This post originally appeared on Parent.co (now Mother.ly). I see the picture as I’m scrolling through my news feed and feel a pang in my chest. I’ve never considered myself the jealous type, but I can’t deny that that’s what this is—jealousy, mixed with loneliness. A group of kids, several families’ worth, smile at the […]
71 Ways to Show Gratitude to Family, Friends, and Strangers
A light drizzle fell as I pumped gas on an unseasonably warm October day. As I waited for the tank to fill, I grabbed my phone. One new email message greeted me and it didn’t contain news I wanted to read. A project I was working on had hit a slight speed bump, and something […]
Week 36: How to Lose Friends and Alienate People
First time joining me for the Keeping It Real Challenge? Click here to find out what it’s all about. Have you ever been hit so hard by a realization that it almost physically hurts? I have. Just the other day, in fact. I’m not exactly sure how to explain this without going into all the […]
Top five reasons we don’t want to hang out with you
While out shopping one day you run into a friend you haven’t seen in a while. You chat for a few minutes and when it’s time to part ways say, “We really need to get together! Check your calendar and give me a call.” The friend nods enthusiastically and promises to do just that. You […]
Week fourteen: Circle of friends
If you’re just joining me, please click here to find out what this is all about. When I met Eric, he had a great group of friends. They welcomed me in with open arms and soon I was a part of their frequent get togethers. We would meet up at church, go out for dinner, […]