Many people are under the impression that they’re avoiding trouble in their relationships by not fighting. They mistakenly assume that the absence of fighting is an indication that the relationship is healthy. But that assumption is wrong. A happy relationship … Continue reading
Author Archives: D3 Support
Telling a Friend the Truth
Comments from a reader: I’ve had several good friends tell me that if they’re having a bad day and want to be told what they want to hear, they steer clear of complaining to me. Simply because I’m not going … Continue reading
Half of Americans Now Want a Third Party
Fifty-two percent of Republicans say that America needs a third party, according to a newly released Gallup poll. Forty-nine percent of Democrats say the same thing. Actually, that’s not quite right. America does not need a third party; it needs … Continue reading
Does Money Buy Happiness?
Does money buy you happiness? No. But money is not irrelevant. Money buys you choices. People are happier when they have more choices. It’s not money itself that makes someone happy; it’s the ability to spend it that liberates one … Continue reading
Americans Reject Both Parties: So What Now?
Barack Obama’s approval rating is down to 37 percent, according to a new AP poll. That puts him at the popularity level of miserably failed Presidents Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush. But a new Gallup poll puts Republicans at … Continue reading
Why Some People “Enjoy” Their Misery
A reader asks: Is it possible to enjoy feeling bad, and if so, what is the psychology behind that phenomenon? There are people who enjoy feeling bad. They won’t usually put it this way, but they do. Actually, I wouldn’t … Continue reading
What the Heck is a Debt Ceiling?
We keep hearing about the debt ceiling. Fiscal conservatives in the House of Representatives don’t want to raise it, we’re told—basically because they’re heartless and mean. Raising the debt ceiling, to read or watch the news, is the responsible and … Continue reading
Tell me what I want to hear! (DE Coast Press)
People often react badly when you say something they’d rather not hear. But it’s just as bad when you don’t say what they want to hear. The perfect example is an email I received from a reader: “Dear Dr. Hurd: … Continue reading
It’s No Longer Legal to Offend the King
A federal employee decides to write a book on his knowledge of a known government scandal. After signing a book contract with a major publisher, the book deal is subsequently forbidden—by the government. Does this sound like a George Orwell … Continue reading
Reality is the best diet! (DE Wave)
We humans are imaginative creatures. On a moment’s notice, we can dig up convincing reasons to do just about anything. Take overeating, for example. We have perfected a long list of motives for eating to excess, over and above the … Continue reading
Emotion Management 101
A reader writes: I have a question about obsessing or putting too much weight on emotions. The question to myself was, ‘What if I did not have emotions, how would I know if what I was doing was good or … Continue reading
Watching D.C. is Like Watching a Bad Marriage
This whole government “shutdown” fiasco reminds me of a married couple fighting over money. One spouse insists, “You won’t let me buy what I want. You’re mean!” The other replies, “We’re spending more than we bring in. Look at the … Continue reading