Dear Elizabeth,
I am so tired of people not listening. They often talk right over you as you are speaking. Any advice?
Signed,
Annoyed in Akron
Dear Annoyed in Akron,
I, too, have noticed that people do not listen. They talk loudly and expect you to listen, even when you are talking. I hold up the “stop sign” hand signal and remind them that we are discussing not debating. I do it quietly and they often get it and I am able to chime in when they stop talking. Try it and see if it works for you.
Dear Elizabeth,
I often spot great Christmas gifts for people but do not get them. Your suggestion?
Christmas Gift Shopping in Gettysburg
Dear Christmas Gift Shopping in Gettysburg,
Whenever I see a great gift, I buy it and store it in my “Christmas gift box.” When Christmas time rolls around, I have many gifts already bought. It saves me lots of stress and last-minute “in a panic” gift shopping. Plus, I find buying a gift more thoughtful when it makes me think of the person, instead of being dictated by a season. If you see something, add it to the Christmas box. Let me know how it goes when December rolls around and you’re the most stress-free lady in town.
Dear Elizabeth,
I have a friend whose teenager is more interested in his phone than chatting with her. Any suggestions to get him more engaged?
Phone Issues in Phoenix
Dear Phone Issues in Phoenix,
I have a solution that might help. Recently, I hired a local teenager to help work for me on my small business. They helped to complete my inventory, pack up for sales events, and unload my car after events. So far so good! We all need to feel worthwhile and I pay the teen a decent wage, too. This teen feels needed and is looking forward to the next job with me, and I could certainly use the help. What are ways to get your friend’s teen to get more engaged in something?
Dear Elizabeth,
It seems that almost every day is a holiday of some kind. I have decided to celebrate them all! Is that looked down upon? Your thoughts?
Signed,
Loving the Holidays in Hamburg
Dear Loving the Holidays in Hamburg,
I too have decided to celebrate as many holidays as I can. Any reason to celebrate as we get older is a reason for me. There are so many things to be joyous and grateful for. The more holidays the merrier. Family, friends, decorations, food, chocolate, and a glass of wine is all I need. Sometimes just a beautiful day is more than enough to celebrate. Never feel guilty for celebrating!
Dear Elizabeth,
While some may dismiss children’s words, I recently listened carefully to a young child who saw something amiss in my health. Why do people not listen to children?
Signed,
Listening in Lebanon
Dear Listening in Lebanon,
I always listen carefully to what children are saying. They can be very observant, honest, and forthright — sometimes more so than adults who would rather be polite than honest. The same thing happened to me recently, and I am glad I listened. This is why it’s also important to have good friends who are honest with you. A serious health crisis was averted!
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Dear Elizabeth,
Since my break-up with “Mr. Wonderful,” I have extra time on my hands. Any suggestions of helpful activities to fill my time?
Signed,
Extra Time in Ephrata
Dear Extra Time in Ephrata,
Put your extra time to good use by helping others. Organizations are always in need of help. By helping others, you will feel a sense of satisfaction. I have always done volunteer work and it helped others and me, too. Whatever your interest, there is a volunteering experience out there for each of you!
Dear Elizabeth,
I need some of your feisty tips for moving on from the unbelievable actions of my “Mr.Wonderful.”
Signed,
Help Needed in Haven
Dear Help Needed in Haven,
I have had many tips shared with me as I was a vendor at holistic fairs. I will offer you the first three from my third book.
1. Always keep your sense of humor.
2. Dwell on the positive.
3. Karma always returns to those who need to learn a lesson.
My third book, The Feisty Woman’s Guide to Surviving Mr.Wonderful Feisty Women Helping Feisty Women, has plenty of additional tips for you if you need any more.
Hang in there.