Opinion: The Power of Routine: How simple traditions build stronger relationships

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When my kids were young, Friday night meant one thing: pizza night. We looked forward to it all week. There was something about that atmosphere—laughing together, sharing a meal, knowing it was 'our thing'—that made it special. It wasn't just a habit—I was being intentional about creating time we could count on, because I believed those patterns would build connection and lasting memories.
Routine often gets overlooked in our fast-paced culture. It might sound ordinary, but in my experience — both as a dad and a therapist — it's one of the most powerful tools we have to build trust, strengthen relationships, and create emotional safety. What begins as a schedule often becomes a memory. And what's repeated with care often becomes something a person carries with them for life.
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As my kids grew into teenagers, I had to become even more intentional. I carved out regular one-on-one time with each of them — sometimes to do something fun, sometimes just to catch up. We didn't always spend money. Some of our best moments came from going to the park, being creative, or just grabbing a snack together. But because it was consistent and intentional, they looked forward to it — and so did I.
Now, working in IHBT (Intensive Home-Based Therapy), I've seen firsthand how patterns of connection can rebuild trust in families that feel fractured. Many of the families I work with are navigating complex dynamics — adoption, trauma, behavioral challenges, blended households. And one of the first things I encourage them to do is this: create a tradition. Build a routine. Put something on the calendar that everyone can count on.
I'm currently working with three siblings who are adopted. Every week, I take them out for a picnic as part of our therapy. We play games, talk, and just spend time together. Over time, this simple tradition has become something they eagerly anticipate. That's not just therapy — it's a pattern of connection. And it works.
Even my dog, Coco, reminds me how much patterns matter. Every morning and evening, we go to the dog park together. He knows the routine. He looks forward to it. It's our bonding time. And yes, even animals thrive on predictable, shared moments.
Here's what I've learned: you don't have to be perfect to build connection. You just have to be present — on purpose, and consistently.
We often chase big moments or try to fix everything at once. But meaningful relationships—whether with kids, partners, or friends—are built through the small things we do consistently. A shared meal, a regular walk, a planned time to talk. These aren't just routines—they're investments. Over time, they become patterns that shape how people feel loved and valued.
If you're looking for ways to strengthen your relationships, don't wait for the perfect timing or a major breakthrough. Start by doing one simple thing together—regularly. Let it be fun. Let it be predictable. Let it be yours.
Because in the end, the strongest bonds aren't built in grand gestures. They're built in quiet moments that happen again and again.
Mark Stratton is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) who works with youth and families in the Lancaster area. He is also the author of the upcoming book, "People Really Can Change."
If you would like to book an appointment, click here.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Opinion: How simple traditions build stronger relationships

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I tested the best drugstore mascaras. The most volumizing winner is only $3

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I tested the best drugstore mascaras. The most volumizing winner is only $3

Best drugstore mascaras we tested Best drugstore mascara: Wet N Wild Mega-Length Waterproof Mascara Best washable drugstore mascara: L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Lengthening Mascara When it comes to makeup products, it's hard to justify splurging on a mascara when you can find high-quality options at the drugstore. I've tried, tested and reviewed a range of beauty products and can vouch for drugstore finds being just as good, if not better, than many luxury splurges. But landing on a great mascara boils down to three important factors, regardless of price or brand. The perfect mascara should effortlessly lift and condition lashes, add length and volume to your smize, all without dreaded clumps or smudges. As someone with nonexistent lashes, I take mascara seriously and have tried it all, from tubing mascaras to colorful formulas. But I would rather save on a lash product that should be switched out often. There's a dizzying variety of drugstore mascaras to pick from for that perfect, voluminous look. So, to find what's best, I tested six without an eyelash curler and landed on my new favorite picks. Here's what caught my eye. Wet N Wild Mega-Length Waterproof Mascara This Wet N Wild mascara won me over with its smooth, buildable formula and lash-lifting power. The thin, curved wand evenly coated all my lashes without clumping. Plus, at just $3, the price was hard to beat. L'Oreal Paris Makeup Telescopic Original Lengthening Mascara I consider this my go-to mascara when my lashes need extra length and lift. This formula is effortlessly smooth, with a thin wand that grabs every lash without creating clumps. The only downside? It can sometimes smudge under the eyes after a full day of wear. When I first tested this budget-friendly mascara from Wet N Wild, I couldn't believe how silky smooth the formula felt on my (admittedly brittle) lashes. It gave the same luxurious glide as high-end mascaras I've splurged on, except this one costs just $3. That's less than your average cup of coffee these days. What really won me over, though, was the long, skinny wand. It made it so much easier to coat my sad little lashes evenly without weird clumps or excess product. I also couldn't get over how much product came in the tube. Even with all that formula, the wand delivered a clean swipe every time. I also liked the buildable formula, which contains vitamin E to help soften and protect lashes. My dry lashes appreciated the extra love, especially since the formula is made without sulfates and is cruelty-free, earning major bonus points in my book. The most impressive part of this mascara was its lengthening power, thanks to the precision comb wand. I loved how it instantly gave my lashes a noticeable lift without that overdone, 'I'm wearing six coats of mascara' look. Overall, this waterproof formula delivers a natural yet impactful finish I'll be using again and again. If you're into all things beauty, chances are you've heard of this fan-favorite mascara from L'Oréal. I've used it for years and have always loved the slim wand and buildable, fragrance-free formula. Of all the drugstore mascaras I tested, this wand is the one I reach for. It's the longest and thinnest of the bunch, with sturdy, spiky bristles that grip and coat each lash, similar to the Wet N Wild winner (but more than twice the cost). It also does a great job of separating each lash so they don't clump together. If you have short, straight lashes like I do, this mascara really grabs and lifts each one without feeling heavy or thick. That said, it does dry quickly, so if you wait too long between coats, it can start to look a little bit like spider legs. After putting it through some serious wear tests, my one complaint is the potential for smudging and residue after a long day. I have oily skin, which definitely doesn't help, but I still found myself wiping away smudges under my eyes by the end of the day. I tested six drugstore mascaras to determine out which one had the best formula for all your volumizing, lengthening and lifting needs. I wore each one at least twice to see how it held up against busy days, sweat and inclement weather. Whether you're looking for a mascara that delivers a false lash–level effect or prefer a more natural finish, these picks will enhance your lashes without breaking the bank. I also considered the following criteria during testing. Formula: The consistency of a mascara can make or break it. Did it feel smooth or goopy? Was there enough product in the tube? I also noted if the formula was buildable (which can help achieve a lengthening effect) while keeping an eye on potential clumping. Any added lash-care benefits were also taken into account. Wand: The width and shape of the mascara wand can impact the overall look. Was it thin enough to reach each lash or fluffy for a volumizing effect? I paid close attention to how the wand influenced application and definition. Price: All the drugstore mascaras I tested ranged from $3 to $20, keeping them firmly in budget territory. Since mascara should be replaced every three months, I considered whether each one was worth the price and if I'd actually repurchase it once it ran out. Packaging: I evaluated the amount of product in each tube, as well as the overall ease of use, from how the wand fit back into the container to how it felt while holding it. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara Maybe it's Maybelline. I thought the Lash Sensational Sky High had a great wand for buildable volume and length, and I appreciated the bamboo-infused formula. My main concern? The lack of product in the tube. I was intrigued by the 'Flex Tower' brush on this drugstore mascara, which looked promising for adding volume. Once I opened the tube, I was impressed by the sturdy wand and appreciated the longer spoolie, which seemed designed to create lift and fullness. The formula is also infused with bamboo extract and fibers to help lengthen lashes. Unfortunately, I was surprised by how little formula was in the tube. No matter how many times I dipped and swirled the wand, the spoolie just wasn't picking up enough product. Without sufficient formula to coat my lashes, the mascara didn't deliver any noticeable results — no volume, no lift and no length. I'd consider using the wand with a different formula, but let's be honest: That's extra effort no one has time for during the morning rush. Milani Anti-Gravity Waterproof Mascara I absolutely loved this waterproof mascara from Milani, especially on my short lashes. It was volumizing and lifting, all without an eyelash curler. However, the formula was a bit too thick, resulting in clumping. I appreciated how much product came in the tube, unlike the scarce Maybelline mascara I tested. There was more than enough to properly coat each lash from root to tip. And the formula itself was impressive too: It felt rich, thanks to the addition of castor oil to help condition lashes. It's also made with fruit-based waxes to lock in a longer-lasting look. True to its name, this mascara delivered serious lift, length, volume and curl, which is ideal if you're looking to go full glam. Better yet, it's also waterproof and designed to wear up to 24 hours without smudging or flaking, which I found to be the case, unlike the L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Washable Mascara. My only gripe? The formula is on the thicker side, which makes it prone to clumping if you go in too heavy. At times, it did feel a bit goopy. I'd recommend using it sparingly, but you don't need much to make an impact. Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara I had high hopes for this Rimmel London mascara, which promises to "accelerate" lashes. In fact, it claims to boost lash length by up to 117% in just 30 days. I was impressed with the amount of formula in the tube but was, ultimately, let down by the clumpy formula. This mascara from Rimmel London has always caught my eye with its bold promise to make lashes look 80% longer. Even better, it doubles as a lash treatment, thanks to its exclusive Grow-Lash Complex designed with Procapil, which helps fortify lashes over time. While the treatment aspect wasn't my main priority, I appreciated the added benefit, especially in a budget-friendly drugstore pick. I was immediately impressed with how much formula came in the tube. This mascara had the most product by far, to the point where it was practically oozing out. However, the thick formula and round, shorter wand made application a bit tricky. The excess product led to clumping and smudging under my eyes. Although it coated my lashes well, it didn't do much to lift them. In fact, the heavy formula felt like it weighed down my eyelashes. This mascara might work better for those who already have naturally long, curled lashes, but for shorter or straighter lashes like mine, it falls short of its potential. Maybelline The Falsies Surreal Extensions Mascara With a name like "Falsies," I knew this mascara had a lot to live up to. I thought the formula felt thick and rich (perhaps too rich), but the ultra-curved wand threw me off. I reached for The Falsies to try out a bold, extreme look, and it's safe to say, it delivered. The unique Kera-Fiber formula instantly built up volume for that false-lash effect, without the hassle of falsies. I used the Blackest Black shade, but it's also available in Very Black and Brownish Black if you prefer a softer finish. I was impressed with the bold, glam look the formula achieved, thanks to the thick, luxe formula. Still, I didn't love the flexible spoon brush. I prefer a thin wand to grab each and every lash and the thicker, curved wand was hard to get used to. Although it did give me a visibly fuller, lengthened look, I would rather reach for the Telescopic mascara wand. What is the best drugstore mascara for sensitive eyes? What is the best drugstore mascara for sensitive eyes? The best drugstore mascara for sensitive eyes is typically one that's ophthalmologist tested and fragrance-free, like the L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Original Lengthening Mascara. Is expensive mascara better than drugstore mascara? Is expensive mascara better than drugstore mascara? No, expensive mascara isn't always better than drugstore mascara. I tested many budget, drugstore picks that rivaled luxury products. However, your mascara choice boils down to personal preferences, lash type and what you're looking for in a formula. How can I prevent mascara from smudging and flaking? How can I prevent mascara from smudging and flaking? Smudgy mascara can easily be avoided with the right application. Start with thin, even coats to avoid drying, flaky layers. Make sure to let each coat dry before moving onto the next step in your makeup routine. Opt for creamy mascara formulas to avoid flaking and waterproof ones to avoid smudging. CNN Underscored thoroughly tests the products in our testing guides and provides full transparency about how we test them. We have a skilled team of writers and editors who have many years of testing experience and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate testing writer Carolina Gazal wore a range of drugstore mascaras and took note of how each one looked, felt and lasted throughout the day. She has tested and written product reviews for a range of beauty products, from the best hydrating serums to the best hair dryers.

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