Do you know it because it’s true? Or is it true because you know it?
Category: Psychology & Self-Improvement
Leave Them Wanting More
Sometimes being absent is the best way to be appreciated.
Damaged Goods?
Many people suffer from the false belief that, “These bad things happened in my childhood, and they ruined me.” It’s like saying, “I’m damaged goods.” Actually, no such thing is true — or could be true. The damage from the … Continue reading
Toxic Euphemisms, Contd: Bullies are still Bullies
Hi Dr. Hurd: I read your “Daily Dose” column and am getting a kick out of these “excuses” and “toxic euphemisms.” One such excuse I have in mind is that of Borderline Personality Disorder. Translation: “I am a jerk and … Continue reading
Psychobabble Euphemisms, Contd.
Dear Dr. Hurd: In the Aug. 23 Daily Dose of Reason, you asked us to send in psychobabble euphemisms that we’ve heard, along with our translations. Here’s mine: My ex-therapist: “You’re suffering from childhood trauma.” Translation: “I’ve rooted out a … Continue reading
More Translations into Reality (sent by readers)
“I’m having a bad day.” Translation: “I’m letting everything get to me and I have no power over making myself happy at all!” “He/She makes me so mad!” Translation: “Someone else has that kind of power over how I react … Continue reading
Therapy is NOT Medicine
The medical model applied to psychotherapy and counseling fosters the idea that “treatment” and “diagnosis” of one’s “mental conditions” is something that is largely external. Either something or someone is going to cure you and “make” you feel all better. … Continue reading
Translation into English
Those in the self-helping industry love to use language to conceal what they’re really saying. I call this brand of self-help professional the “politician of spirit.” Consider some examples, along with the translations into plain English. e.g. “I suffer from … Continue reading
Faulty Thinking Causes Worrying
Worrying doesn’t work. Rational people sometimes worry because they mistakenly view it as thinking, or planning. It isn’t. Worry is indiscriminate thinking. It’s irrational thinking, thinking that leads nowhere. Thinking is profoundly important. It’s the human means of survival and … Continue reading
How Hard Can It Be?
People who take something on and think, “How hard can it be?” almost always find the activity unexpectedly difficult. This is because you can’t take on something competently unless you’re motivated. If you love what you’re doing, it doesn’t seem … Continue reading
Top 3 Reasons People Don’t Find Partners
Reasons people don’t find a romantic partner, husband, wife, spouse, whatever? Here are several: 1) Not looking persistently enough. This means always being on the lookout, and always ‘following a lead.’ Yes, it can include dating services, but it also … Continue reading
“Aha!”
The error of rationalism is thinking that an important idea can strike you without cause. Actually, an ‘aha’ moment can occur, although it’s usually not so dramatic and sudden. But even if such a thing did occur—’Yes, THIS is my … Continue reading