How to Ask Dr. Laura for Advice
Love her or hate her, conservative radio host Dr. Laura Schlessinger has got the market cornered on blunt advice giving. Hundreds of people call her show every day, asking for guidance on everything from marital problems to career dilemmas. Not all callers are happy with her typically abrasive demeanor--it's not uncommon for them to hang up in tears. Here's what you need to know before you call her show.
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Instructions
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Think about why you want Dr. Laura's advice before you decide to call. If it's because you agree with her conservative viewpoints and believe her advice is usually wise, you probably can benefit from her feedback. If you aren't familiar with her show and are simply desperate for advice, try counseling from a priest or therapist first. If you did something you know is wrong and want Dr. Laura to scold you, a psychologist could more productively help you work through your guilt.
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Anticipate how Dr. Laura will respond before you call to reduce the likelihood that you will be surprised by her reaction. An extreme conservative, Dr. Laura lashes out at women considering abortion, working mothers and wives who won't have sex when they are not in the mood. She disapproves of premarital sex and "shacking up" before marriage.
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Prepare a concise question to ask Dr. Laura when and if your call gets put through. She does not like to wade through background information and prefers to hear the question before you explain extenuating circumstances and history.
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Dial (800)DR-LAURA to call into her show. You might have to call this number many times before you get through to the screener, and after that, could be on hold for an hour or so. Keep introductions brief when you get Dr. Laura on the line, although a little brown-nosing might soften her response.
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Take Dr. Laura's advice with a grain of salt. While it might be wise and helpful, remember that she's a human being, not a deity, and also has an incentive to maintain a certain demeanor or else see her ratings suffer. Weigh her words carefully.
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Tips & Warnings
People who are emotionally fragile would be better of seeking advice from a trained professional. Dr. Laura is not a doctor of psychiatry but a former marriage counselor with a Ph.D. in physiology; in certain cases, an experienced psychiatrist would be a better resource for advice.
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View all 6 Comments-
jmaasyine
Mar 14, 2008
okay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -
jmaasyine
Mar 14, 2008
okay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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delzakiya
Oct 29, 2007
I think it is clear she does not want to be bothered, but if the majority are being bullied then you need to collectively confront the situation. If she is a boss, then work somewhere else. If she is on the same level then dish it back. You teach people how to treat you, and I would not let someone disrespect me because they are in a constant bad mood.
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delzakiya
Oct 29, 2007
I think it is clear she does not want to be bothered, but if the majority are being bullied then you need to collectively confront the situation. If she is a boss, then work somewhere else. If she is on the same level then dish it back. You teach people how to treat you, and I would not let someone disrespect me because they are in a constant bad mood.
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KayeK
Sep 26, 2007
How does a co-worker handle an office Bulley? There are 15 people who work in this office. All but one are able to get along. The one person who won't play well with others, will not talk with any of us. If we ask her a question, she will not answer or she bites your head off. If you send her and interoffice email she will ignore it. If you ask her for any information she may or may not reply in a reasonable time or she may not give it to you until you ask again. I have noticed that when she give me invoices they are 1 to 2 months prior to the current month. It is like she likes to control any situation around her. When one of us comes up to talk to her and she has her back turned she will ignore you until you call her by her name and make her turn around and talk to you and then it is short and blunt. I would like to know your thoughts on office bulleys.
