The high holy days of masquerade are upon us, and rarely does a Halloween go by without my getting a few inquiries about the psychology of costumes and disguise. Ancient mystical beliefs held that if you disguised yourself on All … Continue reading →

Dear Dr. Hurd, In a recent Life’s a Beach column, you wrote, “The death of a beloved pet is certainly among the more difficult situations I face across in my office. I try to help people correct the mistaken belief … Continue reading →

A local reader tells me that he has been unemployed for four years. He goes on to say, ‘My odds of finding a job seem to decrease as time passes. A friend has offered to compose a fake resume and … Continue reading →

As the holiday season looms on the horizon, does the thought of walking into a crowded room or restaurant make you nervous? You’re not alone. Shyness, and the anxiety that goes with it, is a common psychological problem. Shyness doesn’t … Continue reading →

By the time you read this, the final notes of this year’s Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival will have faded away. What is the magnetic effect music has on us? From the amateur flailings of American Idol, to semi-sober karaoke, all … Continue reading →

Dear Dr. Hurd, I disagree with some of my friends regarding the upcoming election. And now the holidays are coming up and I have to be with them. Yikes! Because of my frustration over what they say and think, I … Continue reading →

Dear Dr. Hurd, I’m at a crossroads. I’ve fallen in love with my best friend whom I have known for years. The catch? She’s married with kids. I’m not entirely sure of the depth of her feelings for me, and … Continue reading →

I received an email from a reader who asks, ‘I’m not sure I can give proper advice to my brother. He’s gay and really loves our parents, who are slightly religious but don’t practice. They’ve made anti-gay remarks in the … Continue reading →

With an election season upon us, there’s no lack of opinions and observations. Many of them fall into the category of, ‘He never lets a fact get in the way of his opinion.” People often say, with contempt, “She’s opinionated,” … Continue reading →

The approaching holiday season will most probably be accompanied by get-togethers with family and friends. All that can be lots of fun, but it has its limits. It’s my nature to stand back and listen to people (it’s what I … Continue reading →

Agrowing volume of research appears to indicate that self-esteem might not be all it’s cracked up to be. Some studies have shown that both valedictorians and low-achieving students think quite highly of themselves. Violent criminals are no more likely to … Continue reading →

A local reader tells me that he has been unemployed for four years. He goes on to say, ‘My odds of finding a job seem to decrease as time passes. A friend has offered to compose a fake resume and … Continue reading →