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F riendship A fter S chool FEWER OPPORTUNITIES REQUIRE GREATER INTENTION
FEBRUARY 2026
When we’re young, it’s easy to make new friends. You’re consistently in environments where you are naturally surrounded by people who are generally like you. While in school, you’re with kids who are the same age as you, and you get opportunities to join clubs, teams, and eventually fraternities or sororities with people who share similar interests or passions. Additionally, you’re also going through a time where you’re constantly having life-changing moments that allow you to form connections with the people who experience it right alongside you. However, as we grow older, these opportunities for connection become rare. You start to have less time on your hands as you settle down, get married, have kids, and become more involved with your career. It becomes challenging to make new friends, and even our old connections start to drift apart. Thankfully, there’s a special day this month that calls on us to form new friendships when we recognize National Make a Friend Day on Feb. 11. As kids, we had so much time on our hands. We could walk through the neighborhood or the mall with our friends or go to each other’s houses for sleepovers without a worry or care in the world. For
many, this can carry on into our 20s, as we continue to form new connections, but once life gets more serious, we stop making friends quickly, and some of our past friendships become less meaningful. People move across the country, their interests change, and even stages of life can be different with some getting married or having kids before others, causing you to lose touch. Over time, our friend groups become smaller and smaller. These days, I have some close friends whom I met in college, at earlier jobs, and from entrepreneur groups, and it’s always nice to have close friends I can turn to when I want to talk about my kids, my spouse, my business, or other things in life that they can provide advice or insight about. It doesn’t matter if I speak to them weekly, monthly, or once a year; I know that we can always pick right back up where we left off. That’s one of the beautiful things about friendship. While it can be daunting to make new friends once we become adults and have families of our own, it’s still possible as long as you approach the goal with a little intention. Unfortunately, you aren’t going to make lifelong friends by approaching strangers at the grocery store or waiting for someone to compliment your outfit. You have to put yourself in a position to meet people with like interests or in similar stages of life and nurture these relationships, which takes effort. One of the best ways to meet new people is by joining clubs, organizations, and teams. If you’re more introverted and putting yourself in an unfamiliar setting sounds daunting, you can always start closer to home. Get to know your surrounding community and invite your neighbors over for drinks or dinner. If your kids play sports, don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with the other parents. There is always a way to reach out and connect with someone; you may just need to do some digging to find some common ground. Friendship takes on a different meaning when we get older. It’s not about inflating our self-worth or avoiding FOMO; it’s focused on making sure we have people to talk to and rely on whenever we need a listening ear or a helping hand.
- Esther Vayman
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Whenever possible, take the time to lean into your child’s questions. Instead of simply giving them an answer, ask them their thoughts about the information you’ve provided. Rather than asking them questions that could be answered with a simple yes or no, prompt them with open- ended ones that will strengthen their reasoning skills and prompt them to consider a topic more deeply. SMALL STRUGGLES MAKE STRONGER MINDS. As parents, we want to answer our children’s questions and find solutions to all their problems. While some situations will always require our intervention (such as a medical emergency), it’s sometimes best to allow kids to find their own path to solving dilemmas or discovering answers. Board games, puzzles, building blocks, and even role-playing games with friends can foster stronger thinking skills, so allow your children plenty of time to engage in activities that expand their minds while they’re having fun. When you see your child struggle to figure out how to complete a playtime task, pause before jumping in to help. Giving them room to sort out the issue instead of immediately coming to their aid will help them think and problem-solve more independently. When we practice patience and give children space to explore the world in their own way, we nurture curious, confident thinkers who are ready for whatever life brings.
In a culture overwhelmed by algorithms and conflicting media sources, critical thinking is more important than ever. This is especially true of young children, many of whom will become our future CEOs, writers, and world leaders. Here are two simple ways parents can help their little ones develop the thinking skills they’ll need to thrive through life’s challenges. QUESTIONS KINDLE THOUGHTFUL TRUTHS. Whether you’re raising a young child for the first time or are a veteran grandparent who’s done it all, you can surely recall moments when a little one hit you with a barrage of questions that tested your patience. Few people would fault you for rushing through your answers to satisfy your tiny inquisitor when stressed, but regularly questioning things is a sign of a critical thinker. P uzzles and P atience KEYS TO RAISING CRITICAL THINKERS
W hat H appens if P robate D eadlines A re M issed ? PROBATE EXPLAINED
There is often a lot of confusion regarding the probate process. Most people have never experienced it before, and the fact that they have to navigate a maze during a time when they should be grieving can make things even more difficult. If you’re the executor, you may worry about filing the will on time or informing heirs and beneficiaries. Those on the outside looking in may wonder when they need to contest the will. While there is no set deadline for filing a will and starting the probate process, it is best practice to begin as soon as reasonably possible. Ideally, this should be within a few weeks or months after the death. Failing to file promptly can put the executor in an impossible situation. The probate court could fine or imprison the person withholding the will, and heirs could sue for items or assets they should have gained ownership over.
The next step in the process is informing those who have a need to know. Once probate is opened, the executor needs to inform heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors. Failing to do so can lead to potential lawsuits against the estate or the executor, especially if creditors were not informed or didn’t receive a timely notice that they were entitled to a payment. Those who intend to contest a will need to be aware of which type of probate is involved. Common form probate is the most used and occurs when the will is fairly straightforward, and the potential for disputes is minimal. In common form probate, the heirs are not notified, but they have up to four years after the will is admitted to probate to file a caveat and challenge the will.
underway. Those who want to challenge the will have 30 days after receiving the notice to file a will contest petition with the probate court. If you miss your opportunity and the deadline passes, there is little you can do going forward. The probate court will proceed with the distribution of assets according to the will. Please call us today if you have any questions about executor responsibilities, meeting deadlines, or anything else related to the probate process!
The other type is solemn form probate, and in these instances, every heir is notified that probate is
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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WINTER FOOD?
Amanda D. Potato Soup Grace White Chicken Chili Mari Persimmons Brianna Pot Roast & Beef Stew Charleigh
Cheri Chili Aline Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese Kaitlyn Roast Gianna Bacon, Egg & Cheese
“THEY WERE VERY AGGRESSIVE WITH RAVE REVI EWS GETTING THINGS DONE IN A TIMELY FASHION. I WOULD GLADLY GIVE THEM MORE STARS IF I HAD THE OPTION. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.”
Chicken & Wild Rice Soup Brooke Chicken Gnocchi Soup
H ot H oney - I nfused F eta C hicken
ingredients • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts • 1 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 3 tbsp hot honey
BRAIN BREAK
• 2 cloves garlic, minced • 3 tbsp crumbled feta cheese • 2 tsp fresh rosemary chopped (or thyme) • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
directions 1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. 2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. 3. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden. 4. In a small bowl, mix hot honey and minced garlic to create a glaze. 5. Place the seared chicken in a baking dish. Pour the hot honey mixture over top. 6. Sprinkle chicken with crumbled feta, then rosemary or thyme. 7. Bake at 400 F for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F. 8. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra caramelization. 9. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with lemon juice and extra herbs before serving.
DREAM EQUALITY FESTIVAL GROUNDHOG HEARTS KING
LINCOLN MUFFIN PANCAKE
RABBIT ROSES
Inspired by LadySavor.com
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I nside
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WHY FRIENDSHIP GETS HARDER AS LIFE GETS FULLER
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THE FUTURE BELONGS TO CRITICAL THINKERS
THE CONSEQUENCES OF MISSING PROBATE DEADLINES
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STAFF Q&A: FAVORITE WINTER FOOD
HOT HONEY-INFUSED FETA CHICKEN
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ISLAND HOP ON A HASSLE-FREE ADVENTURE TO THESE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
A C ruise W here Y our P assport C an S tay H ome SET SAIL ON A GETAWAY THAT KEEPS THINGS SIMPLE
Have you been dreaming of a getaway, but the thought of renewing your passport is too much? Don’t worry, you can set sail without leaving the country. Passport-free cruises make it easy to explore charming towns, sunny beaches, and vibrant ports, all while keeping the logistics simple. CANADA AND NEW ENGLAND ADVENTURES Who says you need a passport to explore charming cobblestone streets, colorful harbors, and breathtaking fall foliage? Cruises from Boston, New York City, and Cape Liberty (New Jersey) make it easy to experience the magic of Canada and New England. Stroll through Halifax, Nova Scotia, savor lobster in Portland, Maine, or take in the quaint charm of Bar Harbor. With Norwegian Cruise Line, you can enjoy a journey hitting all these spots before returning to the Big Apple. SUN, SAND, AND CARIBBEAN VIBES If turquoise waters and golden beaches are more your style, the Caribbean is calling, and you don’t need a passport if you start from U.S. ports like Miami, Tampa, or Fort Lauderdale. Regent Seven Seas invites travelers aboard the Wonders in the Caribbean cruise, stopping in the Cayman Islands, Belize, Mexico, and more. For a tropical twist,
Royal Caribbean’s Southern Caribbean Holiday cruise begins in San Juan and visits Barbados, Trinidad, Tobago, and St. Maarten.
BAHAMIAN BLISS Florida’s sunny ports are your gateway to The Bahamas. From Miami, Port Everglades, or Port Canaveral, you can hop on a Carnival or Disney cruise for a few nights of fun. Disney Cruise Line’s three-night Bahamian adventure aboard the Disney Wish includes Nassau and the legendary Disney Castaway Cay. Sand, sun, and smiles await without ever leaving U.S. waters. BERMUDA BOUND Just 570 miles off North Carolina, Bermuda is a perfect East Coast escape. Departing from New York City, Boston, Norfolk, or Miami, you can enjoy sandy pink beaches, historic Hamilton, and the charm of St. George. Carnival and Oceania offer cruises with relaxing days at sea and island adventures, perfect for a tropical getaway close to home. From the historic streets of New England to the sparkling waters of the Caribbean, these passport-free cruises make it easy to see the world while keeping things simple.
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