At its best, our country stands for equality, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. However, during election years, we often focus solely on our country’s faults because it seems like they’re on display.

Boyd Matheson, host of KSL News Radio’s Inside Sources, encouraged us to hold on to hope, highlighting the upsides of election seasons.

Read more here: https://studio5.ksl.com/positives-of-election-year-bright-spots-focus-on/

Parents protect. It’s our responsibility, our job, right?

Studio 5 Parenting Contributor Heather Johnson says we’ve got it wrong. She shared why you should stop protecting and start teaching your kids to resist instead. Heather shared six things all parents need to stop protecting their kids from.

To contact Heather for counseling, email blog.familyvolley@gmail.com, or visit www.familyvolley.blogspot.com.

Read more here: https://studio5.ksl.com/stop-protecting-and-start-teach-kids-to-resist/

Let your emotional intelligence shine and refuse to be offended. When we choose openness and curiosity over offense, we create space for genuine connection. This mindset shift allows us to stay engaged and explore issues together, rather than cutting off communication.

Therapist Kristin Hodson believes that refusing to take offense is a sign of emotional smarts.

For more insights from Kristin, visit thehealinggroup.com.

Read more here: https://studio5.ksl.com/refuse-be-offended-things-people-hard-to-offend-do/

Recent research reveals that much of the anxiety we experience stems from our personal habits. This is promising because it means we have control over these habits.

Studio 5 Relationship Contributor Dr. Matt Townsend points out some of our habits are hidden, making it challenging to identify and change them.

Matt's Becoming One program offers tools and coaching to help individuals on their journey to improve their relationships. Learn more at matttownsend.com.

Read more here: https://studio5.ksl.com/hidden-habits-causing-anxiety-common-look-for/

They're called "Sandwich Parents." It's those who care for both their aging parents and their children at the same time. Typically, these caregivers are women aged between 40 and 60, managing the dual responsibilities of childcare and eldercare within their homes. It’s a stage of life that has its challenges with work that often goes unrecognized.

Studio 5 Parenting Contributor Heather Johnson urged "Sandwich Parents" to find the blessings too.

To contact Heather for counseling, email blog.familyvolley@gmail.com, or visit www.familyvolley.blogspot.com.

Read more here: https://studio5.ksl.com/sandwich-parent-balancing-aging-parents-children/

It's not just the words "I'm sorry" that make the difference. It's the intention behind them, and often the words that follow them.

Marriage and Family Therapist Nikki Harmon shared how to strengthen your marriage by breaking down what a sincere apology looks like. She has five ways to say "I'm sorry" that will actually address the root of the problem.

For couples seeking to learn more, Nikki offers therapy sessions and resources through her clinic and social media platforms. Find her on Instagram @nikkiharmontherapy.

Read more here: https://studio5.ksl.com/beyond-im-sorry-better-apologies-connect-level/

It was the largest, global study of long-term relationships that looked at just one question: what's the secret? Just that we are asking that question is good news for marriages... and the answer to that question is good news for couples who want to get in and stay in.

Studio 5 Contributor Dr. Liz Hale breaks down the study a bit more.

We are trying to understand and get more comfortable with artificial intelligence. There are certain areas where it seems to really be coming in fast... like in creative circles where creative minds are being challenged by what a computer can do and what it can't.

Photographer Kayla Trujillo, with Truly Photography, and lettering designer Hayley Francis, with Type Affiliated, help us see the impact of AI in the creative space and know how we can use it wisely and responsibly.

Find more of Kayla and Hayley's work on Instagram, @kayla.trulyphotography, and @typeaffiliated.