| In the years that Dr. Gilda Carle has been counseling guests on my show, her practical advice and vibrant personality have endeared her to millions of viewers . . . she's the best in the business. |
| - Sally Jessy Raphael |
| Best Speaker in America, Editor's Choice |
| - Successful Meetings Magazine |
| Female Tony Robbins with a doctorate |
| - Bloomberg Financial News |
| Busiest television therapist in the business; resembles a young Lucille Ball |
| - The New York Times |
| TV's #1 talk-show therapist; hotter than the Sahara; part philosopher and part stand-up comic |
| - Gannett Newspapers |
| America's Favorite Relationship Expert |
| - American Media, Inc. |
| The warmth and sincere concerns from this professor are real and are genuinely appreciated by her students. Far more than communications classes, hers are truly self-improvement workshops. I call Dr. Gilda 'Mother Teresa with lipstick and The Wall Street Journal.' |
| - Wayne Cioffari, Dean, Mercy College MBA Graduate Program, New York |
| The camera loves her. She looks like a film star. |
| - Rex Reed |
| Elevates the self-esteem of everyone from CEOs to street people . . . cheerleader for our deepest selves . . . facilitator of change |
| - Philadelphia Inquirer |
| Gilda Carle is an absolute wonder. Whether she is successful by hypnotizing us into believing that we are terrific, or she actually teaches us how to be terrific, is a mystery I will never unravel. |
| - J. R. Goldstein, M.D., NJ State Commissioner of Health |
| A real role model for teens |
| - Jenny Jones |
| The name you know: Dr. Gilda Carle. After you read 'Don't Bet on the Prince!,' you can bet that your attitude about life will change. |
| - Mr. Blackwell |
| “Dr. Gilda is our fave know-it-all.” |
| - Teen People Magazine |
| Dr. Gilda is not only
bright, articulate and passionate, but she is also very empathetic.
I watched her literally drink in everyone’s story–no
mean feat–especially given the time constraints. She was
personally responsive to each and every one of us. The results
were amazing! She blows into a room and is larger than life. We were soon realizing that our lives could be as large as we wanted them to be, to fit our expanded boundaries. She empowered us to believe that not only could we achieve our dreams, but that we deserved to! Dr. Gilda obviously loves what she does, and deserves the highest praise and thanks for sharing her gift with us. Joyfully, - Lily Bornstein |
| Hi Dr. Gilda, As I left class last night, I could not help but wonder if our course was just a dream. It went so fast. In this short time, I feel like we are family. I know so much about you, and you know a lot about me. People talk about you in comparison to Mother Teresa, and I definitely agree. You are a stranger who came into my life for a month, yet you have given me more love and awareness for myself than most people I have known during my whole life. Honey, your mission to change the world is surely working! I busted my butt for many years to change things like racism in the church, drugs and violent abuse, low self-esteem, and other problems of poor people. I suffered for crimes committed by poor Blacks and Hispanics. And I spent most of my life trying to prove that there are good minorities. Now, with your help, I am able to move on. This was the reason I became so emotional at the end of my final presentation last night. Thank you for giving me the tools to discover ME and to learn how to sell myself. I am definitely ready to present my 30-second "commercial" to anyone I meet in the future. This is only the beginning. I have a deeper understanding of what it takes to be a manager and what the real power of communication is. After all these years, finally, I have become a Capital "I." Dr. Gilda, I am going to miss seeing you in class next week. I love you for showing me how to love me. Thanks Angel Dr. Gilda, - Frederick D. Fulford Jr. |
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| Dear Dr. Gilda, I read every section of your Blog, especially your latest, When She Wants Marriage and He Doesn't. I should say I devoured it. I thought the entire Blog was fantastic and I think it's grand that you did a speech at AARP called "Love at First Click"! I can't wait to read your next missive :-). I absolutely agree that men view that old adage of "why buy the cow when the milk is free" as their credo. Especially, if the girl/woman involved WANTS MARRIAGE and he had indicated he didn't. It's so wonderful to now be 63 and have finally gained some knowledge from all my mistakes :-). And, to be in a committed and wonderful relationship with a prince of a man who treats me with the utmost respect and honor. And, he's 8 years younger! We bring out the best in each other and I know that our feelings of love and commitment, and care and support, are mutual. As for marriage...who knows? When I start wanting to look into the crystal ball, I remind myself to let go of that. In time, those answers/questions will be worked out. We've still not "done the deed" but not for lack of passion :-). It's by choice of mutual respect. We've both been married twice before and feel that we can easily do that but, then what? So, until the time comes for that kind of decision or whatever, if it ever comes, I'm enjoying the best and most healthy relationship of my life and I know that he is too. You may recall that you gave me a quote for my article on "About that Summer Romance" for the Mack Villager. I'm working on my second book, tentatively titled, Nice Girls Do Speak Up, and I keep threatening to come into Elaine's to get myself circulating and find a publisher, but I've not taken that step yet. I love your work, your sound and concrete relationship guidance, and I hope that our paths cross again some day. Warmly, - Jennifer Phillips |
| Dear Dr. Gilda, Thanks for putting me on your website's link. I really enjoyed reading the responses to your latest column and blog. Gee, the number of idiots who can't read and think properly, and who misinterpret what they read, never ceases to amaze me. I'm sure you're used to it. I personally loved your using the "why buy the cow when you can get the milk free". In fact, I read that "Elvis" himself often used this phrase when asked why he slept around with so many women. Men do think this way. I'm sure Elvis was laughing to himself all the way to the bedroom. For women, the phrase should be, "Why buy the whole pig when all you want is a little piece of sausage?" Personally, I would never live with a man. I am not religious at all and am not conservative in any way. Many of my friends have lived with guys long-term and one even has a "friends with benefits" arrangement. That's fine for them. I just feel that "one foot in is the same as one foot out" and if a man does not want to make a full, serious, long-term commitment to me, I would wonder about his motives. Living together still smells of "we can make a fast escape if playing house doesn't work out." Hey, that's fine for some folks, but it would make me sick. Maybe I'm just not "secure enough" to live with someone. I want the whole enchilada or nothing. Take care and keep up the great, intelligent work!!! - Sue Smith |
| Dear Dr. Gilda, I read your "Suddenly Single" column on MSN.com today. I could have written that letter from that reader, and I needed to read what you had to say to her. Even though I knew it all, on some level, reading it in such a clear way gave me the shake up I needed, and the hope to go on and start treating myself right. Thank you! - Annette Kuzmiak |
| Dear Dr. Gilda, Before taking your class, I didn’t even know that I was lost in life. I thought things were going fine, not realizing that “I” (with a Capital) was missing from the equation, because I was so busy handling everyone else’s problems. Your self-assessments and class discussions have helped me rediscover myself, set boundaries, and grow. In your book, “Don’t Bet on the Prince!,” I cried my eyes out completing Assessment #6, “Do I Put Myself First?” I discovered how resistant I was to honoring my own priorities. This was an eye-opener for me. I refuse to let people take advantage of me anymore. I have an issue exploding right now at work where I’ve been treated unfairly. Because of you, I am able to stand up for my rights. The old me would have spoken meekly to my boss, and that’s as far as it would have gone. No more, though. You have also helped me in my marriage. Of course, I continue to do a lot for my family, but I am now aware that I have needs and wants that must come first sometimes. And I communicate them without feeling guilty. For everything, thank you! - Lisa Pegues |
| Dr. Gilda: I cannot thank you enough for such a wonderful and encouraging class. Yours was by far the best class at Mercy College! Your book, “Don’t Bet on the Prince!,” is amazing, and it made me realize my self-worth on a different level. One of the things I pride myself on is my awareness—but there were things I learned about myself that I was not aware of. I cannot thank you enough!! I am truly going to miss you! Luv - Christine Magner |
| Hiya Dr. Gilda, I finally had the opportunity to use what you taught me. My manager asked me to prepare a presentation for the Department Vice President, the Senior Executive Vice President, and the President of the Company. I felt no anxiety, just a desire to show who I am, what I have learned, and what I can do. After my presentation, on his way out, the President stopped by my desk to shake my hand, and compliment me! Thank you, Dr. Gilda. Without your experience, strength and teaching, I could not have projected your concept of my power image on these very influential people. - Larry Crilley |
| Dear Dr. Gilda, Thank you for everything!! You have truly been a LIFE SAVER. No one knows just how much. I think that without you, I would still be in the doldrums somewhere, LOST. I speak to all my friends about your book, “Don’t Bet on the Prince!” God Speed to you. - Cathy Charles |
| Dear Dr. Gilda, I wanted to take this time out to personally thank you for providing insight into my misguided parenting. You helped me see the dangers of self-indulgence, and of living my life vicariously through my children. I learned the need to let go. I know now that some things need to be experienced by my children themselves. - Gregory Baxter |
| Dear Dr. Gilda, I learned a lot about myself from Self Assessment #4, “Ask for What I Need and Want” in your book, “Don’t Bet on the Prince!” I compare myself to the person I was 10 years ago, 5 years ago, 2 years ago and today. How I’ve changed! Ten years ago, I wouldn’t even have considered asking for what I needed or wanted. Five years ago, I would have asked what people other than myself needed or wanted. Two years ago, I would have avoided the question all together because I would have been embarrassed for needing or wanting anything. But today, I have found my voice. A bit quiet at first, but I‘m getting the hang of it. My voice has become quite pronounced, and now I notice there are people who want to listen, and people who can’t help but listen. I have surprised myself with my progress. Thank you for everything. You really touched my life in ways that I will never forget and will always be grateful for. I can see the growth and personal achievements in every one of us in the class. We will each walk away a richer person. You have given us all a truly special gift, and again, I thank you. You are really a beautiful person. Forever your student, - Nora Durling |
| Dear Dr. Gilda, I want to say thank you for a great learning experience. I feel that I have grown so much in the little time we had together. I don't like saying goodbye’s, so I ran out of class last night, as soon as it was over. In my whole 28 years of living on this earth, I have never met anyone like you, so loving, giving, sharing, and kind. I'm sure that you are blessed, but I know that there are so many more blessings out there for you, because of the work you are doing, and it all comes from your heart. Who would have thought that I would have the famous Dr. Gilda for one of my professors at Mercy College? It’s not like it's NYU or some other big name college! I wanted to say thank you for what you have done for me. Your class and your book, “Don’t Bet on the Prince!,” will help me be a better person, and I will continue to work on me. I just can't say thank you enough. I will be keeping in touch. May God continue to shower you with His blessings. - Aisha Shinaul |
| Dear Dr. Gilda, I felt like I needed an oxygen mask as I started to write Self-Assessment #1, “My Story” from your book, “Don’t Bet on the Prince!” Why was it necessary for me to go through so much heartache for so many years? When I had opportunities to change, I backed away, making excuses all the time. Why was it necessary to have everybody's support in order to make positive changes in my own life? Since last Wednesday, I haven’t put your book down. It is the last thing I read before I close my eyes at night. What I am learning is that I and only I must decide what is best for me. In doing these Self-Assessments, I realized that I lost so much of myself. I had the opportunity to exercise my rights many times, but never wanted to rock the boat, always feeling that others knew what was better for me. Also, I learned that I never had positive goals. I let people and things around me set a "cap" on what I needed. What a terrible thing to allow others to dominate me! I wondered how I could have ignored the constant lessons that kept coming up in different forms during my life. But your last words to me today were, "When the student is ready, the teacher appears." Thank you very much for being my teacher. You appeared at the beginning of my new journey. I shared this with my children. My daughter is busy reading your book, “Teen Talk with Dr. Gilda” and has read 100+ pages since I gave it to her. I am getting better every day. I realize, Dr. Gilda, how overwhelmed I had been for so long. I take it minute by minute. Once again, I thank you for all the best you've wished for me. God has richly blessed you. Stay healthy and well. Sincerely, - Annie Samson |
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| Dear Dr. Gilda, You have truly helped me see who I am and the woman I want to be. I never expected to learn so much from a Business course. You are truly a special and gifted person. You have a unique way of allowing people to be honest with you, and I will never forget what I have learned from you. Thank you so much, Dr. Gilda. xoxo - Taryn Leung |
| Dear Dr. Gilda, I’m glad you included your students when you e-mailed the transcript of your appearance on NBC’s TODAY SHOW. It’s great to see a professor extend herself beyond the boundaries of the classroom. You taught us to be on our guard because people wear masks. I don’t see you wearing a mask. It’s a rare and wonderful quality to see in someone. You’ve touched me more than you can imagine. And I am constantly repeating your Gilda-Gram, "Praise and blame are both the same." Thank you for being someone to emulate. - James Rogan |
| Dear Dr. Gilda, I had the pleasure of being your student for The Psychology of Communication at the Manhattan campus. I am sure that you do not remember me, but I could never forget you. You have an overpowering ability to touch the lives of others. Your class offered an experience that was meaningful and unforgettable. Thank you! - Keneisha Platt-Mckie |
| Dear Dr. Gilda, Thank you for my Personal Phone Dialogue. WOW, you saw things that I could not and did not, and yet you do not even know my girlfriend! But you were so on target! I can't thank you enough. - Name Withheld for Privacy |
| Dear Dr. Gilda, I'm thrilled to receive an answer so quickly for my Personal Dialogue with Dr. Gilda. Thank you! You say I should be "a killer at work and a kitten at love." Yikes! Can't I just be Cinderella? No, I suppose not. Been there, done that anyway. Guess we will just ride this wave. Thank you again. I will be in touch. What a great service you provide!! - Name Withheld for Privacy |
| Dear Dr. Gilda, I hope you continue to teach graduate courses at Con Edison in the future. We had a blast in your course, especially during our Henny Penny reenactments of the roles of leadership and followership. Those skits we did were hysterical. You have that special way of bringing to light our "inner thoughts," which then makes us reflect more deeply on who we really are as people. Best of all, you made the class FUN. THANK YOU for being you! - Wayne Westervelt |
| Dear Dr. Gilda, Thank you very much for your reply to my Personal E-Mail Dialogue. You are very insightful. Your astute advice has helped me end my relationship. We have decided to meet and talk as you suggested, and now the end appears to be taking care of itself. I appreciate your insight. - Name Withheld for Privacy |
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Dear Dr. Gilda, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for the advice you have given me during the course of my college study because it finally paid off. I had been working for a certain company and dealing with a lot of depressing issues, which I believe would have caused me to lose my mind totally by now.But thanks to your book, "Don't Bet On The Prince!," and the classes I have taken with you, I was able to handle the situation and maintain my sanity. Last year, this company's recruiter contacted me and asked if I would consider a position with their company.During this time, I had a job I was recognized at and was doing well at.But she sold the company to me with a decent salary. My training at the company wasn't exactly top of the line. I went through two weeks of taking notes and reading a lot of literature. Afterwards, I was told to head to my location. Once there, things were not the way I had anticipated. There was a complete lack of structure and follow-up. After a while, I became worried and frustrated because I was not close to my performance expectations.When I brought this the attention of my District Manager, she assured me that I should not worry about it because it was holiday season, which was the toughest time to train someone, and when it slowed down, I would be trained. Holiday season came and went and I received no training. My manager quit and I was the only manager in the building.Now the challenge became unbearable. I got a new acting manager who was not supportive and very critical. In addition, it was rumored that the building would be closing in three months. Therefore, no one really cared. I was going home every night feeling depressed and inadequate. I had a meeting with my District Manager and broke down. Never had I held a position where I did not perform well above average, and this was weighing me down a whole lot, I hated waking up in the morning to go to work, and something had to give. I decided to re-read your book, "Don't Bet On The Prince!" and go over the notes I had taken during your class.This started to open my eyes. I realized that I am the only one who knows my capabilities and limits, and I shouldn't let the situation break me down. I realized I had settled instead of fighting and putting myself first. I decided to do for me. My first move was to start looking for another job. It only took a week before I was hired somewhere else. This alone started to bring my confidence level back up because I realized that I was good at what I did and that I just needed a reminder. I continued reading your book and made it a point to totally disassociate myself from all the drama. It was your book that got me to snap out of it, and leave that unhealthy environment. It helped me take back what was mine: my pride, my integrity and my work ethic. I regained my confidence and remembered that the sky is my limit. I am now back to where I used to be. My current District Manager and immediate manager already see my potential and are nurturing me towards success by working with me to understand the full nature of the business. I love going to work, too. Thank you, Dr. Gilda :-) Much love, -Patricia Wakhu Parker |
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Dear Dr. Gilda, In my busy schedule, I don't think I have ever had the time to say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for being you-- as my professor, my mentor, and my coach. I believe that God puts people exactly where they need to be. With that, he put you in my life, You are an amazing and positive person that knew I needed you. Thank you. - Denise Mendoza |
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Dear Dr. Gilda, You have motivated me to look at the inner person I thought I was, and to reflect with deeper introspection. I realized that I am more than an African American woman, a mother, a student, a nurse, a daughter. I am a child of God. A strong and powerful woman that has determined that she is going to succeed at all she puts her mind to. I am going to achieve each goal I place before myself. I will always look at the glass as half full rather than half empty, and I will realize with determination that I can complete all I desire. Life has many directions to travel, and they are not obstacles, but rather, diversions for the moment. I have accepted the things I cannot change, and I have redirected myself to focus on the things I can enhance and improve. I am ME!!!! –and this is my personal journey. Thank you, Dr. Gilda. Dear Dr. Gilda, “You will never be loved if you can’t risk being disliked” is just one of the many Gilda-Grams you impart to the world on a daily basis. Another of my favorites is “Intimacy depends more on our willingness to trust than on our skill at sex.” This last Gilda-Gram is a truth I was told when I was becoming a young lady. Although the words were different, the message is exactly the same. It is reading it 40 years later that the clarity in the message finally shows through! And my confidence in relationships has been reinforced by the last Gilda-Gram in the book: “If he’s mine, I can’t lose him. If he’s not, I don’t want him.” That is the absolute best! The world will now have to contend with a new force . . . ME!!! I won’t ever again bet on any prince! I will always bet on me!!! Dear Dr. Gilda, One discussion we had online reminded me of myself so much, I started to cry. The writer mentioned self-value, self-belief, and self-image. Learning to build these values was a distant goal for me, and it seemed so unattainable. I look back today, and say, “How could I have gone so long without these important values, which are key to survival?!” Now that I am here, I will maintain my self-esteem, my desires and needs, my importance, my future, and I will stay out of "victim mode." I know what I had in the past, and only I can be accountable for what I will get in the future, the power of internal control. I have the power to create my destiny. Learning to promote myself without vulnerability, learning to project a Power Image, and learning to have balance are the beginning of a new world for me. I learned to ask myself, “What am I projecting?” I am a strong, empowered, and confident woman, and it’s time to project these images and bring them to life. A few weeks ago, I would never have thought there were so many levels to extend my excellence. Today, thanks to you and your well-written book, “Don’t Bet on the Prince!,” I am able to take me, myself, and I to the next level. This has truly been life changing! I have thoroughly enjoyed you! I want to thank you for sharing stories from the developing stages of your life as it made me feel at ease to also share. This class turned out to be a very rewarding one for me. Reading your book, “Don’t Bet on the Prince!” has reinforced many of our shared views and truths about living life without feeling guilty for not pleasing others. When I do decide to give of myself it will definitely be from the overflow. Your self-assessments helped me tremendously to know myself better, and to make changes necessary to live a balanced life. I feel men should also read your book, as it not intended "for women only." It is a valuable resource to always have on hand. I have finished it, and have passed it on to my daughter, who is 30 years old, in an abusive relationship, and is in dire need of reading it. I know she will benefit from it, and she will begin to bet on herself. Thank you so much for making this class educational, fun and, overall, a wonderful experience. I know my daughter will also thank you. Take care, God Bless and please do write another. Sincerely, Rose Diaz
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