Thanksgiving is almost here and many of us feel compelled to be grateful.

Fall, the season of the harvest, is the time when winter weight gain creeps into our lives at a steady pace. Then the holidays arrive to cheer us up around the winter solstice, ironically bringing more stress and oh, the dinners and parties replete with rich, calorie-laden cuisine.

Many people view Halloween as unhealthy because trick-or-treat candy fuels an irresistible sugar fest, the beginning phase of winter weight gain. However, Halloween has important health benefits.

After interviewing a random sample of self-proclaimed lucky people, here are the basic attributes I have found. Study them, so that you can improve your luck or even better, consider yourself blessed.

People-pleasing is a self-induced pressure, a lifestyle pattern, associated with weight gain. The goal in stress management is to go from people-pleaser to self-pleaser.

Women apologize frequently even when they believe they have done nothing wrong. When a woman apologizes even when she is not guilty of anything, she wants to please.

Females worry about their bodies as early as elementary school and as late as midlife. Men are often puzzled by female body dysmorphia. You might be surprised by their preference.

Loneliness is recognized as a growing health problem. The surprising findings: Addressing loneliness is not about attending support groups with other lonely people or teaching better social skills.

Being sociable, like going out with friends, hanging out after a class or volunteering, is physically and emotionally vital for well being.

Your friend used to be a confidante and cheerleader; suddenly, she turns into a frenemy. Are you in some way responsible? Should you try to mend fences?