Whether you're dating or friends with a quiet, unassuming person, never coax him into changing -- it's that simple. If you're simply not content with the person's personality, do yourselves a favor and part ways amiably. Press the other person too much to change and it can build feelings of resentment. The bottom line is this: We aren't wired in the same way--nor are we always inclined to change our temperament to appease others. It simply isn't fair to expect someone to reengineer her personality to your liking. In a friendship or relationship, we should accept people for who they are-- flaws and all.

Since I graduated from college, I've met only one co-worker that I've clicked with enough to consider a friend. In fact, we even met up outside of work a few times for drinks, to attend ballgames, etc. A few years after I left the company, both of us married our sweethearts, which means we hardly see each other anymore. (She invited me to her wedding, and I invited her to mine.) I have been in the workforce now for almost 10 years and have only been able to forge one friendship. The fact of the matter is that it isn't always easy for a work relationship to morph into a friendship. People may not gel well together because of age, interests, or priorities. Sometimes you don't know whom you can trust; if the friendship goes awry, it can create a certain awkwardness in the workplace. Also, we may act differently away from the workplace than we do within the confines of a cubicle, thus making us reluctant to expose that side of our personality to someone we work with i...

Music can indeed enhance relationships, and I'll tell you how. Let's say you and your wife are in the car looking for a good song on the radio. You suddenly come across a station playing a song that first came out the year you both met. This brings back memories of a special time in your life journey together. Though most people break out the photo album when wishing to recollect special moments in their lives, songs, too, can say a thousand words. They uplift, inspire, excite, and entertain us. I frequently play songs on my iPod that remind me of high school, as they were released during those 4 years. The same goes for ones that came out around the time I was pulling all nighters for college courses. That's the beauty of songs -- they're not only for dancing or easy listening, but they also connect us to the past.  And when you and your partner listen to songs together that conjure up great memories, it not only puts you both in a better mood, but it positivel...

If you were to ask someone what the worst thing his friend or partner could do to jeopardize a friendship or relationship, what would he likely say? Aside from obvious things like stealing or physically harming the person, he'd probably cite lying as something that could very well derail the relationship. When someone lies to us, we feel betrayed. Simply put, it's a breach of trust, and once lying becomes a habit, we begin to question whether we can confide in the person or should even trust her moving forward. I've occasionally caught friends in a lie. Thankfully, they've been what we generally call "white lies," but it can be bothersome to know that some of the people you trust most in this world could at times be dishonest. When you catch someone lying to you, don't seek revenge by doing the same thing to him or her. Two wrongs never make a right! Just approach the person and -- respectfully, but firmly -- tell her that if the two of you are to ...

Just as I've noted that cementing friendships with genuine, caring people is not easy to do, finding trustworthy co-workers is just as challenging. How do you know whom you can trust in the workplace? That's the 6-million dollar question. I have found that most people act like your pal and before you know it they're talking smack behind your back or someone else's. As soon as someone comes over to gossip about someone else, I know never to confide in that individual, as he or she is just as likely to do it to me. I resist all temptation to gossip because not only is it unfair to the person being targeted (since they can't defend themselves), but who knows if the person I gossip to is going to rat me out? Tread lightly in the world of office politics, and don't be cajoled into saying things behind one's back. It may come back to haunt you.

Have you noticed how infectious negativity can be in a relationship? When my wife is in a cranky mood, it doesn't take very long for my attitude to change and mirror hers. Thankfully, happiness can have a rubbing off effect of its own, but negativity seems to be more potent and longer lasting. A nasty, bitter argument is enough to lead to divorce and thus undo 15 years of marital bliss. I've seen it happen with several couples. Also, it seems easier for negative thoughts and experiences to stay ingrained in our minds than positive ones. Is it any wonder that politicians and marketers often resort to negative advertising to achieve their aims? Most of us would agree that, whether in relationships or the workplace, sometimes our good deeds go unnoticed and it's our mistakes that get more attention. Would you say that negativity tends to overpower the positive in your relationship?

People say it isn't always easy to forge new friendships or relationships, and with good reason. The fact is that we don't click with everyone. And even if we do click with someone in the early stages of a relationship, that may not be the case five or even ten years down the line. So why don't we click with everyone? Different personalities: When people have different temperaments, it opens the door to bickering. The person with the stronger personality tends to overpower the more docile one, leading to feelings of resentment in the latter. Though many people believe that friends with completely different temperaments can balance each other out, studies have disproven such a notion. Different interests: While most people's idea of a fun night is hitting a bar or club with a group of 10, I'd be happy sitting at home watching Netflix or going to a restaurant for a quiet dinner. Unfortunately, the less gregarious types may feel pressured into socializing mor...

Have you stopped a second to assess the friendships in your life? Would you call them friendships where there is give and take, or are they mostly one-sided? Do you only seem to hear from the person when he needs a favor, or does he sometimes call out of the blue just to see how you're doing? I saw a video yesterday in which friends were challenged to guess what the other person sought to get out of the friendship. Some cited emotional support while others mentioned having someone with which to cultivate similar interests. It's an interesting question to say the least -- one that I've never pondered myself: What are one's needs in a friendship? Those needs, of course, are likely to shift over time. You may become friends with someone in your English class after pairing up for a project and continue being study buddies for the remainder of the semester. After the class ends, your needs are no longer about helping each other in an effort to get a good grade. Now...

In psychology, an introvert is defined as someone who draws energy from within. He is introspective and enjoys solitary pursuits like reading and writing (that describes me to a tee). An extrovert, on the other hand, draws energy from the outside. He thrives on social interaction and feels most alive when in the presence of others. Contrary to popular belief, introversion has nothing to do with shyness. It all has to do with how you derive energy -- whether internally or externally. In other words, a person could actually be both introverted and gregarious; however, after social functions, he or she will seek refuge in a quiet spot in order to recharge his batteries. In relationships where one person is an introvert and the other an extrovert, things can get hairy unless you come to terms with each other's so-called wiring. You'll have to make compromises, like spending one weekend attending social outings (appeases the extrovert) and the next at home watching movies (app...