Category Archives: intimate partner

Tears Strengthen Personal Relationships

by phyllis, October 27, 2009

A Tel Aviv University evolutionary biologist says that tears have emotional benefits and can strengthen interpersonal relationships. Crying is known to be a symptom of physical pain or stress. New analysis by Dr. Oren Hasson shows that tears still signal physiological distress, but they also bring people closer together. He investigated the use of tears in different emotional and social circumstances. He concluded that tears are used to elicit mercy, sympathy and assistance from others. Emotional tears also signal appeasement, attachment and grief. By blurring vision, tears signal feelings of … Continue reading →

Posted in intimate partner, your self | Tagged attachment, bond, cry for help, defenses, feelings, love, strengthen relationships, stress, tears, Tel Aviv University, theory, women | 1 Comment

The Empty Nest: A Chance to Reinvent Yourself

by phyllis, October 9, 2009

One reader sums it up: “I am a full believer that the better way to avoid the problems of empty nest is balance. Your entire life cannot be the kids. Throughout the child rearing days a portion of your time and mind should go to continuing to build the relationship with your spouse. Another important portion of your time and mind should go to nurturing yourself. Doing what you love to do. When the kids are gone you have more time to dedicate to both of these. There is always … Continue reading →

Posted in adult children, intimate partner, your self | Tagged " adult children, child rearing, empty nest, letting go, practical tips, reinvention, relationship with spouse, Sandwiched Women, self-fullness | 1 Comment

Tips for Adjusting to the Empty Nest

by phyllis, October 7, 2009

“My only child is in her first year of college and, even though I’ve always worked and she’s been ‘on her own’ for years now, I really miss her. I can hardly wait for parents’ weekend.” This is a commment from one of our readers who read yesterday’s post about the empty nest. Do you associate the empty nest primarily with children leaving for college? For some parents, the greatest feelings of loss occur when their adult children get married. The changes during this transition can be dramatic and traumatic … Continue reading →

Posted in extended family, intimate partner, your self | Tagged " adult children, empty nest, family relationships, family roles, marriage, mother-in-law, parenting | Leave a comment

Photos from National Parks

by phyllis, September 24, 2009

Here are some photographs of the vacation one of our readers and her husband took as they began their life in retirement:“My husband and I retired in May and celebrated with a motor trip to several National Parks – Bryce, Zion, Shasta, Crater, Grand Tetons, Glacier and Yellowstone. The weather was glorious, the trees, streams, mountains, flowers magnificent and the various shades of green a wonder to behold. After 25 years of raising kids and being cooped up in offices, spending three weeks in nature was truly a breath of … Continue reading →