Refrigerator Rights: Why We Need to Let People into Our Hearts, Our Homes (And Our Refrigerators).and How to Bring Even More Close Relationships into Our Lives

Many Americans today feel stressed-out, over-extended, and disconnected...but they're not sure why, or what they can do about it. Therapist and ordained minister Dr. Will Miller has the answer. He advocates changing our hectic lifestyles to embrace the idea of "Refrigerator Rights"-establishing close connections with friends and family who are trusted enough to enter our homes and help themselves to whatever is in the refrigerator. Dr. Miller offers suggestions on how to accomplish this through:

€ Reaching out to those beyond our immediate family
€ Balancing self-care and care for others
€ Creating a sense of true community
€ Re-establishing vital social networks
€ Getting comfortable with not being constantly "productive"
€ Learning to go with the flow, take a detour, lose track of time in the company of friends...and rediscover the nourishment of relaxed, mutually satisfying relationships

Dr. Will Miller is a therapist, ordained minister, stand-up comic, corporate speaker, and leading cultural analyst. He was the on-air spokesperson for Nick-at-Nite for five years and hosted the NBC show "The Other Side." He has appeared on "Larry King Live," "Good Morning America," and "The Rosie O'Donnell Show." He is a regular guest lecturer at Purdue University and lives with his wife, Dr. Sally Miller.

Glenn Sparks, Ph.D., is a professor of Mass Communication at Purdue University.