So, you think dating is complicated?

Try doing it with a healthy dose of Machiavellianism, a sprinkle of narcissism, and a side of psychopathy.

According to a new study published in Personality and Individual Differences, when it comes to love, those with “dark triad” traits aren’t wandering the dating world alone.

They’re finding partners with the same shadowy characteristics—actively or subconsciously—and creating relationships that redefine what it means to be “compatible.”

Feeling like intimacy has taken a backseat in your life? It turns out that a lack of regular sexual connection could be impacting more than just your relationship—it might be quietly affecting your overall health.

A recent study published in the Journal of Psychosexual Health has uncovered some eye-opening findings: women who rarely have sex are at a significantly higher risk of dying compared to those who make time for intimacy each week.

But there's more to this story, especially when we consider the complex role that mental health and our culture play in shaping our intimate lives.

New research on the psychosexual and psychosocial effects of polygamous marriages provides a sobering view that contrasts sharply with the rose-tinted narratives often embraced in certain corners of American academia.

The study, published in BMC Women’s Health, digs deep into how polygamous relationships impact women’s sexual function and mental well-being.

Spoiler alert: it's not the paradise some progressive voices make it out to be.

Welcome to Late-Stage Capitalism, where billionaires dream of colonizing Mars while the rest of us try to figure out how to pay for both rent and lunch this month.

It’s the term that’s become a viral meme, a rallying cry, and a perfectly ironic label for the strange, sometimes laughable, always infuriating state of our current economic system.

Born from the dusty pages of economic theory and reborn in the snark-filled corridors of Reddit and TikTok, Late-Stage Capitalism has become the internet’s way of pointing out just how weird everything has gotten.

Let’s take a journey through its history, how it got here, and what it has to do with Limbic Capitalism and Cultural Narcissism—two concepts that fit into the mix like overpriced artisanal cheese on an avocado toast.

Dealing with narcissistic parents is challenging at any age, but when those parents get older, the dynamics often shift in unexpected and draining ways.

As a marriage and family therapist, I’ve seen how this transition affects adult children, who often find themselves managing care responsibilities alongside the emotional fallout of a lifetime marinated in narcissism.

With the rise of cultural narcissism and a societal emphasis on self-importance, navigating these dynamics has become even more complicated.

This blog post explores what happens when narcissistic parents reach their golden years.

We’ll explore how their increased needs affect family dynamics, the role of cultural narcissism in shaping these behaviors, and how adult children can set boundaries while maintaining their well-being.

We’ll also blend social science research with practical insights—and yes, a touch of humor—because sometimes laughter is the best way to get through this self-absorbed chaos.

Navigating a relationship with a narcissist can be emotionally taxing, especially when they reach the final phase known as "discarding."

Unlike typical breakups, this stage is often filled with manipulation and distress.

Understanding the signs can empower you to protect yourself and regain control of your life.

Here are 10 clear signs that a narcissist might be discarding you, explained in detail with a few insights from social science research.

Finding love when both partners have PhDs is a bit like winning the relationship lottery. You’ve got stimulating conversations, shared ambitions, and a mutual appreciation for those obscure journals nobody else reads.

But what happens when two brainy people fall in love, and how does it impact your day-to-day dynamics?

As a therapist, I’ve occasionally had a front-row seat to the unique challenges and joys that come with being a “PhD couple.” So let’s consider the quirks, the cultural narcissism, and the sometimes-hilarious moments that come with combining love and academia.

The days of whispering about therapy as if it’s some shameful secret are over. In 2024, therapy is not just okay—it's lit! And let’s be real, so is protecting your peace.

These two memes, wrapped in humor and honest self-care, have emerged in social media, and for good reason. They remind us that taking care of our mental health is just as vital as hitting the gym or doing a daily skincare routine.

It’s time to dive into why these memes matter, how they’re reshaping conversations around mental health, what societal shifts explain this trend, and the research that backs up their message.

Ever heard a well-meaning “Oh, I just worry about her”?

Brace yourself—that’s not just a sweet sentiment. It might be social warfare in disguise.

Recent research from the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology reveals that gossip cloaked in concern gives female gossipers a sneaky social advantage, while the target’s reputation gets more bruised than a grocery store banana. This isn't just a bad habit—it's a finely tuned evolutionary strategy.

For many affluent families, the transition from divorce to blending new families can be incredibly complex and emotionally charged.

While financial security may ease some practical concerns, it doesn’t shield anyone from the deeper challenges—like finding new roles within the family, managing co-parenting dynamics, or handling the emotional aftershocks of a high-profile separation.

Blending families involves more than just merging homes; it’s about healing hearts, redefining connections, and figuring out how to move forward together in a new family landscape.

Let’s explore some of the unique issues that affluent families face during this time, and how therapy can help them find their way.

The term worried well may evoke images of affluent families enjoying the fruits of their success yet struggling with a specific set of pressures that wealth can neither alleviate nor fully address.

Among these challenges, the pressure to maintain a certain lifestyle emerges as a pervasive issue that ripples through the fabric of family life, influencing everything from marital satisfaction to child development.

This pressure is not just about keeping up with peers or living in luxury; it’s tied deeply to social identity, emotional well-being, and the meaning individuals ascribe to their lives.

This deep dive unpacks the social science research and theoretical perspectives that illuminate the complexities of this struggle, offering a more nuanced understanding of why even the financially secure can find themselves overwhelmed by the lifestyle they maintain.

In today’s world, we’ve all heard the phrase "burning the candle at both ends," but what if I told you there’s a more modern—and dangerous—version of this happening all around us?

It’s called emotional bankruptcy, and it’s a state many people find themselves in without even realizing it. Much like financial debt, emotional debt can sneak up on you over time, and before you know it, you’re overdrawn, overworked, and overwhelmed.

This idea isn’t just a catchy metaphor—it reflects real emotional burnout, which psychologists have studied extensively.

According to Maslach et al. (2001), emotional burnout occurs when emotional resources are depleted, leaving folks feeling detached and unable to cope.

The consequences are profound, not only in terms of mental health but also in the way it impacts relationships, careers, and personal fulfillment.

Let’s break this down and explore how you can start rebuilding your emotional wealth and avoid falling into emotional bankruptcy.

Along the way, we’ll also dive into Albert Camus’ philosophy, especially his famous essay The Myth of Sisyphus. Camus helps us understand the absurdity of life and how we can find meaning, even when we feel like we’re pushing a boulder up a hill, day after day.