Friendship and relationship advice
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What to give up for Lent
“Life is a lot more fragile than we think. So you should treat others in a way that leaves no regrets. Fairly, and if possible, sincerely.” ~Haruki Murakami Lent begins February 18, on Ash Wednesday. Many who practice a religious faith will give up bad habits (like nail biting) or abstain from things they love (like chocolate truffles). Last week, after considering the cruel rhetoric and divisive behavior in our country and around the world, Pope Leo XIV announced a novel idea for the lenten season: He suggested that we “refrain from words that hurt or offend our neighbor.” It’s a tall order, given the current state of things, but…
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Love defined
“Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Love is never boastful or conceited. It is never rude or selfish. It does not take offense and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s sins, but delights in the truth. It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes.” ~ 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 *** Please invite your friends to subscribe. Building a larger audience for “Life Lines” will help keep my monthly service costs down — and allow me to keep providing free email subscriptions in 2026. In the meantime, I’ll be posting fewer times a week. Long before the first chocolate truffle was…
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The whole cookie
“Every healthy relationship is a feast of affection and giving for both people; not one receiving crumbs and trying to convince themselves it’s enough.” ~Shannon Thomas It’s nearly impossible to be part of an extended family or any type of social group without experiencing a few relationships that are off-balance in some way. You know you’re in a one-sided relationship if you’re consistently making efforts for another person but getting only “crumbs” in return. Whole, healthy relationships make us feel seen, nurtured, and supported. They’re built on a balanced foundation of giving and taking. As today’s quote suggests, we’ll have more of these relationships if we offer our loving care…
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The heart of the matter
“To love well is the task in all meaningful relationships, not just romantic bonds.” ~bell hooks While Valentine’s Day was originally designed to celebrate romantic love, the holiday has evolved to include our love for friends and family. Hallmark produces Valentine cards for everyone in your life, from siblings to parents to best friends. You can even buy a Valentine for your dog to give a loved one. Love is a wonderful thing. As medical experts advise, spending time with people we enjoy promotes longevity and supports mental health. Ideally, when we connect in person with others, we step outside of ourselves and our world expands. This week, think about…
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Open-hearted love
“We really have to understand the people we want to love. If our love is only a will to possess, it is not love. If we only think of ourselves, if we know only our own needs and ignore the needs of the other person, we cannot love.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh, Peace Is Every Step February is the month for posting thoughts about love. But I like to think of “love” as an all-encompassing word that wraps its meaning around more than romantic relationships. Love is the umbrella that shelters friendship and community. When we love our friends and neighbors, we want what’s best for them — not just ourselves.…
