Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

Cuffing Season: Why We All Suddenly Want to Snuggle Up When It Gets Cold

Cuffing Season. That magical time of year when the air gets crisp, the days get shorter, and suddenly everyone’s on the hunt for someone to share a blanket—and maybe a Netflix password—with.

If you’ve noticed that your inbox starts buzzing with “Hey, stranger…” texts as soon as the leaves begin to fall, congratulations—you’ve officially entered cuffing season.

While the memes about cuffing season might make you chuckle, a lot is happening behind the scenes. So, grab your pumpkin spice latte, and let’s dive into what makes cuffing season such a big deal.

Read More
Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

From Hookup Culture to Neo-Prudism: Are We Witnessing a Return to Romantic Restraint?

The conversation around hookup culture, particularly in the context of feminism, has dominated discussions on modern relationships.

But could we be on the cusp of a cultural shift that sees a new prude ethos emerging, one that challenges the casual sexual norms of today?

As a couples therapist, this possibility isn't just intriguing—it's essential to understand the changing dynamics that could reshape how intimacy and commitment are approached in the coming years.

Read More
Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

Meme-Worthy Generational Tensions: A Marriage and Family Therapist’s Take on Boomer vs. Millennial vs. Gen Z Clashes

As a marriage and family therapist, I’ve seen my fair share of generational clashes, but nothing quite compares to the simmering tension between Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z.

These generational differences affect family dynamics as well as shaping how we perceive work ethics, technology, and social norms.

So, let's dive into this modern-day generational battlefield, armed with humor, social science, and a few choice quotes from the front lines of social media.

Read More
Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

The Great Dating Game: Confessions, Disgust, and a Sprinkle of Kindness

Dating—the magical world where we all try to show off our best selves, like peacocks fanning their feathers, but with less color and more awkwardness.

But what happens when the mask slips a little, and we’re forced to admit that we’re not all perfect angels?

What if we had to come clean about something a little less glamorous, like, say, questionable hygiene or a slight tendency to stretch the truth?

Well, grab some popcorn because a recent study published in Telematics and Informatics has dived deep into this very dilemma, and the results are both eye-opening and just a little bit hilarious.

Spoiler alert: Men are more likely to admit to smelling funky, while women might confess to the occasional moral faux pas. Let’s take a stroll through the highlights, shall we?

Read More
Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

What Does Sneaky Link Mean?

As a couples therapist, I’ve observed how the digital age has dramatically altered the dynamics of romantic relationships.

Among the most concerning trends is the rise of the "Sneaky Link" meme—a term that has gained widespread popularity on social media, representing secretive romantic or sexual encounters hidden from one’s primary partner.

This meme not only underscores the ease with which infidelity can now be conducted but also reveals a troubling connection to technologically assisted narcissism.

Read More
Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

The Maiden, Mother, and Matriarch: Female Life Stages in the Age of Twitter

Ah, the grand circle of life. Not the one with lions and Elton John soundtracks, but the more human version—the maiden, mother, matriarch.

This isn't just a pretty phrase for a Hallmark card; it's an ancient archetype that's survived the ages, even if it's now being dissected, debated, and, of course, meme-ified by Gen Z.

And who better to weigh in on this than an old white male therapist like myself, nestled in the intellectual cradle of Northampton, Massachusetts, where the feminist winds blow strong and the organic kale is always fresh?

Read More
Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

Understanding The Difference Between Communal and Pro-Social Narcissism

Narcissism is a multifaceted personality trait that can manifest in ways that are not always immediately recognizable as self-serving.

Two such variations are communal narcissism and pro-social narcissism.

While both forms involve behaviors that appear outwardly altruistic or cooperative, their motivations and the ways they seek validation are fundamentally different.

This post will delve into these more obscure flavors of narcissism, drawing on social science research to explore their characteristics and impacts.

Read More
Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

What is a Communal Narcissist?

Ever met someone who seems obsessed with their good deeds, always reminding you (and everyone else) of how selfless and altruistic, or god-fearing and patriotic they are?

You might just be dealing with the aforementioned communal narcissist.

As a couples therapist, I’ve seen the curious case of the communal narcissist unfold more than a few times.

It’s a fascinating blend of narcissism cloaked in community service and activism.

Let’s dive into this intriguing personality type and explore what it means for relationships when one or both partners are communal narcissists.

Read More
Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

Understanding the Beta Female Meme: Identity and Gender Expectations in Internet Culture

The Beta Female meme isn't just another internet label; it's a reflection of deeper societal issues surrounding identity, power, and gender roles.

These memes, which sort people into simplistic categories like Alpha and Beta, help us understand the complexities of modern identity and the ongoing discussions about gender expectations.

What Is the Beta Female?

Read More
Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

The Sigma Female Meme: Strengths, Pitfalls, and Cultural Implications

The Sigma Female meme has rapidly become a fixture in online discourse, embodying the archetype of a self-reliant, independent woman who operates outside traditional social hierarchies.

Like its counterpart, the Sigma Male, the Sigma Female is celebrated for her autonomy and authenticity.

However, as with any cultural phenomenon, the Sigma Female meme has both strengths and weaknesses. This assessment aims to provide a balanced view, considering its appeal, potential pitfalls, and broader cultural implications.

Read More
Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

The Gamma Female: Unraveling the New Meme

Move over Alpha and Beta, there's a new contender in the social hierarchy of memes: the Gamma Female.

This relatively fresh addition to the ever-growing lexicon of personality archetypes has sparked curiosity, debates, and a fair share of social media banter.

But who exactly is the Gamma Female?

Where did this meme come from?

And, most intriguingly, are we talking about neurodiverse women here?

Read More
Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

What Is The Alpha Female Meme?

The concept of the Alpha Female has emerged as a powerful and complex representation of women in contemporary society.

While the idea of an "Alpha Male" has long dominated cultural narratives, the rise of the alpha female meme reflects shifting gender dynamics and the growing recognition of women's leadership and dominance across various fields.

This blog post explores the history of the Alpha Female meme, examines related memes that categorize women in similar ways, and delves into the social science and evolutionary psychology behind these concepts.

Read More