extended family

All about how to stay connected, strengthen ties and talk politics with your big, happy extended family.

Female sexual dysfunction
What Is Female Sexual Dysfunction? Female sexual dysfunction refers to ongoing sexual problems that make intimacy less satisfying or cause stress in a relationship. These issues can involve desire, arousal, orgasm, or pain during sex.
By MUHAMMAD Abbasabout a year ago in Families
The Heart Behind the Helmet
The Heart Behind the Helmet: The Story of Diego Pavia's Biggest Fan In the world of college football, we celebrate the quarterbacks for their arm strength, their mobility, and their leadership on the field. We know the names, the stats, and the highlight reels. But behind every great athlete is a foundation of support, often built by family. For New Mexico State quarterback Diego Pavia, that unwavering foundation, his biggest fan, is his mother.
By KAMRAN AHMADabout a year ago in Families
From Scholarship Winner to Wanted Man: The Path of the Kirk Shooting Suspect
In the conservative southern Utah city where Tyler Robinson grew up, neighbors and classmates described him as a reserved, intelligent young man raised in a Republican family who was deeply interested in video games, comic books and current events.
By MUHAMMAD Abbasabout a year ago in Families
We Owe Our Kids A Good Childhood
As parents, we have the responsibility of raising the next generation of responsible adults. It is more important now, than ever before, to focus on the next generation.
By Elizabeth Woodsabout a year ago in Families
The Drama at Grandma’s House
Every profession has that thing people stain where memories are made, joy echoes through the rooms, and chaos somehow finds concept method in. So - for my profession, that order is Grandma’s structure.
By Aariz ullahabout a year ago in Families
The Pain That Has No Name
Depression is often described as a shadow that follows you everywhere, even on the brightest of days. Unlike physical wounds that bleed or bruises that show, the scars of depression remain hidden beneath the surface, making it one of the most misunderstood conditions in our world today. It is the pain that has no name, a heavy burden carried silently by millions across the globe. We live in a society where we are quick to acknowledge a fever, a broken bone, or even the common flu, but when it comes to mental health, silence often fills the room. Depression does not announce itself with loud alarms. It creeps in quietly, stealing energy, joy, and hope piece by piece. This blog aims to shine a light on the symptoms of depression—not as a clinical checklist, but as lived experiences many people struggle with daily, often without recognition. The Smile That Hides the Storm One of the most deceptive aspects of depression is that it does not always look like sadness. Many people suffering from depression laugh at jokes, perform at work, and even seem to be thriving on the outside. This phenomenon, sometimes called “smiling depression,” masks the internal chaos. The truth Is, a person may smile while feeling completely detached inside. They may carry conversations but later collapse into exhaustion once alone. This contradiction often makes depression invisible to others. Society’s expectation that sadness should always look obvious blinds us to the more subtle signs: a quiet withdrawal, a delayed reply, or a sudden disinterest in activities once loved. Fatigue Beyond Rest We all know the feeling of being tired after a long day, but depression-induced fatigue is different. It is not relieved by rest or sleep. It feels as though the body is carrying invisible weights, making even simple tasks like brushing teeth or preparing a meal feel monumental. This exhaustion is not just physical—it’s mental. The mind, overwhelmed by constant self-criticism, intrusive thoughts, and worries, drains the body of its strength. Many describe waking up already feeling defeated, as if the day has ended before it even begins. The Disappearing Appetite for Life Depression can rob people of the joy of eating. For some, food loses its taste, appetite fades, and meals feel like chores. For others, the opposite happens: overeating becomes a way to fill the emptiness inside, leading to cycles of guilt and shame. Beyond food, this symptom extends into other areas of life. Hobbies, passions, and relationships begin to feel meaningless. Activities that once sparked excitement now feel dull and burdensome. A musician might stop playing their instrument. A reader might leave books collecting dust. This loss of interest is one of the hallmark signs of depression—the slow erosion of pleasure. The Weight of Sleepless Nights Depression often disrupts sleep patterns in extreme ways. For some, insomnia takes over, leaving them staring at the ceiling for hours, replaying regrets and worries. For others, oversleeping becomes the norm. The bed becomes a refuge from a world that feels unbearable. Yet no matter how much or how little they sleep, rest never feels complete. The cycle repeats: waking up drained, facing the day with heaviness, and returning to bed with unanswered questions. The Prison of the Mind One of the most silent yet destructive symptoms of depression is overthinking. The mind becomes a prison where negative thoughts repeat endlessly: I am not good enough. I am a burden. Nothing will change. This internal dialogue often convinces people that they are unworthy of help or love. Even simple decisions—what to wear, what to eat—feel overwhelming when filtered through self-doubt. The mind plays tricks, exaggerating failures and minimizing successes. The Strain on the Body Depression does not only affect the mind. It manifests in the body too. Headaches, back pain, digestive issues, and unexplained aches often appear. Many go from doctor to doctor, searching for a physical cause, not realizing that the root is psychological. This connection between mind and body reminds us that depression is not “just in the head.” It is a full-body experience, affecting everything from posture to energy levels. Isolation Behind Closed Doors When someone withdraws from friends and family, it is often mistaken as moodiness or disinterest. In reality, isolation is one of depression’s cruelest symptoms. The effort to socialize feels unbearable. Conversations seem draining. Invitations are ignored, not because of a lack of love, but because of an overwhelming heaviness. Over time, this isolation deepens loneliness, creating a vicious cycle. The more a person withdraws, the more misunderstood they feel. The world outside their room continues to move forward, while they feel trapped in stillness. The Weight of Guilt and Shame A person with depression often carries guilt for things beyond their control. They may apologize excessively, feel like a burden, or dwell on past mistakes with painful intensity. This guilt can spiral into shame—an even deeper wound that convinces them they are unworthy of happiness or recovery. Unlike regret, which can lead to growth, the guilt of depression paralyzes. It whispers lies: You don’t matter. You are the problem. Recognizing this symptom is crucial because it often prevents people from seeking help. The Cry No One Hears Perhaps the most heartbreaking part of depression is that many who suffer feel unseen. They might express their pain subtly—through changes in behavior, vague statements like “I’m tired of everything,” or withdrawing from conversations. Yet these cries often go unnoticed. The world praises resilience and strength but rarely acknowledges the bravery it takes to admit weakness. This silence allows depression to deepen. What sufferers long for most is not pity, but understanding. Why Talking About It Matters Depression thrives in silence. The more it remains unnamed, the stronger it becomes. By discussing symptoms openly, we dismantle stigma. We remind each other that depression is not a personal failure but a human condition. Understanding the symptoms also allows us to support those around us better. When we see fatigue, withdrawal, or changes in appetite, instead of assuming laziness or moodiness, we can extend compassion. A simple question—“How are you, really?”—can open a door. Breaking the Silence The pain that has no name can only be fought when we give it one. Naming depression does not make it less real, but it gives us power over it. Once identified, treatment options—therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, support groups—become visible paths to healing. Healing is not a straight line. Some days will feel heavier than others. But with awareness, patience, and support, the darkness does not have to last forever. A Final Word If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, know this: you are not alone. Depression is not weakness. It is not your fault. It is an illness that can be treated and managed. Reaching out for help is not a sign of failure but of immense courage. The pain that has no name may feel invisible, but it is real. By giving voice to it, by acknowledging its symptoms and impact, we begin the journey toward healing. No one should have to carry this weight in silence.
By Sajid about a year ago in Families
My Friends, My Friends.
We were a small group but we were tight. We all met around the same time, Todd was the first I had met in the 6th grade. Larry, Jeff, John, Dennis & I met a year later. Dennis stood out as he had a full beard in 7th grade, (not even kidding). And upon meeting him I swore that he had been held back so much that he had to be 25, but he was our age. His father had been a Green Beret and had taught him a great deal about survival and hand to hand combat. We all gravitated towards him for this reason as we had a strange fascination for the Vietnam war and those that had served in it. This was around 1983 - '84 and I believe we did this as we all had at least one family member that either served in the war or had been affected by it in some way. But this also made us misfits in school as we were the only ones in camo and field jackets with some of the medals our relatives had given us pinned to he collars and combat patches on the sleeves. You could feel the looks and hear the conversations of some of the other kids that just didn't understand us at all. But we didn't care.
By John P. Creekmoreabout a year ago in Families
Things I Wish I Could Say at the Dinner Table
Dinner tables in brown households are their own kind of theatre. Everyone has a role: the talkative uncle with endless stories, the aunt with unsolicited advice, the parent who slips in reminders about grades or weight, the sibling who tries to disappear into their phone. And then there’s me, the one quietly calculating which version of myself will cause the least chaos.
By Tavleen Kaurabout a year ago in Families
Pets and Their Role in Our Lives
A Love Story Written in History: How Humans and Animals Became Soulmates The bond between humans and animals is as old as our species itself. Archaeological findings show that the first dogs were domesticated over 15,000 years ago, not just as hunting partners, but as emotional companions. In ancient burial sites, humans have been laid to rest alongside their dogs, a sign that their love transcended life and death.
By Stefano D'angelloabout a year ago in Families
Create a Joyful Family Reunion with These Expert Tips
Family reunions are cherished occasions, opportunities to reconnect with loved ones, share stories, and create new memories that will last a lifetime. However, planning and executing a joyful family reunion can sometimes feel like an uphill task.
By Mike S. Hessabout a year ago in Families
The Bench by the Old Oak Tree
Every small town has its quiet places—the kind of places where stories linger in the air, even when no one is there to tell them. In our town, it was the bench by the old oak tree at the edge of Riverside Park. Weathered by decades of sun, rain, and winter snow, the bench wasn’t particularly beautiful, but it carried something more valuable than polish: memories.
By Fazal wahid about a year ago in Families
Grandpa’s Lost Journal
Grandpa’s Lost Journal The attic always smelled of cedar and dust, a place we rarely ventured, except when the old house creaked too loudly for sleep. That Sunday afternoon, my sister Lila and I were sent up to find some long-lost board games for our rainy-day plans. The sun slanted through the tiny attic window, illuminating cobwebs that hung like forgotten memories. Amid the stacks of faded suitcases and moth-eaten coats, something unusual caught my eye: a leather-bound journal, its edges frayed and cover etched with Grandpa’s initials.
By Numan writesabout a year ago in Families