The Cost of Incivility

The Cost of Incivility

The cry for civility is sweeping our land—due in part to acts of incivility played out hourly on television, in sports, online, and in our government. These uncivil acts spread like wildfire through social media, repeated again and again until they are seared into our memory. Even when apologies have been delivered and accepted, the tarnished reputation of the offender may never fully recover. Continue reading

The Powerful Influence of a Lady

The Powerful Influence of a Lady

“Have you met Chantal? She is such a lovely lady.” A casual comment like this, said in a positive tone, has the power to endear one person to another, or to create outrage. The difference lies with the person who hears the comment and how she defines what a “lady” is. Continue reading

How to Embrace the Luxury of Ordinary Moments

How to Embrace the Luxury of Ordinary Moments

On a crisp sunny fall afternoon, a group of ladies gather for a leisurely lunch in a cozy bistro. The aroma of fresh baked bread and coffee brewing goes unnoticed. The buzz of conversation focuses on handbags, shoes, and baubles. After placing their order, they settle in to catch up on the past few months. One by one they share experiences of exotic travel, art and historic museums, purchased treasures, and fine dining – each having something grander to say. I notice one of the women seems distracted. Continue reading

Have the Elderly Become Invisible?

Have the Elderly Become Invisible?

A civil culture honors, respects, and values the elderly. — Deborah King

Have we become a society that only grants honor to the strong, successful, popular, wealthy, and beautiful? If so, what happens to the feeble, elderly, awkward, poor, and unattractive?Continue reading

4 Ways to Improve Your Social Skills and Expand Your World

4 Ways to Improve Your Social Skills and Expand Your World

Your social comfort zone establishes the boundaries for your life. Most people take the same route to work every day, eat the same food, shop at the same stores, and visit with the same friends. We are creatures of habit, and we tend to repeat behavior—unless something forces us to make a change.

Is your social comfort zone a prison or a playground? Do you feel locked and limited, or free to explore and expand? Insanity has been defined as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.Continue reading