Archive for February, 2010

Stop Bullies: Recognize Governor Sanford’s Abusive Behavior

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

In her New York Times book review, “Facing Scandal, Keeping Faith,” Janet Maslin describes Jenny Sanford’s new book, “Staying True.”
Jenny, wife of South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, notes many typical warning signs of stealthy, manipulative, controlling bullies when she describes her husband’s behavior in their early marriage arrangements, and during the public unraveling of his […]

Stop Toxic Parents and Grandparents: Shine a Light

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Should you tell your children about your toxic parents, their toxic grandparents?  What should you tell them and how?
Imagine that your parents no longer abuse you physically or sexually, but they still demean you, scapegoat you, ignore or scorn you, make nasty, hostile, sarcastic remarks and put-downs, and let you know that you’re not good […]

Can Grandparents Stop Controlling Sons-in-Law?

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

This is about the opposite side of the coin from the toxic parents and grandparents that many people have experienced.
One of the saddest cries for help I hear is from nice, kindly, well-meaning grandparents whose daughters have given in to their controlling husbands.  Their daughters don’t come to visit and don’t bring the grandchildren, they […]

Stop Toxic Coworkers and Other Bullies

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

There are toxic people in every environment – toxic family, toxic friends, toxic lovers and toxic coworkers.  If you don’t recognize and respond effectively to toxic, bullying coworkers they can make your life miserable, harass you, turn the rest of your team against you, scapegoat you and even get you fired.
For example,