Around this time of year I often get questions about personal growth and how it changes relationships with friends, romantic partners and family. When people improve themselves in ways that increase their self-esteem and confidence, their relationships also change. Every … Continue reading
We all know somebody who says, “He pushes my buttons.” Or “She knows how to manipulate me.” But what do these complaints actually mean? Steven Stosny, Ph.D. at psychologytoday.com [8-14-15] states that “Emotions move us.” Indeed, the Latin root of … Continue reading
New Year’s Day is just a memory, and I hope you consumed your share of black-eyed peas and turnip greens. Each portion is purported to bring financial luck in the coming year. The proof for all this apparently lies in … Continue reading
We’re always fascinated by people who make it their business to jump out of airplanes, drive in car races or risk thousands in the stock market. Why is risk a way of life for some, and for others, it’s all … Continue reading
One of the many definitions of the outdated word “neurotic” is “an impaired mental state brought about by conflicting motivations.” In other words, a person is experiencing strong feelings about something, some of which are in conflict with one another. … Continue reading
Recent studies suggest that teenage rebellion and obnoxious behavior are considered a normal and universal part of growing up. But is this assumption valid? First of all, we have to distinguish between rebellion and individuation, specifically, the psychological/biological process of … Continue reading
In the all-too-rare quiet moments, it can be helpful to stand back and take a look at what’s important (and not so important) in your life. This sort of self-reflection should really be an every day ritual, especially after experiencing … Continue reading
We’re always fascinated by people who make it their business to jump out of airplanes, drive in car races or risk thousands in the stock market. Why is risk a way of life for some, and for others, it’s all … Continue reading
It never fails: Around holiday time I always receive a number of emails asking me to reprint this article from a couple of years ago. The response then was amazing, and lots of people wrote that they took a more … Continue reading
One way or another, many of us engage in gossip to some degree. Even if you never open your mouth, you’re contributing to gossip if you patronize the magazines, websites or TV shows that call themselves “entertainment news.” Nigel Nicholson, … Continue reading
Just when I start to wonder if all this writing is worth it, I get an email like this: “Dear Dr. Hurd, I strive to live up to the ideals you promote in your column. I like to quote your … Continue reading
A reader emails that she has successfully reduced her cigarette intake from 22 to only 6 a day. Now she’s stuck, and asks for advice on how to end the habit altogether. Your mistake, dear Reader, was that you set … Continue reading