Relationship Advice: Go Beyond Popular

There is no doubt that advice on how to relate is popular. From Dear Abby and Ann Landers of yore, to current reigning stars like Barbara DeAngelis and Ellie Tesher, this theme is big business.

While I prefer the sports section and my wife Maggie gravitates towards the fashion and entertainment pages, the sections we always passionately read and discuss together are the advice columns. For us, reading about other people’s problems along with the professional’s prescription is an excellent topic of conversation. Our favorite questions are: “What would we do in that situation?” or “How would we advise these people?” (Have you ever noticed how easy it is to fix someone else’s problems?)

For most people, advice columns are strictly for entertainment. We all have challenges in life, there is no escaping that fact for any of us. But it sure is comforting to know that compared to other people’s problems, our tests are trivial… at least for now.

Sometimes, however, situations arise in the print media and on television shows that disturbingly and uncomfortably hit close to home. For married couples with children, advice on how to deal with intrusive in-laws and incorrigible children is voraciously devoured with intense interest.

What makes their relationship advice more valuable than yours?

Do a quick Google search on Dr. John Gray (Men are from Mars…) and Barbara DeAngelis PhD. See where they got their ‘degrees’. In fact, do this for any of your favorite ‘advisors’… pretty revealing.

Having said that, there’s no doubt that much of his advice comes from the old school of hard knocking…just like you. Does that mean you want to go out and start your own consulting service?

Well yes… maybe you will!

The options and avenues for giving your own brand of relationship advice are growing by the minute, with WordPress blogs, relationship specific forums, social networks like YouTube, FaceBook, MySpace and Twitter currently being the most popular channels to reach out to. a global audience. audience.

Decide on a particularly problematic relationship niche. Combine that with your own unique style and personality and ‘Voilá’…you could be the next Dr. Ruth! (Now some very interesting reading: no one could be more unlikely than Dr. Ruth to do what she does)

So what’s your excuse? You have lived and experienced some of the best and worst moments. You have learned a lot. Why not share your knowledge and hard-earned insight through your own relationship counseling service?