The world, much like your table at Benihana's, is filled with strangers. Every single one of these strangers has at least one (but likely more) interesting story to share. Every single one of these strangers has value. I'm not sure I believe in karma or fate; some things happen just because they happen. Some people you meet just because they are in the same place as you are at the same window of time. Make the most of that happenstance and get to know them. Get to know

I know, you'd like to think it's a little bit about you at the very least. Sometimes, though, it's not. At all. Sometimes, it is not the time to share your experiences. Sometimes, it is about being there for the other person. Shift versus support: Shift responses are a hallmark of conversational narcissism; the point of a shift response is to get the focus back to you. I know you know people who do this all.of.the.time. A conversation with people who tend towards shift

“Children will listen to you only after they feel you have listened to them.” Jane Nelsen Positive Discipline How are your listening skills? When someone is speaking to you, are you fidgeting like your 5 year-old, waiting for your turn to speak? Do you have your eye on your phone, waiting for the ping of an incoming text or email? Are you doing something else with your hands while your child is telling you a story? Oh, I know you’re busy. We all are. It is ever so hard

Let me show you another way. Sometimes, the words you use (or don’t use) say everything. Sometimes the tone and the delivery give an entirely different message than the one you’d really like to give. Sometimes, just your opening phrase can shut a proverbial door, especially when dealing with a teenager (who might be overly-sensitive, angst-filled, or just angry depending on the moment). Or another adult (especially after a long tiring or trying day). Or a younger kid who

Have you ever gone into your kids’ classroom, and watched in awe as 17+ little people follow the teacher’s instructions without back-talking, complying without repetition (read: nagging), threats or bribery? It’s pretty amazing how in-command teachers are of their realm, right? Want to know why? Because they don’t teach the kids that there is an option to not listening. I often wonder how the same child who can hear you tiptoe past their bedroom door, or who can hear you s