People often ask me if there is one hard-and-fast rule for communication in a successful relationship. From my experience, I would say that the most overlooked area of communication is the simple act of listening. People often assume that listening … Continue reading
Few things are more annoying than being nagged (except perhaps being accused of it). Nagging stems from the false belief that repetition creates motivation. It never does, and in fact, it lowers respect and reveals weakness by implying, “I have … Continue reading
When clients ask me about relaxation exercises, I often suggest deep breathing. The influx of oxygen can help relieve stress, and it’s a lot less risky and expensive than medication. But, like medication, oxygen is only a temporary fix. In … Continue reading
One of the subjects that couples regularly bring up in my office is how to make – or keep – a marriage happy. My first reaction is to remind them that they are on the same team; that they share … Continue reading
A Delaware Coast Press reader asks: “Trust your gut. What the heck does that even mean? People seem to be saying this more and more. Does my gut have a brain?” Though the irony isn’t lost on me, what we … Continue reading
Nancy Collier, LCSW, a therapist writing for Psychology Today online, states, “People often ask me how I think human beings are changing as a result of our addiction to technology. The fact is we are changing in innumerable ways but … Continue reading
This subject has always fascinated me, and it happens in everyday life. People get mad if you tell them the truth about how they look, or how they did. It seems in many cases that they don’t want the truth; … Continue reading
Now, more than ever, people are fighting over politics. But fighting within families and among friends is not new. Susan Heitler, Ph.D., writes in Psychology Today online: “The impulse to convince others of the rightness of your view and the … Continue reading
Clients often ask me if the children (or adults) in their lives are just looking for attention when they “act up” or become emotionally distraught. This is often true, but the goal isn’t attention as much as what I call … Continue reading
Contrary to what the drug companies would have you think, anxiety can sometimes be useful and necessary. Like, for example, when that anxiety triggers a call to sensible action. Let’s say you feel anxious at the sight of an oncoming … Continue reading
Monk, author, social activist and poet Thomas Merton wrote, “Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone — we find it with another.” As wise as it might sound, the quote implies … Continue reading
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