Relationships and Going Places
Sweeping the Conflicts Away
I sensed this out on the distant horizon several months ago, but not even in my wildest imagination the exact form it would take. (I catch myself vacillating between laughter at the bizarre and tears of frustration.) Something was in the air, like a foreboding atmospheric change signaling a storm. When the weather report warns people to evacuate or run for cover from a hurricane or tornado, that’s exactly what you are expected to do. Yet, in stark contrast, when a crisis in the family tree begins to brew we race headlong into the storm, understanding fully the emotional trauma at risk. more »
How Ethical is Your Travel Destination?
People from wealthy and powerful countries often express their opinions as if they are the absolute truth. Such preaching invites anger and resentment. We suggest tempering conversations with phrases like "I believe," or "My view is," rather than, "Everybody knows ...." more »
Joanna Grossman at Writ, Annulments Based on Fraud: What is the "Essence" of Marriage?
"The second marriage, she alleged, had been based on fraud — a false representation that he would soon be dead." more »
Too Much Information? The Rhetoric of Women Wronged: When Political Spouses Tell Their Stories
Besides the sobering lessons in Edwards's book is that sad reality that most of the time the American press and public prefers a dumbed-down version of the political spouse. The media wants not even sound bites from our political spouses, but 'picture bites' usually of Barbie-doll like perfection, demure, uncomplicated and ultimately quiet. more »
