It’s important to be careful about the way we phrase things when talking about ourselves or others. And “being nice” has nothing to do with it; the way we phrase things has an impact on how we view them, and … Continue reading →

We’ve read over the years about notorious failures of drug and alcohol rehab, made even more public by Hollywood’s perpetually neurotic glitterati. Is it all a scam? Well, in fact, some people do successfully untangle themselves from drug and/or alcohol … Continue reading →

It’s no secret that marital counseling can have mixed results. Even with a skilled therapist, two factors usually stand in the way of success: First, many couples will wait until one or both have decided it’s too late. I know … Continue reading →

The American Psychological Association reports that the use of social media has skyrocketed from seven percent of American adults in 2005 to 65 percent or more today. For those in the 18-29 age range, the increase is larger, from 12 … Continue reading →

Monk, author, social activist and poet Thomas Merton wrote, “Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone — we find it with another.” As wise as it might sound, the quote implies … Continue reading →

Living at the beach is one of the best things in my life – in spite of the fact that the probability of rough weather tends to increase when you live adjacent to an ocean. Given the unique coastal geography … Continue reading →

The American Psychological Association reports that the use of social media has skyrocketed from seven percent of American adults in 2005 to 65 percent or more today. For those in the 18-29 age range, the increase is larger, from 12 … Continue reading →

Readers ask me if it’s possible to be a “rush-a-holic,” i.e., to be addicted to rushing or being in a hurry. I have to admit that that’s a new one, but I believe that it’s not the rushing itself that … Continue reading →

I am pleased to report that, as of this week, I’ve been a part of the Delaware Wave and the Delaware Coast Press newspapers for 14 years! I did a little math and discovered (somewhat to my horror) that that … Continue reading →

Barely a day goes by that I don’t receive notes from readers asking how to discuss emotional issues rationally; politics in particular. One of the first tools I suggest it to ask questions. Don’t ask hostile questions; just honest, thoughtfully … Continue reading →

One of the biggest impediments to human associations is the unwillingness to say what you think and ask for what you want. Note the word “ask”; no one is entitled to anything from another person simply because he or she … Continue reading →

In my 35+ years talking to people professionally, I have discovered that most people’s fears are not rational, i.e., not based on facts. Most fear results in nothing more than avoidance just for the sake of avoidance. “If I avoid … Continue reading →