Dear Dr. Hurd, I read your column every week, and I really like what you say. But sometimes, when I try to make suggestions to my husband or my adult children, it turns into an unpleasant ‘heated discussion.’ I am … Continue reading →

A Delaware Wave reader sent an email asking me why some health professionals sometimes refer to her son’s behavioral problems as a ‘disease.’ She says it makes her son feel worse about himself and even seems to deepen his depression. … Continue reading →

I have a friend who, when confronted about something, will often end his explanation with, ‘Well, it’s not an excuse, but it IS a reason.’ Though it always gets a chuckle, the expression doesn’t really resolve anything. A reason tells … Continue reading →

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the many readers of The Delaware Wave for your feedback and responses to this column. Interestingly, many of your emails, calls (and even letters) include questions and comments about coping with changes … Continue reading →

Never mix business with friendship. Yes, it may seem perfectly natural to go into business with your friend, or to employ (or be employed by) him or her. But, those of you who have actually ‘been there’ know that the … Continue reading →

Unless you recently landed here on this planet, you’re probably aware that text messaging (also known as SMS or short message service) is a relatively new way to communicate using a cell phone. Abbreviated phrases and words are ‘typed’ out … Continue reading →

Today’s culture of bad news and scandal has generated a number of letters and emails from readers of this column. Basically, they ask me how they can keep from being cynical, but at the same time not be naïve in … Continue reading →

It’s a venerable Southern tradition to eat black-eyed peas and turnip greens on New Year’s Day. The long-held belief is that each pea and each portion of greens will bring financial luck in the coming year. Furthermore, the proof for … Continue reading →

A visitor to my new web site emailed me that he and his wife argue quite a bit. Though it seems destructive in some ways, he says they always make up, with the problem solved. He asks if arguing is … Continue reading →

Around the holidays, people ask me all the time about ‘greed’ and why the Season has become ‘materialistic.’ Well, I don’t believe there’s such a thing as ‘materialism.’ All of us need and want material things. It’s only a matter … Continue reading →

Does the thought of walking into a room full of strangers make you nervous? Do you feel like the ‘odd man (or woman) out?’ Well, you’re not alone. Shyness, and the anxiety that goes with it, is a common psychological … Continue reading →

People often go to a psychotherapist and are disappointed. The problem, unfortunately, isn’t high expectations, so much as vague expectations. As I wrote in my first book, ‘Effective Therapy,’ ‘Psychotherapy is the misunderstood stepchild of American medicine. Erroneously stereotyped by … Continue reading →