Social Networking | Psych Central

Finding Love after 60

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

During the last few months of her life, my grandmother Ruth, then 93, was too frail for family to adequately care for at home. With much reluctance, she and we all agreed that a nursing ...

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Match.com — Again

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

I gave in. I signed up for Match.com again. Awesome new men were not appearing in my life without any effort on my part, so I decided to try online dating again. Online dating ...

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Back to Match.com?

Sunday, March 29th, 2009

Currently, I am interested in two men. Neither is viable as my new boyfriend. Dating in my 30s is different than dating in my 20s. I am able to more accurately assess ...

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Facebook: Enough Already!

Tuesday, February 24th, 2009

I have now heard it said by a few different people: Facebook is over. The social networking tool that the world fell in love with has become so thoroughly embraced that it is ...

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Social Networking Websites: What’s the Point?

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008

My local newspaper recently ran a story about how Facebook.com can ruin people's romantic relationships. The argument was that the site makes it too easy to get back in touch with former "significant ...

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Coping with Sudden Unemployment

Tuesday, November 25th, 2008

With all that is happening in our economy lately, we all have to realize that we could fall victim to ‘downsizing’ or ‘organizational restructuring.’ Just as with any loss, you are likely to face many ...

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Teaching Manners Breeds Empathy in Children

Wednesday, October 8th, 2008

"I don't teach my children manners," said my friend Sylvia. "I just teach them to treat people like they want to be treated." "Mmmm. Interesting concept," thought I. I asked what she meant. "Well, ...

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Post-College Planning: Build Your References from the Start

Wednesday, August 20th, 2008

"Dr. H. Can I see you for a minute?" A student has approached me after class. "Sure." I'm always pleased when a student shows some interest. "Well. I was wondering. Can you write me a recommendation?" Now ...

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The Importance of Friendship

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

The causes of modern social problems, from divorce to homelessness and obesity, are often thought to be based in areas such as poverty, stress or unhappiness. But researchers suggest we are overlooking something crucial: friendship. ...

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Fairness and Reciprocity in Friendships

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

My friend Richard shook his head as he told me the story of his latest visit with his mother, Harriet, now in her late 80's. "I'd really like to see Mildred," she said. "So why don't you ...

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Learning to Develop a Thick Skin

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

Here's an important rule for life: It's not all about you. To develop a thick skin you must first remember that you are not the center of the universe. Yes, sorry to say, you are ...

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Rx for Mental Health: Send Holiday Cards!

Wednesday, December 5th, 2007

It’s easy to get cynical about holiday cards. There certainly is a lot of pressure to send them for all the wrong reasons: Because the person sent one to us. Because it is a way ...

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A Case for Double-Edged Optimism

Wednesday, December 5th, 2007

With every new act, Brian distanced himself from the past: His father, explosive and often unemployed, had pounded him with names like "moron" and "jerk." His life on the streets beyond the family's Bronx apartment ...

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Dealing with That Roommate

Wednesday, August 15th, 2007

You know the one: That roommate; the one whose roomie can’t stand her; the one the whole floor talks about. That roommate has the reputation for being impossible, spoiled, demanding, self-centered, or just too weird. ...

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The Benefits of Being an Introvert

Wednesday, June 20th, 2007

Extroverts have easier lives, it would seem, than those of us who place more value on peace and quiet. Popular culture appears to be in love with noise and speed, with high-energy, fast-paced TV shows, ...

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