I’ve written before about how aging parents can sometimes become manipulative; appearing to be more “helpless” than they actually are. Interestingly, reader responses were 100% in agreement, but many questioned how to tactfully approach the issue. Well, sometimes it’s all … Continue reading
People often ask me to explain what a psychotherapist does. Though I’m tempted to mumble something about secret handshakes, decoder rings and electric shocks, I go ahead and try to answer the question truthfully. And the answer isn’t mysterious at … Continue reading
A Delaware Beaches reader emails that she’s resentful over other people’s success. Rich people, TV stars, neighbors who are thriving in business … she feels they are all bringing her down with their accomplishments. Imitation may be the sincerest form … Continue reading
It’s a rare couples’ session in my office where one of the parties doesn’t bring up the subject of interrupting. And in some cases, the interrupting actually increases as discussion becomes more emotional. It’s no secret that there are few … Continue reading
I have a friend who, when confronted with something he did wrong, often ends his explanation with, “Well, it’s not an excuse, but it IS a reason.” Though it always gets a chuckle, the expression doesn’t really resolve anything. A … Continue reading
As couples get more comfortable in therapy sessions, the subject of nagging sometimes comes up. I think we can all agree that few things are more annoying than being nagged (except perhaps being accused of it). Nagging stems from the … Continue reading
In spite of the summer hustle and bustle of our beautiful Delaware beaches, there’s still that “off-season” time of year when our resort yet again becomes a small town. This is when I start hearing one of the most common … Continue reading
As the summer season approaches, many of us will have increased interaction with clerks in stores and servers in restaurants. Most of us know how to conduct ourselves in public, but I often hear about people who take the opportunity … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd: My husband disagrees with everything. If I say the sky is blue, he will engage me in a battle over “how blue.” If a friend gets a new car, he’ll launch into a lecture — in front … Continue reading
All this talk about the Pope and Catholicism got me thinking about the subject from a psychological point-of-view. Then, lo and behold, I received this email from a reader: Dear Dr. Hurd, My sister is a Catholic. Several years … Continue reading
Barely does a sitcom or TV talk show go by without the word “passive aggressive” popping up. Despite its overuse, it is a very real behavior. Do any of these situations sound familiar? A friend assures you that he’s happy … Continue reading
Dealing with couples’ conflicts can be stressful for everyone involved. One of the questions that parents often ask me is whether it’s right or wrong to stay together solely for the sake of the children. Their premise is that their … Continue reading