Telling Someone to Relax Usually Increases their Stress Level

An article by Sue Shellenbarger, which recently appeared in The Wall Street Journal, pointed out an interesting paradoxical fact: “When someone is getting stressed out, one of the least effective (and perhaps most annoying) things to say is ‘Relax.’” She goes on to say that while the person communicating this directive may have the best…

We All Need To Cultivate A Few Close Friendships

Close friends are people you can turn to in times of crisis. They’re the ones who will give you a caring and listening ear while you’re working your way through one of life’s rough patches.  In a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, Sue Shellenbarger pointed out that such friendships are difficult for many…