Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of flattery. . . . If you want to influence someone, listen to what he says. . . . When he finishes talking, ask him about any points that you do not understand.

Studies indicate that the one quality all successful people have is persistence.

There's a very positive relationship between people's ability to accomplish any task and the time they're willing to spend on it.

Never try to negotiate with anyone after he or she has eaten. People are best persuaded on an empty stomach. And forget power breakfasts. There is no convincing anyone of anything before 10 A.M.

The need to connect with one another intimately is what makes and keeps us human. The challenge throughout life is to find the courage to reach out to potential partners when our primary relationship ends and to recharge our tried-and-true unions when their sizzle starts to fizzle.

The best of all possible marriages is a seesaw in which first one, then the other partner is dominant.

Feeling gratitude isn't born in us-it's something we are taught, and in turn, we teach our children.