Letters From Listeners

Here is what I have learned from Dr. Laura since 1996:

•    Relationships are like bank accounts of good will; make lots of deposits and few withdrawals.

•    Caring people show positive regard for themselves and others with understanding, kindness, and compassion.

•    Don’t allow the 20% negative side of a relationship to overshadow the 80% positive side. Nagging about the 20% demeans the other person, and pushes him/her away; neither party is happy. Focusing on the strengths of a relationship encourages and supports the other person.

•    Best friends create their own happiness and then share it with each other.

•    Trust and love must be earned.

•    Blind trust in people or institutions leads to erroneous assumptions, frustration, disappointment, and potential abuse from a predatory relationship.

•    There is no such thing as unconditional love. All love comes with expectations, lines in the sand, and deal breakers. Otherwise, you're just a doormat for people to wipe their feet on.

•    Reasons to end a relationship are abuse, addiction, adultery, and abandonment.

Bob