Dear Elizabeth,
Do you always tell family members and close friends that you love them? Seems like the right thing to do.
Signed,
‘I Love You’ in PA
Dear ‘I Love You’ in PA,
I surely do! What a great way to start and end a conversation. It is so important to say these three words and mean them. Our world needs more of this right now, so remind those close to you that you love them - you never know who needs to hear it the most.
Dear Elizabeth,
My friend has a granddaughter who cannot follow any of my house rules. She does what she wants, says what she wants, and will not stop being mean to others. Do you have any suggestions?
Signed,
Manners Needed in Miami
Dear Manners Needed in Miami,
We have all encountered children like this child. Just ask your friend not to bring her to your home or visit your friend at her home instead. Keep on talking with the child and remind her about being kind and thoughtful of others. Kids learn what they see so continue being a good example for her. Adults may not always “get” your reminders, but the kids will.
Dear Elizabeth,
I love being an auntie. My nieces and nephews are fun, loveable, and the highlight of my days. Sometimes, though, they need a gentle reminder about birthdays of others. Any suggestions?
Signed,
Auntie in Albany
Dear Auntie in Albany,
I have the perfect solution. Every year I give them a new calendar with all the birthdays of others listed. It hangs on their refrigerator so they can always see it and be reminded of the birthdays for the month. Try it and see if it works for you. And best of all they learn to celebrate themselves and others!
Dear Elizabeth,
Sometimes, I just “plow ahead” and do not follow my gut instinct to slow down. Any suggestions?
Signed,
Plowing Ahead in Pittston
Dear Plowing Ahead in Pittston,
I always follow my gut - it is the truest barometer of what I should be doing. Every time that I do not follow my gut, I get in trouble or hurt. It is easy to listen to your gut, so just listen. You will never be sorry that you did!
Dear Elizabeth,
I am so tired of people not listening. They often talk right over you as you are speaking. Any advice?
Signed,
Annoyed in Akron
Dear Annoyed in Akron,
I, too, have noticed that people do not listen. They talk loudly and expect you to listen, even when you are talking. I hold up the “stop sign” hand signal and remind them that we are discussing not debating. I do it quietly and they often get it and I am able to chime in when they stop talking. Try it and see if it works for you.
Dear Elizabeth,
I often spot great Christmas gifts for people but do not get them. Your suggestion?
Christmas Gift Shopping in Gettysburg
Dear Christmas Gift Shopping in Gettysburg,
Whenever I see a great gift, I buy it and store it in my “Christmas gift box.” When Christmas time rolls around, I have many gifts already bought. It saves me lots of stress and last-minute “in a panic” gift shopping. Plus, I find buying a gift more thoughtful when it makes me think of the person, instead of being dictated by a season. If you see something, add it to the Christmas box. Let me know how it goes when December rolls around and you’re the most stress-free lady in town.
Dear Elizabeth,
I have a friend whose teenager is more interested in his phone than chatting with her. Any suggestions to get him more engaged?
Phone Issues in Phoenix
Dear Phone Issues in Phoenix,
I have a solution that might help. Recently, I hired a local teenager to help work for me on my small business. They helped to complete my inventory, pack up for sales events, and unload my car after events. So far so good! We all need to feel worthwhile and I pay the teen a decent wage, too. This teen feels needed and is looking forward to the next job with me, and I could certainly use the help. What are ways to get your friend’s teen to get more engaged in something?
Dear Elizabeth,
It seems that almost every day is a holiday of some kind. I have decided to celebrate them all! Is that looked down upon? Your thoughts?
Signed,
Loving the Holidays in Hamburg
Dear Loving the Holidays in Hamburg,
I too have decided to celebrate as many holidays as I can. Any reason to celebrate as we get older is a reason for me. There are so many things to be joyous and grateful for. The more holidays the merrier. Family, friends, decorations, food, chocolate, and a glass of wine is all I need. Sometimes just a beautiful day is more than enough to celebrate. Never feel guilty for celebrating!