We often hear the saying, “He pushes my buttons.” Or, “She knows how to manipulate me.” But what do these complaints really mean? Steven Stosny, Ph.D. at psychologytoday.com states that “Emotions move us.” Indeed, the Latin root of the word … Continue reading
One of the biggest problems in relationships is the assumption that there’s a conflict of interest – when in fact, the partners have unnecessarily adopted an adversarial mindset. When I work with couples, I find myself saying over and over … Continue reading
When dealing with others, it’s important to be careful about the way we phrase things. And “being nice” has nothing to do with it; the way we phrase things has an impact on how we view them, and sometimes it … Continue reading
I received an email from a reader who tells me that her boyfriend expresses no preferences or opinions regarding pretty much anything. She’s beginning to feel resentful about it, and asks if it’s wrong to resent a love interest who … Continue reading
I received an interesting email from a Delaware Coast Press reader who asks, “I’m not sure I can give proper advice to my brother. He’s gay and really loves our parents, who are slightly religious but don’t practice. They’ve made … Continue reading
Sometimes it’s hard to imagine who’s on the other end of this computer keyboard. During the time I’ve been writing for the Delaware Wave (18 years this June, to be exact) it’s always gratifying to receive the numerous emails and … Continue reading
People often ask me about the virtue of loyalty. Many equate loyalty with integrity, i.e., consistency between your ideas/principles and your actions. Loyalty is an extension of this principle. It applies to upholding your ideals, but more specifically, loyalty concerns … Continue reading
‘Tiz the season for valentines. It’s also a time when I get the most requests for insight into the things that couples complain about the most. I see so many problems: money, kids, in-laws (!) — it’s tough to nail … Continue reading
As more people do business from home, I’m seeing an increase in friends doing business together. Many of them have asked me my thoughts on whether they should – or should not – do business with friends. A case in … Continue reading
People often ask me, “What does a psychotherapist do? What happens in psychotherapy? The short answer is that a skilled therapist can help people identify what bothers them about other people in their lives, and then help them figure out … Continue reading
A visitor to my website writes that he has fallen in love with a woman who is fourteen years his senior. He tells me that he generally goes for people his own age, but that he’s never felt so good … Continue reading
Are you a “worry wart?” If so, then read on. If not, then don’t worry about it — unless you’re worried that you might miss something good…. Life can be difficult, and for the most part, worrying seems to be … Continue reading