…e statistical “normal curve.” And not because it’s necessarily better, but simply because it’s in the middle. As a lady once put it to me some years ago, “Dr. Hurd, why wouldn’t I ask you what’s normal? Those of us living out here want to be part of the pack.” Being part of the pack may be fine in certain contexts, but if it’s an end in itself, it opens the door to a whole range of addictive or unhealthy behaviors. And social media fixation is onl… Continue reading →

…gether. You can’t put a price on that, and you can’t excuse them away with complicated-sounding psychiatric labels. Young children will not develop a confident sense of life unless adults consistently communicate it through language and behavior. Pills can’t do it. Time and effort will. Children must be shown that their thinking skills, not cool backpacks and iPhones, are the crucial components of self-esteem and happiness. Even the best teachers… Continue reading →

…ed suggests: “Treasure those who bring positivity.” It’s easier than you think, and it will make all the difference in your happiness.   Follow Dr. Hurd on Facebook. Search under “Michael Hurd” (Rehoboth Beach DE). Get up-to-the-minute postings, recommended articles and links, and engage in back-and-forth discussion with Dr. Hurd on topics of interest. Also follow Dr. Hurd on Twitter at @MichaelJHurd1, and see “Michael Hurd” on MeWe…. Continue reading →

…lly when raising a child. So, a little conflict for your sister and brother-in-law might actually be good, provided they manage that conflict and the resulting dialogue in a rational way. We have to be realistic here. By the time the child turns eighteen or so, he or she might have formed conclusions that are at odds with what was taught. So is all this torment worth the destruction of their relationship? Teaching a child a certain set of values,… Continue reading →

…day out? My advice? JUST SAY NO to the cleverly scripted “news.” Choose your sources carefully, know what you need to know and put it into perspective. No news network will ever do that for you.   Follow Dr. Hurd on Facebook. Search under “Michael Hurd” (Charleston SC). Get up-to-the-minute postings, recommended articles and links, and engage in back-and-forth discussion with Dr. Hurd on topics of interest. Also follow Dr. Hurd on X at @MichaelJH… Continue reading →

…apy isn’t something that’s done “to” you, like an appendectomy. It’s a partnership between the therapist and client where they work together to change and improve the client’s way of thinking.     Follow Dr. Hurd on Facebook. Search under “Michael Hurd” (Charleston SC). Get up-to-the-minute postings, recommended articles and links, and engage in back-and-forth discussion with Dr. Hurd on topics of interest. Also follow Dr. Hurd on Twitter at @Mich… Continue reading →

…. The answer boils down to a combination of reasons, the first of which is simply not searching persistently enough. One must always be on the lookout to follow a lead. Leads might include dating services and bars, but it also means finding out more about anyone who interests you — to a degree that’s appropriate, of course. Note that this does not include engaging in any behavior that could result in a restraining order. Another reason is fear of… Continue reading →