Opinion

Many of us share a powerful instinct to try to please others and look good in their eyes. You may find yourself agreeing with his views or her choices. He loves golf. Oh yes, so do you. He is voting for this or that candidate, and all of a sudden, so are you. And you know what they say: George Washington is the only president who didn’t blame the previous administration for his troubles. Then again, it’s been said: If voting made any difference, they wouldn’t let us do it.

Do you want your relationships to fail? Here’s a tip then: Be overly defensive. Do you know how to escape situations that make you ward off any opposing view or criticism? Sad to say that no matter how much you adore her, in time you will stumble upon aspects of her personality that create annoyance and even irritation. And no, you cannot put her on “Mute.”

How do you feel about simpleness? When was the last time you attended or hosted an event devoid of all the embellishments and décor that we have all come to know and love? Do you see that as devoid of glamour, perhaps?

If I ask you about childhood trauma, you may readily think of children who were physically abused. But what if that child was berated, put down, or even mocked on a regular basis? This may actually be more prevalent and is equally, if not at times, even more injurious to the child.

Every day brings with it its share amount of frustrations and annoyances. These can easily come between you and your loved ones and friends. It can eventually eat away at your powerful connections.

What are your expectations? As events in your life unfold, do you know how to best respond to them before they even happen? If you were punished severely as a child when you made a mistake, you may never admit when you are at fault. Ever. If someone broke your trust in your childhood, you may grow up to never fully trust again. Speaking of childhood, if I ever go missing, please follow my kids. They can find me no matter where I try to hide. You know what they say: Not all who wander are lost. Some are just moms, in Target, hiding from their children.