As the summer season slowly winds down, 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 alleged … Continue reading
When a child covers his ears when you speak, most of us think of it as cute. But when an adult evades, denies or ignores something significant, that’s where cute ends and denial begins. It’s the equivalent of saying, “If … Continue reading
In these days of political squabbles where everybody seems to have an opinion, the saying, “Let’s just agree to disagree” appears to be a reasonable statement. But by saying that, one is “agreeing” to disown, or renounce, what they believe. … Continue reading
The literal meaning of “normal” is nothing less than, and regrettably nothing more than “average.” When people tell me they want to be normal, I cringe. After all, why do they aspire to just average? I can understand how being … Continue reading
A reader sent an email asking me why some health professionals refer to her son’s behavioral problems as a “disease.” She says it makes her son feel worse about himself and even seems to deepen his depression. The whole idea … Continue reading
You probably know by now that text messaging is a quick and easy way to communicate using a smartphone. Abbreviated phrases are typed out and instantly transmitted to the recipient’s screen. Given the apparent need some people have to stay … Continue reading
A reader emailed me that he and his wife argue quite a bit. Though it seems destructive, he says they always make up, with the problem solved. He asks if arguing is a constructive way to solve problems. At least … Continue reading
Today’s culture of bad news and scandal has generated a number 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 … Continue reading
So many people say to me, “Why is it that what I can’t have always seems more appealing than what I can have?” The answer is easy: Wanting what you can’t have is the easy way out. In other words, … Continue reading
People often react badly when you say something they’d rather not hear. But it’s just as bad when you don’t say what they want to hear. The perfect example is an email I received from a reader: “Dear Dr. Hurd: … Continue reading
In an article on children, philosopher Stephen Hicks makes an interesting case against homework for school-aged kids. “Everyone says that they want children to grow up able to live independent lives and pursue their chosen careers passionately. But that aspiration … Continue reading
Rarely does a day go by then somebody doesn’t say, “Can you help me?” Well, yes … and no. A good therapist can help you identify your beliefs, what behaviors you choose to exhibit, and whether those choices and beliefs … Continue reading