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Patti's Tips For Relationships in the Month of December

December can be a wonderful month and a stressful month for our relationships.  Sometimes all the twinkly lights and good food distract us from what matters most, our connection to those we love.   I am not perfect, (though parts of me are excellent) and I recently messed up and hurt a friend. I was distracted by the twinkly lights and bacon dip and forgot to be empathetic to a loved ones needs. I was self-focused when I should have been other focused.  I wish I had noticed.  So I offer up a gift to give others for the holidays and a gift for you. Don’t be distracted. When a loved one has stood in the lines at Costco, battled through traffic, searched for a parking place, struggled to find the perfect gift or just gone out of their way to be there for you, notice it, say thank you, say you’re grateful, give them a good long hug, and, when you mean it, look them in the eye and say I love you.

In the wonderful book, “The Gift of Imperfection” Brene Brown defines connection as, “the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued: when they can give and receive without judgment: and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” So be gentle with yourself, love yourself and all your imperfections and for the next few weeks love, see and value everyone, don’t judge yourself and don’t judge others. Show you notice that they are working as hard as they can. Notice the person who brings packages to your door, and the checkout person who asks you for your phone number, date of birth, (and the name of your first born.) Notice those you work with and the people who have been in your life for a good long while. Notice everyone as they work so hard to be there for you.  Please notice them, and tell them you are grateful.
(As for the bacon dip, here is the recipe, just make sure you make it for someone you love.)

Patti’s “That’s so good!” Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Dip
  • 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (the best are from Trader Joes)
  • 1 cup of roasted tomatoes. ( I put cherry tomatoes in the oven with olive oil for 30 minutes or more till the skin gets crispy)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 block of cream cheese
  • 8 strips of gluten free bacon - fried and then crumbled (You can use the vegetarian bacon strips if you’re a vegetarian. They are made with coconut and are scrumptious.)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • You can add green onions or chopped onions, but I don’t always do that.
  • You can add a cup of hand shredded sharp cheddar cheese, but I don’t always do that.
  • You can replace the sour cream with plain yogurt. 
  • You can add fresh tomatoes cut up.
You blend it in a big bowl with a spoon.  Then put saran wrap over the bowl and put it in the fridge over night to let the flavors blend. 

Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com. Also check out Patti's YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.