Life is for the living, not for the dead or the dying. However, we can learn a lot from those who die. In a fascinating article entitled, “Nurse Discusses 5 Regrets People Tell Her Before They Die,” [source: Bronnie Ware, … Continue reading
Category: Psychology & Self-Improvement
“Tell Your Dog to Please Mind His Manners”
Dear Dr. Hurd, We enjoyed your recent column about Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan’s approach to canine (and people) psychology. [National Geographic Channel] My wife and I were invited to a party at the home of a very nice couple we … Continue reading
Do Some People Want to be Miserable?
Most of us claim we want to be happy—to have meaningful lives, enjoy ourselves, experience fulfillment, and share love and friendship with other people and maybe other species, like dogs, cats, birds, and whatnot. Strangely enough, however, some people act … Continue reading
Why Some People Spend Too Much
Will Rogers said: “Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.” It’s true. What causes this? Lack of self-respect. If you respect yourself, you don’t need to spend … Continue reading
“Love is Selfless”: A Raw Deal for Women?
Here are some more arguments against “love is selfless.” If you love someone, you want them to be happy. And it’s very nice to think that you can make another person happy, but it’s also very arrogant. What really makes … Continue reading
How to Destroy Your Marriage in One Easy Step
Wow. I thought the worst news, these days, was in the politics and government sections. Who knew that the most horrible perspectives were found in the subjects of marriage and ethics? Of course, it makes sense. The wrong approach to … Continue reading
Do Therapists Talk About God?
A reader asks what I can write about ‘conditioning.’ He writes, ‘I go to a psychiatrist here in my country. Children are conditioned to think in a certain way by their parents and authority figures like teachers, priests etc. I … Continue reading
When “Friends” Talk Behind Your Back
Several readers wrote and asked me why some people talk badly about their friends behind their backs. The rational question: Why spend time with people you don’t like or respect? Or, if your really do like and respect them, why … Continue reading
Deconstructing “Abandonment”
A reader comments: Once a psychologist told me my mother abandoned me. It had never occurred to me to think like that. I had never put expectations or demands on my mother like that and more, I thought it would … Continue reading
Five Traits of People Not Worthy of Your Trust
Says one thing; does another. This applies to both big and little things. It’s a form of lying, even if it’s not deliberate. Even if the lie does you no harm, it tells you something about the person’s relationship with … Continue reading
Staying Upbeat When the News is Bad
A reader wrote and asked me to please be more positive in my articles on politics/society, like I am with my psychological articles. He asked me to please make people feel uplifted about our political and social situation, the same … Continue reading
Dealing With Unwanted Phone Calls and Solicitors
Comments from a reader: I am “rude” to telephone solicitors and any sales/religion person that comes to my home uninvited. “Don’t call back”, “Get off my property”. I am the victim. I hear others excuse the rudeness of solicitors: “Well … Continue reading