Shared Meals: A Simple Daily Habit to Boost Your Happiness Sharing a meal with others—family, friends, or even colleagues—can do wonders for your happiness, according to decades of research. The Harvard Study of Adult Development, led by psychiatrist Robert Waldinger, and the 2025 World Happiness Report highlight the profound impact of social connections, particularly shared … Read more
Toxic Family Behaviors: 4 Signs It’s Time to Set Boundaries Family is often seen as a safe haven, but not all family ties are healthy. Toxic behaviors, like constant criticism or manipulation, can erode mental health, requiring distance for self-preservation. The Psychologies site, alongside insights from Eric La Blanche’s book Ass, Issues and Approach, highlights … Read more
Retail Therapy Risks: Why Shopping to De-Stress Can Harm Your Mental Health Retail therapy—buying to cope with stress or sadness—feels like a quick fix, offering a burst of control and joy. However, psychologist Christopher Fisher, director of psychiatric services at Northwell Zucker Hillside Hospital, warns in Verywell Mind that this habit can lead to a … Read more
Do Smarter People Have Fewer Friends? A Study Explains Why Contrary to the idea that intelligent people have wide social circles, a study in the British Journal of Psychology by Satoshi Kanazawa and Norman Lee suggests those with higher intelligence often thrive with fewer friends. This surprising finding challenges stereotypes, highlighting how intelligent individuals prioritize … Read more
Hypersensitivity Unveiled: Signs and Self-Care for Sensitive Souls Feeling overwhelmed by a crowded room or deeply moved by a song? You might be among the 15-20% of people with heightened sensitivity, or hypersensitivity, as described by physician Jenny Walters in Medical News Today and clinical psychologist Julie Smith on Instagram. This trait amplifies emotions and … Read more
Are You Hypersensitive? Signs You’re More Sensitive Than Average Crying at the end of Titanic doesn’t necessarily mean you’re hypersensitive, but feeling emotions intensely or picking up on others’ moods might. Physician Jenny Walters in Medical News Today and clinical psychologist Julie Smith on Instagram describe hypersensitivity as a trait affecting 15-20% of people, marked … Read more
How Older Siblings Impact Mental Health: Surprising Study Findings Having siblings is often seen as a path to building empathy and social skills, but a 2023 Ohio State University study, published in Journal of Family Issues, suggests that more siblings, especially older ones, may weaken teens’ mental health. Led by sociologist Doug Downey, the research … Read more
How to Be a Best Friend: Science-Backed Tips for Stronger Bonds Quality friendships are key to happiness, per the Harvard Study of Adult Development, reducing stress and boosting well-being. Psychologists Andrew Kahan and Boris Charpentier, cited in Verywell Mind, emphasize presence, active listening, and authenticity as hallmarks of a good friend. As a psychology professor … Read more
Why We Instantly Connect with Some People: The Science of Bonding Ever met someone and felt an instant spark, as if you’ve known them forever? A 2018 Dartmouth College study, cited in Psychology Today, reveals that neural synchronization, shared humor, and linguistic mimicry drive these rapid connections. As a psychology professor with decades of expertise, … Read more
8 Sentences That Reveal a Toxic Ego and How to Protect Your Mental Health Words can conceal a toxic ego, subtly undermining relationships and mental health, warns Ductisimo, listing eight phrases like “Is enough about you, let’s talk about me” or “I’m just honest.” These signal self-centeredness that harms emotional well-being. As a psychology professor … Read more