WHATS THE BIG THING ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS?

Dear Dr. K.
I am a single person (I won't tell you whether I'm male or female) who has had several relationships which usually turn out sour. What happens is that the other person usually falls short of my expectations. We usually get into some argument and the other person criticizes me and we split. This has happened several times. I try to do everything right to make the relationship perfect but the other person just doesn't seem to see that or appreciate what I do. Maybe I'm not destined to have a relationship?

AB

DO HORRIBLE THOUGHTS MAKE ME BAD?

Dear Dr. K.,
I have these horrible thoughts over and over even though it seems nothing will ever happen. I worry that I have germs on my hands that might infect someone. While driving, if I pass a hitchhiker, I worry that I might have hit him and have to turn around and check. In church, I worry that I might yell out something obscene. What does this say about me?
T.J., Osprey

EVEN COWBOYS GET THE BLUES

Dear Dr. K.,

I'm worried that my husband is depressed. He works hard, is a good husband, but he never seems happy. When I ask him about it, all he says is "That's the way life is: life stinks, then you die." Is this normal?

J.E., Engelwood

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Dear Dr. K.,
I once had no use for Christmas, but some spirited adventures showed me my error and now I love spending Christmas with friends and family. I try to send out some Christmas cards and look forward to hearing from people. But what still frosts my Christmas goose is receiving those very long 'additions' to Christmas cards where people go on and on for pages of single spaced boring writing about every aspect of their lives which seem to be so glorious. I know life is going well for me but these letters really make me feel inadequate. Is there any way I can get over this?
Ebenezer S., London

Bozo and the A, B, C's of Taking Medication

Dear Dr. K,
I've had low moods in the past. About two months ago, my doctor put me on an antidepressant (Lexapro). I'm feeling good now. So, on my own, I stopped the medication last week. My wife thinks that stopping it may not have been such a good idea. What do you think? Other reasons for stopping were some sexual side effects and the fact that I just don't like taking medication-especially a 'mental' one which changes who I am.

D.A., Minoka Falls

MOOD SWINGS AND MANIC DEPRESSION

Dear Dr. K.,

I have been moody at times in my life (I'm 30 years old). I can go from being happy to sad very quickly. One of my friends said that I might have manic-depression. Is it possible?

Don M., Port Gotchi, FL

Cancer and Depression

Dear Dr. K.,
I am 33 years old and was diagnosed with breast cancer six months ago. I have had surgery and I am now receiving chemotherapy. This illness has placed a great strain on me and my family. I have been depressed for the last few months but my family thinks I should bear the strain and 'deal with it'. I have asked my regular doctor for medication but he, too, feels that my depression is "normal" and that I should learn to cope better with the tension just like 'everyone else'. What's your opinion?

Lisa, Northport