I love the saying: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, while still expecting different results.” It’s not error itself that defines insanity. It’s denial. It’s evasion. It’s a willful refusal to introspect and look at one’s … Continue reading
I want to know people I can respect, and I want to know people with whom I agree. Ultimately, the first matters more to me than the second. If I agree with people but cannot respect them — then who cares? … Continue reading
Nagging comes from anxiety. It’s based on a false belief that repetition will create motivation. It never does. In fact, it lowers respect for the one who nags. Nagging reveals weakness. It’s a way of confessing, “I have failed to … Continue reading
Colin Powell has blasted the Republican Party for failing to be more like Democrats. He says that Americans want more government, not less. “Americans do want to pay taxes for services,” he said. “Americans are looking for more government in … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd, A long-time acquaintance recently passed away after a dreadful bout with cancer. The point is that most of the people she knew didn’t like her. She had her good qualities, but, frankly, she used people, was obnoxious, … Continue reading
There is a good mental technique called ‘demystifying.’ The starting premise is: ‘There are no mysteries. There ARE unknowns, but the unknown can become knowable. The method is to break it down and figure out how.’ Demystifying lowers anxiety because … Continue reading
“Honk if I’m paying your mortgage.” — from a local sign
In marital relationship problems, the most overlooked area of communication is listening. Most people assume listening is for the sake of the other partner. “Yeah, yeah, I should listen–for his [or her] sake.” That’s not it! Although your partner may … Continue reading
I agree with the President that we need a Supreme Court justice with “empathy.” I’d like this justice to have empathy for the individual over the brutality, insensitivity and bureaucracy of the state. I’d like this justice to have empathy … Continue reading
It has been said that liberals and socialists with a lot of money who hate capitalism are simply self-loathing. This is undoubtedly true, in many cases. My message to such people — speaking on behalf of those of us who … Continue reading
Before you say, “I don’t have the time,” make sure to answer the question, “Do I MAKE the time?” You can “make time” in different ways. The most overlooked way is to CUT something you currently do in favor of … Continue reading
Being a supportive friend doesn’t mean always agreeing with your friend. It means supporting that his mind reached a certain conclusion — or decision — and you respect him for it. You support a friend by respecting his mind, his … Continue reading