When life feels like a heavy weight, our mental health can suffer in ways we may not even fully understand.

For those living with pathological narcissism—a personality construct marked by fragile self-esteem and emotional instability—this struggle can become even more complicated.

A recent study published in the International Journal of Cognitive Therapy sheds light on how two dimensions of narcissism, vulnerable and grandiose, shape the link between depression and suicidal ideation.

The findings reveal an important nuance: folks with high levels of vulnerable narcissism are more susceptible to suicidal thoughts when experiencing depression, while grandiosity—a trait often seen as a shield against emotional pain—can either amplify or diminish this risk depending on the context.

Here’s the thing about sex: it’s not just about the fireworks—it’s about who’s holding the lighter.

A groundbreaking study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior has revealed what many might secretly suspect but rarely admit: men in relationships, regardless of sexual orientation, are having a better time in the sack than their single brethren.

Yes, gentlemen, that smug glow your partnered friends have? It’s not just the new skincare routine—it’s better sexual functioning.

Let’s unpack this, but fair warning, we’re going deep.

Spanking occupies a peculiar place in American parenting.

Despite decades of research condemning it as harmful and ineffective, it remains a widely accepted method of discipline in American families.

Contrast this with American societal attitudes toward hitting pets: a behavior largely seen as reprehensible and inhumane.

What does it say about a culture that prioritizes the physical safety and emotional well-being of animals over its youngest and most vulnerable members?

A recent study published in Psychology of Violence by Elizabeth T. Gershoff and her team delves into this paradox, revealing the deep contradictions and cultural norms that shape how Americans view spanking.

This research not only highlights the contested terrain of corporal punishment but also raises uncomfortable questions about the values embedded in the nation’s parenting practices.

Childhood is the foundation of our lives, shaping not only who we are but also our long-term health and well-being.

For children who experience neglect, these foundational years can be a battleground of unmet needs and vulnerabilities.

However, recent research provides a hopeful counterpoint: the presence of a protective adult and socioeconomic stability can dramatically alter this trajectory, mitigating the profound effects of childhood neglect.

As family and couples therapists, we often witness how early experiences reverberate through adult lives. Understanding the interplay between neglect, resilience, and healing offers a roadmap for fostering healthier relationships and communities.

If you’re rocking both autism and ADHD, welcome to the club where our brains throw the kind of dance party that’s equal parts jazz improv and dubstep chaos.

Having AudHD isn’t just a diagnosis; it’s a lifestyle.

And like any lifestyle worth living, it comes with its own quirks, superpowers, and the occasional “Wait, how do I work this brain?” existential crisis.

Let’s dive into the wonderfully contradictory world of AudHD traits.

Living with a narcissistic partner can feel like walking a tightrope.

They thrive on control, validation, and the assumption that their needs come first.

When you set boundaries or refuse their demands, you challenge their worldview—and they don’t take kindly to it.

Here are 7 things a narcissistic partner absolutely cannot stand to hear, and why these statements are your secret weapon for maintaining your autonomy.

In the annals of human history, there have always been whispers of shadow doctrines not written in holy texts but etched into the very marrow of human civilizations.

These are the principles that thrive not in the light of day, but in the dim corners of power, fear, and control.

If there were a scripture for this clandestine belief system, it might be entitled "The Dark Gospel."

The tantalizing connection between money and time raises profound questions about how we define a life well-lived.

Wealth often appears to promise more time—more years, more opportunities, more memories—but is this truly the case?

Beyond the numbers, we are left to grapple with deeper truths about health, happiness, and the very nature of human existence.

Research suggests that wealth can extend life expectancy, but this longevity is neither infinite nor universally meaningful.

Instead, it reveals a complicated interplay between material resources, social systems, and individual purpose. To explore this fully, we must look at the evidence and consider not just how money can buy time but why this matters.

Relationship Anarchy is an edgy philosophy that promises freedom, equality, and all of the joys of intimacy, but none of the strings.

Once a radical manifesto about rejecting societal norms, it’s now a TikTok trend sandwiched between avocado toast recipes and manifesting your soulmate.

If you’ve ever wanted to organize your love life with zero commitment but all the drama, congratulations—you’ve found your tribe.

But has the internet watered down, misunderstood, or just plain hijacked RA?

Oh, absolutely.

Let’s dive into how relationship anarchy has transformed into the millennial/Gen Z mating call for avoiding accountability.

If marriage is in the city a dance, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) often serves as the helpful, if occasionally stern, choreographer.

Over the years, the WSJ has tackled marital topics with the precision of a financial analyst dissecting a balance sheet, offering advice ranging from managing emotional affairs to dividing household chores.

But don’t let the suit-and-tie seriousness fool you—beneath the surface lies a treasure trove of wisdom delivered with subtle warmth and practicality. Here are but a few examples.

Porn isn’t just about sex anymore—it’s about clicks, cash, and the never-ending dopamine loop. Welcome to limbic capitalism, a world where your brain’s pleasure centers are the battlefield, and the victors are corporations monetizing your impulses.

A recent meta-analysis in The Journal of Sexual Medicine sheds light on how specific types of impulsivity—attentional, nonplanning, and the ever-seductive positive urgency—serve as risk factors for problematic pornography use.

But before we dive into the science, let’s admit it: in the age of instant everything, porn isn’t just “out there”—it’s waiting in your pocket, two taps away.

The screen flickered as the Relational Dynamics Optimizer (RDO) booted up, its soft, soothing chime filling the dimly lit apartment. Jenny and Mark sat across from each other on the worn couch, a chasm of silence between them. The RDO, perched on the coffee table like a sleek oracle, began to hum.

"Couple ID: #44912, 9/14/2356. Jenny and Mark Taylor. Good evening," the AI's voice said, its tone perfectly neutral. "Today marks 367 days since your first session. How are you feeling about your relationship today?"

Jenny shot Mark a look. "You want to start, or should I?"

Mark sighed, rubbing his temples. "Fine. I'll go. I feel like I'm... walking on eggshells all the time."

A soft beep emanated from the RDO. "Tone analysis indicates frustration. Mark, do you wish to elaborate?"

Jenny’s lips tightened. "And I feel like everything I say gets turned into an attack," she snapped.

Another beep. "Tone analysis indicates defensive irritation. Jenny, consider pausing for recalibration."

"Recalibration," Jenny muttered under her breath. "God, I hate that word."