It might sound extreme but you know in your heart of hearts you've wanted to fast forward to January just so you could get some rest. So how do you escape from the stress of a holiday that's supposed to be joyous without ruining it for everyone else?

If gift giving is their love language this will be extra difficult. Encouraging them to spend meaningful amounts of time with the kids is always a good place to start. Older folks and young kids make for good company and they go together like a wink and a smile.

It does seem obvious when someone who hasn't been able to shed weight since you've known them suddenly starts dropping clothes sizes without ever joining the gym but does that mean they want to talk about it?

If this feels rude that's only because it is rude. Mom and Dad wouldn't let us read at the dinner table, so is reading a portable screen any better? No. in fact it's way worse.

It's really hard when we love people who have unhealthy addictions. As much as we might try to get them to change their behaviors, it usually ends in frustration because it's difficult to compete with an addiction. It's not impossible to win, but it is double tough.

It's tough to present your best self when your palms are sweaty and your voice is shaky but there's a simple technique that really helps give you confidence.

If it's too much of a sacrifice for your husband to host your parents you've got to find a way to get them excited about the hotel because you don't want to increase his cortisol levels (or yours) anymore than absolutely necessary.

I know only a handful of people who dated seriously and then managed to remain longtime friends after breaking up. There's a reason it doesn't usually work out but that doesn't mean it can't work for you.

This can happen to any one of us, even if you feel like you did the best research. It's tough to know what it's like to work a job inside a company until you're entrenched. It's always a risk and we try our best to mitigate it, but with everyone on their best behavior in the interview process red flags can be elusive.

While it's totally normal to become attracted to people you see frequently that doesn't mean it's incumbent upon you to act on those feelings. You've got to think long term about the potential repercussions. Is this guy so special that you're willing to risk losing your friendship?