Andrew Tate's The Real World—formerly known as Hustlers University—has been schooled by hackers, and let’s just say, the lesson wasn’t optional.

Hacktivists waltzed into the platform, left a trail of emoji breadcrumbs as proof, and then handed over nearly 800,000 usernames to the Daily Dot and DDoSecrets like they were dropping receipts at a particularly shady group chat.

When couples walk into therapy, they’re usually ready to talk about their relationship—the arguments, the passion, the shared laundry wars.

What often gets ignored, however, is the complex web of outside relationships that subtly shape their dynamics. Friends, family, colleagues, and even that one overly chatty barista can all play a role in the health of a couple’s bond.

As a couples therapist, I’ve seen how these external connections can act as either lifeboats or anchors. Let’s explore the science, the stories, and the strategies for navigating the role of outside relationships in your marriage or partnership.

In every romantic comedy, there’s a montage of the couple doing cute things together—picnics, shared hobbies, synchronized bike rides through Central Park.

What you don’t see is the crucial subplot: Who’s losing themselves in this relationship and who’s thriving?

American culture has a love-hate relationship with individual identity in marriage. On one hand, we idolize independence (cue Beyoncé’s “Me, Myself, and I”); on the other, we cling to the idea that two people in love should merge into one gloriously entangled “we.”

But what happens when “we” devours “me”?

And how do we keep our sense of self while building a meaningful partnership?

As a couples therapist, I can tell you that neglecting individual identity within a relationship is like building a house on sand: it may hold up for a while, but sooner or later, massive cracks emerge.

Let’s dig into this topic, explore what the social science says.

Most couples know how to argue about the little stuff: “Why didn’t you take the trash out?” or “Do we really need six pillows on the bed?” (Answer: yes, always.) But what about the big stuff? The existential questions that linger quietly in the background of every relationship, like a nosy aunt eavesdropping on your conversations.

As a couples therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how rarely these big questions come up in therapy—and that’s a shame. Questions like, What do we believe about love? How do we handle loss? What’s our purpose as a couple? aren’t just abstract musings. They’re the bedrock of a partnership that can survive the long haul.

Let’s dive into these existential questions, explore the social science behind why they matter, and, of course, sprinkle in some humor along the way.

Because if you can’t laugh while contemplating the meaning of love and death, what’s the point?

American culture often treats intimacy as synonymous with sex.

From movies to Instagram reels, the message is clear: if there’s no passionate lip-lock or bedroom scene, is it even love? This hyperfocus on sexual chemistry sidelines the importance of connection outside the bedroom.

Interestingly, a 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 57% of Americans in relationships prioritized emotional closeness over physical intimacy, but a significant portion admitted they weren’t sure how to cultivate it.

Picture this: It’s a typical Thursday night. You and your spouse are scrolling through Netflix, both avoiding the burning question of who will pick tonight’s show.

You suggest a rom-com; they counter with a gritty true-crime docuseries. An innocent disagreement? Sure. But, beneath the surface, tiny, invisible resentments may already be simmering: Why do I always have to compromise?

Resentment in marriage is like rust. And Rust Never Sleeps.

It doesn’t start as a gaping hole in the hull of your relationship, but if left unchecked, it eats away at the foundation, leaving your partnership shaky and prone to collapse.

So, let’s dive into why resentment happens, how it festers, and what to do before you’re both watching TV in separate rooms.

When you think of strength sports like Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, CrossFit, and strongman, you might picture hulking dudes shouting "One more rep!" as chalk clouds the air.

But here’s a plot twist: women are increasingly stepping onto the platforms and into the gym racks, smashing stereotypes and redefining what it means to be strong.

A recent study published in Sex Roles dives deep into the world of these powerhouse women, and spoiler alert: it’s a mix of grit, glory, and some occasional side-eye at outdated gender norms.

Welcome to the delightful cesspool of the internet known as incel forums, where bitterness, blame, and baffling logic collide in a perfect storm of misogyny.

If you’ve ever wondered where humanity's hope goes to die, look no further—these communities are as warm and inviting as a cactus embrace.

But what makes these forums so persistently toxic? A recent study published in New Media & Society offers a window into the murky depths of incel culture, showing just how pervasive—and creatively terrible—misogyny is in these spaces.

Let’s face it: the topic of faking orgasms has been the butt of jokes, sitcom plots, and awkward dinner table conversations for decades.

But beneath the laughter lies a serious question—who’s faking it, and why?

A recent study published in The Journal of Sex Research tackles this head-on, offering surprising insights into not only why people fake orgasms but also what makes them stop. Spoiler alert: it’s not always because they got caught mid-performance.

Grab your popcorn (or perhaps your partner), and let’s unpack this research with a healthy dose of humor and warmth.

It’s 10 PM. You’re curled up on the couch, mindlessly scrolling through social media when you stumble upon a dramatic post in your favorite relationship forum:

"My husband hasn’t planned a date night in six months, and I’m the only one doing laundry. Am I being unreasonable?"

Cue the comments:

• “Divorce him.”

• “Girl, you deserve better!”

• “🚩🚩🚩 Leave now!”

Does psychopathy impair emotional memory? This question has intrigued psychologists, neuroscientists, and therapists for decades.

New research, published in Memory, challenges long-standing assumptions by revealing that psychopathic traits might not significantly disrupt emotional recall.

This finding reshapes our understanding of how emotional processing, memory, and interpersonal relationships intersect in individuals with psychopathic traits.

As a marriage and family therapist, I often grapple with questions about empathy, emotional awareness, and relational memory in clients with psychopathic tendencies.

These insights can help illuminate paths for meaningful intervention in therapy and better understanding in relationships.

What if I told you that happiness doesn’t come in a one-size-fits-all package? That there isn’t just one “correct” personality for a fulfilling life?

Good news: research proves it! Having certain personality traits—whether you’re bubbly or introspective, cool-headed or a lovable hot mess—can lead to a happier life.

Let’s dive into the personality buffet and see what happiness tastes like for you!