Barbara Corcoran turned an unpleasant retail experience into a business lesson she still uses today. Years ago, while shopping with her brother, the millionaire co-star of ABC’s “Shark Tank” encountered a sales associate who left a bad taste in her mouth, she said in a recent TikTok video. “[I was] trying to pay for a … Read more
So many unhealthy relationship dynamics are fueled by poor communication skills. As a Harvard-trained psychologist who has spent 20 years working with couples, I’ve found that the most damaging way to communicate with your partner is with contempt. Contempt is the belief that a person is beneath you, worthless, or deserving of scorn and ridicule. When someone … Read more
Why higher emotional intelligence boosts happiness Emotional intelligence, which is the capacity to understand and control our emotions, as well as being sensitive to others’ feelings, nurtures our relationships and boosts our empathy. This can lead to stronger social connections. And as we age, our social bonds become even more vital to our well-being. With … Read more
As parents, we want so many things for our children — good health, success, happy relationships, and purpose in life. One thing we can do to try to guarantee these things is to help them develop emotional intelligence skills, which are key predictors for happiness and success. How do you know if your child is … Read more
As a psychologist, I’ve spent nearly 20 years studying how to care for and raise good humans. The overlooked skill I always tell new parents to teach is inner efficiency. Inner efficacy is an individual’s belief in their own capacity to do what it takes to meet their goals. Self-esteem might say, “I’m amazing!” but … Read more
The key to successful parenting is understanding that you are the biggest role model in your child’s life. From a very young age, they will watch closely and model themselves after you, so how you act has a significant impact on their behavior. I like to think that mindful modeling helped me raise highly successful … Read more
It’s no secret that social interaction is one of the pillars of happiness. In fact, positive relationships keep us content, healthy, and can even help us live longer, according to an 85-year happiness study from Harvard University. The path to building or maintaining strong relationships in your life, especially as an adult, can feel opaque. … Read more
Picture it: Your co-worker, who you normally get along with, avoided you at lunch, then grunted when you offered to grab him a coffee. He’s clearly annoyed at you, but won’t address it. This is textbook passive-aggressive behavior — a hallmark of people who have trouble handling conflict. As a public speaking trainer, I’ve found that the best way … Read more
