At what point did it become mandatory to have to like everyone and accept their ways of living? Over my career, I’ve met lots of people who don’t like me and that’s fine. You’re allowed to not like me. I think you’re making a mistake because (written playfully) I think I’m great, but I’m clearly … [Read more...]
Beware of the “Screw You!”
I grew up in a house where my parents never got mad at each other. Some parents save their fights for after the kids go to bed, but my parents never actually fought – never. They were both passive, which is the anger category where you avoid conflict at all costs no matter how much it hurts you. … [Read more...]
10 Tips to Reduce Fights this Holiday Season
The holiday season has a way of bringing a lot of peace, love, and joy... as well as extreme blow up fights. These “experiences” often happen before or after an event where people are smiling and happy; aw, the magic of the season. It’s strange how ups always find a down while the downs don’t … [Read more...]
Both Sides of a Conflict are Dumb
Some people like to pick a side of a fight; based on this title, I clearly like to find a middle ground where both sides can attack me – genius. In TV sitcom writing, the two key questions every writer is supposed to ask are: “Why are they fighting? Why are they both right?” These two questions are … [Read more...]
Christians (like me) Ruin Christianity
I was once told Christians are the main reason more people don’t want to be Christian as well. This makes sense. For instance, when I was in my 20s and had serious workaholism problems, that’s not exactly a great sales pitch for God: “Be a Christian and have depression like me; it’s great!” … [Read more...]
How My Wife Really Impressed Me in a Conflict
The other week, my wife gave a wonderful demonstration of how we can reduce conflict. What was extra impressive was it happened after a long day of watching our two girls, so her patience for people would’ve already been worn thin. Here’s what happened: During what’s arguably the best time of day … [Read more...]
Are you Angry or Just Grouchy?
A few months ago my wife and I were trying to get our 2.5 year old and 9 month old out the door (parents know this joy). My wife said something pretty benign to me and I snapped something back at her. I do my best to always be calm in my responses, but this time I heard myself speaking in a way … [Read more...]
Do I Need an Apology?
The other day I oiled the baby stroller’s wheels to stop the squeaking. It felt very manly – I’m using oil – so manly. We normally keep the stroller in the car, but because it was dripping oil, I left it at the side of the house (I may have gone overboard with the oil – so manly). A few hours … [Read more...]