In these days of political squabbles where everybody seems to have an opinion, the saying, “Let’s just agree to disagree” appears to be a reasonable statement. But in fact, one is “agreeing” to disown, or renounce, what they believe. From … Continue reading
After the release of my third book, “Bad Therapy, Good Therapy (and How to Tell the Difference),” I took particular interest in columnist Robert Fulford’s article in Canada’s Globe and Mail, where he coined the phrase, “To kill a Critic: … Continue reading
A Coast Press reader writes, “I was serving a guest in a fast-food restaurant where I work. As I prepared his food, he smilingly said, ‘Take my advice…’ and proceeded to lecture me about changing my gloves to protect gluten-intolerant … Continue reading
People often ask me why they care so much for the opinions of other people. They say that they are anxious about others’ opinions and judgments. Interestingly, all these people want to get rid of that feeling. We become “people … 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
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
How often have we heard – or even said, “I need a drink! I’ve had a hard day. I need a nice big meal — or a cigarette!” In the face of stress, it can be tempting to self-medicate with … Continue reading
Well, it’s that time again. Every year for the past 10 years that I’ve had the pleasure of writing for this newspaper, I receive multiple emails (and this time, a couple of phone calls) asking me to reprint this article. … Continue reading
I am pleased to report that I have been a part of the Delaware Wave and the Delaware Coast Press newspapers since June, 2005! I did a little math and discovered (somewhat to my horror) that the ensuing years translate … Continue reading
Few things are more annoying than being nagged (except perhaps being accused of it). Nagging stems from anxiety over the false belief that repetition creates motivation. It never does, and in fact, it lowers respect and reveals weakness by implying, … Continue reading
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