"Ask Dr. Psycho"
(analyst) (therapist) (whatever)
Advice to the lovelorn, shopworn, worn out, torn up, used, abused, used up, wasted, pasted, and just plain curious. Got a question? Ask away! All I ask is that you "keep it clean." In other words, no cussin'! You can say what you mean without being vulgar about it. Levity welcome! Got a silly question that's been bugging you? You'll probably get a silly answer! I'll handle serious questions, too, but don't be surprised if you get a silly answer to those as well! I want this to be a fun column as well as friendly and informative. If I ain't got an answer handy, I'll make one up! Fair enough? Ask away!!!! I'm ready for anything ... DB

Dear Dr. Psycho, What are your credentials? Do you have any training in psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, psychiatry or any related field? ... Signed, Curious in Texas
Dear Curious,
What? Credentials? Training? Oh, you must mean formal training and education, via the college and medical route. Nope! None at all. I'm just plain psycho! Just the usual "been there, done that" kinda stuff. You know, life experience, school of hard knocks, and having lived a lot of different places around the world. I am a voracious reader and am very curious myself ... but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night!
Dear Normal....
You've known this guy for 18 years and didn't have a clue as to his
personality? C'mon! He sounds like loose gear to me! Back away fast,
really fast!! This guy is a "control freak" and he'll use the suicide
angle to manipulate you. Run! Quickly! Do not pass Go! Do not collect
$200! I strongly suggest you do a complete uninstall of your current version of Boyfriend 1.0 and obtain an upgrade!
Follow-up.....Dear Dr. Psycho
I loved your response. Just to let you know, I have known "X" for 18
years, but only professionally. I am not a total idiot, although I am feeling like one now for getting involved with this man. Why do I feel sorry for him, though? Signed, Where are the normal men?
(P.S. I loved your answer)
Dear Normal
Why do you feel sorry for him? Hmm.. Well, in my mind, it kinda goes along
with
the feeling you get when you pass an accident scene. You have that fleeting
sense of sorrow, especially if someone is hurt or injured. Three blocks down
the
road, you've forgotten about it. Unless, of course, you know the person
involved. Then it runs a little deeper. The thing to consider is this: you
did
not put him in his current situation and you have no obligation to bail him
out!
Feel for him, but at a distance!
Dear Dr. Psycho
I have spent the last 9 years looking for the perfect male specimen, I have come to the conclusion God forgot to make one, what do you think? Call me (Still Looking)
Dear Still Looking
Dang! Nine years! That's a long time, but I can identify with it. I often wonder about the allusion to the belief that there is a "soul mate" out there for each of us. I have come to the conclusion that it is not true. If it were true, then it wouldn't be so damned hard to find 'em! Seems like you would get a clue from somewhere. I think that the ones who think they have found their true soul mate have been extremely lucky in the pursuit. Of course, I cannot advise you how to proceed, as I don't know your lifestyle, habits or your circle of acquaintances. Perhaps, you have your sights set a tad too high? I wish you the best of luck in the hunt! You might check out Ms. Atte2ude's site below. Maybe he just signed up!
Dear Dr. Psycho:
I recently ran across a statement by some ancient German writers that they had never
observed smallpox in the workers of mercury mines. I am curious about the incidence (morbidity) and mortality of smallpox among mercury miners in Terlingua, TX.
Do you know of any person or library that might be able to help with this question? I suspect the local library or historian is what I need to know. Signed, Professor, East Carolina University.
Dear Professor
YOW! Smallpox in Terlingua? I'm gettin' the heck outta here! Oh! 100 years ago .... ok. Well, geez, Doc, that's a new one on me. You may not be aware, but this is a very scattered community, and as such, there is very little in the way of "documented" history. Heck, we're still working on a library! There have been literally hundreds of books written about this area and each one will offer a slightly different version of historical events. There are even about 6 different interpretations of the name, Terlingua! As you are probably aware, mercury (quicksilver, cinnabar) was discovered here in the late 19th century, but was not truly exploited until the advent of Chicago industrialist Howard Perry, in 1903. From that time, until around 1946, mercury mining was a booming industry in the area, supplying as much as 20% of the National supply. After 1946, prices dropped and mines began closing, either from lack of market price or decline in available ore to be mined. It became very sporadic until the 70's when mercury was banned. All the mines are now closed and most of the shafts and tunnels are closed and sealed. Very little remains above ground as souvenir hunters and other collectors slowly pick away at the remaining abandoned equipment and material. I have read extensively about the area and have lived here off and on for about 30 years. In all that time, I have not heard of any smallpox incidents relating to mercury miners, in particular. I have asked some of the "old timers" around and they don't recall anything either. Of course, there's only a couple of them still left! I might suggest that you could possible find out more about this particular subject if you could gain access to the old Chisos Mining Company (Howard Perry's company) medical records, if any ever existed. Sorry I can't be of more help. I could make up some dandy "tales," though! But then again, I supposed the lack of smallpox incidents could be construed as evidence in support of? Just a thought.... Dr. Psycho
Dear Dr. Psycho,
If God is Love and Love is blind. does that mean that Stevie Wonder is God? I know this is an old question but I could use your expert opinion in this matter. Thanks, Al
Dear Al,
Hmm! A bit of a poser! A tough question for a pragmatic agnostic like myself. I ain't in love with any "idols," physical or metaphysical! I never was a big fan of Stevie Wonder, so he definitely is not "God" to me! Ray Charles, on the other hand.....
Dear Dr. Psycho
I have two very different questions.
First one, How much weight could you lose in a month and still be healthy?
Second question, I am black woman. Wwhat is the best way to grow long hair for an American woman? Funny Huh? Just want to Know!
Dear Just Want to Know
1. Weight loss.... Well, I guess that depends on how much you weigh to begin with. Every diet plan makes different promises, none of which I believe. "Lose 10 lbs in 14 days, GUARANTEED!" claims one. "Lose all the weight you want in 30 days or less!" sez another. So, I guess it all depends on whom YOU believe! Losing weight is kinda like smoking. There is NO plan that will work for you unless you truly have the desire. If you are REALLY SERIOUS about losing weight or quitting smoking, then you don't need any "plan!" Just do it! If you are NOT truly serious, then you will ALWAYS make up some excuse to break the regimen! (Well, Jeez! It's been six months since I had a hunk of that delicious cake I liked so much! Just ONE SLICE won't hurt!) Dream on! I suppose you could lose it ALL, if you really wanted to! But you probably wouldn't like the results! But then again, you wouldn't be around to WORRY ABOUT IT!
2. Hair care? What's that? You can have any style you want! Trim it short and wear WIGS!!
Dear Dr!
I have two job offers, both in the same state, both with similar benefits. One is in more quiet area, with cheaper housing, where we will be able to live near the ocean, another - in more metropolitan area with more school choices for kids and great nightlife (we will not be able to live near the ocean, but only 30 min from it). I am 39, my husband, 45, we want to settle for the rest of our lives. This choice drives us crazy. What we should choose?!!! Signed, Mary Ann
Dear Mary Ann:
A bit of a poser, but not unsolvable! From the tone of your letter, you're a bit of a feminist and seem to be the one who wears the pants. YOU wrote the letter. YOU have the job offers. You don't mention if you actually HAVE kids. What does your husband actually DO in this relationship? Does HE have a job that will be affected by this move?
Solution #1: If your husband isn't currently employed, and is qualified, take BOTH jobs! Pick an acceptable area between both places of employment and settle in. No kids, no problem!
Solution #2: some things you have to consider if you're looking to "settle for the rest of your life." Kids grow up, move out and start their own lives. The "nightlife" pales, as you grow older. Metropolitan areas are generally more prone to criminal activity than quieter areas. And when you do finally retire, do you want to live in the city?
Solution #3: Opt for the quieter area near the ocean and COMMUTE to the "nightlife," as you would to the ocean in the other situation. A weekend away from the kids on occasion is an excellent stress reliever! "Quieter" areas (I'm assuming a sort of rural setting) usually have better schools and less crime. And when you finally retire, YOU'RE ALREADY HOME!
This site is brought to you by and in conjunction with one of my favorite ladies, Ms. Atte2ude and her newest endeavor, SelectiveSingles. You better go check it out or she'll live up to her name!!!
Got a question? Wanna complain? (Just remember, I didn't drag you kickin' and screamin' to this site! It was YOUR choice!) Feedback? Here's your chance..
"Disclaimer..... As stated in the introduction, Dr. Psycho has NO formal training in any mental health or medical field. The observations made herein are strictly the opinion of Dr. Psycho. You use this advice at your own risk! If Dr. Psycho advises you to go jump off a tall building, I'd advise against it! If you DO go jump off a tall building, then Dr. Psycho accepts no responsibility!"