There are few situations more awkward than trying to comfort a friend who has lost a loved one. What can you say? More importantly, what do they WANT you to say? I hear it all the time: ‘I don’t … Continue reading →

Do you remember mood rings? Back in the ’70s, everyone seemed to be sporting a mood ring, or a mood pendant, or mood earrings, bracelets or even mood lipstick! I’ll get the science out of the way quickly: The gadgets … Continue reading →

Why are some people inclined to jump out of airplanes, or risk thousands of dollars in the stock market—while others find it difficult just to meet or talk to new people? Why do some of us avoid risk at all … Continue reading →

Like an old friend who visits every so often, it’s time to say goodbye to summer. For our seasonal visitors, parting will be sad. The bright, salty days on the beach and the freedom from daily routine will certainly be … Continue reading →

Divorce. Split up. Break up. Even the words sound hostile and aggressive. But, whatever you call it, it’s one of the great unresolved controversies of our age—particularly when children are involved. Is it better to stay together for the sake … Continue reading →

Scene 1: An attractive young woman suddenly encounters a pair of hungry, bright yellow eyes. Scene 2: She peers fondly into those yellow eyes, as the attached mouth happily munches away. Scene 3: The cute logo for the latest feline … Continue reading →

Is it good for your mental health to love material things, such as your car, your clothes, your house—you know, your stuff? Absolutely! But I’ll bet this isn’t the answer you expected from a psychologist. Wasn’t I supposed to say … Continue reading →

My therapy office is exactly eleven steps from the waiting room. About a minute ago, I found myself standing, dumbfounded, in the waiting room—utterly oblivious as to WHY I went out there in the first place. Whatever my perfectly good … Continue reading →

This article originally appeared in the August 24, 2005 issue of The Wave. It is being reprinted in response to your many kind requests. It applies no less now than it did a year ago. ‘I’m on vacation! I’m going … Continue reading →

Dreams. They have mystified and captivated us throughout history. We spend almost six years of our lives—2,100 days—in the shadowy world of dreams. They have predicted events, started wars, and resolved major business and personal decisions. But, because of the … Continue reading →

There you are, taking a leisurely mid-summer drive through Ocean City (let’s say, trying to make a left turn’anywhere), when suddenly’Road Rage! More than just another media catch phrase, road rage now describes the most recent ‘disease’ to be foisted … Continue reading →

Whenever the subject of my profession comes up, people invariably make jokes about being ‘crazy’ or ‘insane.’ I know they’re just trying to be funny, but the consistency of this reaction troubles me, because psychology is so much more than … Continue reading →