Cherish Every Moment And Spread 'Positive Gossip'

That's just some of the best advice our relationship columnist found inspiring this year

- ELIZABETH BERNSTEIN

'Im thinking about getting a tattoo. It would say "QTL" for Quality Time Left.

I was inspired by someone I interviewed earlier this year who has a similar tattoo, to remind him that each day is a blessing and he should take advantage of it.

One of my favorite parts of my job as a relationship columnist is hearing people's hard-earned advice. Therapists, researchers and regular folks share their life hacks for getting along with others or boosting their mental well-being.

Often this advice sticks with meand I revisit it through the years.

One woman keeps lists of the things she loves about friends and family members and periodically shares the praise with them. Another says she always envisions a good outcome, even in tough situations, such as her husband's terminal diagnosis. (She reports that he was given less than a year to livealmost three years ago.) A man in his 80s once told me that he maintains a mental "f- it bucket" where he tosses information that upsets him but that he can't change, such as political nastiness or a loss by his beloved Red Sox.

As the year wraps up, I'd like to share the treasure trove. Here is some of the best advice I've turned back to this year.

'Wired for positivity'

Each morning while having coffee, Ruth Middleton House visualizes how to have a good day.

She asks a series of questions.

What is she grateful for? Often the answer is a person who has shown her kindness or taught her something. But sometimes it's an unpleasant exchange that helps her learn.