What's your preference? Eating a can of worms or humble pie? "I don't know what you're talking about." "You misunderstood me.""That's not what I said.""You're being too sensitive," or "You're reading too much into this.""How could you think such a thing about me? I'm so hurt" (or offended, or whatever)."I would NEVER do that to you!" For additional affect, the above claims are often accompanied by non-verbal communication such as tears (genuine or contrived), nervous ... VIEW POST
Enemies, Part 9: Can’t Forgive? Eat Some Humble Pie
Enemies, Part 8: The Aftermath of Battle
Haunted by ghosts? A few months ago, I was working my shift as a Latter-day Saint temple ordinance worker. My shift was about to end when I spotted a former friend of mine. She and I had been close friends many years ago. Our friendship had ended painfully for both of us---and we hadn't spoken in years. However, in the last few weeks, she had (I suspect on purpose) made her presence known to me on a social media site. Now, in the temple, as she stood a few feet away from me, I could feel ... VIEW POST
Enemies, Part 7: Fear is a Formidable Foe
Are you afraid of being afraid? The year was 2008. An election year. The month was November when voters cast their ballots for candidates along with state and federal initiatives. The most controversial and emotional proposition on California's voting ballot was Proposition 8. This initiative would amend California's state constitution by declaring marriage to be between a man and a woman. Many of our Latter-day Saint Church leaders encouraged us members to engage in the political process ... VIEW POST
Enemies, Part 6: Battling Giants?
Perhaps they're not that scary. I just finished watching Jaws II. Not the greatest movie of all time, I know. Still, Roy Scheider’s characterization as Amityville’s police chief and his unsuccessful attempts to convince the city council of imminent shark attacks exemplifies Hollywood’s affection (and ours) for underdogs. We relate to the underdog theme because we’ve all been there---overwhelmed by formidable foes and against all odds. Our very existence (due to the fall of Adam) requires ... VIEW POST
Enemies, Part 5: Under Attack? Take and Maintain the Moral High Ground
Be on the right side of history. A friend asked me to write a post about confrontation. Specifically, she wanted advice on confronting a friend. Because teaching argumentation is my profession, my students, friends, and family often ask me about confrontation: Obviously, there's no cookie cutter response. Every situation presents its own challenges; each person is unique. Various forms of communication are learned skill sets and require practice to master them. I'll be the ... VIEW POST
Enemies, Part 4: Rescue and Recovery
Bitten by "fiery serpents?" I watched the mail carrier open my mailbox, take out my letter, climb back into his truck and drive away. I got on my knees asking God if I had done the right thing in mailing the letter. It had been a long time since I'd spoken to its intended recipient. (I'll call her Caitlin.) Never before (or since) had I experienced such overt and consistent hostility from another woman. Caitlin and I had lived in the same ward as young married women and had been friends for ... VIEW POST
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