Friendships

Social anxiety is common, but potentially devastating. It can cause introverts like me to struggle making friends and attending events. Can you relate? Couple that with living in a foreign country (I live in Ecuador), and you have a recipe for potential isolation and…

If you are like most people, you probably think that an extrovert is someone who is loud and gregarious – the kind of person who is comfortable in any social situation. The truth is somewhat more complicated. Do you think that it is possible to be an introvert in some situations and an extrovert in others? Or, do you believe in the “energy” explanation of introversion/extroversion? Do you think that knowing whether we are an introvert or an extrovert helps us to understand ourselves better? Why or why not?

It’s safe to say that once you’ve reached your 60s you have some life experience. Some of those experiences are wonderful and bear reflection and retelling. They bring happiness and joy to you, can make those around you smile, and can create a connection…

What’s the first thing you do every morning? I used to stretch, touch my toes and take a few deep breaths. Now I instinctively reach for my iPhone to see what new disaster looms on the horizon. And so the day begins…

Fall started just a week ago. And while Fall is a time for the leaves to be dying off, symbolizing the end of a life cycle, for me it has always been more about new beginnings. Fall means pumpkin spice lattes pouring into our cups. The beginning of the gorgeous Fall colors…

I like to chat. I chat first thing in the morning about any problems I faced in the night. Then I chat at lunch about events of the morning, and I chat in the evening about the rest of the day…

Sometimes I just want to go back 64 years to when Libby Carlton and I hooked pinkies at Camp Fire Girls and swore to be best pals. We bonded over our love of Kool-Aid and our leader, Miss Kemp, who taught us how to change a tire…

Have you had your feelings hurt lately by someone close to you? Or had a heated exchange with an old friend? Did you say something you regret to someone you care about and damage the relationship? Do you sometimes feel angry, negative or discontent, causing you to lash out…

As a woman over 60, you may long to be more socially confident. You want to feel more at ease in social situations. Your past experiences however, may bring back reminders of feeling awkward. You may not be comfortable even starting up a conversation…

I walked past a local restaurant on Park Street recently. Seated at one of the tables next to the window was a group of women. They were talking, laughing and enjoying themselves and their time together. It was the kind of group that you just wanted to pull up…