7. Because "What is left unsaid gets in way of relationship. What is left unasked-for is a missed opportunity." -- Thomas Leonard

8. Because "When someone is doing something ... you must communicate immediately or forever carry extra burden of your unspoken reaction." -- Thomas Leonard

9. Because of this, "Just do what you can do, don't say what you can do." -- Thomas Leonard

Because we don't really have a future, and nothing is certain, don't talk about how you can help someone, or what you plan to do, don't make great plans and live in your head, pick up a broom and sweep their house. Do something. Do it now.

10. Because tomorrow may never come.

"Use Your EQ When You're Mother-in-Law," by Susan Dunn, The EQ Coach

Kelly and I have a great relationship, I'm grateful to say, but I'm still mother-in-law. If you are one, or have one, you'll probably agree it's a relationship that requires finesse. "Finesse" is another word for "emotional intelligence."

All those mother-in-law jokes are out there for a reason. I'd say it's hardest to be mother of son, but you might disagree! Anyway, Kelly is married to my only son, and mother of my only grandchildren. There are times when I feel very vulnerable in that situation, having to ask permission and all.

My granddaughter's now old enough to come for visits. When I call to invite her, it's been hard to come up with just right way to do it. After all, Meg is "hers" and not "mine."

Recently I read an article about something called "anodyne therapy." You know how when they're getting ready to stick a needle in your thumb they say, "This is going to sting a little bit"? Well, in anodyne therapy, they say, "Notice how quickly your thumb becomes numb."

"Anodyne" means "serving to assuage pain, or not likely to offend or arouse tensions."

When I received an email from my daughter-in-law talking about all "projects" she had going on, I figured out a better way to ask her. Kelly's always got something going on - painting, wallpapering, gardening - and of course they're harder to do with little ones underfoot. Lately I call and say, "Want to have some time to do that wallpapering? How about if I take Meg for a couple of days?"

This takes focus off what's being given up, and places it on something Kelly really wants - more time to do her projects. Anodyne - not likely to offend or arouse tensions. That's EQ!