Celebrated songwriter Neil Sedaka wasn’t far from the truth when he co-wrote the hit song “Breaking Up is Hard to Do.” The emotional impact of a breakup can be devastating, with feelings ranging from bewilderment to shock, from hurt to … Continue reading
People often say that an apology is a good way to have the last word. If that is so, then why is it difficult for many people to apologize — even when they know they’re wrong? I talk to a … Continue reading
People often ask me why they are nervous or anxious over others’ opinions and judgments. And all of those people I talk to want to get rid of that feeling. We become “people pleasers” when we make others our standard … Continue reading
Are you a “worry wart?” If so, then read on. If not, then don’t worry about it — unless you’re worried that you might miss something good…. Life can be difficult, and for the most part, worrying seems to be … Continue reading
People often ask me to define cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in simple terms. A great example of CBT at work can be viewed at an unlikely source: Chef Robert Irvine’s Food Network series, Restaurant Impossible. FoodTV.com describes the show as … Continue reading
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote, “We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done.” Wise words, and they work both ways. For example, if you underestimate your potential, or if … Continue reading
How many times have we heard the adage, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Some might call it conventional wisdom, but as far as I’m concerned it’s just conventional – at best. To place an emphasis on … Continue reading
I appreciate it when people respond to these columns. It’s nice to know that somebody’s on the other end of this keyboard. In a recent article I reiterated the fact that addictions to drugs, alcohol or whatever have been falsely … Continue reading
Different people do things for different reasons, but I have found that whether one is a resident or just visiting, he or she probably came here because of a desire to take things slower. But there’s not a lot of … Continue reading
Special celebrations like Valentine’s Day can be stressful. Increased interaction with loved ones, coupled with what we feel is expected of us, can sometimes set the stage for tension, particularly between married couples. Partners fight for a variety of reasons, … Continue reading
A reader emails that her doctor wrote her a prescription for depression and tells her that it’s a “disease.” But she tells me that her problem is more emotional than medical, and she hates the way the pills make her … Continue reading
As the summer season approaches, many of us will have increased interaction with clerks in stores and servers in restaurants. Most of us know how to conduct ourselves in public, but I often hear about people who complain about the … Continue reading