By Dr. Ken Manges 

One of the first things when meeting someone you don’t know, while extending your hand for a fist bump or handshake, is to ask their name and to tell them yours in exchange.

As a part of our everyday experience, we talk to others about our day, our feelings, and our thoughts. Its one of the many talents we as humans (homo sapiens) have that the other animals we share our planet with do not possess. We can articulate with precision, if we so choose. We can say ex…

Although the second paragraph of the first article of the Declaration of Independence says we have an unalienable right to the pursuit of happiness, there is no-guarantee that we are going to get our fair share of happiness. 

In thinking about this topic, I quickly realized that I am in the business of secrets. As a clinical psychologist I help people share the secrets they have kept bottled up and help them cope with the emotional tumult they have after others unexpectedly tell their secrets publicly. 

This time of year is often filled with a focus on time. With January being the start of a New Year, we watch the ball drop at the stroke of midnight and many of us make a list of resolutions for the coming year. How long is your list? 

After a recent forensic evaluation, when examining an inmate awaiting trial for murder, I was struck by their response to a question on a personality questionnaire. The question is unusual, are you frightened by any type of music? As it turns out, four percent of persons asked this question …

What role does reason and deliberate consideration versus whim, circumstance and intuition have on your decision making?

I had an ironic and atypical series of forensic evaluations focused on the consequences and use of fire. 

Having the opportunity to interview literally hundreds of people over the course of four decades, I’ve been surprised, sorrowful, delighted and a host of other feelings when hearing the stories about a person’s life experiences.

Claustrophobia is a fear of closed spaces. Agoraphobia is a fear of open spaces. Humans and other species have a thing about space; the absence of it or too much of it can offer comfort or strike horror. Colors with which we paint or light our surroundings, and having plants and trees in our…

Strictly defined, intelligence is the outcome on a specific test. The score does not mean the person necessarily has common sense or the talent to play sports, paint masterpieces, write music, manage money  or do hundreds of other necessary or recreational activities. 

Humor is hard to define. In response to my request, many sent in jokes they found funny. Thank you. What I have found is that humor is on a continuum between, bemusement and hilarious.

The American Heritage Dictionary definition of friendship leaves me wanting. Its definition is: a noun, 1. a person whom one knows, likes, and trusts; and 2. One who supports, sympathizes with, or patronizes a group, cause, or movement. 

Having traveled to our home in Charleston, SC. for the holiday, on my arrival I had some grocery shopping on my mind when I went to bed for the evening.

We are obsessed with food. Its even part of our lexicon. Colloquial expressions like  “three squares” “lamebrain” ”chow” and ” burger-flipper” exemplify how we use food sayings everywhere. 

Wellbeing is defined as a state of being comfortable, healthy or happy. 

Its January. 

It’s winter which means it’s colder and the nights are longer. Although we have had Chanukah with its traditions of food and candle lighting to comfort us, the ravages of Covid-19 continue to creep in and keep us apart.