See Alaska Locations with Adventure Travel Packages

By Linden Walhard

An unforgettable excursion into Alaska is one that includes a visit to Prince William Sound, among the other incredible attractions. A naturally picturesque scene of large glaciers, alpine trees, and blue waters, Prince William Sound is just the tip of the charming offerings in Alaska. Visitors are will be treated to the incredible life and animals at sea as well as top-notch service in any of the three port cities.

Most travelers find, too, that the Alaska Marine Highway is very convenient as it is a ferry provider that shuttles people from port locations to others efficiently. We found this to be true on our visit from Spain last summer. This makes for very inexpensive and fast transportation. The wonderful thing about an Alaska adventure travel tour is that the size of the state makes it so that only this type of travel package let's you see so much of it. A regular vacation will not give a traveler access to resources like dog sled teams to be able to traverse a lot of Alaska the ways adventure travel package can.

An itinerary for an Alaskan adventure travel tour could possibly begin with a short period of time spent in Cordova. Scenic views surround Cordova where ice fishing can take place in its port. The National Forest Trails has not a sight to miss since the lace where you can witness enormous rainforest trees juxtaposed with titanic sized glaciers. The near-residing wildlife consists mostly of playful sea otters.

Many hotels in the area are affordable and boast panoramic views of the sea from their windows. An unconventional lodging is that of a cannery which is no longer in use which has been turned into a hotel. The quaint and tiny lodgings across Alaska's landscape features service that is very intimate and home-like. Travelers feel as though their needs are the number one priority as opposed to some bigger hotels in other cities. .

Next on the itinerary after an event-filled day of exploring Cordova, could be a trip on the Marine Highway with a destination of Port of Valdez.* Here is referred to as "little Switzerland" because of its similar range of mountains and several nearby waterfalls. Richardson Highway is a road smack in the middle of the natural beauty and it is from which all of this can be seen as it is surrounded by the mountains.

Leaving the coast, going past the mountains, a traveler will see and an overwhelming number of evergreens. If a traveler continues he will no doubt see each Glennallen positioned in a curve near the bottom of the Chugach Mountains outside of Mat-Su Valley. The fairytale like surroundings continues as a traveler continues south on Parks Highway all the way back to Anchorage. After the returning, a traveler would have seen enough to fill an entire week with still more to do. The memorable activities and gigantic, sweeping landscape scenes are something that would be a big deal to adults and kids alike.

About the Author:

Linden Walhard works largely for http://www.alicante-spain.com , an online site with information about tips on visiting spain . You can have a look at his writings on tips on visiting spain and detailed map of spain here.

One Cup Coffee Makers: Perfect for Tasting

By Johnathan Bakers

Tasting coffee is not something only for the professionals within the industry. Enjoying the hundreds of different tastes, flavors, and methods of drinking coffee is something of an art. It is definitely something that anyone who enjoys coffee should take part in, and will most definitely enjoy it. The cupper not only tastes and but also smells the aroma while taking in the flavor, body, acidity, along with the finish of the coffee. The whole experience must be taken into consideration. There are often a plethora of different subtle notes and hints that need to be taken in. The professional setting of cupping and tasting coffee can be achieved at home with a very simple set up.

It is essential to star the process with a large supply of fresh and filtered water. Poor water quality can diminish the quality of the coffee. Water absorbs different elements from the environment that it is in and can become stale. It is recommended that soft water is not used because of its high sodium content. Then a tray that holds small glasses or cupping bowls can be used. It should hold about a dozen. Then it is essential to have a wide variety of different spoons and measuring devises. The most necessary element of the process of course is the coffee.

The water should be boiled and the beans freshly ground to the correct grind dependant upon the filter and machine. However, if the grind for the filter and coffee drip or one cup coffee maker or brewer is unknown, the coffee can be ground at different levels of fineness and then the correct grind can be found when the coffee is then tasted using the different grounds.

Once the coffee is prepared it should be allowed to steep for a couple of minutes before tasting. The coffee can either be filtered or it can be let to settle and then spooned out. The first thing to do is to smell the coffee. The aroma should be taken in and enjoyed. This takes some concentration to try and decipher what elements can be detected. Then taste the coffee. This is done by taking the coffee in over the entire tongue. It is then held there for a few seconds and then spit out.

Then it is the coffee's entire profile that is determined. For instance try to determine whether the coffee was acidic or smooth or did it have a woody or winey taste, and also whether the body was full or delicate. Coffees are incredibly varied and so many different elements exist within one kind. However, looking at the different locations, methods, and environments that coffee is grown in, the variety is not surprising.

When tasting coffee it is important not to be shy. It is important to taste coffee from all around the world from several different countries. It is hard to pin down which countries produce specific types of coffee, but there are some common ones. Kenya is known for its darker coffees while Colombian typically has a more floral taste, which is different still from the Yemen Mocha which is quite winey.

There is also a very specific roasting scale. Coffees vary in roasts from very light to very dark. The darkest of course being Espresso. To achieve the best taste from the coffee it is important to determine which grind suits your coffee maker. The same bean can also be roasted differently, so determine which coffee you like as well as the roast.

The typical measurement when making coffee is about two tablespoons per every six ounces of water. Although everyone does like it made specific to their own tastes. The water should be very close to the 200 degree Fahrenheit mark; although, the water temperature can be changed specific to certain recipes.

The coffee's profile contains several different elements which should be taken into consideration. First is the level of acid. The acid is the tartness or the tingle that is felt on the sides of the tongue. The level of acidity often depends on the aging process. Then there is the aroma. The aroma is the scent or the vapors that the coffee gives off. Third, there is the bitterness. The bitter taste of coffee comes from the caffeine as well as the quality of the bean. The bitterness is detected at the back of the tongue when the coffee is whirled around the mouth. Then there is the body of the coffee. The body is how thick or light the coffee feels in the mouth. There is also the nuttiness, although some coffees have no nuttiness at all. This is said to be a characteristics of low quality beans. There is also a sharpness found with some coffees although, this is very close to the level of acidity. Regardless of what your favorite coffee might be, try and experiment with different methods and flavors. Coffee tasting is most definitely an ultimate experience.

About the Author:

Johnathan Bakers publishes mostly for http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com , a web page with information about one cup coffee machines and reviews of single cup coffee makers. You might find out more about his abstracts on one cup coffee brewer on his site.

The Words You Use in a Job Interview Send a Strong Message

By Carole Martin, America's #1 Interview Coach

When you are looking for a job it is not only important to use the "right" words and language - it is essential. The words you use to express yourself say more about you than you think. In fact, your vocabulary and the use of appropriate words say more about you than the message you are trying communicate. You are judged by the words you use.

In order to be prepared it will be important for you to research these words and to use them appropriately. If you do you will sound more knowledgeable and "in-the-know." It begins with the writing of your resume and continues in the way that you answer the questions asked in an interview. Each industry uses "key words" or "lingo" for each position.

How will I know the "key" words?

For each position there are common words that describe what is required for a job. Key words are found in job postings/ads. Job postings are a list of qualities and skills employers are looking for in a candidate - their "wish list."

This is an example of common words used in postings for an Executive Secretary position: (Six postings were used).

"Confidential" (used in all six postings) "Ability to proofread and edit" (used in all six postings) "Excellent written and verbal communication skills" (used in four of six postings) "Organized, Attention to detail" (used in all six postings) Other words used included, "Discretion," Judgment," Self-starter," Scheduling," "Prioritize," and "Multi-tasking."

If you are applying for an Executive secretary position these are the key words to include in your cover letter and resume. Electronic resume scanners will seek out these words to select your resume as qualified for the position. If these words are missing your resume may not be selected. These are also the words to use in the interview that will make you sound like someone who is a good fit for the position.

Finding the Key Words for Your Position

A good place to start is with job postings. By printing out several posting you will begin to see the "key" words repeated over and over. Common words are used to describe the requirements needed for each job. The only criteria for finding these words should be that you are interested in the job and not limiting your search by location. Make a list of the words that are used repeatedly and note how often they are used.

The Occupational Information Network is another source of words at http://online.onetcenter.org/. You will find a complete list of occupation keywords, SOC codes, Job Families. This site also lists skills required - basic skills, social skills, experience and tasks required. Check these words against the list from the job postings you used to build a stronger list.

You will find these words invaluable when you begin to write your resume or prepare your interview script. Knowing the definition behind the word is what will convince the interviewer that you know what you are talking about. Of course, you would never use a word just to impress your interviewer.

The right words can make a big difference in a single statement - more concise and to the point - more powerful and impressive. Finding the "key" words will make your statements more powerful. Speaking the industry lingo will help you be taken more seriously as a candidate worthy of a job offer

About the Author:

Carole Martin America's #1 Interview Coach. Carole can give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Join Carole at her Live Speed Interview Coaching Event Interview Fitness Training and take out some Job Interview Insurance. You are welcome to reprint this article - but get your own unique content version here.

Cheap Car Insurance Related Guideline

By Deepak Kulkarni

I am sure your quest for cheap car insurance has come to an end as you read this article. Yes, gone are those days when we have to search endlessly for cheap car insurance information or other such information like health insurance oh, car insurance, cheapest vehicle insurance, California low cost auto insurance program, insurance policies or even low cost auto insurance. Even without articles such as this, with the Internet all you have to do is log on and use any of the search engines to find the cheap car insurance information you need.

Lower the insurance company's risk. Using seatbelts, not smoking, and having alarm systems can mean cheap insurance. Ask your agent about any discounts that are available.

A lower end or more common sports cars can often be insured for less, and are cheaper to buy so you win twice there. Once you have your car however, take the necessary security precautions to keep it safe. An annoying car alarm is an excellent investment, as well as immobilizers and a steering lock. Parking in a secure garage is also another way to assuage your insurer's fears and persuade them to lower the premiums. It's not only for their benefit either. If your car is stolen then you will face an increase in premiums, so it's in your best interests to keep it safe.

If you are buying a car for your teen as soon as, they turn 16, choose the type of car carefully. Your teen is more likely to drive safely in a sensible car fitted with safety features, rather than a fast sports car. Fast driving will be less of a temptation and the insurance premiums will be lower too. Try to avoid letting your teen drive a truck or SUV, which are more likely to be involved in rollover accidents.

SIDEBAR-- If you have the patience to go through the remainder of this article related to cheap car insurance you will certainly learn one or two things that will prove very helpful to you. Keep right on reading and be well informed about cheap car insurance and other related health insurance coverage quote, cheapest car ins, Missouri insurance car, cheap car hire insurance, auto insurance coverage and motor insurance information.

If you have membership in any school or professional organizations, let your insurance company know. Some insurance companies offer significant discounts for membership of various alumni, fraternity and student associations; for example, the Golden Key National Honor Society.

Increase your deductible amount. This is the amount that you agree to pay in the eventuality of a claim before the insurance company pays up. What this implies is that you are taking a risk of paying more if the need arises. Even so, if you are a cautious driver and are confident that you are likely to be so in the future too, it will knock off a sizable chunk from your yearly pay outs.

Drive responsibly. If your teenager sees you speeding, ignoring stop signs, and giving in to road rage, he or she will be most likely develop the same driving behaviors. These behaviors lead to traffic citations and traffic accidents, both of which will lead to higher insurance prices, as well as injuries and fatalities.

Drop your insurance. The insurance companies will hate me for this one, but consider eliminating some overheads. You need liability coverage on your car, but collision coverage on a $2000 car doesn't make sense. Invest the money elsewhere, and take the $2000 loss once or twice in your life, or maybe never.

As detailed as this article is, don't forget that you can find more information about car insurance or any such information from any of the search engines out there such as MSN.com. Commit yourself to finding specific information therein about car insurance, and you will.

Many people looking for information about car insurance quotes also looked online for low auto insurance rates, California commercial auto insurance, and even cheaper insurance.

About the Author:

So here is chance to get your free tips on cheap car insurance and in addition to that get basic information on saving money visit best car insurance

Ensuring Your Success When Working With Real Estate Agents

By Charles Petty and Kim Petty

You have heard all of the hype surrounding real estate investing, and you're ready to get started. You know that there is money to be made - you've seen the late night infomercials, and you even know some people who are investing in real estate successfully.

But how do you find deals that will make you money? One of the best areas to make money in real estate is through fixer-upper or rehab properties. One of the best ways to find these types of deals is through a real estate agent. You know them. You have seen their billboards with their smiling faces and catchy slogans! But how do you find the right real estate agent?

First there are two types of real estate agents: Buyer's agents and listing agents. The buyer's agents are the ones that represent the buyer's and make offers on listed properties. Listing agents are the agents that list properties and represent the seller of a property. The seller can be a private individual, a bank, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or any other person or entity that has decided to sell a property. Some agents represent both buyer's and sellers, while some agents are only on one side of the business.

There are many courses and gurus that will tell you to find a real estate agent and you will make so much money you won't be able to stand it. But the key is to find the right agent. If you are to be successful in real estate investing or any endeavor at all, you must find the right people to do business with. You must find the right buyer's agent to work with you on finding properties. The buyer's agent that you work with must meet the following criteria:

1. Experience with working with investors 2. Ability to think "outside of the box" 3. Friendly 4. Aggressive

Experience working with investors.

You wouldn't go to Burger King and ask for a bucket of chicken, would you? Yet many investors will attempt to work with an agent that is used to working with first time home owners and expect to have success. You must have someone in your corner that knows the territory and knows what to expect. The market for real estate investors is very different than that of a homeowner looking for a house in which to live. The real estate agent must understand not only the value of comparable sales and how needed repairs affect a sales price, but a myriad of other real estate investing specific criteria. You also want an agent that is used to Bank Owned (REO) properties, Government owned properties (HUDs), etc.

Ability to think outside of the box

All profitable investors must be creative and go against conventional wisdom at times. You must have an agent that thinks like you and is not offended if you are making a creative offer or attempting to put together a creative transaction.

Friendly

This rule should apply to anyone you are going to do business with on a consistent basis. Real estate investing should lead to freedom and security and if you have to deal with someone who is not a joy to be around takes away from your freedom. Your agent should not only be friendly, but should genuinely appreciate your business. Friendly agents get better results; they develop a better rapport with sellers and seller's agents which will result in more closings. This will result in more money in your pocket.

Aggressive

Many times your buyer's agent must call the listing agent of a property several times in order to get a response. Your buyer's agent may also have to make several offers before one gets accepted. Your agent must be able to press and not get frustrated.

Once you have found an agent that fits this criteria, you want to grow and develop a long term relationship with them. You want to do your best to close on time once you have a property under contract with them. Once you have closed several deals with them you also should send them birthday cards, Christmas cards, take them out to dinner etc. to show them that you value their business.

A good real estate agent can make you a lot of money. Find a good one and grow your relationship with them and you will be well on your way to building your real estate empire!

We wish you much success!

Kimberly and Charles Petty

For further information on Real Estate Investing products and services offered by Kim and Charles Petty call 1-800-559-9702 right away.

About the Author:

Real Estate Investing Experts Kim and Charles Petty have been involved in over 700 real estate transactions in the last 9 years and are the creators of the Ultimate Turn Key Virtual Real Estate Investing Systems. For a FREE Special Report and Audio on how you too can make Six or Seven Figures A Year Buying and Selling Properties across the USA & abroad go to http://www.VirtualRealEstateInvestingProfits.com or call 1-800-311-9228.

Custom Essays Benefit Students Worldwide

By Chris Channing

Besides procrastinating over the Internet, students of all ages are now finding out how the very same Internet can make their student life easier. Instead of the arduous work associated with creating essays, students can now turn to the Internet for custom essay creation.

The Process Of Obtaining Online Essays

The advent of the Internet has made life simpler for everyone, and students are no exception. Students can now go online and purchase their term papers, cutting out hours of their life that would have otherwise gone into meaningless research.

Students are inflicted with one common disease: they simply don't have enough time in the day! Every single day brings more stories about how students constantly do not get enough sleep, are over stressed, and have more and more health complications as a result. Luckily, there is an easy way to end all of these negative factors.

As most of us know, students can procrastinate more than they should. In fact, it's safe to say that even in the event that they need to outsource their essay paper, they will wait to the last minute before doing so. Thankfully there are custom services that cater just to the procrastinator- with many services offering essays returned back to the student within 12 hours.

The essay papers don't always come cheap, however. Most essay papers charge by the page- meaning a long report could end up costing a pretty penny. Most services also charge based on the time delivery- so students can usually save a large chunk of money if they pick the longest due date (and thus, another reason to never procrastinate).

Students, Morals, And Essay Papers

Schools of all types generally see custom essay creation services as a means of cheating. In many respects, the schools are right. In that case, a student should be very careful with what they purchase. As long as they follow certain steps, it should not be considered cheating to engage in a purchase of an essay.

Custom essays are created for one simple reason: to give students an idea on what they should write. Now technically this is the case, but it isn't what students always follow. Many students tend to turn in the custom essay papers as bought. Although this is likely to not get them in trouble because reputable companies do not resell essays, the possibility of getting caught or found out is always a chance- however small it may be.

In a sense, any custom essay obtained by a writing service should only be viewed as a "backbone" for a student's own creation. The student should build upon the research and format that the writing service supplied- not take it as is.

Custom writing services and the Internet work great together to nullify any stress and worry in a student's life. This can lead to better grades, health, and the nullification of stress! In a student's life, this is the holy grail of all Internet services.

About the Author:

Find out more about a Custom Essay Writing Service now! > Buy Custom Essay <

Is Student Loan Consolidation Right For You?

By Martin Tan

Making it through college is a tremendous accomplishment that any student can be proud of. A degree may add to the marketability of skills needed in the job market, but your credit takes a beating in the process due to student loans. Yet, without loans many people could not afford college. Student Loan consolidation programs can help control and manage the resultant debts and rebuild credit. Special programs are available that will decrease monthly payments and interest rates, and improve credit scores.

What is a student loan consolidation program?

A student loan consolidation program consolidates or combines loan debts and allows the graduate to make one monthly payment. In most cases this can reduce your monthly expense by up to 50 percent. The amount of the total loans and specific consolidation program will dictate your precise savings.

In addition to one payment, it is also possible that you might qualify for a lower interest rate, saving you even more! By consolidating your student loans, you are helping improve your credit score because each of the individual loans that are part of the program will be reported to the credit bureaus as paid in full, leaving you with one loan on the report.

Will loans which are in default qualify for consolidation?

Not all consolidation programs accept loans that are in default. There are other programs designed to address default loans and associated interest rates and payment plans. These programs may require participation in a credit counseling program designed to help you with making better financial decisions while rebuilding credit.

Money management is not something most people want to do, but credit counseling may benefit you, especially when considering defaulted loans that will be paid off. The hassle of harassing mail and phone calls from creditors will be eliminated. This will help you while working with a consolidation counselor to repair your credit history to a positive report.

Students Loans from the Government

Even student loans that were issued by the government (as opposed to a bank) are eligible for federally backed consolidation programs. You probably already know that most government loans have a lower interest rate and they are usually easier to get than conventional loans, so it's good news all around.

Consolidating all of your student loans and combining them into one loan will usually qualify the loan for lower interest rates due to financing a larger amount of debt. It will take longer to pay it back, but the benefit is paying less money out of pocket every month. Fresh college graduates may not make big salaries right out of school, and spending money wisely while trying to get a foothold in the job market can make the transition easier and more affordable.

About the Author:

Looking for information about loan consolidation? Go and visit www.allaboutloanconsolidation.com for news and information about student loan consolidation, credit card debt consolidation, etc.

How One Gets Cheap Hardwood Flooring

By Adam L Jackson

When it comes to getting cheap hardwood flooring for your home, you have a number of options available to you. Either you can choose to purchase it from your local DIY or home improvement store, you could possibly go to the manufacturer direct or you could if you want try getting it online. Often just spending some time looking at what is available can help you to get some great deals in the long run.

As you will soon discover there are plenty of websites not only selling these kind of wood floors but who also will provide advice and information on how to install and care for it. Along with showing you the kinds of hardwood flooring that are now, available they will even show you the kinds of prices that you would be expected to pay for it. So it is a good idea if you do actually spend time visiting a few of these sites and comparing the information that they have.

But just because you are buying your flooring for less money does not mean that the quality of it will be substandard. In fact many companies who have too much of a particular one in stock or have over produced a particular style will often reduce the prices in order to deplete the stocks that they have but it will still be of the same quality as if you paid full price.

The only disadvantage to be had from buying hardwood flooring at a reduced price is that the supplier will often require that you pay up in full and take the flooring with you at the time of purchase. However, if you are good at negotiating you may able to convince them in to delivering the flooring to your home for free or at least at a reduced delivery rate.

It is a good idea when visiting a showroom to buy this kind of flooring that you bring the exact measurements for the room into which it is going to be installed. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a situation where in fact you have not brought sufficient amount and when you return to the showroom to purchase, some more they have none.

The next thing that one needs to take into consideration when purchasing cheap wooden flooring is what installation method will be used. There are several different types and some of these actually require the services of a trained fitter to carry them out. But if you are intending to do the installation yourself then it is best to buy flooring that uses the glue method to help the flooring remain in place.

The problem with the other kinds of nail and staple methods is that they need to be carried out by a person who is experienced at installing wooden floors. So you will need to factor this cost into the total cost when buying yours. Unfortunately, although the flooring may be cheap the labour costs could once again bring the price up over your budget.

To ensure that you get the best possible deal when it comes to you buying any kind of cheap hardwood flooring it is a good idea you keep in mind what we have mentioned above. Also, spend as much time as you possibly carrying out research not in to just the kinds of wooden flooring but the installation methods used before you make a purchase. Doing this will also not only save you time but money as well.

About the Author:

Would you like to learn more about how to select the right kind of cheap hardwood flooring for your home? If the answer to this is yes then please vto this isit Household Helper.com by clicking on thto this is link.

MonaVie wholesale distibutor business opportunity in Canada

By Monavie Wholesale Home Based Business Independent Distributors Canada Montreal Toronto Vancouver Ottawa Calgary Edmonton Winnipeg Quebec Hamilton

Monavie offers you a opportunity to sell acai berry health juice in Canada. It is one of the fastest growing regions. Read this information and take advantage of the opportunity Monavie is offering to Canadien residents!

Do you want to become a successful MonaVie independent distributor? You have come to the right place! We are one of the fastest growing Monavie teams in the world. To be successful in any business you need the right tools, training, and we offer that. We will show you exactly how the top distributors did it. You can follow their pattern to success.

The Monavie Juice product, it's timing, great compensation plan, and hugely successful management team backing you make this an incredible business opportunity. It is the best opportunity in product marketing.

Feel better and help your loved ones and the people you care about learn all about Monavie and its incredible health benefits. The financial benefits with this business can be catastrophic. All it takes is one person willing to make a difference in the lives of many. Start now and make the decision to become active. Will you enroll today?

Take the steps to join our team now. Enroll now on the click at the bottom of the article. It will take you directly to my Monavie website. Just pay a one time $39.00 fee to become a Monavie Independent Distributor and you can buy Monavie wholesale for personal usage or sell for profit. Sign up for auto-ship so we can start shipping monavie to you at wholesale prices. There are two blends of MonaVie to choose from: Original or Active. Start drinking the juice and sharing it with others.

MonaVie is the premier Acai berry blend. It doesn't heal you, but it is the #1 antioxidant in the world and boosts the body's natural ability to heal itself. It is science, not snake oil and that's why it really works. We offer all kinds of training tools and help your business succeed. After you enroll as a Independent Distributor you will be contacted by one of our successful Monavie distributors who will direct you step by step.

You need to sign up with a successful Monavie team. You can sign up with a few friends and make a little money, or you can sign up with us and be a part of a winning team. The people who are over aggressively trying to sell this product, and sign up everyone to get rich overnight are just scaring people away and getting frustrated. Our motto is this Drink it, Feel it, Share it. That last one is the most important. The people who are earning good income as MonaVie distributors, are the ones who educate themselves about the product, use the product, share the product with others, and are part of a team that does the same. Please enroll today and join our team.

It really is that simple. If you enroll with us, you will be a part of our Monavie team. Our website gets tons of visitors. After you enroll, we will add people below you on whose sales you will draw a commission. It just keeps keeps growing and growing. How many people do you know own a successful business with a $39.00 start up cost? We know a lot! Join us. Click the ENROLL NOW link below to get started.

About the Author:

Todd Schuyler is known all over the net for his reviews on business opportuntities. If you want to join his top winning Monavie Team and become a Independent Distributor in Canada now Click Here and enroll so you can start your Monavie Business right away. Visit the Uber Article Directory to get a totally unique version of this article for reprint.

6 Unintentional Ways People Sabotage Effective Communication

By John M Reisinger

Making moralistic judgements, Making Comparisons and Denying Personal Responsibility are the 3 unconscious habits that block effective communication. I discussed these in a previous article and gave examples of how they cause Communication Frustration for both people. This article will help you see the other forms those habits can take in your communication at home and work.

1. Giving Analyses: Whenever we think we know why something was said or done based on our opinions we are analyzing. Here's what my wife and I experienced. Whenever Kay would single she wanted affection that I wasn't giving her I'd call her "needy and dependent". Whenever I wanted affection Kay wasn't giving I'd call her "selfish and insensitive". As we studied compassionate communication we both realized our analyses were actually expressions of what we both wanted and needed.

2. Mistaking Morals for Values: A value judgement helps us decide which qualities we value in life; for instance we might chose honesty, respect, peace, or freedom. These are always a reflection of how we believe life can best be served. With moralistic judgements we are attacking people and behaviors that oppose our value judgements. For example, "We say violence is bad, and people who murder others are evil". This was a struggle for us to change our language from "Violence is bad" to "I'm fearful of the use of violence to solve conflicts; I value the resolution of human conflicts through other means". Because, for us, our church was where we experienced the most confusion over morals and values.

3. Manipulation: Is when we are trying to make others unwillingly do what we want. Manipulation never works because counterproductive emotions like fear or anger are not expressed verbally but in how the person performs what is being demanded, if they perform at all. Things Kay and I discovered: Kay telling me how her best friend's hubby is such a handy man never made me cut the grass when or how she wanted. Me telling my son Mitchell, with dyslexia, how his older gifted brother JD taught himself to read never got Mitchell to read faster. Even if you have good intentions (like we thought we did) manipulations are guaranteed to wound yourself and others deeply.

4. Unexamined Philosophies and Politics: Philosophy is how you see the world. Politics is how you live in it. We were surprised how our Philosophy and Politics caused so many unintentional conflicts. There were many ideas, friendships, and opportunities lost to us because of unexamined philosophies and politics that dominated our communication. Most conflicts over Philosophy or Politics are really about comparisons of each others moral judgments believed to be facts.

5. Using Other's Actions: Is when we shift our personal responsibility based on other's behavior we make others responsible for us. Some examples from John and Kay: When I tell Kay I was yelling at the kids because of their bad table manners, this makes them responsible for my outburst. When I accept a golf invitation with my buddies after promising the kids I'd hang out, it makes my friends take responsibility for my commitments. Perhaps you'll be familiar with these as well: "I lied because my boss told me too", "I hate my job, but because I'm a wife and mother I go.", "I work long hours because my boss says I have to". People are always dangerous when they're unaware of their responsibility for how they behave, think, and feel.

6. Policies and Rules: This is when we shift responsibility to those in authority and unexamined procedures. Examples you might encounter would be "I have to suspend your son because it's the school policy", "I'm not authorized to help you", "The computer says", "My boss would kill me", "Our policy is not to make exceptions", "My boss says", "We've always done it that way". Responsibility shifted to policies, rules, and management does not validate the behavior.

Check in with yourself and have compassion with what you find. You aren't broken, don't need fixing, and nothing is wrong with you. Focus your attention on looking for where the habits are showing up and creating Communication Frustration at home and work. Just practice observing. Share this article with your spouse or friends and ask them if they notice these habits showing up in your conversations with them.

About the Author:

Need help identifying your habits? John Reisinger can help you learn remarkably effective communication skills. Transform your conversations with those you love and work with and experience Remarkable Living.