Opinion

What skills do you think matter most in your daily life? How would you say courtesy, civility, and politeness rate? Do you even know how to share feelings without unleashing an upheaval or panic?

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?

Do you have a habit you desperately wish to break? Do you munch late at night, gossip, smoke, or drink a tad too much? Those who gossip sure do have a sense of rumor. Why is it so dang hard to break that groove? Believe it or not, your brain seeks to minimize effort. So, when you create a habit pattern, you no longer have to think about it much. You are now on automatic pilot.

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.

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.”