‘Say what you mean, and mean what you say.’ This venerable and oh-so-true expression reveals a lot about the importance of integrity, honesty and keeping your word. It also says a lot about how to interact with others in your … Continue reading →

  A Delaware Wave reader writes, Dear Dr. Hurd, I hate to admit this (that’s why I didn’t sign my name), but I feel like my kid’s mistakes and blunders (he is in second grade) are a reflection on me, … Continue reading →

Deep breathing is an effective technique for relaxation. The influx of oxygen can be a good way to cope with stress, and it’s a lot less expensive and hard on your body than taking medication. At the same time, however, … Continue reading →

Everything we do, we do for a reason. All behavior, no matter how irrational or self-destructive it may seem, serves some kind of emotional purpose. It’s not that somebody “shouldn’t” be acting in a certain way; it’s that they ARE … Continue reading →

It’s a rare dinner party or social event where somebody doesn’t ask me to tell them what subject spouses and couples complain about the most. I see so many problems: money, raising kids, in-laws (!)—it’s tough to nail it down … Continue reading →

  A Wave reader from South Bethany emails, Dear Dr. Hurd, My father used to tell me, “Don’t be a quitter.” But sometimes, when I’m trying to get something done, and I realize I’m fighting a losing battle, I feel … Continue reading →

I heard an expression recently: “He never lets a fact get in the way of his opinion.” It got me thinking about why opinions get a bad name. People often say, with contempt, “She’s opinionated,” as if the expression of … Continue reading →

In his classic novel, ‘Trinity,’ author Leon Uris made a statement that really caught my attention. He wrote, ‘It seems that we have to have moments of turmoil to contrast with moments of peace in order to truly understand and … Continue reading →

  An online Wave reader emails: Dear Dr. Hurd, My sister is not a good parent. There. I said it. In spite of leaving her kids alone at all hours, speaking rudely to them and feeding them fast food every … Continue reading →

People will say you’re crazy when you make no sense. They’ll also call you crazy when you DO make sense—but they don’t like what you’re saying. So how do you know the difference? Consider Ted. He’s angry with his wife … Continue reading →

I love it when I hit a nerve. I continue to get emails and calls regarding my comments several weeks ago about ‘poseurs,’ false pride, and mistaken ‘short cuts’ to self-esteem. Many of your responses centered on whether it was … Continue reading →

Talking to people about problems related to their childhood has taught me a lot about what kids need from their parents—in particular, what they got, or didn’t get (emotionally speaking), while growing up. It’s quite a challenge to guide an … Continue reading →