Replies to '12/14 Dr. Phil and Robin's Holiday Extravaganza'

Channel 9 Australia are intentionally taking older and older editions of your show. We will be lucky to see the current shows before July 2006, by which time many will be completely out of context. Certainly the many interesting message boards will be inactive and as well as many of the valuable links. 

In Self Matters Phil talks about the importance of being in touch with your own values. Although generosity of spirit is clearly one of Phil's and Robin's I think the show is moving towards over indulgence. Not sure if that is quite the word I'm looking for? The actual material value of the gift is far less important than the feelings that accompany them. However, when the gifts become ever more valueable and in a monetary sense generous, it raises the expectation of all participants of the show in that materialistic view of value. It's a bit like Lotto, I'd rather see 200 seniors get half a million each than one get $100M. 

For me the real benefit comes from Phil's techniques, skills and opinions that he has brought from psychology to helping people in their everyday lives. 

I see a real dichotomy in Phil's advice implying better balance in our lives and families, and in doing that it often requires curtailing materialistic objectives so that one can spend more time with family, loved ones and for yourself, as it is in our relationships that the high value benefits all eminate, but then demonstarting his warmth and caring through extravagant materialistic means. 

I wonder which would be more valuable to Robin? Phil putting an apron on and making her some homemade rum bonbons with a card with some of his poetic words, or a diamond necklace? What would Robin do for Phil, for under $10?