Sat down to eat my lunch yesterday, turned on the TV to take a little time out and there was a re-run of Everybody Loves Raymond on. Perfect. Couldn't have planned it better. Food, couch and Raymond — nirvana.

Such simple creatures, us men. So easy to please. But maybe that's just me. I love that show — even the re-runs. Very well written. Clever. Anyway, Deborah (Ray's wife) had decided that she wanted to re-enter the work force after an extended period of time raising kids and managing the home. She was very excited. Predictably, this notion was met with underwhelming support by the socially inappropriate, selfish, and emotionally challenged Ray and his mother (Marie).

Ray felt that his wife shouldn't "need" to work and should have all her needs met by being a mother and a wife; somehow he found a way to bring the situation back to himself and his needs. As he always does. Fancy a man doing that? Strange.

Anyway, the more Ray and Marie tried to simulate happiness and enthusiasm (for Deborah's job-hunting endeavors), the more it was apparent that they didn't want her to re-ignite her career at all; they wanted her to fail. Deborah was hurt by their lack of support. She labeled them both "dream squashers."

I loved it when that term came out of her mouth because it so accurately and succinctly describes so many people that I've met over my journey. You've met a bunch of them too; they're everywhere. If you try (even a little bit), you can picture at least one or two of them. Right?

They are a first cousin of the Energy Vampire. You may even be related to one. Closely perhaps. They feel compelled to tell you why you can't or won't achieve your goals and dreams. Or why you're silly to try. Or why now is not the right time. Or how it's not safe and why. "I'm telling you this for your own good."

Or how they tried something similar, and it's just not worth it. Or how chasing your dreams doesn't pay the bills. Dream Squashers work under numerous pseudonyms; here are a few of the common ones: