Even our closest friends will annoy us from time to time -- especially when we feel like we know them better than they seem to know themselves. So is it a good thing to be really honest with someone in the name of saving them time and energy?

Lawyers in court never ask a question they don't already know the answer to and the same should be true for proposals. If you don't 100% know for certain the answer is going to be yes, don't ask. There's no magic in the act of asking if you have not discussed plans for the future -- but there will be fear and panic.

Men have a lot of their ego wrapped up in their work which is tough to separate. And, of course, in his eyes he's doing all of this for his family so it's easy to see how differing perspectives can lead to a stalemate in this discussion.

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.