Exploring one of life's most valuable gifts
Have you ever been inspired by a friend to try something new? I'm not talking about the kind of peer pressure your younger self may have experienced back in high school that led to bad decision-making. I'm talking about being inspired by someone you care about to broaden your horizons in a positive way. Last... Continue Reading →
Becoming a parent is an experience that forever changes the landscape of friendships. Before parenting, most of us make friends at school, work and through shared interests. But once the first child arrives, hobbies can become memories. And in my case, any time not commuting or at work was spent parenting and attempting to stay... Continue Reading →
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon were among the famous friends on our radar when Julia and I first started brainstorming ideas for the Language of Friendship back in 2021. We found their story interesting because these two high school buddies have remained friends personally and collaborators professionally over the decades, despite their fame. We also... Continue Reading →
Summer can feel like a gift, but also a bit like a tease. Once it's finally and reliably warm enough by July 4 to plan a beach outing in the Chicago area, we have to face the fact that summer is nearly half over. Still, summer is easily our favorite time of year here at... Continue Reading →
I recently finished reading Kristin Hannah's fascinating new book "The Women" after it was recommended by a neighbor who had served our country as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam when he was 21 years old. This neighbor is one of the kindest individuals I've ever met, and I was very interested in the book because... Continue Reading →
The longer days and warmer weather of the summer season offer many opportunities to create new memories with friends. Sara and I have written before about this treasured time of year when we can spend more time outdoors with friends, bringing us closer to nature and each other. Whether it’s a leisurely walk through the... Continue Reading →
Several of my friends are talented artists who are very passionate about their work. Two of them, Dassie and Chana, are being featured as part of an exhibit in a local gallery this month, and I was fortunate enough to attend the opening reception this week. The reception was held midweek at a gallery that... Continue Reading →
As much as I love to read, I never want to waste my limited leisure time reading books that are not my cup of tea. I want to be sure I'm going to enjoy a new title before committing to spend time on it. The question is how to find books that I will love... Continue Reading →
Watching my 17-year-old son John prepare for his upcoming trip to live with a host family in Germany this summer fills me with complex emotions. I am incredibly proud of him, seeing him embrace this new adventure. But I am also a bit anxious, a natural concern for his well-being so far from home. With... Continue Reading →
Julia wrote last week about her wedding, but I can’t move on quite yet from that glorious day without sharing a little bit more about her and Mark’s festive occasion. Witnessing my dear friend embark on a second chance at lifelong love has been a true blessing for me ever since I first began hearing... Continue Reading →
Language of Friendship 