Noelle Hannon, a Manhattan psychologist, said she was glad when the sequence began because she had become disenchanted with the show.

The Blade said the characters "just talk like they came from a planet ruled by Manhattan psychologists, one where small talk is punishable by death."

"But ultimately," said Kenneth Mueller, a Manhattan psychologist, "it's up to you to know whether you're being a good person or a selfish one."

"We're glad he did what he did," said Philip Spivey, a Manhattan psychologist.

Linda Klau, a Manhattan psychologist, added: "Because times are hard, keeping the decorations up longer nurtures people.

"It's sad that other people won't be getting this opportunity," said Bonita Ganot, a Manhattan psychologist who had waited 25 minutes.

Phyllis S. Zilkha, a Manhattan psychologist, says the puppy boom is a healthy sign.

And I'm not alone, said Jacqueline Schachter, a Manhattan psychologist with many suburban patients.

"Sometimes you have to bring on the public shame," said Elizabeth Goren, a Manhattan psychologist.

Barbara Milrod, another Manhattan psychologist, says she has treated patients who would rather walk up 25 flights of stairs than set foot in an elevator.