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 →

People who dwell on the negative aspects of things often tell me that they’re afraid of being let down or disappointed. They set their sights low, curb their expectations, and hope it will keep bad things from happening. That mindset … Continue reading →

It’s hard to believe another summer is almost past! One of the silver linings to that otherwise dark cloud is the Labor Day Jazz Funeral on the Bethany Beach boardwalk. The New Orleans-style parade lays the season to rest, symbolically … Continue reading →

Many people are taught to believe that when dealing with other people, the reasonable thing to do is to compromise; to meet the other person halfway. That might sound nice, but in my experience it doesn’t always work. All action … Continue reading →

So many relationships — business, personal or otherwise — end up boiling down to honesty. For example, is someone obligated to deal honestly with somebody who has been proven to be dishonest? The person who asked me this question suggests … Continue reading →

One way or another, many of us engage in gossip to some degree. Even if you never open your mouth, you’re contributing to gossip if you patronize the magazines, websites or TV shows that call themselves “entertainment news.” Nigel Nicholson, … Continue reading →

I regularly receive letters and emails asking me about post-traumatic stress disorder; predominately an issue for military personnel returning from active duty. While everybody agrees that some people certainly do suffer from PTSD, there’s always the question that others might … Continue reading →

It’s easy to be stressed these days. Even the simple act of taking a vacation can cause anxiety. Though you might just be visiting, stress management skills still have to be developed and maintained. Making the time to enjoy life’s … Continue reading →

People often react badly when you say something they’d rather not hear. But it’s just as bad when you don’t say what they want to hear. The perfect example is an email I received from a reader: “Dear Dr. Hurd: … Continue reading →

In between the high-energy activities that characterize our summer beach resort, it helps to stand back and take a look at what matters (and what doesn’t matter) to you. In fact, this sort of self-reflection should be a part of … Continue reading →