During the middle of the day, where can we find solace?

Having a coffee break with a donut or bagel is nice but most times we just need someone to talk to. This was particularly true when I was practicing dentistry.

Around 3 p.m., I would need a bit of conversation with a pal or colleague. Talking to the patients would not suffice. You can't let your hair down with them. You must maintain a professional demeanor and it wouldn't work. The conversation would tend to be guarded and stilted and all the spontaneity would vanish.

Speaking to employees is also not very rewarding. They are tense when speaking to the boss and vice-versa.

Calling another dentist was a good method. Two problems were solved with one phone call; theirs and mine. Dental problems were occasionally discussed and advice on techniques were passed along. Honestly, the conversation was usually about family and children, sports, the stock market and other mundane topics.

"I've got to go!" was not taken as an insult. It merely meant that the next patient had arrived and it was time to go to work. No insult taken.

These interchanges gave me a lift and allowed me to work on into the evening. They were a slight release of tension and made the time pass easier.

I also made calls to my stockbroker. I choose my stockbrokers because of their financial knowledge but also because they were pleasant guys and would shoot the breeze as they gave out the stock quotes. Someone should write a book called The Broker as Psychiatrist. It would be interesting.

These mid-day conversations should be picked up by Union negotiators and become mandatory in the workplace.

Every man needs a little comfort during the day. Can you, my readers, offer any suggestions? Send them to Dr. Stanley Greenberg, 169 High Pond Drive, Jericho, NY 11753 or E-mail Shgreenberg@aol.com.