So many people say, “A good marriage requires hard work and compromise.” Or, “The secret of our relationship is sacrifice.” Blah, blah. Well, I beg to differ: Life as a couple certainly does involve some negotiation from time to time, … Continue reading
Category: Life’s a Beach!
Honor Yourself with an Apology
People often say that an apology is a good way to have the last word. If that is so, then why is it difficult for many people to apologize — even when they know they’re wrong? I write a lot … Continue reading
Thinking Outside Your Head
I received a kind email from a reader who enjoyed my recent column where I suggested that how you feel is determined by how you think. She asks if that concept doesn’t open the door to rationalization and fooling yourself. … Continue reading
Who Doesn’t Want Success?
Success is wonderful. We all want it. But the road to success can be blocked by failure. Detouring around those roadblocks can be a challenge, but it’s not without its rewards. In her associatedcontent.com article, “Inspirational Stories of Famous Failures … Continue reading
The High Holy Days of Masquerade
The high holy days of masquerade are upon us! Rarely does a Halloween go by without people asking me about the psychology of costumes and disguise. Ancient mystical beliefs held that if you disguised yourself on All Hallows Eve, a … Continue reading
Behold the Power of Music!
By the time you read this, the final notes of the 2022 Rehoboth Beach (Delaware) Jazz Festival will have faded away. Why does music have such a profound effect on most people? From the amateur flailings of semi-sober karaoke all … Continue reading
Doing it is Better than Thinking About It
If you sometimes put off until tomorrow what you should really do today, you’re not alone. For some, their procrastination is so bad that it causes problems in their jobs and in their personal lives. If this sounds like you, … Continue reading
Contrary Attitudes are not a Substitute for Love
A Delaware Wave reader emailed, “While preparing to have my first child, I did some research and resolved that I was going to breast feed. I couldn’t wait to share this momentous decision with my aunt, with whom I feel … Continue reading
INFLUENCE People (If You Can); But Don’t CHANGE Them (You Can’t)
A reader sent me a comment about one of my columns where I suggested that the biggest mistake people make is to try to change others. She agrees that the choice of what to think and do will always be … Continue reading
Don’t Create Your Own Stumbling Blocks
After doing therapy or life coaching with people for over 35 years, one can’t help but notice patterns. Problems may take different forms, but the core issues often fall into just a few categories. Life doesn’t need to be as … Continue reading
FEEL Your Feelings, But Do Not Forget the Facts!
It’s a rare moment when we don’t experience an emotion. But is it based in fact, or is it just a reaction (right or wrong) to some stimulus? When you experience an emotion, it’s important to identify it – but … Continue reading
Don’t Waste your Time with Feel-Good Speak
The past few years have demonstrated that how we say things can change our view of them. For example, a parent recently told me that her son “has anger issues.” Her comment referred to an unexplained, and frankly rude, outburst … Continue reading