Sometimes doctors (or family members) refer patients or loved ones to therapy to fix something they — the doctor or family member, that is — consider a problem. The motivation for therapy is on the part of the referring party, … Continue reading
Category: Daily Dose of Reason
The Hour of Reckoning (Not the One They Think)
Investor’s Business Daily reports that more and more of the federal tax burden is being borne by the highest earners. This trend accelerated under the control of conservative Republicans and George W. Bush, not just under Obama. “This is a … Continue reading
Not a Catastrophe
“Catastrophizing” refers to a psychological problem in which a person sees things as catastrophes which are not — and as a result always feels tremendous fear or sadness. In that regard, consider that nothing is a catastrophe if you’re here … Continue reading
Pelosi’s Law
Under the Constitution, two houses of Congress are required to pass a bill into law so that the President may sign it. Under the Pelosi Congress, the House merely needs to ‘deem’ a bill into law without even being concerned … Continue reading
Handling the Hostile
People often write or ask me: “How do I handle a hostile person if the person is someone I otherwise like, love or value?” My reply: If someone is deliberately insulting or hostile, assume they know what they’re doing. (They … Continue reading
Goals, Like Clothes, Must Fit
Goals are based on two things: (1) ‘What’s important to me?’ and (2) ‘What can I do to experience this important thing in my life?’ Make sure you remember the basics. People sometimes set goals ‘just because’ ‘just because others … Continue reading
Bigger Isn’t Better
It has been said, elsewhere, that a government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take it all away. Think health care. In a similar vein, I will say: A government that rams legislation through … Continue reading
Truth Is Not a Democracy
It’s not about being first so much as being right. It’s not about being right so much as being in touch with reality. “Correct” and “true” are not social or interpersonal standards; they are objective ones. The “truth” is true … Continue reading
“I Want to Help You”
When someone claims “I want to help you” or “I want to help him” what they often mean is: “I want to change you.” Another version is “I want her to get help” which really means: “I want her to … Continue reading
Don’t Always Trust the Trusting
The gullible are often the most dishonest. If they’re foolish enough to believe the big lies of others, then they’re foolish enough to expect others to believe their own deception.
Tots to Teens
Q: Is it wrong or unfair to remind a teen that while independence is great and you the parent are encouraging it, you, the parent, are paying for everything, or close to everything, so the teen has an obligation to … Continue reading
More on “Career Marriage”
Q: I don’t think I understand your conclusion regarding “Career Like Marriage” [see Daily Dose of Reason for March 6, 2010]. Are you saying that by accepting less than one’s ideal romantic or career choices, one precludes the possibility of … Continue reading