How many times have we heard the expression that somebody “takes things personally”? Is it always a mistake to feel that way? It can be a basic error to assume that everything is always about you, when in fact it’s … Continue reading
Many people set their holiday expectations very high. But the requirement for “comfort and joy” can sometimes set the stage for tension, particularly among family and couples. Clients often admit to me that the seasonal pressure to make everything (and … Continue reading
For some, the holiday season can be a time for reflection. In my business, we call it “introspection”; a time for quiet exploration of your true feelings, wants and needs. When clients present to me with stress or frustration over … Continue reading
One of the more interesting facets of my practice is the otherwise well-meaning clients who don’t take my advice or suggestions – in spite of the fact that they are paying me for those very things. Over the years I’ve … Continue reading
We hear the word “crazy” being thrown around just about every day. “He’s crazy to say that!” Or, “She must be crazy to believe that!” In the great majority of cases when people call another person crazy they don’t really … Continue reading
Though Black Friday 2020 is now history, the question still remains if the frenzy is good, bad or indifferent (and anyone who saw the outlet parking lots on that day and over that weekend knows what I mean). Please don’t … Continue reading
As more people do business from home, I’m seeing an increase in friends doing business together. We’ve all heard the saying that that you should never do business with friends. A case in point is the reader who recently sent … Continue reading
I see many examples of spouses and partners who endure consistent and systematic meanness from their significant others. This pattern is more prevalent than you might think, and the clinical term for it is emotional abuse. There are a number … Continue reading
A local restaurant server who is a fan of my column writes, “I was serving a guest in a fast-food restaurant where I work. As I prepared his food, he smilingly said, ‘Take my advice…’ and proceeded to lecture me … Continue reading
The beginning of the holiday season can be stressful – especially nowadays. Which makes it even more important to carve out quiet moments to stand back and take a look at what’s important (and not so important) in your life. … Continue reading
Conventional wisdom suggests that Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful. That sounds very nice, but I see it as something more: A time to think about what’s right, both with the world and with myself. Though many are thankful … Continue reading
A reader emails that her best friend is unhappy in her marriage. She writes, “It really pains me to see her this way. I think she’s sort of looking for someone to tell her to leave him. Is it my … Continue reading