People with mild paranoia often have difficulties in relationships.  Their trust issues take a particular form.  They are suspicious, quick to read between the lines, quick to assume that the person speaking with them has a hidden motive.  At times, they will accuse others of having thoughts and intentions that are not there.  It creates anger, frustration, and a whole boat-load of misunderstanding.

In this episode, Dr. Hamlin explains how to recognize this pattern in others and in one's self.  He briefly discusses the causes of this way of thinking.  Finally, he offers tips for how to deal with it in a constructive manner.

What does it look like to have a friend who is also your mentor?  What is the value of being mentored by someone who your friend?  In this episode Dr. Hamlin reflects on one of his own friendships to illustrate a few defining principles of mentoring friendships.  In the context of friendship, a mentor is an encourager and a witness to the forward movement of your life.

"This episode is dedicated to Erwin Mooradian, friend and mentor, who passed away in May 2017."

     -- GH

Someone once said that friends are God's apology for making families. Indeed, friendships can be one of the treasures of being human.  But friendship involves a relationship and relationships always have problems or challenges.

In this episode Dr. Hamlin describes three frustrations that often arise between friends.  Of course, understanding these frustrations doesn't make them go away, but it does make us smarter, i.e., more emotionally intelligent.  When we get perspective in this way, we are more apt to be patient and also make better decisions about the friendships we have.

What is a real friendship?  Are there actual characteristics that you one can pinpoint to evaluate whether or not a friendship is worth keeping?

In this episode Dr. Greg Hamlin briefly comments on these questions by outlining 10 features of satisfying friendships.  This is part one of a periodic series on the nature of emotionally intelligent friendships.  By understanding these 10 characteristics of friendship, it lays the groundwork for having perspective on how to build friendships over time.