Personal Life Issues

Lucas Wants To Live As A Hermit

Dr. Dale Archer — Mon, 20 May 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Lucas is in college, has never had friends or a girlfriend..... and likes it that way. He wants to live a solitary life, free from other people. His parents, on the other hand, want him to be social, have friends and even took him to a shrink to get things straightened out.

Naved Has Lost His Confidence

Dr. Dale Archer — Sun, 12 May 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Naved used to fight boys bigger and stronger than him and never lost a fight. Then he fought a boy weaker than him, and lost. He lost all of his confidence, and years later he still cannot find his confidence. Although this helped curb his aggression, he'd like to be confident again, so asks what he can do. Thoughts?

One Decision Changed Elene's Life Forever

Dr. Dale Archer — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Elene traveled abroad at 17 and ended up marrying a foreigner. Her life changed at that moment – forever and for the worst. She shares her story, hoping to warn others to not be so trusting, and to think twice before making important decisions.

Should Rony Tell The University About His Friend Cheating?

Dr. Dale Archer — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Rony is at a university and got very close to another student. This student, however, partied all the time, and wanted to cheat off Rony and others.

Does Gender Make A Difference?

Dr. Dale Archer — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT

As Kevser read "Better Than Normal”, she thought I was a woman.... until she visited my website. Do you think a message changes related to whether the messanger is a man or woman?

Marion Shares His Two Books

Dr. Dale Archer — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Marion has written his life's story in his book. Think lessons can be learned from other's experiences?

Is Jared Nice Or Being Scammed?

Dr. Dale Archer — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Jared, an American, has been talking to an 18 year old African woman from a religious website for nine days. Giving him the sob story of losing her entire family and being a refugee, she wants him to invest her father's vast amount of money in the USA. She said all she needs is his bank account number and she will wire the money.

Justin's Non Stop Flirting Ruins All His Relationships

Dr. Dale Archer — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Justin is a 50 year old male and cannot seem to maintain his relationships. He was married twice, and even though his wives still say they love him, they could no longer tolerate his blatant flirting. He's getting up in age now and desperately wants a relationship that will last.

Al Wants To Know The Key To Finding Happiness

Dr. Dale Archer — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Al struggles with happiness. He's a successful orthodontist, has a lovely family, lives in a beautiful home, tries different hobbies whenever he pleases..... yet happiness eludes him.

Anju Asks Should A Man's Priorities Lie With His Wife Or Mother?

Dr. Dale Archer — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Anju is 25, and she and her husband live with her husband's parents. She asks where a husband's priorities should lie -- with his wife or with his mother?

Art Diagnoses The President As A Sociopath

Dr. Dale Archer — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Art shares his distinct self proclaimed abilities of being able to diagnose a sociopaths without fail. He doesn't need a psychiatry or psychology degree to do this -- it's a natural talent!

Sunshine's Jealous Friend Makes Her Feel Guilty

Dr. Dale Archer — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Sunshine is 21 and has a very dear friend who is competitive, envious and jealous. Whenever her friend gets jealous, then Sunshine feels guilty and stops whatever her friend is jealous about. For example she is a great guitarist but cannot play around her friend because she gets mad.

Jan Gives An Important Lesson Regarding Forgiveness

Dr. Dale Archer — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Jan wrote to me a year ago regarding unresolved trust issues due to a childhood incident. During the past year, she has learned a priceless lesson on the value and importance of forgiveness -- not for the perpetrator, but for herself.

Sherry Talks About Her New Online Relationship

Dr. Dale Archer — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Sherry shares details about her new online relationship with someone she's never met. He is now one of her most valued friends. Teaching each other much, being there for each other has formed a special friendship that is stronger than anything she has ever felt. This is not romantic in nature, but in many ways stronger.

Jennifer's Insurance Won't Pay For Her Eating Disorders

Dr. Dale Archer — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Jennifer is 43 and has had an eating disorder since she was 14. She lost 220 pounds, but now suffers from bulimia and anorexia. Restricting herself to 600 calories a day, she binges and purges everything she eats. She takes more than 30 laxatives a day, water pills daily, speed walks daily for six miles and rides her bike for miles, as well. During all of this, all she can think of is food, food, food. Her doctor says she needs inpatient care, but her insurance refuses to pay.

Sarah Feels Too Guilty Whenever She Says "No"

Dr. Dale Archer — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Sarah feels she needs a therapist, but can't afford one. She cannot say "no" because she feels overwhelming guilt, and doesn't want the other person to feel badly. She's full of apologies, yet still cannot say no without feeling the guilt.

Scott Fantasizes About His Mother

Dr. Dale Archer — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Scott is 25 and is consumed about sexual fantasies involving his mother. It has gotten to the point that he must fantasize about her in order to have sex with other women. He wonders if he's abnormal or mentally unstable and how he can control this.

Is This School Principal Really Possessed By The Devil?

Dr. Dale Archer — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Frustrated Teacher is convinced her school principal is possessed by the devil. She yells at teachers, children and parents alike. She berates teachers for even the smallest problem in front of others and seems to pride herself in intimidating everyone. She asks if this is caused by a psychiatric illness or is she just an unhappy person or could she really be possessed by a devil? Finally she asks how to deal with someone like this. Thoughts?

Keith Compares 'Better Than Normal' To Mowing The Grass

Dr. Dale Archer — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Keith recently penned an article, likening 'Better Than Normal' to cutting the grass and mental health. Do you feed your OCD by manicuring your lawn? Or do you enjoy drought and freezing weather so the grass takes care of itself? Keith takes a different approach to a weekly chore. A fun read.

Madeleine's Mother Disapproves Of Her Boyfriend

Dr. Dale Archer — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Madeleine is 26 years old and is dating for the first time. She has always lived with her parents and grandparents and has always been obedient. Her mother disapproves of her boyfriend. Says he's ugly, lazy and cannot provide for her. Her mother, while caring for her father after his stroke, has emotionally blackmailed her, saying if she moves out it will kill her grandpa. She wants to move out, but neither she nor her boyfriend work, as he is supported by his own mother. How does your solution compare to mine?

Joshua Has No Confidence

Dr. Dale Archer — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Joshua isn't as confident as he'd like to be. He can't speak in front of large groups without feeling nervous. He met a woman online, but she wants her space. He wonders if he should play sports again and wonders if he should transfer to another school. He just isn't sure of anything. Thoughts?

When Pissed-Off Discovered Her Boyfriend Was Married She Got Even

Dr. Dale Archer — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 06:00:00 GMT

When Pissed-Off discovered her boyfriend was married she got even.

At 50, Marie Still Hasn't Found Her Life's Calling

Dr. Dale Archer — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Marie just finished reading my book, 'Better Than Normal' and shares that after raising her children and turning 50, she still hasn't found the job that she enjoys and makes her feel complete. She asks for help. Thoughts?

Since College, Surrender Has Become Angry And Uninterested

Dr. Dale Archer — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Surrender always did well in school until he started college. Unable to concentrate, easily distracted, his grades suffered while his colleagues graduated and found great jobs while he can't seem to finish. He now gets angry easily, and wonders what mental illness he has. I give him my suggestion to his problem -- what do you think?

Andrea Is Tired Of Sacrificing With No End In Sight

Dr. Dale Archer — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Andrea is a 36 year old educated professional Italian man who has hit hard times. He cannot find work in his country or Germany and is terrified as to what tomorrow may bring. He has a girlfriend and wants to start a family, but how can he as things are in these troubled times? He asks how to find happiness in life when things are so difficult and uncertain. I think many of us feel this way, how about you?