Is there something you really want but are afraid to ask for it? Well, I'll speak for myself. Yes! And, I'm a great proponent of begging, OK asking for what I want. After all, how will Kat know if I don't tell her? Sometimes it's my best longing look that clearly communicates my desire(my mind meld technique). When that doesn't do it. a chili combo of a sad whine/bark does it. Other times, it requires an insistent nudge with my nose that finally does it. The key is persistence. It works every time.

How do YOU communicate what you really want? Here are some common mistakes I've seen the humans in our household make on that front. I'll tell you a little secret, even Kat can fall prey to some of these, OK all of these Yes, I got her permission to say that).

• "Assuming· that others know what you need and then feeling a bit resentful when you don't magically get it. What were you thinking
• Thinking you've been crystal clear in sharing what you need, only to find out that the other person totally misinterpreted it. How frustrating'
• Believing that the other person was genuinely committed to giving you what you want, but was really only doing it because they felt they "had to· (yeah, feeling like they had to) or worse yet. they said yes, but then do nothing(yeah, telling you what you want to hear) Woof!

What's a girl to do! Who's responsible for this, really!?! Hard truth .. only YOU can prevent miscommunications and the firestorm that can be ignited. Sorry, not what you wanted to hear. Not saying that to be judgmental. It is what it is.

Even under the best of circumstances communications can go easily astray. Kat knows this first hand. It's why she has SO much insight about how to minimize these miscommunications and course correct when things get off track. Kat doesn't like me to brag on her, however, I think it's fair to say, it's one of her specialties and something she's passionate about.

As her Chief Morale Officer I know first-hand good communications makes all the difference!

Kat wants you to remember . . . in times of uncertainty, people crave clarity. And no, you won't always have all of the answers - no one expects you to - so be open to listening and learning from others. Once you have more understanding you'll have a better idea of how to respond.