“We are responsible for our own relationships, their successes, their failures, the good times, the bad times. Take responsibility for creating the relationships that you desire.”

“Sometimes being overwhelmed by emotions can leave you speechless but even then it is important to identify the correct emotion.”

“Arrogance created to project a self-image of superiority is the very trait that demonstrates to others deeply hidden inferiority.”

“Unhealthy relationships keep our self-esteem low.”

“When you lack self-esteem, people you encounter can feel it like an invisible barrier separating them from you; conversely, confidence helps people to feel connected to you.”

“Remembering our personal growth that resulted from negative life experiences makes new obstacles easier to embrace.”

“When you become aggressive in arguments, you force the other person to become defensive which means theyll either get ready to fight you or ready to flee from you.”

“Break the spine of one of my books and I break yours.”

“In the era of angry and aggressive policing, it is an honorable service to your fellow citizens to video record police officers interactions with the common people.”

“For a long time, they sat without speaking. The air outside was filled with the lilting sound of sparrows, the buzz of traffic on Main Street, and under that the faint lapping of waves on the lakes...”

“If you can't win by reason, go for volume.”

“She meant that they'd never used words like "separation" and "divorce" even in their worst screaming matches. They yelled things like, "You're infuriating!" "You don't think!" "You are the most ann...”

“A child's (or an adult's) nervous system may detect danger or a threat to life when the child enters a new environment or meets a strange person. Cognitively, there is no reason for them to be frig...”

“The key to healthy communication is having a willingness to lay aside our defensive tendencies and accept responsibility for our part of the relationship”

“Getting defensive doesn't hide the fact that you know you could have done better. Stop putting your energy into your excuses.”