Readers “of a certain age” will certainly remember mood rings. Back in the ‘70s everyone seemed to be sporting a ring, a pendant, earrings, bracelets or even lipstick containing thermotropic liquid crystals. Depending on the temperature of your skin, the … Continue reading
“Ahh, retirement—no more commute, no more responsibilities. I can’t wait!” The holy grail of retirement is the reward for a lifetime of accomplishment and faithful employment. But for some people it doesn’t quite live up to all it’s supposed to … Continue reading
People often say to me, “Why am I feeling down? Why do I feel sorry for myself?” It’s a perfectly reasonable observation, but it doesn’t get to the heart of why some people cope better than others. The key to … Continue reading
The summer season is often accompanied by get-togethers with family and friends. All that sounds very good on paper, but it can have its limits. It’s my nature to stand back quietly and listen to people (it’s what I do…), … Continue reading
“Empty Nest Syndrome.” What a great name! Though I’ve talked to many moms and dads who frankly see it as a cause for celebration, some have trouble coping with the loss of … well, when you get right down to … Continue reading
Occasionally, a parent or a spouse will tell me that their child or partner “needs help.” I ask them why they think that, and they either don’t answer me, or they say that they can’t get their loved one to … Continue reading
I have to admit that I’m a private person. Though I enjoy and welcome the opportunity to interact personally with so many people, I also like quiet and a bit of solitude when the day is finished. What started this … Continue reading
Over 30 years of talking to people about problems related to their childhood has taught me a lot about what kids need and what they got – or didn’t get (emotionally speaking) – from their parents. It’s a challenge to … Continue reading
A reader tells me that her sister leaves her kids alone at all hours, speaks rudely to them, feeds them fast food every day, and then is resentful when they don’t appreciate her. The reader asks if the kids automatically … Continue reading
A University of Wisconsin-Madison imaging study shows the brains of people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) have weaker connections between a brain structure that controls emotional response, and the amygdala, which plays a key role in the processing of emotions. … Continue reading
The change of seasons is often an occasion for people to organize their schedules and prioritize their goals. But some tell me that they sometimes make their schedules too inflexible. It is true that an organized schedule reflects an organized … Continue reading
There’s a saying that suggests that you should never do business with friends. I received an email from a reader who did business here locally with a friend, and now there are problems with the expensive item she purchased. The … Continue reading