Psychopaths enjoy an undeserved reputation as evil geniuses. In reality, they aren't all that smart, though they can be surprisingly subtle, especially when they’re female.

Their willingness to lie and manipulate to get what they want is chilling, yet intriguing.

In this blog, I’ll review a dozen psychological studies on psychopathy, revealing their personality traits, dark secrets, and why some psychopaths can be relatively successful.

Let’s discuss the elusive Nice Guy Narcissist.

This charming specimen seems perfect on the surface—attentive, caring, and oh-so-polite. But as you look deeper, you might notice that there's something off about this seemingly perfect gentleman.

Let's dive into the 12 traits that define the Nice Guy Narcissist, shedding light on how to spot him early on.

Narcissism, often misunderstood and misrepresented, is an annoying and problematic personality trait.

While the term "narcissist" is frequently thrown around in popular culture, true narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a serious condition that affects how sufferers perceive themselves and interact with intimate others.

Understanding the 12 foundational traits of narcissism can help identify and address this disorder effectively.

Here, we’ll explore the 12 most prominent traits of narcissism, supported by social science research.

The Single Inventory Narcissism Score (SINS) is a psychological tool designed to measure narcissistic traits using just one straightforward question.

Unlike the more extensive Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI), which includes multiple questions, SINS offers a quick and simple assessment.

Why does this one question work so well in detecting narcissism?

Narcissistic mortification is a profound emotional experience characterized by intense feelings of shame, humiliation, and inadequacy.

This concept is especially pertinent in the context of personal relationships, where partners may inadvertently or intentionally trigger these emotions in one another.

As a couples therapist, understanding and addressing narcissistic mortification is crucial for helping individuals and couples navigate the complex dynamics that can arise from these deep-seated emotional wounds.

As a marriage and family therapist, I've seen firsthand how past traumas can cast a long shadow over present relationships.

A recent study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships brings this into sharp focus.

It reveals that Israeli Arabs who experienced higher levels of physical abuse in childhood often face poorer marriage quality as adults.

These folks also tend to report higher levels of psychological distress and are more likely to exhibit insecure attachment styles.

As a couples therapist, I often hear the phrase, "The eyes are the windows to the soul."

But did you know that those windows can reveal an astonishing amount about a person's emotions?

Recent research suggests that the way people widen or narrow their eyes can tell us volumes about what they're feeling.

Let's explore the science behind this fascinating phenomenon and compare it to our well-documented struggle to detect lies.

Hypersexuality is a topic often shrouded in mystery, stigma, and misconceptions.

While many might joke about having an insatiable sexual appetite, hypersexuality is a serious issue that can wreak havoc on one’s life, much like any other addiction.

With the rise of digital culture and the easy availability of explicit content, understanding and identifying sex addiction has become more critical than ever.

This quiz aims to help you determine whether your sexual behaviors might be veering into addictive territory, while also exploring how Cultural Narcissism plays a role in this modern-day affliction.

We’ve all met that person who constantly talks about themselves, believes they’re superior to everyone else, and craves admiration.

These are hallmark traits of narcissism, a personality characteristic that's received a lot of attention recently. But how does narcissism evolve with age?

New research offers some surprising insights, indicating that these traits may become less pronounced as folks grow older.

Understanding your past can be a crucial step in healing and personal growth. This quiz is designed to help you explore potential childhood trauma.

Inspired by the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study, this quiz will guide you through a series of questions to evaluate your experiences.

Remember, this quiz is not a substitute for professional advice but can be a starting point for understanding your history.

Narcissism isn't a one-size-fits-all trait, especially when it comes to gender.

Research reveals that female narcissists tend to be 'vulnerable' while their male counterparts are more often 'grandiose.'

Dr. Claire Hart, co-author of two pivotal studies on gender and narcissism, sheds light on this distinction.

Relationships today are a lot like riding a roller coaster blindfolded, in a hailstorm, with a dubious safety harness.

In other words, life is tough, get a helmet!

Modern couples face an array of challenges that can make even the most stable relationship feel like it's teetering on the edge of a cliff.

From financial woes and work stress to digital distractions and societal pressures, the path to a happy, healthy partnership can be as tricky as navigating a minefield on a pogo stick.