We hear a lot about “road rage.” What we generally hear is that it’s something that overpowers you, something you cannot control, something that some external agent must “treat” to rid you of. That’s part of what I mean by … Continue reading
The following is an excerpt from “How to Deal With Difficult People and Difficult Situations” available in the DrHurd.com Shop: Here are the kinds of things the angry person says: You just don’t get it, do you? What’s wrong with … Continue reading
In response to my recent article on how alcoholism is not a disease, it’s less interesting to learn that some people disagree than with how they disagree. When somebody disagrees with me, I try to identify where they find the … Continue reading
There’s a prevalent fiction that mental health treatment can be “forced” on unwilling participants and, in the process, eradicate or diminish irrationality — including homicidal intentions — within a person, even without that person’s consent. Whenever there’s a shooting, as … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd, My wife and I retired to a nice, waterfront area about a year ago. In a nutshell, I’m just not very happy. It doesn’t have to do with anything specific; I love my wife, we adore our … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd: I have two questions which are kind of related. One, is it possible to have a friendship with someone to whom you’re attracted romantically and sexually, even if they’re not interested that way in return? And two, … Continue reading
“I can only work under a deadline.” Is this a good thing, or a bad thing? It’s actually a good thing. A deadline implies a goal, or a purpose. Purpose-driven activity is the only kind that can sustain itself. A … Continue reading
Is it an act of “intimidation” against others if they find you too attractive? Consider a story reported at pjmedia.com on 3/20/14: In her first workout since being injured in a car accident, Tiffany Austin said she couldn’t wait to … Continue reading
One of the most common things people ask a psychotherapist like me about is motivation. “I should be doing such-and-such. But I’m not. I don’t feel motivated. Am I depressed?” Right there, in asking such a question, you’re revealing that … Continue reading
We basically have two ways of dealing with other human beings: reason, or force. This fact has social-political implications. But it also has implications for daily life in families, business or other personal relationships. To most of us, force is … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd, My partner and I are good friends with another couple. (We’re both in lesbian relationships.) Recently, one of the women in that relationship started paying (what I believe to be) inappropriate attention to my girlfriend; sending personal … Continue reading
Emotional abuse is a fancy, clincial term for simply being mean. According to healthcentral.com [1/8/13], there are numerous indications you might be in an emotionally abusive relationship. Examples include: “Emotionally abusive spouses want you all to themselves. They do not … Continue reading