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F ebruary 2026
Diplomacy Without the Drama What International Friendship Looks Like When It’s Tested
In the U.S., we’ve sent our high school students abroad for exchange programs in sister cities for decades. No question these opportunities for young people to explore new cultures and create bonds with their peers across the globe are beneficial, not just for the individuals but for the greater good of the world. These visits have historically been symbolic steps toward diplomacy, such as the exchange programs initiated with China during the Nixon administration. International friendships benefit international relations. February is International Friendship Month, and especially in today’s climate, international friendship may be the key to saving millions of lives. When a friendship or relationship exists, it makes it harder to see someone other than ourselves as “the other.” It’s more difficult for us to view them as adversaries or enemies. They become more familiar and further away from being a threat.
huge when they happen and make the headlines for weeks, months, and sometimes even years. And, those have often cost thousands, if not millions, of lives.
At the time of writing this, a peculiar type of friendship is unfolding globally that many people, including myself, are watching: the relationship between Venezuela and the United States. On one hand, this is no international friendship. It’s a friendship between the powers that be in Washington and the oil interests eyeing Venezuelan property. But it is, in very broadly defined terms, a friendship of sorts that worked out for the administration. The U.S. successfully removed Nicolás Maduro Moros from Venezuela. And they left the entire Venezuelan administration intact, with the vice president swiftly assuming the presidency. Surely, this all occurred with little controversy globally. And, surely, the dictatorial figurehead of the country took all the authoritative pieces of his government infrastructure with him on his way out, right?
A mostly peaceful, friendly transition — well, if we aren’t counting the night raid that removed Moros from office.
It’s a particular friendship, isn’t it? But it further demonstrates how international friendships can save millions of lives.
By the time you are reading this, we may have already invaded Greenland.”
By the time you are reading this, we may have already invaded Greenland. I don’t know as I write this. But I’d call that another good example of the need for international friendship. The formal relationship we have with Greenland (and Denmark) is very friendly. They’re part of NATO, and for decades, we’ve honored a treaty that says an attack upon one will be an attack upon all. So, how does it work when one of NATO’s members attacks itself? We’re about to find out, aren’t we? This is not a drill. We are indeed in a peculiar situation; international friendship torn asunder. There’s no question that international friendship and relations matter, but what does it look like when the stakes are actually this high?
A key to removing the drama out of what might be normal human psychosis seems to be having friends. So, one way to take the drama out of international psychosis may be international friends. This is the art of diplomacy in a nutshell. Diplomats have long practiced this, more often successfully than not.
–Michael Manely
The proof is in the pudding when the “not” occurs. Out of 100 instances of successful diplomacy, we do run into occasions where it didn’t work. Those are
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A Plan Made With Love
Taking care of your heart extends far beyond regular check-ups and healthy habits; it means caring for the people who matter most: your loved ones. February is Heart Health Month, and if you want to ensure your family’s best interests stay close to heart, it’s an opportunity to protect them in your estate plan. From health care proxies to naming guardians, taking these steps with your plan is a lasting way to show your love and support. Prevent decision-making stress. One of the first safety instructions you receive on a flight is to put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others. The same principle applies to your estate plan. An advance directive allows you to specify your medical preferences should something happen to you. This protects your well- being and also reduces emotional burden and stress for your family. You can appoint a health care proxy, a person who will be responsible for making critical decisions about your health care if you cannot. Having a clear plan in place spares your loved ones from confusion and the worry about making difficult choices for you that may not align with your wishes. Ensure children’s future security. If you have children, they are at the heart of everything you do, and you can provide more for them than just assets. You should name a guardian in your estate plan, a person you trust to love and care for your minor children if you should pass away or become incapacitated. Without this, the court would have to make that choice for you, and it might not be the person you want to watch over your kids. By appointing someone you know will raise your children in accordance with your wishes, you set them up for a happy, healthy life. As you review your estate plan, you can safeguard your family in many ways. Just as you have to prioritize taking care of your physical health to keep your heart strong, you also have to make healthy choices for your estate plan. Let your heart guide you and your estate plan protect what matters most.
KEEPING YOUR FAMILY’S BEST INTERESTS AT HEART
Contact us at The Manely Firm to ensure your estate plan aligns with your family’s needs now and in the future.
Is Your Love Legally Protected? VALENTINE’S DAY REALITY CHECK
Valentine’s Day is all about love, commitment, and big feelings, but it’s also a good moment for a little reality check, especially for new couples. When relationships grow serious, love doesn’t disappear just because conversations about legal protections come up. The truth is that tools like prenuptial or cohabitation agreements can actually strengthen your bonds and ensure both partners are secure and safe.
you owns significant assets, such as a home or family business, these legal agreements can ensure they remain separate property, preventing potential disputes later on. It’s also a way to care for one another in the event of the unexpected, spelling out what will happen financially if someone becomes ill or can no longer work. Together, you can keep things fair as you decide what finances you will share, manage separately, and the boundaries you mutually agree upon for debts or investments.
2 Agreements, Different Timing Prenups and cohabitation agreements provide many of the same benefits and protections for couples. The key difference is that a prenup is for couples who are about to get married, and the cohabitation agreement is for unwed couples in long-term relationships. Both provide a plan for assets, shared responsibilities, and other familial and financial issues. A cohabitation agreement can also help grant some of the legal protections married couples receive automatically, like health insurance coverage or health care directives. Existing Assets, Clear Protection One of the main reasons to consider a prenup or cohabitation agreement is to protect both of your assets and finances. If one of
Kids’ Interests, Front and Center If you or your partner have children, a legal agreement can define parental responsibilities and protect your children’s future inheritances. You can specify what portion of your estate will go to them in the future and what would happen in the case of a separation or death. Although child support and child custody are determined through separate processes, based on the child’s best interests at the time, prenuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements protect their financial interests and establish financial rules. If you’re ready to have these loving, important conversations, The Manely Firm is here to help guide you. Contact us for a consultation today.
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Inspired by LadySavor.com HOT HONEY-INFUSED FETA CHICKEN I ngredients
Emotional intelligence begins with knowing what’s happening inside you. If you can’t name your feelings, you can’t manage them, and you certainly can’t explain them to someone else. Those who have high emotional intelligence have a rich vocabulary for their emotions, which allows them to discern and recognize the core feelings at play. Having that rich vocabulary is like the difference between being literate and illiterate. The human mind is actually less developed without it, because you haven’t attached labels to what is around you. Thus, you cannot communicate what they are. We send all our clients, as well as our employees, a feelings wheel when they start with us as a tool to help them describe their genuine emotions in a way that will aid their growth. Emotionally intelligent people are curiosity-driven. Instead of allowing their brains to tell them stories without any investigation, they start to explore. When someone cuts them off in traffic, they don’t spring into road rage. They wonder what that person may be going through or where they are rushing to. They have already examined their own strengths and weaknesses and know themselves. They’re adept at reading people, looking for emotional signals, picking up on body language, and being good listeners. They’re forgiving of themselves and others, letting go of mistakes and focusing instead on growth. They are not a doormat, overly aggressive, or completely passive. It’s about establishing boundaries and asserting their own wants and needs in a balanced way that remains empathic. So, what does low emotional intelligence look like? You may be easily stressed, quick to make assumptions or judgments, and often feel misunderstood. Once you’ve told yourself a story, you stick to it and get defensive. You may not be aware of your own triggers, strengths, and weaknesses, and may blame others for how you feel. We all have relevant feelings, but we’re all responsible for our own feeling state. At The Manely Firm, we dedicate a significant amount of effort to supporting the emotional growth of both our employees and team. If you are reading this, take out that emotions wheel, explore The Empowerment Dynamic (TED*) we share with our clients (from David Emerald’s bestselling book “The Power of TED*”), and begin approaching your world with curiosity. Matters of the Heart YOU CAN’T MANAGE WHAT YOU CAN’T NAME
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp crumbled feta cheese 2 tsp fresh rosemary chopped (or thyme) 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
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1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil 3 tbsp hot honey
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D irections 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.
“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible!’” –A udrey H epburn
–Shelia Manely Need help with a family law matter? Call now to book a strategy session. (866) 245-5685
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Relationships on a Global Scale
A Way to Care for Your Family’s Tomorrow
Tools That Strengthen Your Relationship
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What Emotional Intelligence Actually Looks Like
Hot Honey-Infused Feta Chicken
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Reclaiming Valentine’s Day for Yourself
Love Yourself Like You Mean It YOUR VALENTINE’S DAY SELF-CARE GUIDE
For many Americans, Valentine’s Day is synonymous with romance. We get reservations weeks or months in advance, shower our partners in love and affection, and enjoy an extravagant date night. It’s a day filled with high expectations, and with that comes stress and pressure. If you feel like you’re always going above and beyond to impress on Valentine’s Day without getting the same effort in return, it may be time to show yourself some extra love. Everyone deserves a happy and fulfilling life, but it can be hard to achieve when work, relationships, and other pressures weigh us down. Most of us rarely take time for ourselves, so as the pressure builds, we start to experience episodes of burnout, depression, and anxiety. This Valentine’s Day or sometime close to it, take time for yourself and practice self-care. It will help you feel rejuvenated while removing any negative thoughts that have been lingering around. How you approach self-care is entirely up to you, but it almost always involves engaging in relaxing and enjoyable activities. Think about the things you love to do the most. When was the last time you played a round of golf, went on a walk through nature, or enjoyed your favorite movie uninterrupted? Whatever your favorite activity may be, find a way to incorporate it into your self-care day.
In addition to your favorite activities, take some time to pamper yourself. Get a massage, buy something for yourself that you really want, or take a long, relaxing bath. These actions will help you feel good inside and out!
To ensure your self-care day is a success, consider turning off your phone and other devices for the duration of the day. Scrolling through social media will not help you feel any better; in fact, it will likely make you feel worse. This is a time to focus on yourself and ensure
you get the attention and love you deserve. If you waste the whole day scrolling through TikTok or X, you’ll focus on everything but yourself.
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