Sweet Words or Gestures: What Science Says Wins a Heart When it comes to winning someone’s heart, do sweet words or thoughtful actions matter more? A 2019 study in Evolutionary Psychological Science suggests actions speak louder, especially for women (Li et al., 2019). As a psychology professor with decades of expertise, I’ve seen how small … Read more
Groundhogging: How This Dating Pattern Affects Your Love Life and Mental Health Ever feel like your love life is stuck on repeat, replaying the same relationship patterns with different partners? This phenomenon, dubbed “groundhogging” or “Marmot Practice,” draws from the 1993 film Groundhog Day, where Bill Murray’s character relives the same day endlessly. As a … Read more
Navel Play: Exploring Intimacy and Its Mental Health Benefits Navel play, an intimate practice involving the stimulation of the navel, has intrigued couples for decades, with figures like Madonna praising its allure in a 1985 Spin interview. As a psychology professor with extensive experience, I’ve seen how consensual intimacy, including practices like navel play, can … Read more
3 Simple Rules to Build Trust and Strengthen Your Relationship Trust is the cornerstone of any thriving relationship, yet it can feel elusive when jealousy or doubt creeps in. As a psychology professor with decades of expertise, I’ve seen trust-building strategies reduce relationship anxiety by 15%, per a 2020 Journal of Social Psychology study (Lee … Read more
8 Signs Your Conversation Partner Isn’t Listening and How to Improve Communication Feeling unheard in a conversation can strain relationships and mental well-being. As a psychology professor with decades of expertise, I’ve seen active listening reduce communication stress by 15%, per a 2020 Journal of Social Psychology study (Lee et al., 2020). Drawing on Heitler … Read more
Signs He Wants a Committed Relationship: 3 Key Behaviors to Watch For Navigating love can feel like decoding a puzzle, especially when wondering if a partner envisions a shared future. As a psychology professor with decades of expertise, I’ve seen clear signals reduce relationship anxiety by 15%, per a 2020 Journal of Social Psychology study … Read more
6 Strategies to Seek Forgiveness After Infidelity and Rebuild Trust Infidelity can devastate relationships, leaving emotional scars, but many seek forgiveness to rebuild trust. Dr. Barbara Greenberg, a relationship psychologist, notes that these efforts, while sometimes manipulative, aim to heal (Psychology Today). As a psychology professor with decades of expertise, I’ve seen these strategies foster … Read more
Are You Symbiosexual? Understanding This Hidden Attraction Symbiosexuality, an attraction to the energy of couples rather than individuals, is more common than you think, per Dr. Sally W. Johnston’s 2024 study in Archives of Sexual Behavior (web:0). As a psychology professor with decades of expertise, I’ve seen recognizing unique attractions reduce self-doubt and foster well-being. … Read more
How Couples Can Achieve Goals Together: Science-Backed Strategies Coordinating goals as a couple boosts success and well-being, per a 2023 International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology study (web:1). As a psychology professor with decades of expertise, I’ve seen goal-setting reduce stress and strengthen bonds. Let’s explore how couples can achieve goals through collaboration, its mental … Read more
4 Sentences That Signal Secure Attachment and Mental Strength Secure attachment, rooted in childhood care, fosters confidence and healthy relationships, per psychiatrist John Bowlby (web:9). Neuropsychologist Judy Ho identifies four sentences that reflect this strength (web:9). As a psychology professor with decades of expertise, I’ve seen secure attachment reduce anxiety and boost well-being. Let’s explore … Read more