A website visitor tells me about her friend who is divorced from a man who was somewhat abusive. Her friend enjoys being with her new boyfriend because he is kind to her. However, the reader’s friend confides in her that … Continue reading
I received this email from a faithful follower of this column: “I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m a compulsive talker. My crazy need to say something or answer someone (even when no answer is required) often gets me into … Continue reading
A Delaware Wave reader emails that her relative, a young woman of 19, has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She asks if it is a valid diagnostic label or just another excuse to justify bad behavior. Psychiatrists define bipolar disorder … Continue reading
Parents of teenagers sometimes often tell me that they don’t feel appreciated by their kids. “Look at all I’ve done for them,” they say. “Why can’t they show gratitude?” As reasonable as this may seem, it contains a huge error. … Continue reading
A Delaware Coast Press 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 … Continue reading
“Many a truth is said in jest.” Sounds nice, but where does joking end, and emotional abuse begin? One of the most common complaints I hear about people from family members or friends is that, “She pretends that she’s joking, … Continue reading
A surprising number of newly retired people I see in my office are stressed over what they’re going to do with themselves. Some tell me that they’re not qualified for the jobs they want, and others aren’t interested in the … Continue reading
Today’s endless publicity about criminal acts is inevitably accompanied by some of the victims commenting publicly that they “hope someone will put the criminal on a better track.” In fact, research over the years has exposed the fallacy of such … Continue reading
A Delaware Coast Press reader sent me an interesting email. He had asked his family doctor what she would do if she suddenly had millions of dollars. Would she still work? Would she stop working? The doctor said she would … Continue reading
Barely a day goes by without reading about some high-profile celebrity in trouble. Examples include the infamous Harvey Weinstein, as well as House of Cards’ star, Kevin Spacey. Such celebrities faced charges of sexual wrongdoing, and were given a pause … Continue reading
It’s easy to lose perspective when you have doubts about your relationship. But sometimes a temporary setback can be mitigated by asking yourself one question: “Does my relationship/marriage make my life better than it otherwise would be?” In other words, … Continue reading
This may sound strange coming from a therapist, but I’m perpetually disgusted with the majority of self-help babble in bookstores or worse yet on daytime TV. My gripe is with the emphasis on “how to.” “How to” I feel better. … Continue reading