Beyond Pipe Dreams and Platitudes

Aging

Growing Old Gracefully Requires Flexibility and Resilience

Geraldine K. Piorkowski Ph.D. on February 25, 2024

Why are flexibility and resilience necessary for healthy aging? To cope with the many changes that accompany old age.

Forgiveness

The Limits of Forgiveness

Geraldine K. Piorkowski Ph.D. on October 22, 2023

When is forgiveness warranted? When there is clear-cut evidence of remorse and positive behavioral change.

Adolescence

Trying to Resolve Conflict Via Texting Can Create Confusion

Geraldine K. Piorkowski Ph.D. on July 3, 2023

What makes texting an unlikely vehicle for solving interpersonal problems? The absence of nonverbal cues can lead to misunderstanding about the sender's motives and meaning.

Openness

The Illusion of Control

Geraldine K. Piorkowski Ph.D. on April 15, 2023

Why is excessive control of our world unhealthy? It makes it more difficult to deal with the unexpected and be resilient.

Anger

Anger Can Cover Up a Whole Host of Feelings

Geraldine K. Piorkowski Ph.D. on February 25, 2023

Why are we so angry? The answers range from hurt/disappointment to narcissistic entitlement to masculine insecurity.

Narcissism

How Not to Raise a Narcissist

Geraldine K. Piorkowski Ph.D. on January 18, 2023

When is a lot of parental attention too much? When it interferes with a child's developmental tasks.

Friends

Why Is Our Advice to Family and Friends So Often Ignored?

Geraldine K. Piorkowski Ph.D. on September 5, 2022

Why is it so hard to be consistently attentive to loved ones? We adapt to their familiarity, often perceiving them with old eyes.

Relationships

Why Do We Fall For Certain "Types"?

Geraldine K. Piorkowski Ph.D. on June 20, 2022

What turns you on? Insight into your emotional triggers can change the dynamics.

Guilt

Survivor Guilt Revisited

Geraldine K. Piorkowski Ph.D. on March 27, 2022

It's important for survivors to understand survivor guilt so that it doesn't hamper their ability to pursue their dreams and goals.

Gratitude

The Sense of Entitlement vs. Gratitude: Polar Opposites

Geraldine K. Piorkowski Ph.D. on February 20, 2022

What makes gratitude so appealing and entitlement so negative? Gratitude is quiet and soothing, while entitlement is loud and demanding.

Personality

How the Pandemic Affected the Controlling Personality Type

Geraldine K. Piorkowski Ph.D. on December 18, 2021

What makes the need for excessive control of self and others unhealthy? It leads to rigidity and a lack of resilience in the face of changing circumstances.

Empathy

Empathy: A Way Out of Loneliness

Geraldine K. Piorkowski Ph.D. on September 28, 2021

How does empathy reduce loneliness? It provides an opportunity to experience the reality that we are all more alike than different.

Career

Talent and Hard Work Aren't Enough to Get to the Top

Geraldine K. Piorkowski Ph.D. on August 30, 2021

What does luck have to do with success? It's a key ingredient in the recipe.

Relationships

Romantic Love Is Just a Fantasy at First

Geraldine K. Piorkowski Ph.D. on July 28, 2021

How can romantic love survive after the honeymoon phase is over? Sustaining factors provide the permanent glue.

Relationships

Vulnerability Is Endearing Despite Some Risk

Geraldine K. Piorkowski Ph.D. on June 20, 2021

Why is vulnerability a mixed bag? While vulnerability can be scary, it is the best way to initiate, maintain and deepen relationships.

Anger

Anger Is Better Than Sadness at Times

Geraldine K. Piorkowski Ph.D. on May 22, 2021

When is anger better than sadness? When its energy is a positive force for change.

Positive Psychology

Positive Thinking Isn't Always the Best Way to Go

Geraldine K. Piorkowski Ph.D. on April 28, 2021

When doesn't positive thinking work? When it bypasses the processing of negative emotions.

Narcissism

Not All Narcissism Is Unhealthy

Geraldine K. Piorkowski Ph.D. on March 28, 2021

Is being self-focused always a negative? Not necessarily. Self-love is a prerequisite for happiness.