“You are what you do.” Really? Isn’t there more to life than just our jobs? For many people, the problem isn’t how much they work, but how they define themselves in relation to their work. If you are, in fact, … Continue reading
It’s summertime at the beach, and one of the dubious reminders is the seemingly endless news blurbs about local shoplifting here in the Cape Region. The nationwide Police Foundation reports that shoplifting continues to be a major crime problem in … Continue reading
People often tell me that they feel “used” because someone gets something out of being with them. Well, there’s nothing wrong with self-interest; every relationship, whether business or personal, should be mutually beneficial. However, the actual act of using somebody … Continue reading
There are few more controversial subjects than that of addiction; perpetually bogged down in inane political correctness and “feel-good” labels. But like it or not, America is an addictive society. My definition of addiction has grown out of more than … Continue reading
A woman I know admits that she constantly feels jealous and threatened by her boyfriend’s popularity with other people, especially women. She goes on to say that she tries to control her feelings, but nothing works. Even though she has … Continue reading
I hear it every day: “A good marriage requires hard work and compromise.” Or, “The secret of our relationship is sacrifice.” Blah, blah. Well, I have a different take on the subject. Life as a couple certainly does involve some … Continue reading
I regularly receive letters and emails asking me about post-traumatic stress disorder; predominately an issue for military personnel returning from active duty. While everybody agrees that some people certainly do suffer from PTSD, I’m often asked if some might be … Continue reading
It’s important to be careful about the way we phrase things when talking about ourselves or others. And “being nice” has nothing to do with it; the way we phrase things has an impact on how we view them, and … Continue reading
We’ve read over the years about notorious failures of drug and alcohol rehab, made even more public by Hollywood’s perpetually neurotic glitterati. Is it all a scam? Well, in fact, some people do successfully untangle themselves from drug and/or alcohol … Continue reading
It’s no secret that marital counseling can have mixed results. Even with a skilled therapist, two factors usually stand in the way of success: First, many couples will wait until one or both have decided it’s too late. I know … Continue reading
The American Psychological Association reports that the use of social media has skyrocketed from seven percent of American adults in 2005 to 65 percent or more today. For those in the 18-29 age range, the increase is larger, from 12 … 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