A local friend (who originally introduced me to the idea of beach living) proudly declares: ‘Things are so peaceful around here, we don’t even lock our doors!’ For her, and many others, it seems to be a matter of … Continue reading
Category: Life’s a Beach!
Can excessive behaviors lead to dangerous addictions?
A Wave reader in Ocean View writes: Dear Dr. Hurd: I worry about my brother-in-law and what I think might be his ‘addictive personality.’ He overeats, he drinks alcohol regularly, and he occasionally smokes pot. He’s not a … Continue reading
Don’t let guilt play a part in major life decisions
Life is full of moral dilemmas and emotional puzzles—some big, some small. Take, for example, 24 year-old Mark Foster, who was faced with a decision that certainly falls into the ‘big’ category: Should he risk his life—or, at the minimum, … Continue reading
Confronting the death of a friend or loved one can be difficult
A Wave reader in Rehoboth Beach writes: Dear Dr. Hurd, Why do people sometimes back away from friends who are very sick or who are mourning the death of a loved one? My husband recently got a terminal illness … Continue reading
First impressions can sometimes be superficial–and wrong
Do first impressions really count? A lot of experts seem to think so. Michelle T. Sterling, founder of Global Image Group, and an expert on ‘image, impression and impact,’ says, ‘This first impression process occurs in every new situation. Within … Continue reading
Dusting your stuff can be good for what ails you
A Wave reader from Fenwick Island writes: Dear Dr. Hurd, I really liked your article about holiday clutter and guiltlessly throwing things out. Too much stuff drives me crazy! But I wonder sometimes if it’s obsessive or neurotic that I … Continue reading
Good Luck!
We say it all the time: ‘Good luck!’ It’s certainly a fine wish of benevolent good will towards someone. But do you ever really think about what it means? What is ‘luck’? Or does it even exist? The best answer … Continue reading
Losing the clutter can be good for your mental health!
So there it all sits, amid the stick-on bows and pine needles. The gargoyle ashtray from Aunt Mimma (you’ve been a non-smoker for 43 years). The devilled eggs defiantly glaring back at you from the refrigerator. But the little … Continue reading
Can Internet dating be successful (and safe)?
A Wave reader from Selbyville writes: I’m afraid of Internet dating because of the possibility of encountering somebody undesirable (or worse, like a serial killer). It’s so easy to lie on the Internet, and you just don’t know what you’re … Continue reading
Treating dollars with sense
It’s a fact of life that everybody needs and wants money. However, dollars and cents can often symbolize a lot more than just the basic necessity of legal tender. In a marriage or family relationship, for example, money can sometimes … Continue reading
Talking too much can have deep-seated roots
It was my intention this week to write a nice little piece about the autumnal splendor of the Delaware shore, and the blustery approach of the winter calm. Those plans changed, however, after I joined family and friends for Thanksgiving … Continue reading
“Magical Thinking” can only lead to disappointment
“An optimist sees the glass as half full; the pessimist sees the glass as half empty.” That old saying always evokes a smile, and we all know that the underlying truth is undeniable. But, I’m more intrigued as to WHY … Continue reading