Siblings often remember their childhoods completely differently because parents evolve with each child, creating different family experiences despite the same household.

• Birth order significantly impacts how we experience family life
• Oldest children often function as unpaid parental assistants
• Middle children become masters of diplomacy but feel overlooked
• Youngest children typically experience more relaxed parenting rules
• Parents aren't the same with each child due to changing circumstances
• Each sibling gets their own "director's cut" of family memories
• Shared experiences create bonds only siblings can understand
• Siblings become living time capsules of family history
• As parents age, sibling relationships become increasingly valuable
• Sibling relationships provide support during difficult times

Don't forget to subscribe. Share this episode with a sibling who swears you had the easier childhood and remind them: "Of course I did. Mom was too tired to ruin me the same way she ruined you."

Ever notice how it takes the first three days of your vacation just to remember how to relax? You're not alone. That magical "vacation mode" we're all chasing often feels more elusive than a reasonably priced airport coffee.

I'm diving into the psychology of why we struggle to decompress when traveling and sharing practical strategies to help you slip into relaxation mode faster. From the surprising power of brushing your teeth slowly (yes, really!) to the liberation of scheduling a completely unstructured day, these expert-backed tips will transform how you approach your precious time away.

The modern pressure to stay connected means many of us are treating vacations like an extension of our workday—just with better scenery. But as I explain, "You are not the duct tape holding that company together. Even duct tape gets some breaks." Learning to create proper boundaries with work, pack strategically with emotional support items (my travel slippers are non-negotiable), and establish small vacation rituals can make all the difference between returning home refreshed or needing a vacation from your vacation.

My own travel mishaps—like forgetting my contact case and paying $7 for a replacement—highlight why preparation matters. But beyond the practical aspects, this episode explores something deeper: our cultural inability to truly slow down and be present. The frantic need to see everything and document every moment often robs us of the very joy we traveled to find.

Whether you're planning an international adventure or a simple weekend getaway, these insights will help you maximize enjoyment without maximizing stress. Life is too short to spend three days decompressing from packing, and your piña colada is getting warm. Join me to discover how to make every moment of your next trip count.

Has common courtesy become extinct? After tripping over damaged sidewalk infrastructure and enduring 14 stitches, I found myself navigating not just physical recovery but the seemingly more painful labyrinth of city bureaucracy. What struck me most wasn't the fall itself but how my interaction with "Cherie" from the claims department exemplified everything wrong with human communication today – impersonal questioning, zero empathy, and complete unwillingness to take accountability.

This encounter opened my eyes to a broader cultural shift. When did saying "please" and "thank you" become optional? Somewhere between Tiger King and banana bread, society seems to have left basic courtesy at the curb with the recycling. People bump into you without apology, customer service representatives put you on hold without greeting, and teenagers working registers respond to gratitude with unintelligible grunts. Technology has replaced human interaction with iPads and self-checkout kiosks, further eroding our connections and expectations of basic decency.

What can we do in this brave new world of rudeness? I offer practical strategies like the "raised eyebrow of doom," the Southern "bless your heart," and channeling your inner customer service professional. But more importantly, I suggest becoming "the people we miss" – those who express gratitude, make eye contact, and don't act like minor inconveniences are catastrophes. While we can't control others' behavior, we can control our responses and maybe, just maybe, inspire others through example. The world may be loud, distracted and short-tempered, but we don't have to be. Let's bring back the simple, soothing art of not being a jackass.