Let’s talk about Emotional Bandwidth Management with multiple partners..

Polyamory, at least in its idealized form, is often presented as a boundless landscape where love flows freely between multiple partners.

It’s a vision of relationships unshackled by monogamous norms, offering infinite possibilities for connection, growth, and intimacy.

But beneath this utopian image lies a reality that’s far less glamorous—one that involves a limited resource that no amount of love can stretch: emotional bandwidth.

The concept of "self-partnering," popularized by figures like Emma Watson, represents a profound shift in how individuals approach intimate relationships in the USA.

This trend transcends traditional notions of singlehood, emphasizing a conscious decision to focus on personal growth, self-care, and autonomy.

As cultural norms evolve, self-partnering challenges established paradigms of fulfillment, happiness, and commitment, quietly redefining the landscape of intimate relationships.

Compersion is a notion of polyamory advocates, hailed as the antidote to jealousy—a state of enlightened bliss where you’re genuinely happy to see your partner enjoying romantic or sexual experiences with someone else.

It’s the magical potion that supposedly transforms human nature from its possessive, insecure roots into something resembling unconditional love... or so we’re told.

As a marriage and family therapist, I’ve seen how early experiences profoundly shape a child’s emotional and psychological development.

In our increasingly digital world, one of the most concerning trends is the use of screens as a tool for managing children’s emotions.

While it may be tempting to hand a child a tablet or smartphone to calm them during a tantrum, emerging research suggests that this practice could have serious long-term consequences for their emotional growth.

The Research: Screens as Emotional Pacifiers

In today’s hyper-connected world, the notion of a “loneliness epidemic” within marriages might seem paradoxical.

After all, we’re constantly in touch, right?

Yet, many couples report feeling more disconnected than ever, living side by side but existing in emotional silos.

But is this really an epidemic of loneliness, or have we, like the mythical Lotus-Eaters, been lulled into a state of complacency by the siren song of technology and convenience?

Perhaps it’s not that we’re isolated, but rather that we’ve become too distracted—too lazy, even—to invest in the connections that truly matter.

In an age where communication is increasingly digital, the concept of a family group chat has emerged as a modern-day hub for connection, coordination, and camaraderie.

The names we assign to these chats can reveal much about family dynamics, roles, and even humor.

This article explores the significance of family group chat names, drawing on social science research, the insights of family therapy pioneer Virginia Satir, and the broader implications of digital communication in family life.

In this post, I’ll pay homage to the family group chat—a place where modern technology meets the timeless chaos of family dynamics.

If you've ever tried to mediate a family group chat as a marriage and family therapist, you'll understand that it’s like a circus on fire.

Let’s take a humorous dive into the wild world of family group chats and explore how Whitaker and Jay Haley's brilliant ideas can help us not just survive but thrive in this digital arena. Strap in—this ride’s about to get bumpy.

We’ve all seen the “retail therapy meme” circulating on social media, portraying shopping as the ultimate cure for a bad day.

But how much truth is there to this popular belief? Is retail therapy a harmless way to boost your mood, or does it have darker consequences?

Let’s dive deep into the neuroscience and psychology behind retail therapy, exploring what happens when shopping becomes more than just a feel-good hobby.

In an era where digital communication often substitutes real-life interactions, the significance of face-to-face conversations cannot be overstated.

Research continues to demonstrate that engaging in meaningful, in-person conversations significantly enhances happiness and reduces loneliness.

As social beings, humans have an intrinsic need to belong and feel valued, and simple face-to-face interactions fulfill this need in ways that digital communication simply cannot.

In the age of digital connectivity, social media has revolutionized the way we interact, communicate, and even engage in romantic relationships.

However, this new landscape also presents unique challenges, particularly concerning fidelity in romantic partnerships.

As a science-based couples therapist, I've observed a growing trend where social media plays a pivotal role in the dynamics of infidelity and relationship satisfaction.

This post explores the significant impact of social media on infidelity rates and how it affects relationship satisfaction, drawing from credible social science research.

New trends and behaviors often emerge, reflecting the challenges of forming meaningful connections in our technological age.

One such trend gaining attention is "Ghostlighting."

This term combines ghosting—suddenly cutting off all communication without explanation—and gaslighting—manipulating someone into questioning their reality.

As a couples therapist, I aim to shed light on this troubling phenomenon, its implications, and how to navigate it.

Relationship advice and trends come and go. However, the "green lights meme" has emerged as a beacon of positivity.

This meme focuses on highlighting the good traits and behaviors in relationships, the “green lights,” which signal healthy and supportive partnerships.

But what exactly is the green lights meme, and what social purpose does it serve?

Let’s delve into this uplifting trend and explore its gender expressions and its significant social impact.