Sometimes

Sometimes you only have to say, “Hey, look out the window!”

And your teenager glances up from their phone, looks out the window, and, even if for just a moment, you share the beauty of a sunset, or a hawk in flight, or whatever; the “what” isn’t the most important thing.

That’s exactly what I said to my teenage granddaughter as we were driving through the desert, just before I snapped this picture. It was a gorgeous sunset, and even though we didn’t stop or take time to compose the perfect shot, I love this picture. It reminds me of how we looked out the window together and shared the beauty.

Relationship researcher Dr. John Gottman says that comments like this are bids for connection. It’s how we say, I noticed something I liked or I thought you might like and I wanted to share it with you. It’s an important part of how we connect with those we love.

This holiday season, in the midst of the plans and the bustle and the traditions, give it a try.

It’s simple. It’s fun. It’s magic.

Wishing you and yours many shared moments of holiday magic,

Anne 

PS And if anyone says to you, “Hey, look out the window” be sure you look up and connect!