Dear Pink Panel,
My husband has a large extended family, and they have been so wonderful
to me as a “marry-in.” I would really like to do something to say thank you to them.
It is about 24 people total. Does the panel have any ideas? 
Signed, Patty R.

A 4-year-old—I’ll call him Popeye—had a habit of hitting other children in his preschool program. His teachers tried various approaches, including rewarding him with a treat on days when he didn’t hit. That backfired, as such silly approaches to discipline nearly always do.

At wit’s end, Popeye’s mom asked my advice, which I gave as follows: When Popeye hits, his teacher is to immediately remove him from class, take him to a neutral “holding zone,” and call Mom. As soon as she is able, Mom is to retrieve Popeye from school, take him home, confine him to his room for the remainder of the day, and put him to bed immediately after supper. During Popeye’s “rehab,” his parents should cleanse his room of all entertainment.

Many days it seems as if we are all living under pressure and undue stress, which can take a toll on our bodies. High blood pressure can be one result of life in the fast lane, whether it be working in a high stress job, being in a bad relationship, or consuming an unhealthy amount of alcohol (not to mention drug intake). However, high blood pressure can also be one of those genetic perils, making it a condition you have to deal with regardless of your lifestyle.

Mike White’s The White Lotus has evolved into a compelling anthology series that intertwines themes of privilege, morality, and the human condition. After the success of the first two seasons—one set against the lush backdrop of Maui and the other amidst the historical beauty of Sicily—Season 3 transports us to Thailand, offering a fresh, yet familiar, exploration of the dark undercurrents that flow beneath the surface of luxury.

Dear Pink Panel,
Help! I’ve been dumped three times in the last three weeks.
First, my long-time boyfriend said we need to see other people because we have grown apart. We all know what that means, right? Next a co-worker stopped speaking to me.
And my former mother-in-law, who used to be semi-friendly, started gaslighting me.
I am at a loss. Can the panel give me a hint as to a good course of action?
Signed, Alice A.

No small number of today’s parents view their children through psychological lenses, especially when it comes to misbehavior. Instead of regarding a given misbehavior as simply an error that needs to be corrected through the application of proper discipline, the parents in question interpret it.

“What does it mean?” they ask and proceed to ascribe some psychological significance to it. In so doing, they transform verifiable concrete events into unverifiable abstract “issues”.

It’s hard to think of anything more important than our eyesight. It affords us the luxury to see the world in our own unique way, watch our children grow up, and take in the beauty all around us, especially seeing beauty the of our Lowcountry. If you stop and think about it, eyesight is truly a miracle. However, two out of every three people living with blindness or vision problems are women, according to the National Eye Institute, so we have to ask, “Are you seeing your eye doctor every year?” If not, you need to because keeping your eyes healthy can be as simple as catching things early. April is Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month—designed to remind us to care for our eyes and vision. Don’t let this year go by without having your eyes checked. Clearly, your eyes will thank you.

For all the readers of The Reel Corner who may have been feeling the pinch of rising egg prices and the weight of everyday stress, a good dose of comic relief could be just what the doctor ordered. Comedy, much like music or cologne, is a deeply personal choice, but during this season of renewal, as we bid farewell to winter, welcome the beauty of spring, and draw closer to wedding season, it is the perfect time to indulge in some light-hearted entertainment that to do your heart good. Out of the many comedy genres, The Reel Corner’s choice are romantic comedies. Here are a few I recommend:



Dear Pink Panel,
I belong to a club that’s holding an upcoming panel discussion event,
and I have been asked to be a panel member. I would love to participate,
but the topic is controversial, and I’m a pretty outspoken person.
Any tips for how to speak my “truth” without making enemies?
Signed,
Linda

Guys! Guys! Look, your wives, bless their hearts, are having enough trouble putting their children and priorities into proper perspective without you adding to the muddle. Keep it straight, please.

I’m referring to the media voices telling you to be better fathers. Three times in the last six months or so I’ve been invited on podcasts promoting fatherhood. The hosts are well-meaning, sincere, articulate fellows who apparently didn’t know they were interviewing a guy who never says what other people expect him to say.

Physician appreciation is symbolized by a red carnation, but we recommend adding a kind note, a fun card, or a homemade goodie to go along with it. Doctors work very hard, especially those who take call through all hours of the day and night. Doctors try to drastically improve the duration and quality of life for everyone, and throughout history, have done their best to use cutting-edge science to care for others. Doctoring can be a grueling, emotionally taxing, high-stress job, so don’t forget to extend your thanks this month during National Physicians' Week.
To celebrate, we offered a few questions to some of our local physicians and asked him/her to answer their favorite one. There’s a lot to learn in the answers that follow:

The Brutalist is an ambitious film that stretches over three hours, (thank goodness for the 15-minute intermission). As a viewer drawn in by the Academy Award nominations for best movie, I had high hopes for this exploration of a successful Budapest architect who arrives in America in the mid-40s and struggles with unexpected antisemitism in the United States. But I was sadly disappointed.

Adrian Brody delivers a compelling performance as László Tóth, as does Guy Pearce, the Philadelphia millionaire who becomes Tóth’s primary sponsor. Both actors deserve commendation for their strong performances which elevate the film despite its shortcomings.

Dear Pink Panel,
I have a very dear friend who moved away. At first,
we kept in touch almost daily, but as time has gone by we seem to be growing apart. Our friendship is important to both of us, but now that it’s not easy to just meet at the coffee shop or run over to each other’s house, it has started to feel distant. Help!
How can we keep our friendship alive and close regardless of the distance?
Signed,
Michelle

After a recent talk in South Florida, women came up to me in droves asking, “How much should I help my children with their schoolwork?”

That not one man asked the question speaks loudly to the state of parenting in postmodern America. Men don’t ask the question because they know they are not trusted to do BIG parenting stuff like ensure their kids’ academic success.

Matters of the heart are serious. More than any other female medical condition, heart disease is No. 1, and in this case, it is not a good thing. It is the No. 1 cause of stroke, disability, and death in women…and men. Once thought to be only a concern for men, women need to take heart when it comes to their heart health.
Is your body communicating signs or symptoms? Are you paying attention? These Pink Prescriptions’ heart-healthy answers to our questions, provided by local cardiology experts, are the facts. Educate yourself! Do not ignore the signs! Talk to your care provider and ask questions. It’s your health, and when it comes to matters of the heart, it can be as serious as a heart attack. Read on to learn more.

As the awards’ season heats up, the excitement surrounding recent film releases is palpable. With the Golden Globes just behind us, the competition is fierce, and audiences are buzzing about standout performances and compelling narratives. The Brutalist, featuring a captivating performance by Adrien Brody, has emerged as a frontrunner, taking home the Golden Globe for Best Drama and Brody for Best Actor. Demi Moore’s portrayal in The Substance has earned her the Golden Globe title of Best Actress, while Zoe Saldana in Emilia Pérez snagged Best Supporting Actress and Kieran Culkin in A Real Pain won Best Supporting Actor.

Blaise Pascal (1623 – 1662) said there is no idea so bizarre that a philosopher has not advanced it. These days, the philosophers in question are psychologists and the bizarre ideas are their explanations of human behavior. Said explanations are bizarre because (trust me on this, I am one) psychologists wear, as a rule, ideological blinders that prevent them from accurately understanding what makes humans tick. Unable to see human behavior for what it truly represents, they justify their existence by inventing and marketing diagnoses as if giving something a name is equivalent to understanding and knowing what to do about it.

The latest manifestation of this fraud is Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, or ARFID, formerly known as picky eating. Lots of university health centers and independent practitioners offer therapy for people of all ages whose parents never taught them that not eating what someone else, including one’s mother, has taken the time to prepare and serve is rude.

Even though no one wants a urinary tract infection (UTI), it seems we all get them from time to time. Some more frequently or severe than others. In addition to making you feel as though you have to go, in spite of the fact that you just went, UTIs are painful and require a trip to the doctor’s office. As often as women have to deal with UTIs, one would think we know everything about this common occurrence.
However, when we asked women what they wanted to know about UTIs, we learned there’s still a lot of questions surrounding this sensitive subject. So, we reached out to two local experts to get some answers to help minimize the risk of getting a UTI.

This month brings us a rich array of biopics that delve into the lives of some of the most intriguing figures in music, sports, and the arts. They showcase a blend of well-known personalities and hidden gems, each with a unique story to tell.

A Complete Unknown - Bob Dylan
Timothée Chalamet steps into the shoes of the enigmatic Bob Dylan in
A Complete Unknown, a film that promises to explore the complexities of the legendary musician’s life and career. This film is generating considerable buzz for Chalamet’s performance. Expect a blend of music, introspection, and a deep dive into the artistic process that shaped one of the most influential figures in modern music. A Complete Unknown recently received a Golden Globe nomination for best film.

It’s all over the web, that “grit” thing. Seems like every day, I get some promo for a webinar on how to get more grit, project more grit, or get in touch with your inner grit. So, allow me to enlighten the reader on how to help your child acquire grit.

First, what is grit? Grit is equal parts determination, tenacity, and emotional resilience, which is the ability to withstand setback and even failure. Grit is nothing new. Marco Polo had it. Edmund Hillary had it. Navy Seals have it. I know that leaves lots of people out, but this is a magazine column, not a history book. You get the picture. Grit is hanging in there and getting the job done when failure is a looming possibility. Grit is in short supply today, as I and many folks of my generation fear.

Is a new knee or hip on your Christmas list this year? Knowing the pain a worn-out joint can cause, it’s easy to put replacement surgery at the top of your list. Not only does joint replacement surgery give the gift of a new joint, it also gives hope for a pain-free life and freedom of moving with ease. These joint surgeries are giving millions of people a new lease on life. Those who could no longer play golf or tennis, and those who had become so debilitated they could hardly walk without experiencing excruciating pain are enjoying the benefits of joint replacement.

However, surgery is not the answer for everyone. Joint health relief helps thousands of patients to feel better and stronger for their day-to-day routines. And it’s well worth the effort, as regaining physical function and well-being is one of the biggest driving factors in overall wellness and quality of life.

Here’s to all the movie mavens out there who make Pink Magazine’s Reel Corner community so special. Whether you are a passionate film enthusiast, or a casual viewer, we appreciate your support and engagement throughout the year. May this holiday season bring you peace, joy, laughter, and a few feel-good flicks. We hope you find time to relax and indulge in your favorite films with a bucket full of warm, buttery popcorn.

Here’s to a new year filled with exciting film releases, memorable moments, and continued adventures in the world of cinema. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to sharing more cinematic experiences with you in the coming year! Until then, do not miss Conclave; it’s riveting, compelling, and ends with a shocker.

“Is there anything more special
than true connection?”
— The Uphill Skater —

Everyone loves a big holiday hug, especially from friends and family you haven’t seen in a while. Hugs are extra special, and the surge of energy felt through this exchange is a powerful non-verbal way to connect. I love the sincerity of a tight, warm hug.