Relationship psychology: attachment, communication, conflict, commitment, and building healthier connections with partners, family, and friends.
Financial Compatibility: The Unexpected Key to a Thriving Marriage Could the secret to a lasting marriage lie in how you and your partner view money? While opposites may attract, a study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships (March 2025) by researcher Ashley LeBaron-Black suggests financial compatibility—shared beliefs about money—plays a critical role … Read more
3 Key Stages to Build a Vibrant, Lasting Relationship Dreaming of a love story that’s lively, balanced, and enduring? Dr. Florentine d’Aulnoy-Wang, physician and founder of Double Place, shares three transformative stages to make it happen: setting clear intentions, healing emotional wounds, and mastering communication and attachment styles. Coupled with communication expert Emmanuel Chila’s emphasis … Read more
Where Infidelity Begins: A Couple’s Guide to Loyalty and Mental Health Infidelity isn’t just about physical betrayal—it often starts with a lingering glance, an unsent message, or a secret kept from a partner. Dr. Florentine d’Aulnoy-Wang, a couple’s therapist and founder of Double Place, explains that loyalty goes beyond avoiding physical affairs; it’s a deep … Read more
Toxic Phrases to Avoid in Your Relationship for Better Mental Health Ever said something in the heat of an argument you instantly regretted? Words can wound, turning a simple disagreement into an emotional rift. Dr. Kier Gaines and Dr. Alexandra Solomon, in a New York Times interview, warn that certain phrases—like “You always…” or “Calm … Read more
Sex Without Love: A Risky Choice for Mental Health? In a fast-paced world obsessed with instant gratification, sex without love seems like a shortcut to pleasure—free from emotional baggage or heartbreak. But is it truly liberating? Psychologist and sexologist Sébastien Garnero, in an interview with Santé Magazine, warns that separating sex from emotions often backfires, … Read more
Wednesday Waffle: A Ritual to Strengthen Friendships and Boost Mental Health Ever feel like you’re drifting apart from friends? As adults, maintaining friendships gets tricky—work, family, and packed schedules often push those coffee catch-ups or group chats to the backburner. Missing these connections can leave you feeling isolated, impacting your mental health. Enter Wednesday Waffle, … Read more
Understanding Genophobia: Overcoming the Fear of Sex for Better Mental Health Does the thought of sexual intimacy spark fear or anxiety? You might be experiencing genophobia, an intense, irrational fear of sexual acts, particularly penetration. Unlike low desire, genophobia involves deep emotional distress, often hidden behind avoidance or excuses. Psychoanalyst and sexotherapist Alain Héril, cited … Read more
8 Signs of a Social Climber and Their Mental Health Impact Ever wonder why some people seem drawn to you—not for your humor or loyalty, but for your status, connections, or what you can offer? These “social climbers” prioritize relationships for personal gain, often leaving you feeling used or betrayed. Clinical psychologist Susan Krauss Whitbourne, … Read more
10 Narcissistic Phrases That Can Harm You: Spotting Toxic Manipulation and Its Mental Health Impact At first, they sweep you off your feet—charming, attentive, irresistible. But behind the charm, a narcissist’s words can slowly trap you in a toxic relationship. Psychoanalyst Christian Richomme, author of Narcissistic Pathology Psychology (2020), describes narcissists as manipulative controllers who … Read more
The Small Daily Lie That Can Destroy Your Relationship and Mental Health Ever brushed off a partner’s “Are you okay?” with a quick “Yeah, I’m fine,” when you’re anything but? It seems harmless, but this small daily lie can erode trust and connection in a relationship. As a psychology professor with decades of experience, I’ve … Read more