Latest news with #JohnDelony
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Virginia woman asks Dave Ramsey for help with daughter, 18, who's never had ‘a single boundary' around money
Heather, who lives in Fairfax, Virginia, called into The Ramsey Show and asked co-hosts Dave Ramsey and Dr. John Delony if there's any hope to get an 18-year-old to budget when she's always had easy access to and been surrounded by wealth. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) She said her daughter was homeschooled and taught good values about money, but then went to a high school where 'people will drive a different car to school every day just to show off their wealth.' Heather says she has little control over her daughter's spending habits since her husband insists on paying for everything, including college. Heather's in-laws will also give her daughter money whenever she asks. 'You don't have a daughter problem — you have a husband problem,' said Ramsey. He also said that no one with common sense would want to marry "princess girl" who has "never known a single boundary." Heather's daughter is acting like a typical 18-year-old, said Delony, and he 'wouldn't begrudge her a second' because the way she's acting is 'developmentally appropriate.' That's where parenting is supposed to come in. Heather, who says she grew up poor, has been asking her husband to limit the amount of money they give their daughter — or, at least put it into an account they have access to so they can see how she's spending it and discuss it with her. But he says it's their daughter's decision on how she spends that money and she needs to learn from her own mistakes. Only it's their money, not their daughter's money. Delony says a never-ending checking account for an 18-year-old is a 'recipe for a disaster.' He said, "Prep yourself. Be prepared to wake up at 2 a.m. with a phone call from a Dean of Students of some college, cause it's coming." Since 'your husband doesn't care what you think,' he says Heather should start carving out some mom-and-daughter time each week. He suggests a regular breakfast date outside of the home until she graduates and leaves for college. He thinks Heather should open up with her daughter about what life was like for her when she was 18 years old. These weekly chats are 'planting seeds' so when Heather's daughter is having trouble she'll remember that she can trust her mom. Ramsey says the answer lies in being proactive. Heather needs to insert herself into her daughter's life and into her marriage in a proactive way — rather than standing on the sidelines watching a car wreck about to happen. 'If I'm you, I'm in a marriage counselor's office real soon because your husband is a twerp and what he's doing to you is unconscionable,' said Ramsey. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it Only 28 states require high school students to take a personal finance course to graduate. That means parents may be a child's only source of financial education, learning the basics of earning, borrowing, lending and investing. A Quicken survey of 2,000 adults in the U.S. found a 'clear correlation' between early education in money and financial success as adults. Those who learned about money in their formative years were three times as likely (45% vs 14%) to have an annual income of $75K or higher than those who didn't. The survey suggests that teaching your kids healthy financial habits isn't a 'one-time conversation.' Rather, 'parents who talk with their kids once a week about the issue are significantly more likely to have kids who say they are smart about money.' Ramsey Solutions recommends that instead of giving kids an allowance, give them a commission for work done instead. 'When they do their chores, they'll earn a commission,' says the website. 'And when they don't, they'll realize they've made what they earned — nothing.' If they're old enough for a job, they'll also quickly learn that lesson. If your teen wants to make a larger purchase, like a laptop or used car, consider loaning them money and 'charging nominal interest so they get used to the concept,' says Daniel Hunt at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. 'This can be as simple as lowering their ongoing allowance by a small amount until any advance has been repaid, with the amount of the decrease not counted against the amount owed,' he said in a blog post. 'Such an approach mimics a 'minimum payment' option on revolving debt.' Most importantly, they should 'understand that their debt is their responsibility and that there are serious consequences if they don't keep it under control,' he said. Teaching teens about money management also means modeling the behavior you want them to learn — after all, kids learn by example. 'If you buy everything you want for yourself with no limits on spending, then your kids will see that as normal behavior and do the same,' according to John Boitnott at But if you show your kids how and why you save money, 'then your kids may be more inclined to be financially responsible in the future.' This can be a challenge if both parents aren't on the same page, like in Heather's case. When it comes to teaching kids about money management and financial responsibility, parents should be in alignment on how they model financial boundaries — including the consequences of spending more than they earn. As Ramsey tells Heather, her husband won't 'participate with you in parenting,' so that may require marital counseling along with maintaining an open dialogue with her daughter. And, at least according to Ramsey, there may be no hope for their daughter until their 'marriage crisis' is addressed. Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method' to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Virginia woman asks Dave Ramsey for help with daughter, 18, who's never had ‘a single boundary' around money
Heather, who lives in Fairfax, Virginia, called into The Ramsey Show and asked co-hosts Dave Ramsey and Dr. John Delony if there's any hope to get an 18-year-old to budget when she's always had easy access to and been surrounded by wealth. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) She said her daughter was homeschooled and taught good values about money, but then went to a high school where 'people will drive a different car to school every day just to show off their wealth.' Heather says she has little control over her daughter's spending habits since her husband insists on paying for everything, including college. Heather's in-laws will also give her daughter money whenever she asks. 'You don't have a daughter problem — you have a husband problem,' said Ramsey. He also said that no one with common sense would want to marry "princess girl" who has "never known a single boundary." Heather's daughter is acting like a typical 18-year-old, said Delony, and he 'wouldn't begrudge her a second' because the way she's acting is 'developmentally appropriate.' That's where parenting is supposed to come in. Heather, who says she grew up poor, has been asking her husband to limit the amount of money they give their daughter — or, at least put it into an account they have access to so they can see how she's spending it and discuss it with her. But he says it's their daughter's decision on how she spends that money and she needs to learn from her own mistakes. Only it's their money, not their daughter's money. Delony says a never-ending checking account for an 18-year-old is a 'recipe for a disaster.' He said, "Prep yourself. Be prepared to wake up at 2 a.m. with a phone call from a Dean of Students of some college, cause it's coming." Since 'your husband doesn't care what you think,' he says Heather should start carving out some mom-and-daughter time each week. He suggests a regular breakfast date outside of the home until she graduates and leaves for college. He thinks Heather should open up with her daughter about what life was like for her when she was 18 years old. These weekly chats are 'planting seeds' so when Heather's daughter is having trouble she'll remember that she can trust her mom. Ramsey says the answer lies in being proactive. Heather needs to insert herself into her daughter's life and into her marriage in a proactive way — rather than standing on the sidelines watching a car wreck about to happen. 'If I'm you, I'm in a marriage counselor's office real soon because your husband is a twerp and what he's doing to you is unconscionable,' said Ramsey. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it Only 28 states require high school students to take a personal finance course to graduate. That means parents may be a child's only source of financial education, learning the basics of earning, borrowing, lending and investing. A Quicken survey of 2,000 adults in the U.S. found a 'clear correlation' between early education in money and financial success as adults. Those who learned about money in their formative years were three times as likely (45% vs 14%) to have an annual income of $75K or higher than those who didn't. The survey suggests that teaching your kids healthy financial habits isn't a 'one-time conversation.' Rather, 'parents who talk with their kids once a week about the issue are significantly more likely to have kids who say they are smart about money.' Ramsey Solutions recommends that instead of giving kids an allowance, give them a commission for work done instead. 'When they do their chores, they'll earn a commission,' says the website. 'And when they don't, they'll realize they've made what they earned — nothing.' If they're old enough for a job, they'll also quickly learn that lesson. If your teen wants to make a larger purchase, like a laptop or used car, consider loaning them money and 'charging nominal interest so they get used to the concept,' says Daniel Hunt at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. 'This can be as simple as lowering their ongoing allowance by a small amount until any advance has been repaid, with the amount of the decrease not counted against the amount owed,' he said in a blog post. 'Such an approach mimics a 'minimum payment' option on revolving debt.' Most importantly, they should 'understand that their debt is their responsibility and that there are serious consequences if they don't keep it under control,' he said. Teaching teens about money management also means modeling the behavior you want them to learn — after all, kids learn by example. 'If you buy everything you want for yourself with no limits on spending, then your kids will see that as normal behavior and do the same,' according to John Boitnott at But if you show your kids how and why you save money, 'then your kids may be more inclined to be financially responsible in the future.' This can be a challenge if both parents aren't on the same page, like in Heather's case. When it comes to teaching kids about money management and financial responsibility, parents should be in alignment on how they model financial boundaries — including the consequences of spending more than they earn. As Ramsey tells Heather, her husband won't 'participate with you in parenting,' so that may require marital counseling along with maintaining an open dialogue with her daughter. And, at least according to Ramsey, there may be no hope for their daughter until their 'marriage crisis' is addressed. Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method' to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Virginia woman asks Dave Ramsey for help with daughter, 18, who's never had ‘a single boundary' around money
Heather, who lives in Fairfax, Virginia, called into The Ramsey Show and asked co-hosts Dave Ramsey and Dr. John Delony if there's any hope to get an 18-year-old to budget when she's always had easy access to and been surrounded by wealth. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) She said her daughter was homeschooled and taught good values about money, but then went to a high school where 'people will drive a different car to school every day just to show off their wealth.' Heather says she has little control over her daughter's spending habits since her husband insists on paying for everything, including college. Heather's in-laws will also give her daughter money whenever she asks. 'You don't have a daughter problem — you have a husband problem,' said Ramsey. He also said that no one with common sense would want to marry "princess girl" who has "never known a single boundary." Heather's daughter is acting like a typical 18-year-old, said Delony, and he 'wouldn't begrudge her a second' because the way she's acting is 'developmentally appropriate.' That's where parenting is supposed to come in. Heather, who says she grew up poor, has been asking her husband to limit the amount of money they give their daughter — or, at least put it into an account they have access to so they can see how she's spending it and discuss it with her. But he says it's their daughter's decision on how she spends that money and she needs to learn from her own mistakes. Only it's their money, not their daughter's money. Delony says a never-ending checking account for an 18-year-old is a 'recipe for a disaster.' He said, "Prep yourself. Be prepared to wake up at 2 a.m. with a phone call from a Dean of Students of some college, cause it's coming." Since 'your husband doesn't care what you think,' he says Heather should start carving out some mom-and-daughter time each week. He suggests a regular breakfast date outside of the home until she graduates and leaves for college. He thinks Heather should open up with her daughter about what life was like for her when she was 18 years old. These weekly chats are 'planting seeds' so when Heather's daughter is having trouble she'll remember that she can trust her mom. Ramsey says the answer lies in being proactive. Heather needs to insert herself into her daughter's life and into her marriage in a proactive way — rather than standing on the sidelines watching a car wreck about to happen. 'If I'm you, I'm in a marriage counselor's office real soon because your husband is a twerp and what he's doing to you is unconscionable,' said Ramsey. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it Only 28 states require high school students to take a personal finance course to graduate. That means parents may be a child's only source of financial education, learning the basics of earning, borrowing, lending and investing. A Quicken survey of 2,000 adults in the U.S. found a 'clear correlation' between early education in money and financial success as adults. Those who learned about money in their formative years were three times as likely (45% vs 14%) to have an annual income of $75K or higher than those who didn't. The survey suggests that teaching your kids healthy financial habits isn't a 'one-time conversation.' Rather, 'parents who talk with their kids once a week about the issue are significantly more likely to have kids who say they are smart about money.' Ramsey Solutions recommends that instead of giving kids an allowance, give them a commission for work done instead. 'When they do their chores, they'll earn a commission,' says the website. 'And when they don't, they'll realize they've made what they earned — nothing.' If they're old enough for a job, they'll also quickly learn that lesson. If your teen wants to make a larger purchase, like a laptop or used car, consider loaning them money and 'charging nominal interest so they get used to the concept,' says Daniel Hunt at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. 'This can be as simple as lowering their ongoing allowance by a small amount until any advance has been repaid, with the amount of the decrease not counted against the amount owed,' he said in a blog post. 'Such an approach mimics a 'minimum payment' option on revolving debt.' Most importantly, they should 'understand that their debt is their responsibility and that there are serious consequences if they don't keep it under control,' he said. Teaching teens about money management also means modeling the behavior you want them to learn — after all, kids learn by example. 'If you buy everything you want for yourself with no limits on spending, then your kids will see that as normal behavior and do the same,' according to John Boitnott at But if you show your kids how and why you save money, 'then your kids may be more inclined to be financially responsible in the future.' This can be a challenge if both parents aren't on the same page, like in Heather's case. When it comes to teaching kids about money management and financial responsibility, parents should be in alignment on how they model financial boundaries — including the consequences of spending more than they earn. As Ramsey tells Heather, her husband won't 'participate with you in parenting,' so that may require marital counseling along with maintaining an open dialogue with her daughter. And, at least according to Ramsey, there may be no hope for their daughter until their 'marriage crisis' is addressed. Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method' to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CNN
17-05-2025
- General
- CNN
‘We've just created the loneliest generation': Why everyone is talking to Dr. John Delony
Dr. John Delony says we've created the loneliest generation. Hear his advice on how to make in-person conversations less awkward.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Why so many people tell Dr. John Delony (and his millions of listeners) their deep, dark secrets
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. Dial or text 988 or visit for free and confidential support. Electric guitar swells in the background as a podcaster in a black shirt over his tattoos turns to speak directly to the camera. 'I want you to write 10 things that you would love for your spouse or partner to do,' he says. 'Here is a roadmap to my chest, to my heart. Then ask them, 'Will you give me yours?'' This podcaster's name is Dr. John Delony, and he hosts a show on conservative financial guru Dave Ramsey's network, Ramsey Solutions. It's where he talks about mental health and gives advice to listeners who call in with problems that include repairing a marriage after infidelity, reconciling two sisters' opposing stances on abortion –– and sometimes wilder topics, such as if a caller should leave their family for their best friend's wife. Many times, callers begin their stories with, 'I've never told anyone this before.' With 1.2 million subscribers on YouTube, 1.5 million followers on Instagram and three books, Delony's approach to talking about vulnerable things appears to be resonating with many people. His callers represent a wide variety of people –– men, women, conservative Christians, truck drivers, veterans, police officers and farmers –– many of whom often heavily feel the stigma of struggling with mental health, being vulnerable and asking for help. Part of why he works is that Delony doesn't fit the mental health counselor stereotype of someone in soft tones asking 'how does that make you feel,' which is just a stereotype, said David Kessler, a death and grieving expert, author and one-time guest on Delony's show. Delony has a balance of presenting like the credentialed mental health professional he is and the good buddy who just wants to hear you out and offer a little guidance, Kessler added, which is what a lot of people are looking for. Health officials have said the United States is facing a mental health crisis, and in 2023, nearly 1 in 4 adults around the world reported feeling fairly or very lonely. Podcasts are not a replacement for therapy with a trained professional, and listeners should be aware that content around mental health can often be oversimplified, said Dr. Frank Sileo, a psychologist based in Ridgewood, New Jersey. But platforms like Delony's can provide benefit, he added. 'Listening to a podcast may be the first important step of a person's mental health journey,' Sileo added. 'Podcasts that focus on mental health issues can provide a wonderful forum for people to learn about all things mental health.' Delony's combination of a traditionally masculine appearance and open approach — along with his doctorate in counselor education and supervision –– might be one step toward connecting people in need with the tools and resources for better well-being. In a backstage Q&A at Atlanta's Fox Theater for Delony and Ramsey's 'Money and Relationships' tour, the two men gave a teasing smile to an audience member who introduced herself as Rachel from California before asking a question. 'Oh yes, we know you, Rachel,' they said in mock annoyance, like old friends. Rachel Guerrero traveled from California for 10 shows this tour, and she is going to the next shows in Fort Worth, Texas; Kansas City, Missouri; and Phoenix, she said. 'Being a single mom, it's not easy,' Guerrero told CNN. 'When I listen to his show and what he talks about, it's a caller that's something totally different, but it applies to me.' How can she afford all those trips, you ask? She credits Dave Ramsey's advice with her financial success. Her feeling was common among audience members. They said they could trust Delony because he was connected to Ramsey and his Christian-based teaching. But they also say he knows what he was talking about because he had been through it himself, and that he just says it like it is. Accruing this following wasn't the goal, Delony said. In fact, he had no social media accounts when he made the switch from higher education to podcasting. Before joining Ramsey's company in 2020, he was giving a talk to parents of incoming students as Belmont University's dean of students about what they were about to face emotionally. A Ramsey Solutions executive was in the audience, and she later told Delony that she turned to her husband in the middle of the talk and said, 'I'm hiring that guy.' Becoming a public mental health personality wasn't appealing –– it was scary, actually –– but surrounded by a culture filled with yelling and turmoil, Delony said he felt motivated to take the job for his kids. 'This is the scariest thing I can do, but I want to be able to look at my kids and say, 'I tried to love people well, to give a picture of what loving people well in the public sphere looks like in the world that everyone's yelling at each other,'' he said. Meeting people where they are and sitting with them when they are hurting is both something fans like about Delony and something he said he prioritizes in his show. Delony works for Ramsey Solutions, hosting his own podcast and cohosting 'The Ramsey Show' radio program. Ramsey is a well-known evangelical Christian who has described himself as conservative and spoke in a podcast episode last year about voting for Donald Trump for president. But Delony, who has also talked about his identity as a Christian, has been less direct about where he stands politically. 'I guess the best way you could sum me up is the first time I went deer hunting, I had to put a gigantic buck in the back of my Prius,' he said. 'I kind of fall all over the place, and I think I've been kind of hard to nail down politically.' 'I just love everybody, and everybody's welcome at my house,' Delony added. 'It's always been that way.' Prioritizing empathy for people who are hurting over where you stand on a particular issue is important, he said. It's easy to demonize people with a political different stance in theory, but it is a lot harder to do that and show up for your friend or loved one when they are impacted by an issue you feel so against, Delony said. And as much as Delony might have intended his show to be a place to nerd out over psychology and data, he said he has found that what most people need is someone to sit with them. No matter what side they stand on or what mess they have gotten into, he wants to be the person others know will sit with them over a tray of nachos and just talk it out, he added. 'Even if they don't like me, they're like, 'I know that guy will share a drink with me, and he'll tell me the truth,'' Delony said. Humans are built to live in a tribe, and when you don't have strong connections in your community, you can default to finding belonging in a political party, he said. 'I work really hard to have other tribes so that I'm not reliant on somebody telling me who to hate, who to not like,' he said. 'I've got communities that let my heart rest so then I can critically think, and I can examine, and I can sit around and share a table with people who I think have wacky opinions. 'But I love them, and they're hilarious, and they make me laugh, or they frustrate me, but them not being in my tribe isn't the goal of that communication.' Connecting with people is something that has roots in Delony's childhood in Texas. His father was a homicide detective in Houston, and someone who people in their church community would often go to for guidance, he said. Delony's dad would get phone calls at all hours of the night. He would take those calls inside his closet –– which shared a wall with young Delony's bedroom. Delony said he would fall asleep listening in on stories of people facing mental health issues or jail time, realizing that some of the people he went to church with every week were struggling with things he never would have suspected. '(Mental health has) just kind of been my whole life, from being a little kid all the way till now,' he said. In college, Delony majored in psychology and humanities, got a master's degree in higher education administration and then earned two doctorates, one in counselor education and supervision and another in higher education administration. Much of his career has been in higher education, where he oversaw student services like residence life and counseling support services. His work in higher education also included crisis response. But his connection with mental health also comes from his experience with his own, he said. In his book, 'Own Your Past, Change Your Future: A Not-So-Complicated Approach to Relationships, Mental Health & Wellness,' Delony explains a moment his anxiety reached a boiling point. With a new baby, a country recovering from the 2008 financial crisis and a job helping college students in some of their most difficult moments, Delony writes that he became convinced that the foundation of his new house was crumbling. His wife didn't see it, nor did his friends –– even the professionals he called to come check it out said he didn't have a problem. But still, Delony couldn't let go of the fear that a storm would crack the foundation and destroy his young family's home, he wrote. So, one night he found himself in the middle of the night crawling through the mud and rain with a flashlight, certain he would find evidence of the structural problem no one but him was worried about. There was nothing. His home was fine, but Delony realized he was not, and he said that was one of the big moments that showed him he needed to address his anxiety. Another story he often shares with listeners is the moment when he and his wife sat across the table from one another after years together, several miscarriages and two children, and they agreed they either needed to start their marriage over or stop being married. They were faced with a choice — end a marriage or learn some new tools for managing their relationship and building their connection, he said. Delony and his wife, Sheila, did learn new relationship skills and are still together after more than 20 years of marriage. That meant him getting into therapy, and both of them learning how to be explicit about what they each needed and expected from one another, he said. But many people find themselves sitting at their own tables across from their partners or looking in the mirror and finding that they aren't getting enough connection with their friends and family. It makes sense, Delony said. Much of the interaction and community building you would get in the past has now been outsourced: People call a rideshare service instead of asking for a ride home from the airport and you use a delivery app for the cup of sugar you would have otherwise borrowed from a neighbor, he said. The change has been particularly hard on men, who often have been socialized against vulnerability and toward only connecting with others in very specific ways. 'I'll just use the old adage that women build community kneecap to kneecap, and men build it shoulder to shoulder,' he said. For decades, many men in Western cultures have been taught that vulnerability –– saying here is what I need or here is what I am struggling with –– was dangerous; so relationships for many men were built through shared activity, Delony said. Opening up for more connection in a world where many of those activities have been replaced by apps and screens might take intentional effort, he added. Delony had a group of friends that maintained a tradition: Once a month, they chose one friend, gathered at his house and tackled his to-do list together. 'In one day, they would clean the carpets, change the front bumper, level the yard, paint the fence, whatever you needed done,' he said. 'Everybody ate pizza. … Everybody was working shoulder to shoulder on a project that when you got done, you came out your front yard and everybody high-fived, because this house and this family is different, because we all showed up.' Now, after moving from Texas to Tennessee, he keeps putting himself out there for opportunities to get closer. 'I have some rules that when I buy a concert ticket, I have to buy two, or I'll buy four, and I just invite people,' he said. 'I have these little internal rules that I know at the end of a night I'm going to be better, or the night will have been better because I went with a buddy.' And as people seem to get lonelier and more polarized, Delony said he hopes people like him will keep modeling how to be vulnerable, how to build new relationship skills when you have to and how to sit with all kinds of hurting people. Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.
