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A message from Refill Genie |
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Scheduling weeks out, taking time off work, sitting in a waiting room for an hour, just to get a prescription you've already had. It's slow, it's tedious, and it's entirely on someone else's timeline. |
RefillGenie, rated 4.8 stars on Google, cuts out the appointment entirely. Same-day refills, on your schedule, without ever setting foot in a waiting room. |
Because your health shouldn't have to wait weeks for a 5-minute conversation. |
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A few years ago I came upon a family reunion in a park with maybe 50 people, all wearing matching t-shirts and playing music. There were elders in wheelchairs, newborn babies, little kids, and aunties and uncles galore – eating, dancing, and laughing loudly throughout the day. |
It looked like the embodiment of joy. It also looked like something my extended family would never do. We aren’t loud music people and I cannot imagine what it would take to get even one or two of them into matching tee shirts. But it got me thinking about what it takes to maintain close bonds across generations – and whether every family is capable of this level of connection. |
It doesn’t matter if your family has 3, 30, or 300 people, there are a few things you can do to keep them bonded. But first, you have to start by no longer centering yourself. |
According to life and relationship coach Debra Smouse, “Some people escape the reality of their own lives by obsessing over the lives of others. People (especially family) will talk about you. They will judge you because they are too afraid to look within themselves.” |
It’s easy to take that personally and miss out on everything good that might be happening around you. Unless this behavior is abusive, try to let it go. Then, focus on these four things families with close bonds do differently: |
Number one: Let go of what you think family should look like |
It would be so fun if everyone were like that big family in the park, but that’s not reality. Your family may be very small in number, shy, sensitive, or deathly allergic to bees. |
Instead of bemoaning their disinterest in the big, loud BBQ, find something else that works. Maybe a multi-generational movie matinee followed by dinner at a local pizza shop – or literally anything else that looks and feels accessible to you. And then let your family be themselves. |
Number two: Accept each other for who you all truly are |
Worried what your conservative aunt and uncle might think of your adult kid who is covered in tattoos shows up in a heavy metal band tee shirt emblazoned with skulls? Work on letting it go. |
Your kid is who they are, and your aunts and uncles are who they are. It’s not for you or about you, and worrying what someone thinks about you or your kid only makes everyone’s experience miserable. That doesn’t mean you let people act hurtfully or offensively, you can still set boundaries (and enforce them), but you won’t change any of them – so stop trying. |
As Smouse advises, “Just like no one else's opinion of you really matters, don't overestimate your opinion of them, either. Keep your attention on your own life.” |
Number three: Refuse to worry what the outside world thinks |
This one becomes easier when you’ve already practiced the second point, but it’s time to stop worrying what people outside of your family think. |
We have a number of Autistic kids in our extended family, and some people may judge them, but that’s inconsequential to us. Let other people judge you. That’s their problem, not yours. This type of acceptance will benefit the kids in your family greatly and prepare them for life outside of your circle. |
Number four: Keep caring at the center of your family, both immediate and extended |
It’s easy to get caught up in a vision of what your family should look like, whether it’s like that family in the park, the Kardashians, or that so-called perfect family at church (or anywhere else). |
That vision is likely the biggest obstacle standing in the way of building a family that maintains close bonds across generations. When we count on something idealized, real life can only disappoint us. |
Refocus on your goal: and that's caring for one another. You’re caring for each other and caring for your own heart. Let everything else go. |
Sincerely, |
Joanna, YourTango Editor & author of Talk To Your Boys |
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A message from YourTango |
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Constantly Fighting & Emotionally Drained? Learn the Conversation Shift That Stops Conflict In Its Tracks |
If every disagreement with your partner seems to spiral — or if you’re both exhausted from the same unresolved arguments — you’re not alone, and you’re not broken as a couple. |
That’s why we’re sharing a free mini-lesson from world-renowned couples therapist Dr. Stan Tatkin, where he explains why conflicts escalate so easily and what you can do to stay connected, even when emotions run high. He walks you through simple, science-backed shifts that help couples de-escalate faster, communicate without defensiveness, and turn tense moments into opportunities for teamwork instead of battle. |
You’ll also receive a companion worksheet to help you put the insights into practice right away, at your own pace — whether you watch it alone or with your partner. |
If the lesson brings relief, clarity, or even one calmer conversation, you’re welcome to explore the full Lasting Love Masterclass. But for now, just take the piece that supports you. |
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