A reader writes: My husband and I have been together for 17 years. I gained some weight over the last few years and our physical relationship became almost nonexistent. We are still very close; we cuddle and say nice things, … Continue reading
The headlines on CNN and elsewhere proclaim: “This year’s State of the Union Address is a defining test for Obama.” Blah, blah, blah. For more substantive analysis, let’s consider the latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll. (Remember that these polls … Continue reading
In a first, working-age people now make up the majority in U.S. households that rely on food stamps — a switch from a few years ago, when children and the elderly were the main recipients. Some of the change is … Continue reading
A reader writes: What does it say about a person who is prone to offering others unsolicited advice without a polite prompting of the shift of conversation? And why would the object of that unsolicited advice be understandably offended when … Continue reading
“All rational action is in the first place individual action. Only the individual thinks. Only the individual reasons. Only the individual acts.” “Used to the conditions of a capitalistic environment, the average American takes it for granted that every year … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd, I need advice on what to say to my husband of more than 10 years. He is in a complete snit because he’s starting to lose his hair. I couldn’t care less, and frankly I think he … Continue reading
An independent federal review board reportedly says National Security Agency (NSA) phone data collection program should end. The report concluded that the NSA collection raises “constitutional concerns” with regard to U.S. citizens’ rights of speech, association and privacy. “The connections … Continue reading
Some people lie in order to gain something for nothing. The “gain” consists of money, property or respect from others. However, most people who lie don’t do so for this reason. Most people who lie do so out of fear. … Continue reading
A reader asks: Have you ever taken a look at conspiracy theories? Sometimes I have thoughts like, “Obama’s heart is not in America, but in dictatorships abroad,” or “9-11 happened because the US government wanted it to happen to give … Continue reading
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
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
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