Evidence-based couples therapy for military personnel, veterans, and first responders addresses a profoundly unique set of challenges.

These relationships often endure intense external pressures, from prolonged separations to the lasting impact of trauma.

Therapists specializing in this niche are trained to navigate the intersection of occupational demands, cultural expectations, and relational needs, creating a pathway to resilience and connection for couples in high-stress careers.

If you’ve ever felt a twinge in your side, Googled your symptoms, and spiraled into a rabbit hole of rare diseases, congratulations—you’ve had a brush with cyberchondria.

This modern phenomenon combines the age-old anxieties of hypochondria with the limitless (and occasionally terrifying) power of the internet.

But where does this behavior come from? And how has our understanding of health anxiety evolved, both culturally and clinically?

Let’s explore the history, psychology, and quirks of cyberchondria, from its connection to hypochondria to its place in today’s mental health landscape, all while keeping it warm, witty, and slightly self-deprecating. (After all, we’ve all been there.)

If love is a battlefield, money is the strategic map.

Long-term marriages often juggle shifting roles, economic changes, and surprise curveballs (hello, 2008 recession!) that challenge how couples share financial responsibilities.

A fascinating new study published in Research in Social Stratification and Mobility peels back the curtain on financial dynamics in marriages, revealing that money matters are more egalitarian—and complex—than we might think.

Now that the holiday season has ended, and the credit cards bills start to arrive, let’s talk a little about shopping.

For some, it’s a delightful weekend pastime, a way to unwind and add a little sparkle to life.

For others, it’s a slippery slope into financial chaos and late-night existential crises over yet another online order of novelty socks.

If you’ve ever found yourself drowning in packages and wondering, Why am I like this?, science might have an answer: your executive functioning may be to blame.

A recent study published in Applied Neuropsychology: Adult found that compulsive shopping—aka shopping addiction—is closely tied to impaired executive functioning.

Simply put, those who can’t resist the siren call of “Add to Cart” might struggle with their brain’s ability to pump the brakes.

Let’s dive into what this means, why it happens, and how you can (maybe) stop buying another inflatable unicorn pool float you definitely don’t need.

What Is Compulsive Shopping?

Ever woken up from a nightmare so vivid that it felt like it dragged you through the emotional wringer?

You’re not alone.

While some of us snooze through the night like peaceful logs, others seem destined for nightly battles in the dream world.

So, what gives?

According to researchers, it boils down to two key psychological traits: thin mental boundaries and something intriguingly called nightmare proneness.

A recent study published in Dreaming delves into the mysterious mechanics behind frequent nightmares, and the findings are as fascinating as they are relatable.

The Nightmare Club: Who’s in It?

In every romantic comedy, there’s a montage of the couple doing cute things together—picnics, shared hobbies, synchronized bike rides through Central Park.

What you don’t see is the crucial subplot: Who’s losing themselves in this relationship and who’s thriving?

American culture has a love-hate relationship with individual identity in marriage. On one hand, we idolize independence (cue Beyoncé’s “Me, Myself, and I”); on the other, we cling to the idea that two people in love should merge into one gloriously entangled “we.”

But what happens when “we” devours “me”?

And how do we keep our sense of self while building a meaningful partnership?

As a couples therapist, I can tell you that neglecting individual identity within a relationship is like building a house on sand: it may hold up for a while, but sooner or later, massive cracks emerge.

Let’s dig into this topic, explore what the social science says.

Picture this: It’s a typical Thursday night. You and your spouse are scrolling through Netflix, both avoiding the burning question of who will pick tonight’s show.

You suggest a rom-com; they counter with a gritty true-crime docuseries. An innocent disagreement? Sure. But, beneath the surface, tiny, invisible resentments may already be simmering: Why do I always have to compromise?

Resentment in marriage is like rust. And Rust Never Sleeps.

It doesn’t start as a gaping hole in the hull of your relationship, but if left unchecked, it eats away at the foundation, leaving your partnership shaky and prone to collapse.

So, let’s dive into why resentment happens, how it festers, and what to do before you’re both watching TV in separate rooms.

High-stress jobs can test even the strongest relationships, but understanding the unique challenges and adopting practical strategies can help couples thrive together.

When one or both partners work in high-stress professions, the job can become a third presence in the relationship.

Healthcare workers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and corporate executives often face immense physical and emotional demands that impact their romantic lives.

Long hours, irregular schedules, exposure to trauma, and a pressure to perform can erode intimacy and connection.

To explore how these dynamics play out in real life, let’s dive into the lives of three couples facing unique challenges in high-stress professions. Along the way, we’ll discuss strategies for building resilience and maintaining emotional intimacy despite the pressures.

Over the past few decades, American women have made remarkable economic strides, challenging traditional gender roles and reshaping labor market dynamics.

Women's economic success can be attributed to various factors, including higher educational attainment, shifts in employment trends, and changing societal norms.

Conversely, American men are experiencing a decline in economic participation and success.

This disparity has significant implications for social structures, including the concept of hypergamy—marrying “up” economically—which is being redefined in this context.

In a world where dreams of white picket fences collide with skyrocketing home prices, a fascinating trend is reshaping the milestones of modern relationships.

Increasingly, couples are saying "I do" to homeownership before marriage, redefining what commitment looks like in today’s economic and social landscape.

But why is this shift happening, and what does it mean for relationships?

Let’s explore the reasons, benefits, and challenges of this emerging trend, all while celebrating the love and practicality that drive it.

Compassion fatigue is a concept frequently discussed in the context of professional caregiving—where doctors, nurses, and therapists experience emotional exhaustion from constant caregiving demands.

However, a similar phenomenon can occur in long-term relationships and marriages.

When one partner has a lived experience of continuously provides emotional support or care, especially during prolonged periods of stress or hardship, they may feel emotionally drained or detached over time.

This withdrawal doesn’t necessarily mean they love their partner any less; it simply reflects the natural limits of their emotional bank account.

Understanding compassion fatigue in personal relationships helps illuminate why some partners might retreat emotionally, even when they care deeply.

This post will explore research supporting this concept, alternative explanations, and a specific factor that can make compassion fatigue even more pronounced: self-absorption.

Modern life is chaotic. This was unthinkable in 1954, but today It’s increasingly common for couples to switch up traditional financial roles.

She might be the one climbing the corporate ladder while he’s handling household duties, or maybe both partners are taking turns as the primary earner.

These changes can feel empowering, freeing, and—sometimes—a little daunting.

When financial roles are reversed, they can bring up all sorts of emotions, from pride and excitement to insecurities or even unexpected tension.

Financial role reversals can impact our sense of identity, value, and connection in relationships. Let’s explore how these shifts affect us emotionally and relationally, and how to navigate this new territory with empathy, openness, and even a little humor.