Tag: politics

Some Thanksgivings are harder than others. What I mean by that is that sometimes, our world may seem at such odds with itself that we’re hard-pressed to feel the gratitude we wish would come naturally.

The divisive political situation in our country pains many this year; it seems there’s no end to the conflicts and confrontations that divide rather than unite us.

And yet . . . I had the great pleasure of attending a performance of the hit musical "Hamilton" recently. Along with the sheer fun, exuberance and astonishing creativity of the work, there’s a profound truth that runs through it, which was brought out in one of the final scenes.

There’s no denying that Facebook can be a powerful place to connect and catch up with family and friends. Browsing through photos and enjoying a laugh and zany status updates are both a part of the fun. That said, it’s easy to get carried away in the Facebook moment and forget that we’re sharing something with our 800 closest friends, and perhaps even their friends or the public (gasp!), depending on our privacy settings. If you’ve ever found yourself unsure of the protocol on Facebook, refer to my tips below.

With 24/7 access to news and an ever-growing schedule of political talk shows, the old rule that politics has no place at the dinner table has become obsolete. While most everyone has their own political view, conversation at the dinner table doesn't have to turn into a rousing free for all—unless you happen to enjoy it!

There are courteous ways to navigate the dangerous waters of a political discussion. Here are a few of my etiquette tips when table talk turns political.

Making conversation is the key to shining like a Christmas star at the office party. Chatting only with your spouse or your buddies from your department will earn you a lump of coal for a missed opportunity.

When you are stepping outside of your comfort zone and talking with people, you don't see often or know very well, the art of conversation takes a little preparation. Here are a few tips to get ready for the office party or any other event where you're mingling with a mixed crowd:

The holidays are hard enough with your family, let alone adding a spouse and their family to the mix. What was once a time you only needed to navigate your family drama, suddenly requires in-laws, double the annoying personal questions and much more gift shopping (ugh). Here are a few tips to help navigate split-holidays with your significant other.

1. Manage expectations. Go into your respective celebrations with a plan and stick to it. If you are dividing your holidays between families, get ready for the guilt trips.

Are there useful moral lessons in the latest Barr vs. ABC or Trump vs. the world Tweets?

The news cycle is often rife with controversy involving public figures. And sometimes a fall from grace—from Hollywood to politics, the corporate boardroom, etc.—brings closer examination of the root causes. And, I for one, think such events and social media skirmishes reflect a lack of ethics that plague many levels of American society; but that they also provide an opportunity to strengthen our own moral pathway.

A study by the American Psychological Association found that 58 percent of Americans cite "family gatherings" at holiday time as a significant source of stress. In-law relationships are particularly challenging.

But since holidays are practically synonymous with family get-togethers, you may need to learn to live with them. Here are eight strategies to help you manage the stress triggered by both in-laws and one's own relatives and get more enjoyment out of the holidays.