TV sitcoms and movies are full of amusing portrayals of controlling mothers. Interestingly, most of the people who ask me serious questions on this subject are, in fact, mothers themselves, and they’re usually referring to experiences with their own mothers. … Continue reading
It’s natural to love the warm weather and sunshine. But now as things quiet down in the fall and winter, I encounter clients who feel depressed and gloomy as the days become shorter and darker. This is often an indication … Continue reading
Today’s culture of bad news and scandal has generated lots of letters and emails from readers. Basically, they ask me how they can keep from being cynical, but at the same time not be naïve in the face of negativity … Continue reading
Labor Day is past, and our resort suddenly turns back into a small town. And I will start hearing one of the most common off-season complaints: “Everybody knows your business.” Though it’s a widespread feeling, it’s not entirely accurate. Nobody … Continue reading
I see so many people in my office who spend more years caring for their elderly parents than they spent raising their own children. This is becoming more and more commonplace as advances in medical science continue to extend the … Continue reading
It’s hard to make it through a day without hearing about “entitlement” – especially in a negative context. To be entitled simply means that one believes that he or she deserves something. A sense of entitlement can be valid, i.e., … Continue reading
I often encounter people who are clearly at war with food. They announce proudly, “I don’t eat pizza”, or “I would never eat fried chicken”, or “No way — no dessert for me … not ever!” Of course, each to … 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
“You are what you do.” Really? Isn’t there more to life than just our jobs? For many people, the problem isn’t how much they work, but how they define themselves in relation to their work. If you are, in fact, … Continue reading
It’s summertime at the beach, and one of the dubious reminders is the seemingly endless news blurbs about local shoplifting here in the Cape Region. The nationwide Police Foundation reports that shoplifting continues to be a major crime problem in … Continue reading
People often tell me that they feel “used” because someone gets something out of being with them. Well, there’s nothing wrong with self-interest; every relationship, whether business or personal, should be mutually beneficial. However, the actual act of using somebody … Continue reading
There are few more controversial subjects than that of addiction; perpetually bogged down in inane political correctness and “feel-good” labels. But like it or not, America is an addictive society. My definition of addiction has grown out of more than … Continue reading