Seven Tips on How to Talk to Difficult People Dr. Linda Mintle – Therapist & Author We all have difficult people in our lives. You know, the uncle who argues every point, the boss who constantly criticizes your work, the mother who plays the martyr, or the neighbor who is looking for trouble. Difficult people aren’t born that way, but become difficult through childhood attachment problems, poor choices, blaming others, and having negative experiences related to loss and trauma. Difficult people escalate conflict and create drama. Excessive anger is often related to disappointment and issues of emotional neglect. Anger is…

When Relating Hurts! Dr. David Hawkins – Marriage 911 Blogger We all love marriage when the love abounds. We all love the feeling of being connected to someone special. “When it’s good, it’s really good,” Sara said recently. “When it’s bad, it’s really bad.”Of course I had heard that saying a thousand times before. We’ve all experienced the same. When it’s good, we love being in love. When it’s bad, we are tempted to run for the hills. I watched with concern as Sara and Josh, who had flown to The Marriage Recovery Center from the East Coast, desperate for…

By Beth Livingston In 1974, Disney released a short film, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too, including a plot where Tigger promises to “never bounce again”. The playful character was notable for bouncing. He didn’t walk much because he was always so joyful he bounced throughout the 100-Acre Wood in the classic tales of Winnie the Pooh. In the film, his whole demeanor changes as he trudges away from his friends to begin keeping his vow. For Tigger lovers, it was disturbing to see Tigger with his head drooping down and a downcast voice. It’s a fine example of losing one’s joy. His friends all agreed…

By J. Stephen Lang Finding an Anchor for the Storms of Life The old sailor looked at the skies and saw a dark storm coming. As the sea became rough and choppy, the old salt calmly lowered the heavy-chained anchor link by link, battened down the hatches and went to bed for the night. He knew the storm would be rough. But he had faith in the grasp of the anchor. He knew his boat would be there in the morning. Hope Defined Like that sailor, we have an “anchor” for our lives that can help us stand fast through…