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
Category: Life’s a Beach!
“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
Thanks to the Human Spirit at its Best
Thanksgiving, we’re told, is a time to ‘be thankful.’ Though that sounds very nice, it’s a bit too general for my taste. In an effort to be more specific, I like to look at Thanksgiving as a time of perspective: … Continue reading
Setting your priorities is essential for good mental health
‘Get your priorities in order.’ We’ve all heard it before, and it’s good advice. But it’s not just a one-time thing. Sometimes, especially after a crisis or difficulty, we have to recommit to, and maybe even restructure, our priorities. It … Continue reading
“Owning” your true feelings in the face of confrontation
Do any of these situations sound familiar? 1. A friend assures you that he’s happy to help you with something, and asks that you please let him call you back in about an hour—at which time you never hear from … Continue reading
Does it really matter what other people think?
A Wave reader from Selbyville writes, Dear Dr. Hurd, I liked the article on your web site about comedian Wanda Sykes’ remark, ‘The older I get, the less I care’about a LOT of things!’ In school and in church, … Continue reading
True hypocrisy is a stressful, full-time job
A Wave reader in Millville writes: Dear Dr. Hurd, I strive to live up to the ideals you promote in your articles. I proudly quote some of your expressions about lying, overeating, rudeness, boundaries, keeping promises, and the like. … Continue reading
Objective facts and self-esteem are the enemies of gossip
Nobody wants to be known as a gossip. But, let’s face it: One way or another, many of us engage in gossip to some degree. Even if you never open your mouth, you’re contributing to gossip if you patronize (or … Continue reading
Are you an outlaw? Resort living takes a special kind of person
This article originally appeared in the January 25, 2006 issue of The Wave. It is being reprinted in response to your many kind requests. I reconnected recently with an old friend whom I had not seen for over 20 … Continue reading
What you feel is what you want
A Wave reader in Ocean View writes: Dear Dr. Hurd, I took the advice in your column from last March about being resilient in the face of hardship. It has improved my attitude about everyday ups and downs, … Continue reading
Cheapness is often about fear and control
A Wave reader in Ocean Pines writes: Dear Dr. Hurd, I saved your column from last year about how to handle money problems in a relationship. Your insight is most valuable, but my problem goes further than that. … Continue reading
What’s the best way to console a grieving friend?
There are few situations more awkward than trying to comfort a friend who has lost a loved one. What can you say? More importantly, what do they WANT you to say? I hear it all the time: ‘I don’t … Continue reading