A reader asks, “What happens if a client you see for personal help doesn’t agree with you on politics?” Psychotherapy isn’t about politics. So there’s no need to ever discuss it, not in sessions. However, politics is a branch of … Continue reading
Category: Daily Dose of Reason
Who’s the Boss in Your Relationship?
Dear Dr. Hurd, Everything seemed perfect when we first met 8 months ago. Now, my girlfriend is starting to get bossy and controlling. She interrupts me, finishes my sentences, and always seems to have a better way of doing everything. … Continue reading
The High Cost of Cheap Education
Public college tuition has jumped 33 percent nationwide since 2000. Tuition has increased at a rate higher than inflation for 30 years, and the end result is higher student debt and an entire generation at a loss as to how … Continue reading
Feelings: NOT What Make Us Human
A lot of times, people are looking for a “quick fix” to their problems, particularly emotional/behavioral or relationship problems. The common response is, “You can’t always have a quick fix. Life is a process, and problem-solving can take time.” This … Continue reading
No Right to Privacy Without Right to Property
U.S. Senator (and Senate Intelligence Committee Chairwoman) Dianne Feinstein recently complained about the proliferation of U.S. government drones [robots used as spies] and their impact upon the right to privacy. You really have to wonder if these politicians even hear … Continue reading
Obama’s Rule by the Pen
“We’re not just going to be waiting for legislation in order to make sure that we’re providing Americans the kind of help they need,” Obama said Tuesday as he convened his first Cabinet meeting of the year. He said he … Continue reading
Corporatism in America
If I used the term “corporatism” as a criticism of America, you’d probably think I’m against “corporate greed,” like Obama, or against anything profit-motivated in the private sector. Actually, corporatism is defined as a “socio-political organization of a society by … Continue reading
Was There Ever a “Mission” in Afghanistan?
Robert Gates, Defense Secretary under both George W. Bush and Barack Obama, created a stir in his recently published memoirs when he wrote, “I never doubted Obama’s support for the troops, only his support for their mission.” The real question … Continue reading
Chris Christie’s Scandal: Government “Enterprise” in Action
Even as some national conservatives come to his defense, lawmakers and his own constituents are having a hard time accepting that a hands-on manager like New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie didn’t know that his staff was ordering a partial shutdown … Continue reading
Spending and Love
Dear Dr. Hurd: First of all I greatly enjoy reading your columns since what you write is like my unexpressed thoughts put into words! With that out of the way… My boyfriend of two years has just moved in with … Continue reading
“Youth Misery” Index: No Indication of Hope and Change
A Youth Misery Index that measures young Americans’ woes has skyrocketed under President Barack Obama and hit an all-time high. The index, released Wednesday, was calculated by adding youth unemployment and average college loan debt figures with each person’s share … Continue reading
Maybe What You Need is a Good … Failure!?
A reader writes with the following quote: “Have you ever considered that your biggest problem is that you haven’t failed ENOUGH?” (Matt Hussey) He writes: I like what this implies. Not enough risk taking toward value obtainment and missing your … Continue reading