Clients sometimes describe a spouse, family member or friend as “contrary.” In other words, the person constantly disagrees just for the sake of disagreeing. Such a person is often referred to as a “rationalist” (though “annoying” is a good alternative). … Continue reading
In my 30+ years talking to people professionally, I have discovered that most people’s fears are not rational, i.e., not based on facts. Most fear results in nothing more than avoidance just for the sake of avoidance. “If I avoid … 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 we know that it’s true. In my experience, much of this spending, buying and impressing comes … Continue reading
Like an old friend who visits every so often, we’ve again said goodbye to the quiet season. Stress-free left turns and easy access to our favorite haunts are, at least for a while, things of the past. In the time … Continue reading
One of the biggest impediments to human associations is the unwillingness to say what you think and ask for what you want. Note the word “ask”; none of us are entitled to something from another person simply because we want … Continue reading
My therapy office is exactly eleven steps from the waiting room. About a minute ago, I found myself standing out there; utterly clueless as to why I went in the first place. Whatever my perfectly good reason had been for … Continue reading
It’s the eternal question: When divorce becomes a possibility, is it better for parents to stay together for the sake of the kids, or separate in an attempt to find personal happiness? This real-life dilemma plays out for almost half … Continue reading
It’s easy to be stressed these days. Even the simple act of taking a vacation can cause anxiety. Though you might just be visiting, stress management skills still have to be developed and maintained. Taking the time to enjoy life’s … Continue reading
It’s surprising how many people are afraid of flying. Many of those I encounter tell me that they worry about incompetent mechanics on the ground or cost-cutting CEOs sending an airplane with maintenance problems up into the sky. Everything has … Continue reading
Dreams have mystified us throughout history. We spend almost six years of our lives — 2,100 days — in the shadowy world of dreams. But because of their deeply personal nature, we know few facts about them. But examination of … Continue reading
According to a study done by LinkedIn.com, three-quarters of employees dislike or hate their jobs because of … the boss. But let’s take a closer look: If you dislike your boss because he or she has undesirable characteristics, that’s fine. … Continue reading
After a holiday or vacation time, clients occasionally admit to me that interactions with family, grown children, aging parents and old friends were often tinged with guilt. In spite of all the jokes (“What? You can’t call your mother once … Continue reading