Welcome to my Blog

Thank you for stopping by. This space is where I share research, reflections, and practical tools drawn from psychology and couples therapy.

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.

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

Nutrient-rich diets linked to superior intelligence and memory

Let’s discuss the Nutrients that promote healthy brain aging.

As we grow older, cognitive decline is a common issue many face.

However, new research suggests that the right diet may help slow down or even prevent this age-related brain deterioration.

A recent study published in Nature Aging reveals that certain nutrients can significantly enhance brain structure, function, and cognitive abilities in older adults.

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Do people really learn from their mistakes?

The Common Belief in Learning from Mistakes

There is a pervasive belief in the power of failure to teach valuable lessons. Business leaders often promote this notion, which is echoed in popular media.

It is a robust American trope.

The idea is that while failure is challenging, it ultimately fuels success.

However, recent research paints a different picture: people generally struggle to learn from their mistakes.

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How to talk to your spouse about money without fighting

Money, they say, makes the world go round. But when it comes to discussing finances with your spouse, it can feel more like you’re spinning in circles—or worse, gearing up for a boxing match.

Fear not, gentle reader, for I, your trusty couples therapist, am here to guide you through the treacherous terrain of marital money talks.

With a pinch of humor and a dollop of research-backed advice, you'll be able to navigate these conversations without turning them into arguments. Let's dive in.

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The mental health benefits of Yoga: better sleep, reduced depression and more

Yoga offers numerous mental health benefits in addition to its well-known physical advantages.

This is largely due to yoga's meditative aspect, which encourages participants to focus on their breathing.

One of the most popular styles in the West is Hatha yoga, an ancient practice that involves a series of postures, meditation, and focused breathing.

Despite the meaning of "Hatha" as "force" or "violence," the movements in this form of yoga are typically gentle and easy to learn.

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What does familiarity breeds contempt mean?

Ever heard the phrase "familiarity breeds contempt"? According to psychologists, the more we know about someone, the less we might actually like them.

Surprising, right? Especially given how many of us are eternal optimists about forming new relationships.

Let's explore this phenomenon and understand why too much familiarity can sometimes lead to disappointment.

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Will Crypto become the currency of Cultural Narcissism?

In a survey of 2,001 Americans, crypto ownership was also associated with being male and high-income, consuming fringe media, and reporting feelings of victimhood.

Owning cryptocurrency isn't just about dodging financial norms—it's about embodying a certain set of personality traits and demographics, according to a study published on July 3, 2024, in the open-access journal PLOS ONE.

Shane Littrell from the University of Toronto, along with colleagues from the University of Miami, USA, spearheaded this dive into the psyche of crypto enthusiasts.

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The surprising link between fluid intelligence and short-term memory

Ever wonder if you have a high fluid IQ? Well, it might be hiding in your short-term memory!

Psychological research reveals that the ability to store more items in short-term memory indicates a higher fluid IQ.

The average number of things people can store in short-term memory, whether words, numbers, or random facts, is around four. And don't blink because short-term memory only lasts about 15 to 30 seconds.

However, if you can juggle more than four items in your short-term memory, it suggests you might have an above-average IQ.

Or does it?

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