The Leaf Blower Mindset
Last weekend, I watched my neighbor meticulously blow every leaf from his driveway, directly onto mine. As I stood there amid a swirling cloud...
Sorry, Pessimism Isn’t Wisdom
Sarah prides herself on being realistic. “Look, I’m clear eyed about how the world works. It’s a dangerous place filled with dangerous people.” She plans for...
A Simple Rule to Shift Your Perspective
Growing up, I was not allowed to use the word "hate." It was considered a four-letter word in our house. "Dislike" was perfectly fine,...
Stop Making Such a Big Deal About Going Back to School
Every August, the same ritual begins. Parents frantically Google "back-to-school anxiety tips." Schools send home preparation checklists. Mental health experts publish articles about the "inevitable"...
How Psychobabble Is Ruining Our Relationships
Sarah sits across from me, visibly frustrated. "I've been setting boundaries with my mom like everyone says I should," she explains, "but now she...
I’m Not Anti-therapy. I Am Anti-therapy Culture.
If you live in New York City, it is not unusual to meet someone who has been in talk therapy for over a decade....