Divorce isn’t what it used to be.

Gone are the days when hushed whispers followed someone who decided to call it quits on their marriage.

Today, divorce has its own cultural moment, complete with social media hashtags, cheeky memes, and an entire vocabulary that makes it seem like more of a personal transformation than a life crisis.

From the “Divorce Glow-Up” to the idea of “Soft Launching the Divorce,” there’s an oddly hopeful narrative that frames divorce not as an ending, but as a fresh beginning.

But how much of this narrative is whistling in the dark, and what does the research really say about the emotional and psychological toll of ending a marriage?

Let’s explore the hopeful—but sometimes misleading—trends in the modern divorce narrative.

We all have that one habit we wish we could kick to the curb. Whether it’s mindlessly munching on snacks at midnight, doomscrolling through social media when we should be sleeping, or endlessly procrastinating important tasks—bad habits can feel like they're welded to our brains.

But here's the good news: breaking a bad habit is not only possible but backed by solid scientific research. Yes, I’m talking about real, actionable methods that work.

And guess what? We’re going to make this journey fun, filled with warmth, humor, and a hefty dose of psychology!

So, if you're ready to say goodbye to your bad habits and hello to healthier, more fulfilling routines, read on. Spoiler alert: you have more control than you think.

As a marriage and family therapist, I often hear clients say things like, “If only I had more money, I’d be happy,” or “If my job were less stressful, I could finally enjoy life.”

It’s a common belief that our happiness is determined by external circumstances like wealth, health, and career success.

But here’s the surprising truth: personality plays a much larger role in our long-term happiness than we might think.

In fact, a recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that 80% of your lifetime happiness can be traced back to just three key personality traits: emotional stability, extraversion, and conscientiousness.

One thing that always stands out is how much childhood ADHD shapes a young person’s development—especially for girls.

We often hear about ADHD in boys, but new research is shining a light on how ADHD affects girls as they grow into teenagers, shaping not just their behavior, but their personality.

This isn’t just about fidgeting in class or being easily distracted—it’s about how ADHD influences the way these girls see themselves, relate to others, and navigate the tricky transition from childhood to adolescence.

A recent study published in Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology gives us a clearer picture of this.

Researchers found that girls diagnosed with ADHD in childhood tend to become less conscientious, less agreeable, and more emotionally unstable as they move into their teenage years.

This research not only highlights how ADHD impacts personality but also suggests that the environment—particularly family background—plays a key role in shaping how girls with ADHD see themselves.

Welcome to 2024, where narcissism has evolved into its most dangerous and comical form: MAGA narcissism. It’s loud, it’s proud, and—would you believe it?—terrified of being laughed at.

That’s right, beneath the red hats and American flag capes, these MAGA diehards are trembling at the mere thought that someone, somewhere, might be making fun of their country.

But don’t worry—they still love laughing at everyone else, especially those with names they can’t pronounce or countries they can’t find on a map.

A new study has just confirmed what we all suspected: People with inflated views of their country, like your Uncle Bob at Thanksgiving who can’t stop talking about America’s greatness, are the most afraid of being the butt of the joke.

The research, published in Personality and Individual Differences, shows that the more you think your country is God’s gift to the world, the more you fear others are laughing at it. And, surprise surprise, they also love ridiculing other nations.

MAGA Narcissism: The Fragile Patriot

So, there I was, settling into my trusty therapy chair, when Lisa and Dave walked in.

Now, Lisa and Dave are one of those couples you just know have some good stories up their sleeves. Today, though, they looked...a little sheepish. This was going to be good.

Lisa started, “So, uh, Daniel, I’ve noticed something weird…”

Dave, nodding along, jumped in, “Yeah, me too. I’ve been...noticing other people. Like, really noticing.”

Ah, the infamous wandering eye.

But before you roll your eyes and think, “Here we go, relationship drama 101,” let me tell you—this is not what you expect.

Turns out, that sudden spark of attraction toward the cute barista and her red wavy hair? or the neighbor’s toned arms? It could actually be doing wonders for your relationship.

Seriously. Let’s get into the science.

Lust: Not Just for the Bachelor Anymore?

A new study, published in Nature Mental Health, reveals intriguing insights into how people with autistic traits learn by observing others.

The findings suggest that those with these traits tend to prefer imitation over trying to understand the motives behind other people’s actions.

Think of it like watching someone use a new gadget—do you copy their actions exactly or try to figure out why they’re doing what they’re doing?

For many on the autism spectrum, imitation seems to be the favored approach, skipping the complex step of asking “why?”

This breakthrough could significantly improve our understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as the broader set of autism-like traits present in the general population.

The results of this study provide fresh insights into how the brain processes social learning, making it an important step forward for both researchers and therapists working with folks on the autism spectrum.

The "work wife" trope has become a familiar part of modern office culture.

It’s that quirky, endearing term that people throw around when they have a colleague—typically of the opposite gender—who’s not just a coworker, but more like a partner-in-crime.

They know your lunch order, your favorite work playlist, and they’re the person you vent to when your boss is driving you up the wall. It’s a little bit like having a spouse, except you don’t have to worry about who’s taking out the trash at home (unless your office has some very strange trash policies).

But behind the laughs and camaraderie, the "work wife" trope carries a lot of interesting baggage.

From gender dynamics to emotional labor to changing office environments, let’s unpack the story of how "work spouses" became a thing and why it says a lot more about us than we might think.

Where Did the "Work Wife" Come From?

Narcissists live in a fascinating world of self-appointed royalty, where grandiosity and entitlement blend into a toxic smoothie of exaggerated self-importance and "you owe me everything" expectations.

It’s as if they walk through life with an invisible crown (grandiosity) while sitting on a golden throne they fully expect everyone else to carry for them (entitlement).

The combination of these traits is like the Joker finding his Harley Quinn—dangerously intertwined and practically unstoppable.

Grandiosity and entitlement aren’t just personality quirks; they are the very foundations of a narcissist’s world.

When combined, these two traits are a perfect storm of delusions and demands, affecting relationships, work environments, and just about any social setting.

In this post, we’ll explore the social science research on grandiosity and entitlement, how these traits feed off each other, and the havoc they wreak on both the narcissist and the people around them.

Grandiosity: The Narcissist’s Crowning Glory

If you’ve ever been around someone who makes you feel like you're in a constant competition to meet impossible standards—where even breathing wrong might be considered a flaw—you’ve likely encountered a narcissistic perfectionist.

Unlike regular perfectionists who quietly agonize over their own mistakes, narcissistic perfectionists externalize their obsession with flawlessness.

They hold others to ridiculously high standards and are quick to criticize when those standards aren't met. It’s a personality cocktail that’s not just toxic—it’s socially corrosive.

What Is Narcissistic Perfectionism?

If you’ve ever heard that repetition is the key to mastering a new skill, it’s time to rethink that advice. Sure, practice makes perfect, but here’s the real kicker: it’s not about how many times you repeat something—it’s about how you practice.

In fact, research shows that variety, not just repetition, is the true secret ingredient for learning and mastering new skills.

Think of it this way: if repetition is like eating the same meal every day, variety is like a buffet where your brain gets to sample new dishes—and who doesn’t love a good buffet?

As couples enter midlife, it’s common to feel like you’ve drifted apart.

The hectic years of raising children, building careers, and managing busy lives often take precedence over nurturing your relationship.

Once the kids are grown or you’ve settled into your career, the question becomes: How do we reconnect?

The good news is that shared hobbies can help rekindle the bond you and your partner share, allowing you to create new memories and enjoy time together in a way that feels fresh and exciting.

This isn’t just about having fun—it’s about strengthening your relationship.

Shared hobbies in midlife can help couples reconnect emotionally, improve communication, and bring a sense of joy back into their partnership. Let’s explore how finding and maintaining shared activities can keep you from growing apart and instead bring you closer together, even after years of navigating life’s challenges.