Absurd drama, true love, real connection

I’ve probably told you before – because I tell you almost everything – that I get daily email updates from People magazine. They’re free. I don’t even know how I got on their mailing list.
But, anyway, because I love you, my readers, so much, I’ve been keeping track of some of the most outlandish headlines, waiting for the perfect opportunity to share them with you. I think I’ve found it – February, the month of love.
The headlines I’ve kept track of, though, don’t tout love or adoration. Noooooo. Quite the opposite. They’re filled with mean, petty, nasty emotions and actions that are sometimes almost too bizarre to believe. Much like the “Jerry Springer Show” of bygone days, they provide a glance at the underbelly of human relationships.
Now, just for you during this time of homage to love, I present my headline collection from the past four months:

• Woman’s Bridesmaid Ghosts Her After Accepting the Role. Then She Sends a Text on the Bride’s Big Day (Exclusive)
• Mom Says Her ‘Frugal’ Dad Complained About Her Daughter’s Diner Order Because It Violated His ‘Rule of Etiquette’
• Woman Says She Refuses to Contribute to Family Christmas Gift After Finding Out It Was Going to Her Brother. Here’s Why
• Woman’s Mother-In-Law Uninvites Her from Thanksgiving – But When She Backtracks, the Drama Begins
• Nanny Says Celebrity Jeweler Boss Threw Laundry at Her for Folding It Wrong as She Recounts Nightmare Job (Exclusive)
  And as I was perusing my files, about to think that only the womenfolk were represented in this assembly of lamentables, I discovered that the menfolk made the grade, too.
• Groom Refuses to Invite Mother Who ‘Ignored’ Him His Entire Life to Wedding: ‘She Expects to Be Front and Center’
• Man Says Pregnant Wife Is Interrupting His ‘Free Time’ with Her Morning Sickness
  Now, you’re probably experiencing one of two things at the moment: laughter, because of the absurdity of it all, or sadness, because of the lack of human decency exhibited in these stories.
  If it’s the latter, take heart. I won’t leave you down. As we move past Valentine’s Day, let’s take this opportunity to cherish connections beyond romance. This is the perfect time to celebrate and strengthen the bonds we share with friends, family and all of humanity. Here are some ideas for fostering meaningful association in those areas:
• Celebrate the love of your friends, family, neighbors, classmates, fellow church-goers or even people you see in the park. Organize a get-together to share and strengthen these bonds.
• Participate in community activities. What could be better than giving love to others? Find out about area activities this February, such as the Z107.5 St. Jude Radiothon taking place Thursday and Friday. Or cultural activities such as the Ruston Art Ramble set for Feb. 20. Joining community activities helps you meet new people, feel more engaged and creates a sense of belonging.
• Start meaningful conversations with friends, family or co-workers. Ask how they’re feeling, what makes them happy and if there’s any way you can support them. Real connections are built through authentic communication.
• Send messages of love and gratitude to people you care about. Remember to appreciate the power of a simple but meaningful message. It can be a text, a card or even a quick phone call. Expressing your feelings can strengthen emotional ties and make people feel valued.

We’ll close by circling back to the headlines, this time with one designed to truly bring a smile:

• Father Goes Viral After He Walked Down the Aisle – and Then Realized He Forgot the Bride.