Life, like anything of value, isn’t free, and stress is part of the price we pay for living. But stress isn’t always unhealthy. It can be a signal that you’re accomplishing productive and important things—your career, raising kids, or enjoying … Continue reading →

I don’t understand all the enthusiasm over multitasking. I know it’s supposed to be a good thing. Housewives and business people brag, ‘Look at me. I’m multitasking,’ implying, I guess, that that they’re accomplishing more than they could if they … Continue reading →

People sometimes tell me that ‘Oprah’ and other popular ‘self-help’ shows leave them with the impression that their parents are to blame for a lot of their problems. Maybe so, maybe not—but daytime TV is not the ideal place to … Continue reading →

I have spoken to so many people—married couples, families, even friends—who tell me they fight over money more than anything else. If you dig a little deeper, though, it’s clear that the fighting isn’t just about money. It’s more about … Continue reading →

A Delaware Wave reader from Connecticut writes, Dear Dr. Hurd, My ‘new age’ friends are always telling me to ‘Go with my feelings and say what I feel.’ But is it advisable to just blurt out whatever happens to pop … Continue reading →

I received a number of responses to my article about how some aging parents can become manipulative; appearing to be more ‘helpless’ than they actually are. Everyone agreed with my point, but some of you questioned how to verbally approach … Continue reading →

  Many people I have had the pleasure of meeting here at the beach are retired, having moved here to settle in and be happy. Some of them, however, tell me that getting older can be difficult, and they ask … Continue reading →

In response to a natural disaster or tragedy, sometimes a news reporter (usually desperate for something to say) will ask a survivor if they feel “survivor’s guilt.” Following the bridge collapse in Minneapolis last year, a person who made it … Continue reading →

I love movies. Some of the best times I had as a kid were spent in the movie theater, escaping into the realm of fantasy. Professional filmmakers refer to that feeling of ‘escape,’ created by the seamless blend of picture … Continue reading →

  A Delaware Wave reader writes,  Dear Dr. Hurd, Our vacation home in Bethany Beach would not be complete without a copy of The Delaware Wave opened to your column! I appreciate your advice and insight. We live in a … Continue reading →

When I hear someone say they hope they’re “normal,” I cringe—but not for the reasons you might expect. The people who typically object to the word “normal” are those who see everything subjectively, meaning that everything’s ‘all about them.’ ‘What’s … Continue reading →