The differences between optimists and pessimists can make great jokes and memes, but they can also be quite consequential when it comes to relationships and health. As we saw last month, pessimism can contribute to poor health outcomes (physical and mental), worsen quality of life, and strain relationships. I tend to be a little on … [Read more...] about How Pessimists Can Cultivate Optimism
handling differences
What Makes Someone an Optimist or Pessimist? Does it Matter Which You Are?
Two of my daughters couldn’t be more different when it comes to how they view life. One has a sunny, positive outlook, while the other has a cloudy, negative outlook. Traditionally, these outlooks are represented by how one views a cup that is partially filled with liquid. Is the cup half full or half empty? Those who view the cup as … [Read more...] about What Makes Someone an Optimist or Pessimist? Does it Matter Which You Are?
Step Back and Look from Another Angle
We have a bottom-freezer fridge in our kitchen. At the top of the freezer there is a shallow drawer, and at the bottom is a large bin. The space between the two is minimal. Because the freezer was a bit full (or pretty disorganized so it seemed full), I managed to accidentally push an ice pack over the back edge of the bin, leaving it stuck at … [Read more...] about Step Back and Look from Another Angle
A Gentle Response
Have you ever noticed how kids often mirror their parents? In addition to sharing genetic similarities to their biological parents, kids reflect the behaviors, language, gestures, and interests of their parents. I see this all the time with my kids! A recent example is the way in which my oldest child addressed my middle child when they … [Read more...] about A Gentle Response
Letting My Husband Do Things In His Own Way
When I clean our bathrooms, I clean the fixtures in particular ways. When I fold laundry, I fold the clothes in particular ways. When I get my kids ready for bed, we complete the bedtime tasks in a particular order. It will likely come as no surprise that, when he helps around the house, my husband doesn’t use the same approaches that I … [Read more...] about Letting My Husband Do Things In His Own Way
Getting Along When You and Your Spouse Have Different Political Views
I don’t recall having a lot of conversations about politics back when my husband and I were dating. I’m sure we had some, but we definitely discussed things like faith, family, and our hopes for the future more frequently and in greater depth. We’ve certainly had conversations about political issues from time to time since we got … [Read more...] about Getting Along When You and Your Spouse Have Different Political Views
Getting Along with Your Spouse When You’re Together 24/7
Most of us aren’t with our spouses all of the time. Usually one or both spouses are at work and participating in activities outside of the home for a portion of each day. However, there are times, such as during vacations, during retirement, or during lockdowns for a pandemic, when spouses end up spending all of their time … [Read more...] about Getting Along with Your Spouse When You’re Together 24/7
7 Tips for Having Constructive Conversations About Politics
In Ecclesiastes, a short book in the Old Testament, a wise teacher states that there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). The longer I live, the more I see this statement validated. For example, four years ago I shared tips for having respectful conversations about politics because the political scene was volatile, with candidates … [Read more...] about 7 Tips for Having Constructive Conversations About Politics
