When we're agitated or generally stressed out, it's all too easy to take our frustrations out on those closest to us. One prime example of this is; keeping score. See if this doesn't ring a bell... You're having a bad day - your boss yelled at you for no reason, the dog ate your favorite slippers, you locked yourself out of your car, and the only thing in the refrigerator to make for dinner is a jar of pickles, a can of cheese whiz, and something brown that you're sure was a completely different color a day or two ago. ... Read More ...

Whether you've been with your partner for many years or you're just starting a new relationship, building true intimacy is crucial in developing a strong and loving relationship. Often we work hardest to develop intimacy in the initial stages of a relationship, and become somewhat lax in our efforts in the ensuing years. For those couples just starting out, sharing your deepest thoughts, fears, hopes and desires brings you closer together and helps to form strong and lasting bonds. As relationships continue to develop - couples marry, have children and become more involved in their careers, it's important to continue ... Read More ...

Not long ago I ventured downtown to do a little shopping. Walking from one store to another, I spied a bench sitting in a shady spot along the sidewalk and decided to take a break from shopping to enjoy one of my favorite past-times; people watching. Out of the hustling and bustling crowd, two people in particular caught my eye. They were an elderly couple - late sixties or so, and were slowly strolling down the sidewalk. What drew my attention to them was they were holding hands. This was somehow touching to me. As I watched them move further ... Read More ...

One of my good friends got married over the weekend in a small outdoor ceremony. Admittedly, I'm a sucker for a wedding. There's just something about watching two people in love commit the rest of their lives to each other that fills me with a sense of hope and joy. As I sat with my wife and our two children looking on as the bride and groom exchanged vows, I couldn't help but wonder what married life would hold for the two of them? All of the many glorious times awaiting them, as well as the many hardships they will ... Read More ...

I try to keep my personal life out of my column as much as possible. When asked, I say it's to keep my private life just that - private. Truth be known, I do this so as not to embarrass myself too much by announcing to the world all my faults and bad habits. However, something happened recently to make me stop and think, and at the risk of proving once again I too am only human, I thought I'd share it with you. My wife, Diane, was on her way out and I asked her to pick something up ... Read More ...