Titled for a long-time friend/practitioner, the Judy Rule is Ghandi-esque in its wisdom and simplicity. You may already follow it without knowing its true name.

Talk to everyone you know about a seemingly insurmountable problem, and someone, offering a fresh perspective, will set you on the path to a solution.

The Judy Rule could potentially be internet-bulletin-board expanded; while useful, that extrapolation lacks the personal touch. Combining the benefits of collective experience with social interaction, problem-solving with emotional unburdening; it just doesn't get any better.

I suppose some people might object to sounding board status; they're probably just crabby about their own problems they haven't unloaded. Reciprocity is implied in the Judy Rule.

Here's an example of effectively using the Judy Rule.

A young woman purchased her first house. She knew it qualified as a fixer-upper, considering the price and long professional inspection to-do list. Fielding commentary about the mixed blessing of homeownership, she gave neutral, noncommittal responses, invoking the separation of employment and home likely intended in the Constitution.

One day there was some lag time before a meeting. When inevitably asked about domicile progress, she uncharacteristically blurted her latest problem.

"My dryer takes forever since the move. It's ten years old, but it worked fine at the rental."

Speculation ensued. Did she witness rough handling by movers? Was there a rattle or squeal? Could the washer be the guilty party, failing to spin excess water? Was the plug completely inserted? Any strange smells? Capable handyman referrals filled the air, attached with the warning all were at least six weeks out. Others averred repair after a decade was hardly cost-efficient.

Then someone said, "Did your inspector examine the dryer vent? If it's clogged, the dryer motor will burn out soon. That's what happened to me."

The light bulb ignited over her head. Could the least expensive alternative be possible? Returning home, she discovered the once-vacant house could have hung an Occupied sign over the dryer's exhaust exit. Lint is excellent nesting material for small creatures, which sometimes see no need moving it to another location. After a broomstick and shop vac, the dryer was saved.

If only life was always so easy. Still, applying the Judy Rule can't hurt.