A Delaware Wave reader from Connecticut writes, Dear Dr. Hurd, My ‘new age’ friends are always telling me to ‘Go with my feelings and say what I feel.’ But is it advisable to just blurt out whatever happens to pop … Continue reading →

I received a number of responses to my article about how some aging parents can become manipulative; appearing to be more ‘helpless’ than they actually are. Everyone agreed with my point, but some of you questioned how to verbally approach … Continue reading →

  Many people I have had the pleasure of meeting here at the beach are retired, having moved here to settle in and be happy. Some of them, however, tell me that getting older can be difficult, and they ask … Continue reading →

In response to a natural disaster or tragedy, sometimes a news reporter (usually desperate for something to say) will ask a survivor if they feel “survivor’s guilt.” Following the bridge collapse in Minneapolis last year, a person who made it … Continue reading →

I love movies. Some of the best times I had as a kid were spent in the movie theater, escaping into the realm of fantasy. Professional filmmakers refer to that feeling of ‘escape,’ created by the seamless blend of picture … Continue reading →

  A Delaware Wave reader writes,  Dear Dr. Hurd, Our vacation home in Bethany Beach would not be complete without a copy of The Delaware Wave opened to your column! I appreciate your advice and insight. We live in a … Continue reading →

When I hear someone say they hope they’re “normal,” I cringe—but not for the reasons you might expect. The people who typically object to the word “normal” are those who see everything subjectively, meaning that everything’s ‘all about them.’ ‘What’s … Continue reading →

  A Delaware Wave reader in Ocean City writes,  Dear Dr. Hurd,  My mother is 88 years old, lives alone, doesn’t drive, and is in pretty good health. Since she moved here, she has become very manipulative. She exaggerates her … Continue reading →

  Is it a sign of true friendship to ignore a friend’s flaws? Not necessarily. If someone is your friend (and, therefore, important to you), doesn’t it make sense to try and stop her from making a mistake? You can’t … Continue reading →

Old habits are hard to break. Especially when singles are looking to become couples. I have a friend who has been single for years. She is attractive, popular and in her prime. In spite of her independence and the success … Continue reading →

In these days of political squabbles where everybody seems to have an opinion, the saying, ‘Let’s just agree to disagree’ appears to be a reasonable statement. But when asked to ‘agree to disagree,’ a person can end up feeling like … Continue reading →

Couples therapy can be stressful for everyone involved. One of the questions that parents often ask me is whether it is right or wrong to stay together solely for the sake of the children. Their premise, of course, is that … Continue reading →