Welcome to my Blog

Thank you for stopping by. This space is where I share research, reflections, and practical tools drawn from my experience as a marriage and family therapist.

Are you a couple looking for clarity? A professional curious about the science of relationships? Or simply someone interested in how love and resilience work? I’m glad you’ve found your way here. I can help with that.

Each post is written with one goal in mind: to help you better understand yourself, your partner, and the hidden dynamics that shape human connection.

Grab a coffee (or a notebook), explore what speaks to you, and take what’s useful back into your life and relationships. And if a post sparks a question, or makes you realize you could use more support, I’d love to hear from you.

Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
~Daniel

P.S.

Feel free to explore the categories below to find past blog posts on the topics that matter most to you. If you’re curious about attachment, navigating conflict, or strengthening intimacy, these archives are a great way to dive deeper into the research and insights that I’ve been sharing for years.

 

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

Why do Americans believe in Willpower Fitness?

Believing that willpower is an infinite resource can unlock greater reserves of self-control.

However, many people fall into the trap of viewing their willpower as limited and needing periodic recharging, making this belief their reality.

These folks believe in Willflower Fitness, which can ebb and flow.

A revealing study compared beliefs about willpower fitness between Europeans and Americans, shedding light on how cultural perspectives influence self-control.

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Love at first sight…finally some real science

A recent study showed that over 33% of singles reported experiencing love at first sight, and men are 10% more prone to the feeling.

However, managing the end of the honeymoon phase is often a challenge.

The French have a phrase…Coup de Foudre…A sudden, unexpected event, especially an emotional one; love at first sight….Here’s the science…

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Understanding the fundamentally decent but angry man

Science tells us that the angry man must learn that he will not get what he wants by the vehicle of expressing anger.

Attention wives and girlfriends. He’s gotta understand that anger is the wrong tool for the task of influencing you.

If you can show him how you can more readily accept his influence, when he is not being angry, you can help him (and you) to communicate more effectively. Here’s how…

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Secret to Feeling 10 Years Younger: It's All About This Simple Habit…

Imagine feeling a decade younger in just two days. It might sound like a dream, but according to a groundbreaking study conducted in a sleep lab, getting enough sleep can make this dream a reality.

The research reveals that adequate sleep isn't just about feeling refreshed—it's a crucial factor in feeling and looking younger.

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What 2 things must we believe to become a Fan of Man?

The future of humanity hinges on our ability to dissolve barriers and unite to address pressing global challenges.

I’ve been thinking about this notion of how we humans can acquire a transcendent bond with others who are strangers to us.

I’ve called it agape in earlier posts… but science calls it Identity fusion.

Recent research delves into the profound impact of recognizing and embracing aspects of our shared humanity in fostering global cooperation and understanding.

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Navigating Emotional Bank Accounts: The Science Behind Thriving Relationships…

An emotional bank account is an internal measure of interpersonal trust. The balance sheet shows how often bids for attention are met by each life partner.

When you turn toward your spouse, you’re making a deposit, and when you turn away or turn against your partner, you’re making a withdrawal.

A surplus of goodwill will buffer the relationship when the inevitable withdrawals happen…

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The problem with “common sense” in relationships…

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There is a considerable problem in modern couples therapy.

Despite the fact that science-based couples therapy has never been more effective, our media is infested with shameless love gurus who have no academic or clinical training whatsoever.

Beware of any advice that offers “common sense” in relationships. Here’s 7 reasons why…

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6 couples therapy techniques that significantly improve your marriage

One research project study looked at the essence of the most successful couples therapy techniques.

They wanted to identify the strategies and techniques employed by science-based couples therapists regardless of their therapeutic orientation.

These researchers boiled it all down to 6 enduring couples therapy techniques. Here they are…

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