Dr. Joy Browne shares how to create a positive, lasting impression in her article, "The Rules of Attraction."  Click here to see the article in the Fall 2007 Maximum Fitness magazine.  http://www.maxfitmag.com

See Dr. Joy in "Long Island Woman" - August 2006.  (PDF)

See Dr. Joy in Bottom Line.

Dr. Joy in the New York Daily News - August 24, 2006
SOME COMMON SENSE MAKES A DIFFERENCE
BY JANE RIDLEY

Speaking about the devastating murder of his 18-year-old daughter, Jennifer, last month, Hugh Moore said, "Everyone feels they could have done something that could have made a difference."

His words struck a chord with parents and teens across the city who knew, but for the grace of God, the victim could easily have been their own child or one of their friends.

New York psychologist Dr. Joy Browne who presents a daily relationships advice show on WOR radio, says the murders of Moore, Imette St. Guillen and Jennifer Levin were chilling wakeup calls.

While feminist leaders say never blame the victim, some common sense precautions are always worth taking.

"It is a fact of life that kids will drink alcohol, take drugs and get into clubs underage," Browne says. "There is no magic, practical solution because, if parents tell them not to do something, they will do it anyway and just lie about it.

"Instead, they need to be aware of the consequences. Sit them down and say, 'Everyone thinks it's fun to get as smashed as possible, but look how vulnerable it makes you.

"'Okay, have a drink, but make sure it doesn't compromise you so much that you end up dead.'

"It affects your normal protective instincts - from your ability to walk straight to making intelligent decisions like not stumbling along the highway, getting into a stranger's car, falling on subway tracks or ending up in the ICU at 4 a.m."

Browne suggests that teens on a night out should always stay together, keep $20 hidden somewhere other than their purse for emergency cab fare and assign a responsible, designated driver.

"Make sure there is somebody in your group who isn't going to play stupid that night," she says. "And parents might say, 'If things go wrong and no one is able to drive, then call me, I will pick you up and there will be no recriminations.' "