When someone shares an opinion, it’s not uncommon for individuals who hold differing opinions to view the sharing as a personal attack. I think sometimes this is because people are too sensitive; they need to realize that not everything is personal. However, many individuals may assume it’s a personal attack because they’ve experienced attacks … [Read more...] about How to Have Respectful Discussions About Differences
friendship
Check On Your Friends
A few days ago I received a simple text message from a friend. She stated that I had come to her mind earlier in the day and she wanted to see how I was doing. There wasn’t anything extraordinary about this message, but it really meant something to me. I was doing fine—my day had not been anything out of the ordinary—but I felt cared for and … [Read more...] about Check On Your Friends
How Introverts Can Successfully Practice Hospitality
Introversion and Extroversion are likely the oldest and most widely discussed constructs in personality theories. Introverts tend to be reserved, quiet, and more comfortable alone. They are more sensitive to external stimuli and need time away from this in order to function well. Extroverts, on the other hand, tend to be expressive, outgoing, … [Read more...] about How Introverts Can Successfully Practice Hospitality
14 Alternatives to “How Are You?”
When I encounter friends or acquaintances, it’s typical for me to greet them with a perfunctory “How are you?” They generally respond with cursory answers (e.g., fine, okay, good). Despite the fact that we exchange a few words, these conversations aren’t particularly personal or meaningful. The routine way in which I ask how they are doing … [Read more...] about 14 Alternatives to “How Are You?”
Practicing Hospitality with Large Families
As my family has grown in number, it has become challenging to practice hospitality. It is especially tricky when we want to welcome a large family into our home for a meal. Where will everyone sit? Can we afford to feed everyone? Do I even have enough bowls for everyone to use? Thankfully, with a little advanced planning, I’ve been … [Read more...] about Practicing Hospitality with Large Families
26 White Elephant Gifts from Around the House
Pretty much every year of my adult life I’ve attended at least one holiday gathering where there was a white elephant gift exchange. Though the specific details vary, most of these have involved the exchange of silly, strange, or humorous gifts. I often scramble around the house a day or two before a white elephant gift exchange in an … [Read more...] about 26 White Elephant Gifts from Around the House
Why Do We Have Such a Hard Time Accepting Help?
A few months ago, when I was nearing the end of my third pregnancy, a friend from church asked if I needed help with anything. I didn’t give any thought to her question before I responded that we were doing fine and didn’t need any help. I thought about her question later that day, though, and realized that I actually did need help. … [Read more...] about Why Do We Have Such a Hard Time Accepting Help?
15 Helpful Things to Say to Hurting People
I know so many individuals who are hurting right now. The reasons vary (miscarriage of a baby, job loss, death of a loved one, etc.), but all of these folks are feeling pain and need both comfort and hope. Sometimes I find myself at a loss for words when I interact with someone who is hurting. I don’t know what I could possibly say that would … [Read more...] about 15 Helpful Things to Say to Hurting People
