7 Reasons You Keep Falling for Emotionally Unavailable Men (and How to Break the Cycle)

It’s time to discuss why emotionally unavailable men keep capturing your heart—and how to find the healthy love you deserve.

You didn’t set out to fall for someone emotionally unavailable, but here you are again. Maybe it’s the charm, the challenge, or the undeniable chemistry, but the pattern feels like déjà vu.

If you’re reliable, caring, and compassionate, it’s natural to want to see the best in people.

You stay too long, hoping your love will change them, or you leave only to repeat the cycle with someone eerily similar. Before you know it, you're doubting your ability to recognize a "good guy" and questioning your worth in the process.

Understanding why this happens is the first step to breaking free from the pattern. Let’s explore seven reasons you might be falling for emotionally unavailable men—and, more importantly, how to stop.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

Do You Think You’re Dating a Narcissist? How to Spot the Healthy From the Harmful

Let’s face it—when someone calls you a “narcissist” in a heated argument, it’s never a compliment.

But here’s the truth: we all have some narcissistic traits. Yes, even you. (I’ll pause while you clutch your pearls.)

A little narcissism—aka self-confidence and self-love—is actually healthy.

It’s what helps you set boundaries, celebrate your wins, and refuse to accept less than you deserve.

But when does healthy narcissism cross into dangerous territory? And how do you know if the person you’re dating is a “healthy” narcissist or an “unhealthy” one who will drain you dry emotionally?

Let’s dive into the spectrum of narcissism, from mild ego-stroking to full-blown toxicity, with warmth, humor, and maybe just a tiny side of “yikes!”

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

Masculine Honor, Social Identity, and the Shadow of the Sicilian Mafia: Lessons for American Culture

Cultural values shape our relationships, communities, and the systems we trust—or distrust.

A recent study published in Political Psychology delves into the interplay of masculine honor, social identity, and public attitudes toward organized crime, with a specific focus on the Sicilian Mafia.

While rooted in Sicily, the findings resonate far beyond, shedding light on the cultural and psychological forces that sustain power structures—even in American communities.

As a couples therapist, I often see how cultural values influence relationships and family dynamics.

This study reveals similar patterns on a broader societal scale, where values like honor and loyalty can either strengthen communities or create openings for destructive forces.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

#ADHDtest: Navigating Misinformation About ADHD on TikTok

Because social media platforms tend to dominate conversations about health and wellness, it’s no surprise that TikTok has become a hub for discussions about ADHD.

With its short, engaging video format and a powerful algorithm designed to maximize interaction, TikTok has enabled millions to share their stories, educate, and connect.

But what happens when the information shared is inaccurate?

A recent study published in Australasian Psychiatry sheds light on this critical issue, finding that 92% of TikTok videos tagged with #ADHDtest contain misleading content!

This trend is not just alarming—it’s deeply concerning for folks and families seeking clarity about ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder that can profoundly impact lives.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

Women with ADHD and Risky Behaviors: A Groundbreaking Study

A new study published in BMC Psychiatry has revealed that women with ADHD are more likely than men with the condition to engage in risky behaviors.

This finding underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing sex-specific differences in how ADHD manifests and is treated, offering valuable insights for clinicians and individuals navigating this condition.

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How to Tell If You're in a Healthy Relationship (especially if you've never been in one before)

Let’s face it: relationships can feel like navigating a minefield when all you’ve ever known are the emotional equivalent of wildfires and hurricanes.

Maybe your parents’ marriage was a live-action soap opera, or perhaps your own love life has been a parade of drama queens, commitment-phobes, and emotionally unavailable partners.

If this sounds familiar, you might not even know what a healthy relationship looks like, let alone feels like.

But do not despair!

You’re not doomed to a lifetime of bad choices or settling for less than you deserve.

With some insight, a sprinkle of self-reflection, and a pinch of optimism, you can learn to identify—and perhaps even cultivate—a relationship that’s healthy, fulfilling, and maybe even fun.

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

Social Ditching: Why It Happens, Its Impact, and How to Address It

In today’s world, where social interactions are increasingly mediated by technology, the phenomenon of social ditching—subtly excluding or ignoring someone without clear explanation—has become more visible and prevalent.

At its core, social ditching reflects a failure to navigate conflict or relational drift openly and directly.

While it might seem like a minor or passive act, social ditching can leave deep emotional scars and contribute to broader patterns of disconnection in relationships, communities, and even society at large.

This post explores the psychology, sociology, and cultural context of social ditching, I’ll try to a few insights into why it happens, its impact, and how we can address it in healthier ways.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

Understanding the Phenomenon of Female Teachers Engaging in Sexual Misconduct with Students

The idea of a female teacher exploiting her position of trust to abuse a student is unsettling on many levels.

Society typically casts women as caregivers, moral guides, and protectors, particularly in roles such as teaching.

When this trust is violated, it feels profoundly jarring—not just because of the harm caused but because it challenges deeply ingrained beliefs about gender roles and authority figures.

Let’s delve into the psychological, societal, and systemic factors that contribute to such behavior, as well as emerging theories on its prevalence.

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Attachment Issues Daniel Dashnaw Attachment Issues Daniel Dashnaw

Why High Standards Without High Support Can Fail You

As a marriage and family therapist, I often see folks and families striving for meaningful, fulfilling lives—but many get stuck.

Why?

They’ve bought into a dangerous myth: that success or happiness comes only through pushing harder, achieving more, or toughing it out alone. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

High standards are essential, yes—but without high support, they can backfire spectacularly, leaving you exhausted, disconnected, and struggling to find joy.

It’s time to rethink how we approach growth, resilience, and success, not just for ourselves but for our relationships.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

The Great Domestic Labor Hustle: 6 Ways Some Men Gaslight Their Partners About Chores

Let’s talk about domestic labor inequality and the invisible load.

It’s the never-ending sitcom rerun nobody asked for, starring an overworked woman, a couch-loving man, and a sink full of dirty dishes that doubles as a marital Rorschach test.

Every chore becomes a battleground, every vacuuming session a referendum on fairness.

But here’s the kicker: many men have perfected the art of seeming clueless while keeping their leisure time intact.

And by "art," I mean gaslighting—subtle, frustrating tactics that make women question whether they’re asking too much for simply wanting a partner, not an extra child.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves, grab some rubber gloves, and dive into the six greatest hits of household gaslighting, peppered with social science research to keep things spicy.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

The Neuroscience of Mindfulness: How Meditation Cultivates Calm, Clarity, and Focus

Mindfulness meditation isn’t just about finding a moment of peace in a chaotic world—it’s about reshaping how your brain experiences life.

According to research published in the International Journal of Psychophysiology, mindfulness fosters a remarkable state of relaxed alertness, blending tranquility with laser-sharp focus.

It’s like giving your brain a cozy blanket and a cup of coffee at the same time.

If you’ve ever thought mindfulness was just about zoning out, think again. Let’s explore how this practice lights up your brain and makes your day a little brighter.

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Married Life & Intimate Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Married Life & Intimate Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

Exploring “Duty Sex” Through the Lens of Sexual Trauma: A Couples Therapist’s Perspective

As a couples therapist, the findings of this study on “Duty Sex” offer both poignant insights and critical opportunities for deeper reflection.

Women with histories of nonconsensual sexual experiences are more likely to engage in sexual activity out of obligation rather than pleasure, according to recent research published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine.

This dynamic—where intimacy becomes a duty rather than a mutually fulfilling experience—has profound implications for relationships.

But an intriguing question lingers: Could the reverse be true for men, or do different dynamics emerge in their intimate lives following trauma?

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