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
People often ask me about the virtue of loyalty. The mental health profession generally falls into line behind widely accepted virtues as a measure of mental health, so is loyalty in fact healthy, wise and good? Many people equate loyalty … Continue reading
A Coast Press reader writes, “I’m hoping you can help out with my 27-year-old son. He was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) back in high school, and nothing has been the same since. He’s just an older version … Continue reading
As the summer season gets into high gear, some of us will celebrate by eating anything we want. And that’s apparently OK – if the eating takes place under certain conditions. Today we will itemize and analyze six of these … Continue reading
I’ve always liked the old proverb, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.” I always want to follow it up with something like, “So you’d better be ready for whatever might be down that … Continue reading
I received an anxious email from a reader who is seeking “closure” from his girlfriend who recently dumped him. Closure is a vague but popular concept that means seeking a neat, painless ending along with the cool, detached perspective of … Continue reading
It amazes me how people act like smart consumers in some situations, and like helpless pawns in others. Consider the way most of us handle the news — especially television news. I don’t care which news station you watch; emotionally … Continue reading
Well, it’s that time again! Flowers are blooming, temps are moderating, and the parking meters are hungry. Barely a day goes by that somebody isn’t grousing about those infernal little machines. But I had an experience last season that added … Continue reading
Dear Dr. Hurd, My sister is a Catholic. Several years ago she married a wonderful man who happens to be Jewish. They have been very happy — up until now. She is pregnant, and they’ve started to argue over the … Continue reading
Mothers’ Day and everything that goes with it gets me thinking about couples and how relationships can change as we age. For example, people often ask me if older widowed people should remarry. The obvious answer is, of course, yes … Continue reading