The article "Love at a Distance" published about an early-30s son who kept his parent at a distance from each other, prompted Eric to examine his own behavior and find out what was causing his son to feel alienated. He found that acting as a victim and blaming himself for his son's isolation was not the answer. He set aside his ego and stopped trying to control or parent him, allowing him to ask for advice or perspective. This self-examination can help avoid placing blame on the writer's ego or control, but can also be beneficial in all relationships, particularly those of adult parents and children.