Orrin, Thanks for posting this article. I can see what you mean when you say that what appears easy at first becomes more complicated because self always gets in the way. I often see the truth of point number three in communication with my wife. What one says and what the other hears is often completely different. This will certainly help us improve our communication. The last point is a real eye opener. My stock response to "Thank you," is always "No problem." I never considered that I was using two negative words to express a positive idea. I will strive to change my response to make it more positive. Words can never express how thankful I and thousands of others are for your example of wisdom, leadership, selflessness and patience for all of us. "Fire and Honor" DaveC (All Star Team)