I received an email from a Delaware Coast Press reader who has a 24-year-old son who has no friends (beyond those he has met online), no girlfriend, no driver’s license, no job, nothing. He’s quite good at condemning his siblings … Continue reading
People talk about the psychological importance of humility. For example, reformed alcoholics or drug addicts will say, “Until I learned humility, I could not become sober.” They’re certainly on to something profound and important here, but is it really humility … Continue reading
One of the great things – and one of the challenges – of living here at the beach is the changing of the seasons. The off-season can often be lazy and easy-going, while the mid-summer can require a bit more … Continue reading
Readers “of a certain age” will certainly remember mood rings. Back in the ‘70s everyone seemed to be sporting a ring, a pendant, earrings, bracelets or even lipstick containing thermotropic liquid crystals. Depending on the temperature of your skin, the … Continue reading
“Ahh, retirement—no more commute, no more responsibilities. I can’t wait!” The holy grail of retirement is the reward for a lifetime of accomplishment and faithful employment. But for some people it doesn’t quite live up to all it’s supposed to … Continue reading
People often say to me, “Why am I feeling down? Why do I feel sorry for myself?” It’s a perfectly reasonable observation, but it doesn’t get to the heart of why some people cope better than others. The key to … Continue reading
The summer season is often accompanied by get-togethers with family and friends. All that sounds very good on paper, but it can have its limits. It’s my nature to stand back quietly and listen to people (it’s what I do…), … Continue reading
“Empty Nest Syndrome.” What a great name! Though I’ve talked to many moms and dads who frankly see it as a cause for celebration, some have trouble coping with the loss of … well, when you get right down to … Continue reading
Occasionally, a parent or a spouse will tell me that their child or partner “needs help.” I ask them why they think that, and they either don’t answer me, or they say that they can’t get their loved one to … Continue reading
I have to admit that I’m a private person. Though I enjoy and welcome the opportunity to interact personally with so many people, I also like quiet and a bit of solitude when the day is finished. What started this … Continue reading
Over 30 years of talking to people about problems related to their childhood has taught me a lot about what kids need and what they got – or didn’t get (emotionally speaking) – from their parents. It’s a challenge to … Continue reading
A reader tells me that her sister leaves her kids alone at all hours, speaks rudely to them, feeds them fast food every day, and then is resentful when they don’t appreciate her. The reader asks if the kids automatically … Continue reading