 minutes now. I was heartbroken.
— Relationships —
8 tips for nurturing long-distance friendships
It’s easy to say that long-distance friendships are possible, but when the rubber meets the road it can often seem like a daunting task. Feeling up to the challenge? Here are 8 tips that can help you make the most of it.
— Relationships —
One surprising thing you DON’T need to create good friendships
I recently went to a community-wide cleanup day. While I was there, I met a lovely Egyptian woman named Fabia*. She was both friendly and a good worker, and we had some great conversations while we were cleaning together side-by-side. As we were finishing up, she mentioned that she was moving halfway across the country… Read More One surprising thing you DON’T need to create good friendships
— Relationships —
Not all types of hospitality are the same
I recently had a long conversation in the home of a friend of mine. Although she’s American, she has spent many years abroad (including Japan and Turkey). Consequently, she has adopted many of the traditions of hospitality that are so common and well-known in Middle Eastern and Asian cultures.
— Relationships —
You can’t rush healing
I’ve been going to a counselor for several months now. I started because of some pain that I knew I needed help getting through. In the process, though, I found all sorts of issues that I wasn’t even aware of that needed dealing with. She has repeatedly described the process of counseling as “opening an… Read More You can’t rush healing
— Relationships —
The secret to fulfillment
I have a memory that’s been etched into my brain for years now. It’s unlikely to be forgotten anytime soon. I was living in South Korea, about halfway through my Fulbright grant year. Ensconced in my bedroom, I was trying to unwind after a long day of work. Although I loved them, I didn’t want… Read More The secret to fulfillment
— Personal Growth —
How to change your inner narrative
I often think about my trip to Busan a few years ago. I think about how easy it would have been to let the travel time, the crowds, and the rain tarnish my impression of the event and enjoyment of the day. It’s so easy to let forces outside our control govern our emotions.… Read More How to change your inner narrative