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 →