Ever have one of those moments where you hear the critical, self-loathing, insert your adjective, words come out of your child’s mouth, and right before you lean in to correct them, you realize they sound a lot like you?

More days than I want to admit, my husband and I lose the art of being spouses and lovers and allow a subtle rhythm of separateness to creep in and turn us into teammates…There’s a time for teammates, but if we don’t ever hang up the jerseys our marriage can go stale.

Lately, I have walked into many conversations with friends who have been thrust into the role of caregiver for their aging parents. Much like Hobby Lobby in October, you wander the aisles surrounded by Christmas, Christmas tinsel and Christmas trees. It’s not what you’re looking for; it’s not what you want, and you even find yourself frustrated at the corporate powers that be for pushing this season on you before you are ready.