One of the most common themes I encounter when talking to people centers around relationships. Couples often tell me that they don’t feel “connected,” or that their relationship failed because they were not “connected.” When I ask them what they … Continue reading
A faithful follower of this column writes, “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 trouble. When I talk … Continue reading
A reader writes that her best friend is unhappy in her marriage. “It really pains me to see her this way. I think she’s looking for someone to tell her to leave him. Is it my place to do this? … Continue reading
People sometimes tell me how concerned they are that they — or their children — not be “losers.” They’re almost always surprised when I tell them that losing can actually be good for your mental health. In a competitive sense, … Continue reading
Many people have cut back on their spending because of the current economy. This makes sense — provided that these conditions are just a reminder of what they should have been doing all along. Unfortunately, sometimes this isn’t the case. … Continue reading
A Delaware Coast Press reader emails that he and his wife argue quite a bit. Though it seems destructive, he says they always make up with the problem solved. He asks if arguing is a constructive way to solve problems. … Continue reading
As we approach the holiday season, financial issues can sometimes become a source of, shall we say … discussion … when debating what to purchase for gifts or maybe just where to have dinner tonight. If these issues seem to … Continue reading
We see so many sad examples of spouses and partners who endure consistent and systematic meanness from their significant others, i.e., emotional abuse. There are a number of warning signs that you might be in an emotionally abusive relationship, some … Continue reading
I recently wrote an article saying that alcoholism and substance abuse are problem behaviors, not diseases. A disease, I wrote, is something that can only be stopped by passive submission to medical intervention such as surgery or some sort of … Continue reading
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
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
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