We’ve all met them. That one person in the office, on the street, or maybe even at a family gathering who always seems to carry a dark cloud around them. No matter how good the day is, they’ll find something to complain about. Maybe it’s the weather, the food, the boss, or even just life… Continue reading The Hidden Impact of Being Around Negative People
Tag: Relationships
The Curious Pull of Schadenfreude
There is a strange feeling that often sits quietly in human nature, one that we rarely admit out loud but almost everyone has experienced. It is the small sense of satisfaction that arises when someone else faces a setback, especially if that person seemed too fortunate, too confident, or too untouchable. The Germans gave this… Continue reading The Curious Pull of Schadenfreude
The Three Faces We All Carry
It is often said that human beings are complex, layered, and never quite as simple as they seem on the surface. One line from the Korean drama Level Up captures this beautifully: people live with three different personalities. The first is how you are at work, the second is how you are in your personal… Continue reading The Three Faces We All Carry
Letting Go: The Strongest Revenge of All
There are moments in life when someone lets us down, and the hurt or disappointment doesn’t come crashing in—it arrives quietly and takes its place. Whether it’s betrayal, disrespect, or being brushed aside by someone we once trusted or respected—at work, online, among friends, acquaintances, or even family—the weight of that disappointment finds its way… Continue reading Letting Go: The Strongest Revenge of All
The Growing World of Stuffed Friends: Watching My Daughter Bond with Her Toys
There’s a kind of quiet magic in watching a child form attachments. Not just to people, but to the things around them—objects that somehow become more than just what they are. For my two-year-old daughter, this magic started with a small and soft gray stuffed dinosaur. We called it Baby Dino. To her, it wasn’t… Continue reading The Growing World of Stuffed Friends: Watching My Daughter Bond with Her Toys
Someone’s Loss Is Another’s Gain: Life’s Quiet Trade-offs
There’s a phrase we all hear now and then, tossed around in casual conversation or murmured when something unexpected happens: “Someone’s loss is another’s gain.” It sounds simple, even a little detached, but within it lies a quiet truth that governs many of life’s biggest and smallest moments. This idea plays out constantly—in love, in… Continue reading Someone’s Loss Is Another’s Gain: Life’s Quiet Trade-offs
When Rain Meets Another Rain
Rain is something we all know. It taps on our windows, soaks our shoes, brings the smell of wet earth. But have you ever thought about what rain feels? Not in a poetic, imaginary way—but in the way we might project a quiet kind of life onto something so constant, so present in the background… Continue reading When Rain Meets Another Rain
Talk To the Person, Not About the Person
It’s strange how often we talk around people instead of to them. Although we live in a world where staying connected is easier than ever—with smartphones in our pockets, social media at our fingertips, and instant messaging or video calls just a click away—we still often avoid having real, direct conversations. We talk about each… Continue reading Talk To the Person, Not About the Person
The Balance of Yin and Yang
In every part of life, there’s a push and pull, a light and dark, a quiet and loud. Yin and yang is an old idea from Chinese philosophy that explains this balance. It says everything has two sides, and both are needed. Like night and day. One fades as the other rises, yet both depend… Continue reading The Balance of Yin and Yang
Be There When It Truly Matters
Life is made up of moments—some filled with joy, others with pain. We often imagine that being a good friend or family member means showing up to every birthday, wedding, graduation, or celebration. We think of love as confetti-filled pictures, cheerful claps, and smiling faces. And while it’s beautiful to share in someone’s happiness, there’s… Continue reading Be There When It Truly Matters
The Quiet Power of the People Around Us
We don’t always notice it happening. It’s subtle, slow, and often goes unspoken. But the people we spend time with—their energy, their behavior, their outlook—start to shape us. Not because we’re weak-minded or lack a sense of self. Not because we’re trying to copy anyone. Simply because we’re human. And being human means we are… Continue reading The Quiet Power of the People Around Us
Don’t Fall for a Cheater
It can feel flattering when someone gives you attention, especially if he is already in a committed relationship. You might tell yourself that there must be something special about you—something irresistible—if he’s willing to sneak around and risk everything just to be near you. But let’s get one thing straight: don’t be delusional. If someone… Continue reading Don’t Fall for a Cheater
Why Being Called “Ma’am” or “Sir” Matters to New Teachers in the Philippines
In the Philippines, becoming a licensed teacher is a huge milestone. It represents years of studying, personal sacrifice, and dedication. So it’s no surprise that many who pass the Licensure Exam for Teachers feel proud and want others to acknowledge their achievement. For some, this means asking to be called “Ma’am” or “Sir” right after… Continue reading Why Being Called “Ma’am” or “Sir” Matters to New Teachers in the Philippines
You’ll Be Surprised by People
Life has a way of teaching us lessons when we least expect it, and one of the most powerful lessons is this—you’ll be surprised by people. Sometimes in good ways, sometimes in disappointing ones, but always in ways that help you grow. People can turn out to be kinder than you thought, stronger than they… Continue reading You’ll Be Surprised by People
Money Cannot Buy Happiness
We grow up in a world that often teaches us to chase money. From childhood, we hear that success means a big house, a fancy car, and a bank account full of zeros. Advertisements, social media, and even people around us push the idea that more money equals more happiness. But as we grow older,… Continue reading Money Cannot Buy Happiness
Not Everyone Is Your Friend
One of the toughest truths we all learn—sometimes too late—is that not everyone who smiles at you is your friend. This lesson doesn’t always arrive wrapped in drama or betrayal. Often, it comes quietly, through subtle moments of realization. It’s not about becoming cold or distant; it’s about becoming wise. Life has a way of… Continue reading Not Everyone Is Your Friend
It’s Not All About You
Somewhere along the road of growing up, many of us get caught in a mindset that quietly whispers, “I’m the center of this story.” We don’t always say it out loud. Often, we don’t even realize we’re thinking it. But we move through the world as though other people’s actions are about us, as though… Continue reading It’s Not All About You
Why Most People Don’t Really Want Honesty
Everyone says they want honesty—until they get it. It sounds good in theory, like something we should all strive for. Be real. Be honest. Be transparent. But in practice? Honesty makes people uncomfortable. Because the truth, more often than not, isn’t what people want to hear. They want comfort dressed up as truth. They want… Continue reading Why Most People Don’t Really Want Honesty
When You Outgrow People You Love
One of the hardest parts of growing as a person is realizing that not everyone will grow with you. And what makes it even harder is when the people you’re outgrowing are people you still love. The ones you’ve shared history with. The ones who once felt like home. Letting go of people isn’t always… Continue reading When You Outgrow People You Love
Prevention is Better Than Cure: A Lesson for Life
We often hear the phrase “prevention is better than cure” when talking about health. It is a simple idea that avoiding illness is easier, cheaper, and less painful than treating it after it arrives. But this wisdom does not belong only to the world of medicine. It extends to nearly every aspect of life. Whether… Continue reading Prevention is Better Than Cure: A Lesson for Life
What Makes a Person Truly Unique?
People often say that everyone is unique, but what does that really mean? Is it just about appearance, talents, or the way we think? I believe a person’s uniqueness comes from a mix of many things—some we are born with, some we develop, and some shaped by the world around us. It’s not just about… Continue reading What Makes a Person Truly Unique?
True Communication Goes Both Ways
Communication is at the heart of every relationship, whether personal or professional. It is how people connect, express their thoughts, and understand one another. Yet, many assume that simply talking is enough. True communication is not just about speaking—it is equally about listening. Without both, the message gets lost, and misunderstandings arise. A conversation is… Continue reading True Communication Goes Both Ways
Friendship Is a Two-Way Street
Friendship is often seen as a source of comfort, joy, and support, but it is not something that exists on its own. It requires effort, care, and reciprocity. Too often, people find themselves wondering why their friendships fade or why they feel isolated, without realizing that relationships need to be nurtured. Life gets busy, responsibilities… Continue reading Friendship Is a Two-Way Street
The People Who Talk Behind Our Backs and How to Handle Them
At some point in life, we all encounter people who talk behind our backs. It could be in the workplace, among friends, within the family, or even in casual social circles. The moment we realize that someone has been speaking about us when we’re not around, it stings. It makes us question their intentions, our… Continue reading The People Who Talk Behind Our Backs and How to Handle Them
Happiness: A Choice or a Product of Circumstances?
Happiness is something we all chase, yet it often feels like an unpredictable visitor. Some people seem naturally happy no matter what happens, while others struggle to find joy even in favorable conditions. This raises a question that has been debated for ages: Is happiness a personal choice, or is it shaped by the circumstances… Continue reading Happiness: A Choice or a Product of Circumstances?
The Invisible Complexity of Simple Things
There’s something I’ve always found fascinating: how people often overlook the hidden complexity in things that seem simple. We live in a world where so much is taken for granted, and yet, beneath the surface, there’s an entire layer of depth that most people never stop to think about. It’s not just about science, history,… Continue reading The Invisible Complexity of Simple Things
Love Comes Out of the Window When Poverty Knocks at the Door
Love is often thought of as an unbreakable bond, a force that can withstand any challenge. Romantic movies and fairy tales tell us that true love conquers all. But reality has a way of testing even the strongest emotions, and nowhere is this more evident than when financial hardship takes hold. Many couples start their… Continue reading Love Comes Out of the Window When Poverty Knocks at the Door
Don’t Bite the Hand That Feeds You, or That Once Fed You
Life is full of twists and turns, and along the way, we encounter people who help us. Some provide financial support, others offer guidance, and many simply stand by us when we need them most. These people shape our journey, making sacrifices and extending kindness without expecting much in return. Yet, it is all too… Continue reading Don’t Bite the Hand That Feeds You, or That Once Fed You
The Role of Inner Teams in Understanding Thoughts, Feelings, and Motivations
When we talk about “inner teams,” we are often referring to the various aspects of ourselves that shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. These inner teams consist of different parts of our psyche, each representing a unique perspective, motivation, or emotional response. Understanding how these internal teams interact can help us gain a deeper understanding… Continue reading The Role of Inner Teams in Understanding Thoughts, Feelings, and Motivations
The Power of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
In today’s fast-paced world, our minds are constantly bombarded with information, responsibilities, and distractions. We often rush from one task to another without truly experiencing the present moment. Mindfulness, a simple yet profound practice, helps us slow down, reconnect with ourselves, and find peace amid the chaos. It is not just a technique but a… Continue reading The Power of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
