People & Boundaries

The biggest struggles I and many of my clients have had are around setting and navigating boundaries in business. The client that asks for extras--and you feel queasy inside as you say "Ok...I guess that wouldn't be that big of a deal". The person who wants to trade with you and you say yes...even though you don't … [Read more...]

I was at Fred Meyer today getting some storage bins and three of the lids slipped off the shelf and clattered to the floor in three different directions. I halfheartedly tried to catch one, but for the most part I just let them fall. I said "D'oh!" under my breath and looked sheepishly at a fellow shopper nearby and … [Read more...]

When I first started doing web design, I accepted trades eagerly. It sounds great, doesn't it? I'll work for you, you work for me, it's all very equitable and communistic. In theory. However, I noticed that my projects that were paid for in trade didn't always go the way I had hoped. They would take a lot longer than … [Read more...]

What happens when your business partner or employee is also your friend...but they aren't good for your business? Sometimes you don't realize right away. You want to give them a chance, so you let things slide that you wouldn't if they were anyone else. Perhaps they used to do a good job but lately things never get … [Read more...]

What is Codependency? Robert Subby defines codependency as “An emotional, psychological, and behavioral condition that develops as a result of an individual’s prolonged exposure to, and practice of, a set of oppressive rules.” The term comes out of treating alcoholics and their loved ones, who developed … [Read more...]

A reader writes... Hi Emma. As an aspiring web designer, I have a dilemma, and it brings up a deeper spiritual question. Many people are asking me to design/develop their web site for free or almost-free with the possibility of future job opportunities or income. For example a professor friend of mine asked me to … [Read more...]