Understanding Jealousy: Signs of a Toxic Personality and How to Heal Jealousy, when excessive, can poison relationships, turning love into control, warns an April 2022 Frontiers in Psychology study. Traits like neuroticism and fear of abandonment fuel this toxic behavior, per researchers, while experts like Jonathan Bennett and Andrea Bonior highlight signs like constant monitoring … Read more
Why Do Exes Return Seasonally? The Psychology Behind Rekindling Old Flames A text from an ex in December or early spring feels oddly familiar, doesn’t it? Couple therapist Évelyne Dillenseger, cited in HuffPost, suggests these “seasonal” outreaches, often tied to winter nostalgia or spring renewal, stem more from ego than love. Sociologist Christine Castelain-Meunier notes … Read more
Can a Couple Survive Infidelity? 3 Expert Tips to Heal and Rebuild Infidelity shakes relationships to their core, yet it doesn’t always spell the end. A 2022 Politique study reveals 42% of French people have been unfaithful, but experts Florentine d’Aulnois-Wang and Myriam Bidaud argue it’s not the “death of the couple.” By understanding its … Read more
What’s Your Romantic Lover Type? Discover the 4 Styles and Their Mental Health Impact Love isn’t one-size-fits-all. A 2025 study in Personality and Individual Differences, conducted across 33 countries by Australian researchers, identifies four romantic lover types—sweet, moderate, acute, and libidinous—each blending emotional intensity, sexual desire, and commitment uniquely. Understanding your style, whether it’s the … Read more
Intellectual Humility: The Hidden Intelligence That Boosts Relationships Intelligence isn’t just about facts or degrees—it shines in subtler ways, like intellectual humility. Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren, in The Conversation, defines it as recognizing your limits, embracing evidence over ego, and valuing learning above being right. This unique intelligence fosters healthier relationships and mental well-being, per … Read more
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
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
Escaping a Toxic Relationship: Expert Advice to Protect Your Mental Health Caught in a relationship that leaves you drained, manipulated, or insecure? Toxic relationships, marked by behaviors like lies, jealousy, or control, can scar your emotional well-being. As a psychology professor with decades of experience, I’ve seen how these dynamics erode self-esteem and spike stress, … Read more
How to Respond to Hurtful Comments Without Malice: 3 Tools for Healthy Communication Words have power. They can uplift, wound, or spark conflict in a heartbeat. Ever been caught off guard by a snide remark or an unfair critique, unsure how to respond without escalating or retreating in silence? As a psychology professor with decades … Read more
Boomerasking: How to Spot This Manipulative Behavior and Protect Your Mental Health Ever had someone ask you a question, only to answer it themselves before you can respond? It’s frustrating, right? This behavior, called “boomerasking,” is more than just annoying—it’s a subtle, ego-driven tactic often used by narcissistic or manipulative people. As a psychology professor … Read more