The car with a religious bumper sticker just cut me off. The parent makes the rules and then routinely breaks them. The leader just asked everyone to scale back and then spends like there’s no tomorrow. The politician says, “Trust me,” but we quickly learn that his promises are empty. The truth is, talk is… [Read More]
The Values on Which Trust Rests
Trust must be carefully constructed, vigorously nurtured, and constantly reinforced. Trust is established over time, gradually, through a long chain of successful experiences. Building trusting relationships is a process that can best be described as stacking layers on a foundation one at a time in such a way that each layer bonds on top of… [Read More]
Happily Ever After
Happily Ever After
You’re Entitled to My Opinion
So, you’re a vegetarian? Great. You go to the gym every day? Wonderful. You lost 14 pounds on your newfangled diet? I’m happy for you. You’re voting for the Democratic (Republican or Independent) candidate? Super. You’re a devoted person of faith? Good for you. Now, do you want my opinion? It’s wonderful that you’ve assumed… [Read More]
You Mean the World to Me
Take 10 minutes and say thanks to a special person in your life. The teacher who inspired you to greatness . . . mentor who showed you the way . . . friend who remained by your side . . . spouse who makes everything worthwhile . . . Dear Caron, There are many… [Read More]
Losing Trust: The Warning Signs
Losing trust does not happen without warning: A friend who was always there when needed begins to return calls sporadically; spouses stop confiding in each other; a company communicates with its employees less frequently, providing less information or holding back information. In the case of a company, the warning signs of losing trust may be… [Read More]
Can You Keep a Secret?
Once you breach a confidence, even of a friend, your relationship is permanently damaged. No matter how much you apologize or how often you assure them that it won’t happen again, there will always be an element of doubt. This applies to personal information or information about their organization; moreover, to avoid suspicion, avoid breaching… [Read More]
Relationships: A Marriage Made in Heaven
Remember your first date with that special someone? You spent hours combing through your wardrobe, fixing your hair, and making sure that the food and ambiance were perfect. You staged the “event” like a producer would a Broadway show. Ah yes, you may even have talked to the “big guy upstairs” to make sure that… [Read More]