Back to Basics Blog
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Social Skills Are Emotional Intelligence in Action
How Chemistry, Connection, and Character Create Lasting Relationships In a world obsessed with speed, shortcuts, and surface impressions, something essential has been quietly eroding: the ability to connect deeply and authentically with other human beings. Social...
Life Coaching vs. Psychotherapy Counseling
When individuals or families seek support—whether for personal growth, major life transitions, or emotional challenges—it’s common to wonder whether life coaching or psychotherapy is the right fit. Though both are valuable, they serve different purposes, use different...
Life Coaching: Self Discipline Routine
By Deborah Joy Block, Certified Life Coach, Back to Basics Get 8 hours sleep. Wake up 3 hours before your work daySay a morning gratitude prayer and write in a gratitude journal and give charity.Make the bedExercise – 6 days a weekHot & Cold ShowerDress – consider...
Etiquette Fundamentals
by Deborah J Block, Certified Etiquette Coach Manners can be taught at an early age if you stick to these basic concepts: Say Please. This shows consideration for others.Say Thank you. This shows appreciation and gratitude.Look people in the eye. This shows respect...
Life Coaching: Dating Checklist
Here are some questions to ask yourself when you are dating someone to determine whether they are a good match for you:
Do you want to know more after every date?
Do you have more similarities than differences with both big and small issues?
How does this person relate to family and friends?
Do you feel safe when you are together?
Life Coaching: Dating Tips
You only have one chance to make a great first date impression! Follow these tips for dating success. We wish you the best of luck in finding your soul mate! Dating is for marriage not for fun - Don't waste your valuable time, money and energy endlessly dating...
Public Speaking Exercises
by Deborah J Block, Certified Etiquette ConsultantMany people have a fear of public speaking. With a little practice it can become more natural. Here are a few fun ice breaker exercises that can make public speaking easier and more natural. These are particularly...
Dance Etiquette
1) Mistakes: Remember that everyone makes mistakes, and awkward moments happen. Try not to step on anyone else’s toes but have a good attitude if it happens. Smile, make a quick apology, and move on. Never accuse the other person of always being...
The Importance of Table Manners
By Deborah Joy Block, Certified Etiquette Consultant Table Manners is a reflection of your character and social skills. It’s about respect for others and yourself. Employers are known to use dining interviews as a barometer for hiring and promoting especially for...
Premarital Coaching: The Benefits of Marriage
by Deborah Joy Block, Certified Life Coach Practical, Spiritual and Societal Benefits of MarriageCongratulations on finding your soul mate! It is truly a blessing to marry your best friend. Your wedding day will be one of the happiest days of your life but it’s only...
Dating Etiquette
by Deborah Joy BlockWhether you are just entering the dating scene or are a seasoned veteran, it's a good idea to always follow proper etiquette with your dates. After all, you'll make a better first impression if you are concerned about making the other person...
Etiquette: How to be a Well Mannered House Guest
by Deborah Joy Block, Certified Etiquette Consultant Bring a gift.Be respectful of the host's schedule. Let them know when you're arriving and leaving. Observe house rules Ex. removing shoes indoors, use coastersBe helpful. Ex. offer to help wash the dishes,...
Life Coaching: Affirmation
You are great! Your very existence is a miracle and you have innate value and worth. You are a spark of the Divine. Everything you do impacts the world so make your unique contribution proudly without comparing yourself with others. Nurture yourself because you...
Life Coaching: Happiness is Perspective
by Deborah Joy Block, Certified Life Coach Happy people earn more money, are more creative, have more successful marriages, learn faster, live longer, are predisposed to self discipline and self mastery, are more enthusiastic, tend to be more religiously observant,...
Life Coaching: Qualities to Look for in a Potential Spouse
by Deborah Joy Block, Certified Relationship Coach, Matchmaker, Wedding Planner & National Wedding Dance Expert At first glance finding the perfect relationship can seem daunting and complex but really it boils down to values. Singles sometimes get caught up in...
Life Coaching: Self Discipline Using a Routine
A routine is a personal tool and form of self care that helps you stay organized and accountable. It improves your productivity and inspires you to stay on track. Here is a sample routine:Get 8 hours sleep. Wake up 3 hours before your work daySay a morning gratitude...
Parental Advisory: Cartoon Review
Child Safety: Toxic Media Exposure: Baldi Cartoon Review You've heard the expression: Garbage in, garbage out. That is what a lot of the mainstream cartoons offer your child. Garbage values replete with conditioned responses, desensitization, shortened attention...
Communication Skills: Negotiations in Personal and Professional Life.
Whether you are asking for a raise at work or requesting that your spouse be more considerate at home, life is a negotiation. "Uncomfortable" conversations will be more effective if they are structured and premeditated rather than improvised. Here are a few guidelines...
All Dressed Up and No Place to Go Go in the Spotlight!
At the prom 50% of your image is your attire and the other 50% is what you do in it. Don’t be all dressed up with no place to go-go at your own prom!
Dance Studio Etiquette for Teachers and Students
DANCE STUDIO ETIQUETTE FOR TEACHERS by Deborah Joy Block, certified etiquette instructor and professional dance instructor/performer There are lots of articles about social dance party and class etiquette for students and a few about ballet student etiquette but...
First Impressions Matter!
by Kimberly Irwin When you watch a movie or read a book which are the parts you remember the most distinctly? The beginning and the end ofcourse! That's why first impressions are crucial when forming new relationships and leave a lasting impression. Whether you are...
Adults “Freak Out” over “Freak and Grind” at School Dances.
And with good reason.
For children who have not learned how to partner dance – a school prom can be a daunting challenge…Since they don’t know how to lead and follow and have no concept of personal space they tend to adopt what they see in popular media – the freak and grind. Some use the excuse that it is simply a form of self expression or cultural norms but that is just an excuse since they actually know no other alternative.
The Benefits of a Social Skills Program for Youth
External circle of influences reinforce lessons learned at home. Children benefit from a social skills program because of the positive reinforcement they receive through "positive peer pressure" as they see the relevance of these concepts in their daily interactions...