Retiredom

People Who Stay Motivated and Engaged in Retirement Never Do These 14 Things

April 24, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

They know avoiding these 14 common pitfalls is the secret to staying happy and active in retirement

If you want to stay inspired and energized in retirement, there are certain habits you’ve got to steer clear of. It’s surprisingly easy to slip into patterns that slowly drain your energy and joy—habits that seem harmless at first but eventually leave you feeling aimless or bored. Retirement should be one of the richest and most fulfilling chapters of your life, not a slow fade into monotony.

Those who live their best retired lives understand this truth deeply. They consciously avoid choices that sap their motivation, and instead, fill their days with intention, curiosity, and connection. Here’s a closer look at 14 habits happy and active retirees avoid—and why steering clear of them makes all the difference.

12 Brilliant Ways to Deal with People Who Are Chronic Complainers

April 24, 2025 by Ron Clendenin

Learn practical strategies to respond effectively when dealing with constant complainers.

We’ve all encountered them—people who seem to thrive on complaints and whining. While it can be frustrating, handling these individuals gracefully and constructively is an essential life skill. Whether it’s a co-worker, a friend, or even a family member, knowing how to manage chronic complainers can protect your peace of mind and maintain healthy relationships.

The challenge is learning to engage with empathy without being drained by their negativity. It’s about setting personal limits while preserving compassion, understanding what drives their behavior without making it your responsibility, and responding in ways that are respectful, calm, and constructive. These situations can actually be opportunities for growth—for both you and the person stuck in the cycle of complaining.

The 15 Greatest U.S. Presidents of All Time—And the 5 That Flopped, According to Historians

April 24, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Historians have spoken, and these leaders stand above the rest.

Not all presidents are created equal, and history has made that crystal clear. While some leaders merely occupied the White House, others reshaped the very fabric of American society. They inspired, reformed, built, and even saved the nation during its most pivotal moments. Leadership at this level requires a unique mix of vision, resilience, and an unshakable sense of duty. And when historians evaluate greatness, they look for more than popularity—they look for impact.

The Siena College Research Institute surveyed scholars in 2022 to rank every U.S. president. Drawing on expert analysis of leadership traits, accomplishments, and crises faced, the rankings reveal who truly rose to the occasion. In this list, we’re highlighting the 15 most highly regarded presidents—those whose legacies have stood the test of time. And just for contrast (or controversy), we’re including the bottom five—those whose time in office left more damage than progress.

No-Contact Isn’t Always Cruel—13 Real Reasons Adult Children Choose Family Estrangement

April 24, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

You won’t believe how common these reasons are—and one might hit close to home.

Family relationships can be incredibly layered. They often come with years of shared memories, unspoken expectations, and complex emotions. We’re taught from a young age that family should come first, that blood is thicker than water, and that loyalty to our kin is sacred. But for many, that narrative doesn’t hold up against the reality of painful experiences, ongoing dysfunction, and unmet emotional needs. The bond of blood doesn’t always guarantee love, respect, or safety.

Deciding to step back from family isn’t something most people do lightly. It usually follows years of trying to make things work, hoping for change, and putting others’ comfort ahead of their own well-being. Understanding why people walk away from relatives helps us build more empathy—for others and maybe even for ourselves. These thirteen reasons reflect how nuanced, painful, and ultimately necessary this decision can be.

If You Feel Deeply Disappointed by Someone You Love, You Need These 13 Coping Strategies

April 23, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

These powerful strategies will shield you from the pain and help you move on when someone you love leaves you reeling.

When someone you love disappoints you, it can feel like a punch to the gut. You trusted them, counted on their support, maybe even shared your deepest dreams—and then they let you down, whether by breaking a promise, making a misguided decision, or just not showing up when you needed them. The pain that follows isn’t just about the event itself—it’s about the breach of trust, the loss of security, and the sense that you might never look at them the same way again.

Coping with that kind of emotional letdown isn’t easy. It requires patience, self-compassion, and the courage to take care of yourself in the middle of confusion. You may not be able to undo the hurt, but you can choose how to respond to it. These powerful strategies can help you navigate the heartbreak, protect your well-being, and gradually move toward healing—even if the person who hurt you never apologizes or makes amends.

10 Crucial Things to Say When Your Adult Child Comes Out as Gay—Or Risk Losing Them Forever

April 23, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Your response in this moment could make or break your future together—choose these words wisely.

When your adult child opens up and tells you they’re gay, it’s not just a casual confession—it’s a deeply vulnerable act of trust. One wrong word or a poorly chosen reaction could drive an emotional wedge between you that might never fully heal. Even if you’re caught off guard or grappling with your own beliefs, this is the moment where your love and support need to shine. The words you choose now will echo in your child’s heart for a long time, possibly forever.

The way you respond will shape how safe they feel around you, how close they’ll remain, and how much they believe in your love. It’s not about having all the answers or understanding everything instantly. It’s about showing that your relationship is stronger than fear, bias, or discomfort. These ten thoughtfully chosen phrases can help you express love, affirmation, and unwavering support in one of the most important conversations you’ll ever have.

People Who Are Still Doing These 11 Things After 60 Are Destined for a Miserable Old Age

April 23, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Clinging to these bad habits after 60 is setting you up for decades of regret and loneliness.

If you’re over 60 and still holding on to certain habits, you might be unknowingly shaping a future filled with missed opportunities, emotional isolation, and regret. These behaviors can seem small or even justifiable, especially when they’ve been part of your life for decades. But habits that once served you—or at least didn’t harm you—can slowly become roadblocks to your happiness as you age.

The golden years should be about ease, joy, and meaningful connection. But the truth is, many older adults carry emotional and behavioral patterns that quietly chip away at their well-being. It’s never too late to let go of what no longer serves you. By recognizing and releasing these habits, you open yourself up to richer experiences, deeper relationships, and a renewed sense of peace and purpose.

Wasting Your Best Years? These 11 Signs Point to a Loveless, Soul-Crushing Marriage

April 23, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

Staying in a marriage without love is draining your happiness, stealing your time, and costing you the life you truly deserve.

You might think staying in a loveless marriage is the safer choice—that starting over would be too painful, too disruptive, or too uncertain. But what if that sense of security is actually a trap? What if each year you stay, hoping things might improve, you’re slowly eroding your sense of self, your energy, and your future happiness?

If you’ve been questioning your relationship, this could be the wake-up call you need. There are signs—real, undeniable signs—that love has quietly left the building. And if you find yourself nodding along, it might be time to ask a bigger question: What are you really holding onto, and what are you giving up in return?

13 Subtle (and Not-So-Subtle) Ways Grown Children Rewrite History to Blame You

April 23, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

You thought you did everything right, but these subtle tactics from your adult kids could make you question your entire parenting.

Do you sometimes feel like your adult children have quietly rewritten the script of your family history—and cast you as the villain? You remember the sleepless nights, the sacrifices, the moments you tried your best with what you knew at the time. But now, it can feel like all of that is overshadowed by criticism that wasn’t there before. The person you were as a parent—flawed but loving—seems to be lost beneath their narratives of pain, blame, and revisionist memory.

If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. Many parents of adult children experience a strange disorientation when the kids they raised start pointing out all the things that were supposedly “toxic” or “neglectful.” While honest conversations about the past can lead to healing, some adult children use these moments as weapons—not bridges. Here are 13 disturbing ways adult kids can manipulate your memories and make you question yourself more than you deserve.

12 Brilliant Phrases the Wisest People Use to Challenge Others Respectfully

April 23, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

These phrases will help you make your point without creating conflict or sounding condescending.

Conversations can become unexpectedly tense when someone says something that’s clearly off-base or uninformed. It can catch you off guard and spark a moment of discomfort, especially if it’s someone you respect or care about. Most people don’t want to come across as rude or dismissive, but staying silent can feel like you’re letting something slide that shouldn’t. On the flip side, responding too bluntly can instantly shift the tone and shut down the connection. Striking the right balance is where the real art lies.

The key is to guide the conversation with calm confidence, using language that encourages reflection instead of resistance. The goal isn’t to “win” the exchange—it’s to preserve the relationship while still speaking your truth. These phrases give you the tools to do just that. They’re designed to foster openness, show respect for different viewpoints, and gently offer a new lens—one that invites understanding, not defensiveness. And with practice, they’ll help you become someone others turn to when they need a grounded, thoughtful perspective.

13 Drool-Worthy Classic Cars Poised to Explode in Value Next Year

April 23, 2025 by Ron Clendenin

Discover the hidden gems of the classic car market before their value skyrockets.

The classic car market is experiencing a renaissance. Enthusiasts and collectors alike are rediscovering the magic of vintage models, and values are accelerating faster than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a weekend admirer of timeless rides, there’s no denying that we’re at the edge of a pivotal moment. Demand is rising for well-preserved, historically significant cars, especially those that evoke powerful nostalgia or represent engineering milestones. This is your opportunity to secure iconic vehicles before they reach untouchable prices.

What makes these cars special isn’t just their age—it’s the character, the stories behind them, and the craftsmanship that modern machines often lack. From European elegance to brash American muscle, each vehicle on this list has the potential to become the crown jewel of your collection. And if you’re not careful, you might blink and miss the chance to get them before prices explode. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of owning a classic car that turns heads and builds equity, now’s the time to start the engine.

People Who’ve Mastered the Art of Accepting Compliments Use These 11 Perfect Replies

April 22, 2025 by Barrie Davenport

The exact phrases that make even the shyest person look confident and composed when the compliments roll in.

You know that awkward moment when someone throws a compliment your way, and you just freeze up? Maybe your mind goes blank, or you fumble with a nervous “uh… thanks,” then spend the next ten minutes overanalyzing whether you came off as awkward, arrogant, or dismissive. We’ve all been there—unsure of what to say, worried about sounding too proud or too shy. For some of us, compliments can feel unexpectedly vulnerable, even when we crave them deep down.

But here’s the truth: receiving praise with grace is a skill. And just like any other skill, it can be practiced and refined. When you respond to compliments in a confident, grounded way, you send a message—not just about what was complimented, but about your self-awareness, warmth, and presence. The right words can make you appear both composed and genuinely appreciative, even if you’re shy on the inside. So if you’ve ever stumbled when someone said something kind, here are 11 clever, authentic ways to accept praise that make you look (and feel) quietly confident.

15 Striking Ways Self-Absorbed People Quietly Expose Their True Colors

April 22, 2025 by Ron Clendenin

Be aware of the selfish behavior that even people close to you may display.

Self-absorbed people can be surprisingly charismatic at first. They know how to draw others in with charm, enthusiasm, and just enough personal interest to seem genuine. But over time, their deeper tendencies begin to surface—subtle habits that slowly drain your emotional energy and leave you feeling unseen or even manipulated. Their world revolves around themselves, and everyone else is either a tool for validation or an obstacle in the way.

Recognizing the red flags of self-centered behavior is crucial for preserving your emotional health. When you begin to notice these traits in someone close to you, it gives you the chance to set boundaries and decide how much of yourself you’re willing to invest. Here are 15 revealing behaviors that self-absorbed individuals often display. The more of these patterns you recognize, the more cautious you may want to be in your interactions with them.

Retire With Meaning—15 Powerful Personal Values That Enrich Your Golden Years

April 22, 2025 by Ron Clendenin

Living by these values in retirement can lead to a rich, rewarding life.

Retirement offers more than just a break from work—it’s an invitation to reshape your life around what truly matters. With fewer obligations and more flexibility, you have a rare opportunity to tune into your deeper values, the ones that bring meaning, clarity, and happiness. This chapter of life can be your most fulfilling yet, if you intentionally shape it with the right mindset and priorities.

Embracing values that align with who you are and what you care about will help you create a life of joy, connection, and purpose. These 15 personal values aren’t rigid rules—they’re guiding principles that can evolve with you. By integrating them into your daily life, you’ll give yourself the tools to live well, age gracefully, and make the most of your freedom and wisdom.