[DISCLAIMER] I was once in an intimate partner relationship with a woman who had a phobia, which the American Psychological Association (APA) defines as “a persistent and irrational fear of a specific situation, object, or activity (e.g., heights, dogs, water, blood, driving, flying), which is consequently either strenuously avoided or endured with marked distress.” Also, the APA defines fear as: [A] basic, intense emotion aroused by the detection of imminent threat, invo

[DISCLAIMER] In spring 2025, I saw a social media post that addressed The Modern Day Knight Project (MDK). Of this matter, one source states, “Men who say they struggle with self-esteem issues can pay $18,000 for a three-day course of water hosing, truck pulls and hand-to-hand combat.” Regarding MDK and similar hyper-masculine endeavors, I stated in LARPing as Military Personnel, “Given my subjective view, it’s personally distasteful when people live action role-play (LAR

[DISCLAIMER] *Rocky Balboa (2006) spoilers contained herein. Photo credit, property of MGM Distribution Co., et al., fair use Rocky Balboa’s Inspiring Speech In childhood and early adulthood, I enjoyed films from the Rocky franchise. Among the people with whom I’ve associated, from various walks of life, Sylvester Stallone has ostensibly been a household name. Even those who don’t actually know Stallone, often refer to him as “Sly.” In any event, I wouldn’t say that I

[DISCLAIMER] Photo credit, Designed by Freepik, fair use I invite you to imagine that a current problem you’re facing is akin to a metaphorical cliff which you’re climbing. Other people are also ascending the rock face, as some individuals appear to have an easier time with the climb. What is it you tell yourself during this imaginary journey? One figurative tool you can use along your ascent, which relates to a form of self-narrative, is virtue (a quality or characterist

[DISCLAIMER] Only the strong I remember the passionate sound of Jerry Butler’s 1968 song “Only the Strong Survive” playing from a vinyl...