Column Chronicles: Ask Dr. Shrink again

Ask Dr. Shrink again

Frank Cotolo
January 21, 2021

His name is still Wendell Pencilmark and he claims to be one of the best psychiatrists in the field today - and some think tomorrow. Wendell is known to as Dr. Shrink. He has agreed to continue with one of our most popular features, documenting his answers to questions people have sent him about problems. Thus, we continue to feature these Qs and As intermittently.

Q: I have a fear of women cooks that use rolling pins. Where do you think that originated?

A: Often, as children, we admire our mothers when they cook and we annoy them while they cook. They may become violent, and the rolling pin is the common weapon used to express their rage.

Q: I am going to be married for the third time in three months and I fear it won't last.

A: Fear is a feeling that means you are insecure. Insecurity is a feeling that means you do not trust intimacy. Intimacy is not a feeling but it includes a lot of feeling, mostly with the body. Think about it.

Q: I'm lonely all the time and yet when I am with someone I feel invaded. What's wrong with me?

A: Lots. However, it is common to feel so wanted that you do not want what wants you. Given time, someone will come along and you will feel wanting as well as wanted. Then the real trouble begins.

Q: My girlfriend and I have great fear of abandonment, yet when she goes somewhere alone I always know she is coming back.

A: One day, if she does not come back you will realize what you were worried about, so I suggest you leave her first and be afraid no more.

Q: My husband is bald, so I bought him an expensive toupee. Instead of wearing it, he ate it. Now, I hate him more. What happened?

A: He resents your original hate for his being bald, probably because his mother was bald and he hated that. He ate the toupee as a rebellious act, especially if he did not season it before eating.

Frank Cotolo can be found hosting the talk and interview programme Cotolo Chronicles. You can send him an e-mail at this address: frank@148.ca.