If you have a Facebook page, then you have access to people all over the world – an opportunity that did not exist just a few years ago.  Yesterday, we talked about the negative impact of Facebook. Today we want to talk about how to be part of Facebook’s positive impact in the lives of others.  Have your read any good books lately?  Tell how it helped you or how it was just a great, fun read.  Is one of your...

Someone described Facebook as the “best of” a life – a highlight reel.  And, while it’s great to share life’s successes, it is also important to stay grounded in reality.  So, how can you keep from experiencing negative Facebook emotions?  First, don’t believe the hype.  Life is not just the good times, but the tough times as well – and everyone has them whether they reveal them or not.  Second, share in others’...

Every year, in the Tour de France, thousands ride their bikes over 2000 miles through the French landscape.  During the 23 days of the race, they climb mountains, and struggle against the elements…with only 2 days’ rest.  Years of training develops physical endurance to help them finish the race.  But the value of endurance isn’t just physical; it also applies to your marriage.  The ability to persevere through...

Most of us have one or two things we’d rather not share with the outside world, but some people are slaves to their secrets. Extramarital affairs; drug, alcohol and pornography addictions; spouse or child abuse – all are secrets that can consume and destroy lives, marriages, families and jobs. If you live in that bondage, or you’re hiding something from your spouse, children or friends, it’s time to come clean....

Sure, technology can be tough on relationships. Just ask the wife whose husband's cell phone is glued to his ear. The husband who can't get his wife off the keyboard. Technology has downsides and upsides. With three daughters in college or working and two teen boys at home, I've tried to turn this relational foe into a relational friend. Here's how. First, I send a good-night text to my girls almost every...

First, focus on the other person…open your posture, look them in the eyes, give them encouraging nods and acknowledging words. Second, summarize what they are saying. You might say something like, "So, what I hear you saying is such and such." Third, ask open-ended questions. Not questions that solicit just a yes or no answer. And don't use the word "why"... "why can't you…" "why didn't you…" "why aren't...

Your email has a feature that sends out a quick response to whoever's trying to contact you. That's fine for emails, but many of us carry that auto-reply mode into our daily conversations. Your kids ask you to play with them after work. Your auto reply is, "Not right now." Your spouse asks you to help with something around the house, without missing a beat, you reply, "I'm busy now. I'll do it later." Well,...