to Rhyme

Challenge your mind by trying out this unique rhyming puzzle.

PUZZLE BY: STEPHEN SNIDERMAN

Instructions: Each pair of words below rhymes with two antonyms. For example, in #1, DIG rhymes with BIG and WHITTLE rhymes with LITTLE. How many pairs of opposites can you guess?

DIG and WHITTLE BIG and LITtLE

PUP and CROWN UP and dOWn

KITE and HACK WhITE and BLACK

FIGHT and PLAY

HUNT and PACK

CALL and FUN

GIVING and RED

SUE and PENNY

SONG and SQUEAK

PINK and GOAT

MESH and MAIL

BILL and SALLY

MAST and FLOW

BLAST and SUTURE

PIN and SNOUT

CAT and WIN

PLAID and HOOD

LETTER and CURSE

JOY and SQUIRREL

FOURTH and MOUTH

EYES and ALL

LAWN and COUGH

SPOT and SOLD

GUM and TOE

TUSK and FAWN

DEB and GROW

BEST and POST

CHEER and HAIR

WAIT and SHOVE

CARD and LOFT

CHEVY and KITE

CURSED and PASSED

SPEND and SORROW

BOISE and RIOT

DOORS and WINE

SLEEP and GLOW

Did you know that the average person complains 15-30 times a day? Research shows that chronic complaining is not good for your health. It can also negatively impact those around you.

Remarkably, most chronic complainers don’t even realize they are doing it. Research shows that chronic complaining is a habit often formed in childhood. It arises from a need for validation and attention and, over time, can alter the neural pathways in the brain and become a part of the personality, making it hard to change.

If you feel like you complain too often, consider this list of self-improvement tips:

Reflect on your childhood. Were you raised by positive, loving parents who supported and nurtured you, or did your family dynamic include negativity and criticism? We carry with us both the good and bad experiences from our childhood, but as adults, we can turn the negative into a positive. Ultimately, we choose who we are, what we say, and how we treat others. It is completely up to us. We don’t have to become a product of our upbringing.

Look at your friendship circle. Keep in mind that positive people don’t gravitate towards “Negative Nellie.” Instead, they surround themselves with like­minded, positive people. If you strive for more positivity in your life, consider the company that you keep, and look for ways to meet new people—whether through a hobby, class, meet­up group, or church.

Notice non-verbal cues. Watch closely how others respond to you. If they see you coming but avoid eye contact, or you find them looking for the nearest exit, perhaps it’s time to reflect on how your words and actions impact those around you.

Take a moment to pause before you speak or type. Consider how your words may negatively impact others. If someone upsets or hurts you, and your first reaction is to lash out and hurt them back, don’t do it. Yes, you may think it will make you feel better, but it will only escalate the situation. Instead, take a deep breath, and walk away. Process your feelings and refrain from immediately reacting to the situation. Once you calm down, it’s easier to sort out and articulate your feelings than to say or type a response you will later regret. This behavior change is not easy, but it’s possible, and it will improve your relationships with others.

It’s okay to vent but then move on. If you are commiserating together, it is healthy to vent out your stresses but then move on to solutions to the problem. Venting enables you to share your frustrations and validate feelings. It also helps lighten the load and diffuse a stressful situation.

Don’t wallow in despair. If you constantly complain about your boss or your mother­in­law’s meddling, it’s time to look deep within yourself and either find a solution to the problem or accept it. Revisiting the issue over again without fixing it will only perpetuate your frustration and unhappiness.

The “my way or the highway” mentality doesn’t build relationships. We are all human, and we all make mistakes. Don’t become so far removed from the rest of the world that you convince yourself that your view or opinion is the only one. It will only create a greater divide between yourself and others.

Focus your energy on more positive thoughts. This isn’t always easy to do, especially if your mind automatically goes to the negative. Still, with a plethora of self­help books, meditation classes, and therapy options, you can become a more positive, glass­half­full kind of person.

Helpful Websites:

A www.psychologytoday.com to find therapists in your area.

A www.meetup.com to learn more about local groups of interest who meet in­person and online.