What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Unlocking the Brain’s REM Sleep Switch: What It Means for Sleep Health

Deep within the brain, a tiny area known as the “blue spot,” or Locus Coeruleus, has been found to control one of our most mysterious and essential functions: REM sleep.

This stage of sleep, where our most vivid dreams occur and our brain performs crucial maintenance, plays a critical role in our mental and physical well-being.

Researchers from McGill University and the University of Padua have now uncovered how to control this switch, a discovery that could transform the field of sleep medicine and offer new hope to millions who suffer from sleep disorders.

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Eating Fish Linked to Lower Risk of Cognitive Decline: How Omega-3s Can Help Boost Brain Health

Looking to keep your mind sharp as you age?

Eating fish could be the key!

A recent meta-analysis published in Aging Clinical and Experimental Research shows that a diet rich in fish can reduce the risk of cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.

And if eating fish isn’t your thing, don’t worry—omega-3 supplements like Udo’s Oil can give you the same brain-boosting benefits. Let’s dive into why fish and omega-3s are so important for brain health and what science has to say about it.

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

The Rise of "Gremlin Energy" in Relationships

As a couples therapist, I often see relationship dynamics mirrored in pop culture memes, and "Gremlin Energy" is no exception.

This emerging meme reflects how people, particularly in intimate relationships, indulge in chaotic, playful behaviors without shame or hesitation.

It's not just about being mischievous—Gremlin Energy invites us to explore what it means to let our guard down and be truly uninhibited with our partner.

Let's explore how this meme manifests in relationships.

What is Gremlin Energy in Relationships?

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Welcome to the Comfort Room: The Secret to Changing Your Life Without Ever Leaving Your Cozy Spot

Alright, let’s be honest. How many times have you heard someone say, “You just need to step outside your comfort zone!” and wanted to roll your eyes so hard you could see your own brain?

Yeah, me too.

We’ve been fed this idea that true growth can only happen when we’re sweating with anxiety, knees shaking, about to burst into a full-blown panic attack.

But is jumping into the terrifying unknown really the best way to grow? Or is there a smarter, comfier way? Spoiler alert: there is, and it involves not abandoning the place where you feel safe.

Introducing the Comfort Room, a fresh take on self-growth that won’t make you break out in a cold sweat. It’s time to change the narrative from “step outside your comfort zone” to “how about we redecorate your comfort zone and expand it, so you don’t feel like you’re about to face a room full of angry velociraptors?”

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

The Afterglow Effect: A Deeper Dive Into Intimacy, Art, and Awe

The “afterglow effect” is more than just a fleeting emotional high following intimacy.

It's a powerful experience that has captivated poets, artists, and psychologists alike, pulling together threads from art, science, and even spirituality.

The glow lingers, not just in our bodies, but in our hearts and minds, offering a unique window into the human need for connection.

But is there more to this phenomenon than the momentary warmth we feel? How does it interact with deeper emotions like awe? And what does modern science say about it? Let’s explore further.

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

10 Little Romantic Things Women Want (Without Having to Ask)

Imagine this: you're snuggled up on the couch, watching a rom-com where the guy shows up with flowers, a surprise date, and—of course—a rain-soaked kiss that would make Noah's Ark jealous.

Meanwhile, your partner is happily munching on snacks, completely oblivious to the fact that you, too, would love a grand romantic gesture (or even just a text back).

The truth is, most women don’t want to ask for romance—they want it to come naturally.

So, before you start Googling "how to be romantic," take a breath. I've got you covered with 10 simple ways to show your love without needing a special occasion or a Pinterest board. Let's get into it!

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Alain de Botton and the School of Life

The School of Life, co-founded by philosopher Alain de Botton in 2008, offers a somewhat derivative, but sincere perspective on relationships, blending psychological insights with philosophical thought.

The institution is dedicated to providing tools and guidance to help folks navigate the complexities of emotional well-being, relationships, and self-knowledge.

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Building Wealth Together: How Simple Living and Mindful Choices Lead to Financial Freedom in Relationships

In a world where consumerism often dictates our understanding of success, the pursuit of financial independence can seem like a distant dream.

However, true financial freedom is not just for the exceptionally wealthy or those with extraordinary incomes.

Drawing on the groundbreaking research of Dr. Thomas Stanley, author of The Millionaire Next Door, and insights from couples therapy, this blog post explores how couples can build lasting financial security while strengthening their relationships.

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Unlocking the Mystery: What Does It Mean to Be Lucky in Love?

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be "lucky in love"?

It’s a phrase we hear often, but what does it actually entail? Is it just a whimsical notion, or is there a science behind it?

As it turns out, the concept of being lucky in love is more than just a romantic ideal—it’s a topic that researchers have explored in depth.

Is there a science to being lucky in love?

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Unlock the Secret to What Makes You Attractive: Playfulness

Ever wonder what makes you attractive? Researchers wonder too. Dr. René Proyer from the Institute of Psychology at MLU claims that his recent research has uncovered the secret of being attractive.

And it’s Playfulness.

Playfulness is what makes you attractive. According to Dr. Proyer, it’s is one of the most charming ways of engaging with others.

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Relationship Status: “Joint Costco Membership” — A Deep Dive into Emo-Markers of Commitment

As a marriage and family therapist, I spend a lot of time helping couples recognize the often-overlooked signals of commitment that define their relationship.

While we all know the traditional milestones—like moving in together, marriage, or having kids—there's something profound about the more subtle indicators that show two people are genuinely committed to each other.

One of the most underappreciated of these? The joint Costco membership.

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Flamping: A Family Adventure in the Pursuit of Awe

Imagine landing your small plane on a remote airstrip, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

As the engine cools and the sun begins to set, you and your family pitch tents beside the aircraft, surrounded by nothing but nature's grandeur.

This is "flamping"—a blend of flying and camping that offers not just an adventure, but a deeply enriching family experience.

But flamping is more than just a getaway.

It’s a journey into the heart of awe, a powerful emotion that can transform how we see ourselves and each other.

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