Domestic Diversions

How to handle difficult people? Simple strategies starting with listening and understanding

The ABA’s Law Practice Today offers advice on dealing with difficult people. Matt Potempa explains his top six tips (excerpt): 1. Listen. . . . Try to understand the source of their frustration while avoiding the temptation to interrupt and…

Counseling for serious relationship issues: communication and commitment

Dear Abby responds to a reader’s letter inquiring about the marriage counseling (excerpt): With a troubled marriage, a counselor can often facilitate broader communication than couples can achieve on their own. However, like most relationships, marriages can be “saved” only…

The inner life of teen boys: loyalty, friendship, protecting those they love

The Washington Post offers us ways to stay connected with teenage sons. The ideas flow from Kenneth Ginsburg, author of “Raising Kids to Thrive.” Phyllis Fagell explores these six ideas (excerpt): Focus on loving, high-yield interactions Tackle stereotypes about masculinity…

Leah Juliett marches on: It can’t be “revenge” when you did nothing wrong

The amazing Leah Juliett slams “revenge porn” with her survivor poem, The Artist. She’s the New York performer-poet leading efforts to combat predatory discrimination and to promote cyber civil rights. CNN recently highlighted Juliett’s efforts to organize the March Against…

Staying happy: 5 tips for no matter what happens

CNN’s Health section highlights five coping strategies from the Dalai Lama, including being gentle with yourself, making time to reflect, keeping compassion at hand, helping, and being playful. Jen Christensen writes (excerpt): First step, work on compassion and start by…

If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter? The way to improving your life and your relationships

Psychology Today shows a method for improving relationships and marriages with its “The Tao of Improv: 5 Rules for Improvising Your Life.” Giving up control in favor of adopting with a more generous, supportive and organic mindset leads to a…