Though it sounds sort of magical and mysterious, the ‘power of suggestion’ can often be a part of your everyday life. For example, let’s say you mistakenly drink a caffeinated beverage close to bedtime, but don’t realize it until the … Continue reading →

Dear Dr. Hurd, My sister is a Catholic. Several years ago she married a wonderful man who happens to be Jewish. I don’t think I’ve ever known a happier couple—until now. She is pregnant, and they’ve started to argue constantly … Continue reading →

I’d like to take a moment to thank those readers who email, call or write with comments and questions. As an example, every summer season I receive a significant number of requests from local readers to reprint this particular column … Continue reading →

After much study and research, I have come to the conclusion that there are basically two types of people in the world. The first are the people who can’t stand to move their car from a parking space until they … Continue reading →

It amazes me how people can act like smart consumers in some situations, and like helpless pawns in others. Consider the way most of us handle the news—especially television news. I’m not talking about political bias here. I’m talking about … Continue reading →

I received an anxious email from a reader who is seeking ‘closure’ from his girlfriend who recently dumped him. A vague (but popular) concept, ‘closure’ means seeking a neat, painless ending—along with the cool, detached perspective of time. Unfortunately, time … Continue reading →

One of the things I like about living at the beach is the wide variety of restaurants (and, perhaps, the occasional bar, but only for research purposes, you understand’). Sometimes, though, the experience can be marred by bad service. It’s … Continue reading →

One of my favorite TV shows is ‘Dog Whisperer’ on National Geographic Channel, featuring the celebrated dog behavior specialist, Cesar Millan. His common-sense approach to controlling the conduct of dogs works unfailingly, time after time. Interestingly, in every episode it … Continue reading →

I hear horror stories all the time about bad experiences with service providers such as plumbers, electricians, contractors, mechanics and the like. I find it hard to believe that there can be so many trades people out there who are … Continue reading →

I received a surprising number of emails and letters regarding my column about when—and when not—to end a friendship. While most of you agreed that there’s almost endless potential for friendships out there, some accused me of being too ‘judgmental.’ … Continue reading →

A reader from Ocean City writes, Dear Dr. Hurd, I always associate our annual condo meetings with the start of a great summer. This year, however, I have discovered that the new president of our association is’well, just plain obnoxious. … Continue reading →

For parents of college students, summer can be an opportunity to reconnect with the children who’ve been living away from home—many for the first time. Although it’s reasonable to expect it to be a happy experience, it can be full … Continue reading →