“Once we start lying, the extent of our dishonesty increases over time. And when that happens, our brain begins to tamp down its emotional response to our own immoral behavior, signaling in effect that lying is no big deal. That … Continue reading →

A reader asks: “Trust your gut.” What the heck does that even mean? People seem to be saying this more and more. Does my gut have a brain? The way I think of this is your gut is an automated … Continue reading →

Psychological therapy does not change people. People either change themselves or, more often, they do not change. But when anything changes, it’s all the changed individual’s doing. Talk to any former drug addict, to dramatize the point. That former drug … Continue reading →

It takes more than intelligence to avoid a toxic relationship. As Kristen Fuller, M.D., writes: “I myself had all the tools to avoid a toxic relationship, but I entered into an emotionally and mentally toxic relationship with someone who seemed … Continue reading →

A reader asks if I have any insights into the post-election hysteria, i.e., melting down and having to grieve because Hillary Clinton lost. And the assassination threats on social media. And the verbal, even physical, bullying of people suspected to have … Continue reading →

Statism refers to the belief in expansive, never-ending government. Statism is the opposite extreme of the American Constitution and Bill of Rights. These documents severely limited government, saying government may only do the handful of things the documents specify it … Continue reading →

What does it mean to be “naive”? Does it always involve innocence or honest misunderstanding? Not exactly. Because after the fact people will tell you things like, “I was so naive. But if I’m really honest about it, I actually … Continue reading →

I keep hearing the question: How to weather political differences with friends and associates, given this combative presidential election year? Then I read this at Psychology Today online, by Susan Heitler Ph.D.: The impulse to convince others of the rightness … Continue reading →

Don’t you hate it when people interrupt you? Is it just rudeness? Or is it something more? Something can be rude, but also have an explanation. An explanation does not have to be an excuse. With interruptions, the most likely … Continue reading →

What makes people want to be lied to? The presidential election is an obvious example. The candidate ahead in most of the polls is a woman most of the same people polled regard as a liar. It happens in everyday … Continue reading →

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” –Mahatma Gandhi “There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.” –George Sand “Happiness depends upon ourselves.” — Aristotle “Most … Continue reading →