In 1995, science journalist Daniel Goleman popularized the concept of Emotional Intelligence (EI) with his bestselling book “Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ.” Goleman proposed that EI was just as important (maybe more?) than traditional measures of intelligence like the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) in determining success in life. According to Goleman’s model ..read more

The blog post narrates a deeply personal story of a relationship breakdown. The narrator describes a dinner at a Chinese restaurant where his companion unexpectedly declares that she had intended to use him as an "honesty project" by being completely truthful with him. However, she reveals that she was unable to maintain this honesty because of her feelings for someone else, which she confesses during the meal. The conversation leads to a painful acknowledgment of unreciprocated feelings and mutual deception. The situation further complicates as their mutual friend later informs the narrator a ..read more

If you didn’t know this about me, I grew up with a lawyer for a mother. From a very early age, I got used to listening to her argue — and many times win — some very tough arguments. As a defense lawyer in Mexico, she defended the indefensible, and she stood up to some ..read more

I was making a peanut butter sandwich the other night when my child asked me a tough question. It was unexpected, especially during such a mundane task, but I understand that these questions don't follow a schedule ..read more

We often strive for a home that’s a picture of order and tranquility, a personal Eden where everything is in its perfect place. Yet, the reality for many of us, especially those with young explorers around, is a living space that’s more like a workshop in perpetual motion, continuously reorganized by a tiny, inquisitive force ..read more

Another year is about over, and it’s time to do that thing I do where I look back on it and think of all the things I could have done differently, and how things would have worked out. Then again, if I could go back and change things, I wouldn’t. I can’t risk changing things ..read more

I’m doing some “homework” for work, reading What If I Say The Wrong Thing by Vernā A. Myers. One of the lessons in the book is about being culturally competent. The author describes an experience in China where locals gawked her at. She felt uneasy about it at first, but quickly learned about how gawking ..read more

Reflecting on the impact of social media, I share personal stories that highlight the need for finding balance in our digital lives. From navigating complicated relationships to protecting my child's privacy, it's a compelling exploration of the challenges we face in this age of constant connectivity ..read more

A strange thing permeates the culture of my mother's side of my family tree. As long as I can remember, everyone seemed to keep tabs on what was owed by everyone else. To the cousins, aunts, and uncles who helped me in any way, their help for me was an investment. And they let me know ..read more

This blog post recounts my experiences fixing mechanical and electronic devices, learned from my father and uncles. I share stories of helping my father through his fight with cancer, and the aspirations of my late brother, who adored a Volkswagen Beetle that our dad restored after my brother's passing. I also reflect on the loss of my brother's potential and hope the restoration project will help my father grieve. I plan to visit my father soon, drive the Beetle, and remember my brother while exploring the desert roads and enjoying tacos (or a salad ..read more