I’ve written in the past about how some aging parents can become manipulative; appearing to be more “helpless” than they actually are. Interestingly, reader responses to those articles were 100% in agreement. But many questioned how they could verbally approach … Continue reading
Most of us remember the childhood thrill of going on vacation. The preparation, counting the days — and the getting up at 3 or 4 in the morning to leave. Through the fog of fitful backseat dozing, I remember dragging … Continue reading
My experience has shown over and over that it’s never a good idea to mix business with friendship. It may sound good on paper to go into business with, or to employ (or be employed by) your friend, but those … Continue reading
The holidays are just around the corner, and soon people will be asking me about greed and why the season is so “materialistic.” My answer is often met with varying levels of acceptance. In other words, I don’t believe there’s … Continue reading
I have a friend who, when confronted about something he did wrong, will often end his explanation with, “Well, it’s not an excuse, but it IS a reason.” Though it always gets a chuckle, the expression doesn’t really resolve anything. … Continue reading
A Delaware Wave reader emails that insignificant things often annoy her. She writes that she was upset in a restaurant recently because a child was making some noise. She admits that the kid was just being a kid, and that … Continue reading
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