Photograph of the back of two women who walk down the old town streets of Naples
Two women walk down the old town in Naples. Kir Shy/Unsplash

If a psychiatrist is as good at his job as I am, he would never fall for the provocations of his patients. Instead, he would take these provocations in, and infuse them with new meaning under the reasoned context of psychotherapy.

Let me give you an example. Today, I encountered Carmela in the street.

“My God, Dottoré, how long has it been? It’s such a pleasure to see you, you’re looking beautiful! What a pity you’ve gotten chubby.”

“My God, signora! This is such a pleasure for me as well. You are also looking beautiful. What a pity you’re insane!”

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