Carve Out Time to Be Consciously, Purposefully Grateful

By Caroline M. Cole Signs were evident in mid-August. Subtle in some stores and on full display in others, Christmas decorations were making their appearance among the costumes, ghostly embellishments, and bags of candy meant to welcome trick-or-treaters—one of many … Continue reading

“To My Dearest Reader:” Salutations to Target and Engage the Unacquainted

By Caroline M. Cole In a digital world, letters are less common than they used to be, but when they do appear, they may incorporate outdated salutation references or presumptuous forms of address, both of which can start communication on … Continue reading

To Make the Greatest Impression on Others, Listen Up!

By Caroline M. Cole In 1968, American visual artist and leading pop art figure Andy Warhol observed that “in the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes,” and the decades since have exploded with venues to make that possible. Television talk … Continue reading

The Power of Words, for Bad and Good

By Caroline M. Cole Last week it was Rebecca Ann Sedwick, age 12, but there have been others: Erin Gallagher, 13. Bart Palosz, 15. Katie Webb, 12. Amanda Cummings, 15. Ryan Patrick Halligan, 13. Audrie Pott, 15. Phoebe Prince, 15. … Continue reading

Early, Prompt, Fashionably Late, or Rude? Punctuality as a (Slippery) Virtue

By Caroline M. Cole Colleagues walking into a meeting mid-discussion. Classmates strolling into a lecture in progress. Patrons looking for a seat once the movie or performance has begun. Patients checking in after scheduled appointments. Guests showing up as others … Continue reading

The Art of Introduction

By Caroline M. Cole Poking others on Facebook and sending connect invites on LinkedIn, we have more opportunities to extend our social and professional networks. Yet while connections and interactions increasingly take place online, there are times we need to … Continue reading

R.S.V.P. and Enhance Your Reputation

By Caroline M. Cole Those familiar with Jane Austen novels have inevitably read about the importance of an invitation. Whether to a private ball, a wedding, or an afternoon tea, invitations were a token of the sender’s esteem for their … Continue reading

“No, really. After You…”: The Door-Opening Ritual

By Caroline M. Cole In 1983 Marilyn Frye, professor of philosophy and feminist theories, published an essay in which she examines the use and misuse of the word “oppression.” Drawing examples primarily from male and female interactions, Frye examines what, … Continue reading

Addicted to Devices, and the Messages We Transmit

By Caroline M. Cole Appearing in the 1965 Time-Life publication Early Man, a Rudolph Zallinger illustration depicts 15 figures walking from left to right, ordered to suggest the evolutionary path of ape-like beings to Homo sapiens. The March of Progress, … Continue reading