Many people are under the impression that they can avoid trouble in their relationships by not fighting. They mistakenly assume that the absence of fighting – or any disagreement – is an indication that the relationship is healthy. But that … Continue reading
It’s a rare day when a client doesn’t ask me about kids and responsibility about money matters. I’m in the interesting position of having talked to thousands of people about their childhoods while simultaneously observing how they now live their … Continue reading
One of the questions I regularly encounter in my office is how a person can approach a loved one or a friend about their drinking without the loved one or friend going on the defensive. Years ago, one of those … Continue reading
A Delaware Coast Press reader writes that he and his wife recently retired to a beautiful home by the beach. But in spite of that, he is not happy. It doesn’t have to do with anything specific; things are fine … Continue reading
I see many examples of spouses and partners who endure consistent and systematic meanness from their significant others. This pattern is more prevalent than you might think, and the clinical term for it is emotional abuse. There are a number … Continue reading
Will Rogers said: “Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.” And it’s true. In my experience, much of this spending, buying and impressing comes from one thing: … Continue reading
Readers ask me if it’s possible to be a “rush-a-holic”, i.e., to be addicted to rushing or being in a hurry. I have to admit that that’s a new one, but I believe that it’s not the rushing itself that … Continue reading
“Do you crave Facebook likes?” asks Martin Graff, Ph.D., in a recent article and study. People say it all the time: “The attention I get from social media is important to me,” or, “I consider someone to be popular based … 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
Living in a resort can be interesting when, at season’s passing, it turns back into a small town. One of the most common complaints I hear is, “Everybody knows your business.” It’s certainly a widespread feeling, but not really accurate. … Continue reading
A reader sent me an email in reaction to my column a few weeks ago about jealousy and cheating. She writes, “I liked your article about being suspicious and jealous of your husband or wife, even though there’s no evidence … Continue reading
In my many years of clinical experience I’ve seen many human relationships that are not everything they could be. Marriages routinely end in chronic dissatisfaction and eventually divorce. More and more I see people treating one another poorly. I suspect … Continue reading