In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get the women. Tony Montana

…and then you get the couples therapy. Daniel Dashnaw.

So, they sit down on the couch in my office—the Trump Bro and his girlfriend. He’s decked out in red, white, and blue, like a Fourth of July lawn ornament, complete with the cap, proudly proclaiming his loyalty. I can tell right off this isn’t the usual couples therapy.

His girlfriend, meanwhile, looks like she’s been dragged here against her will, clutching her phone like it’s a lifeline to the outside world. She seems both amused and exhausted.

“Daniel,” she says, cutting straight to the chase, “I just don’t know how much more I can take.” She glances over at him, and he flashes her a look of endearing obliviousness.

“What seems to be the problem?” I ask, pen ready, my best therapeutic voice on.

In today's hyper-connected world, social media isn't just a way to stay in touch with friends or share life updates—it has become a backdrop for how we perceive and experience relationships.

While it offers opportunities for connection and expression, it also poses significant challenges to trust and emotional intimacy in romantic relationships.

The way couples navigate their digital presence and online interactions can profoundly affect their bond, sometimes in ways that are subtle but deeply impactful.

In this post, we’ll explore how social media can challenge trust, impact emotional intimacy, and offer strategies to maintain healthy boundaries and connection.

Scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, you might assume that all those meticulously curated selfies and life updates come from a place of ego.

But a new study published in the Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science reveals a twist in this assumption: self-centered folks use social media more out of a fear of missing out (FOMO) than a desire to boost their self-image.

In fact, they are more motivated by a sense of vulnerability than by confidence.

This fresh perspective challenges the stereotype of self-centered social media users as simply seeking attention.

Instead, the research suggests they are actually seeking reassurance—trying to fill an emotional gap rather than flaunting their lives.

The internet has given rise to countless memes, many of which resonate deeply with specific communities.

One recent example is the "Autism Creature" meme—also known as the "TBH Creature" or simply "Yippee."

This quirky, four-legged character, often depicted with a neutral expression and white, blob-like form, has become a symbol of connection, humor, and identity within the autistic community.

For many, the Autism Creature brings a sense of lightheartedness to an experience that can often feel challenging or misunderstood.

Let’s explore the origins of this meme, why it resonates with the neurodiverse community, and what its popularity says about self-expression in the digital age.

Ever wonder why so many female gamers choose to play as characters that don’t quite match their ideals?

Why, even while grumbling about unrealistic beauty standards, they’re opting for those sultry, scantily clad warriors?

It turns out, recent research has taken a dive into this paradox and brought up some fascinating insights.

The findings might make you question: are we genuinely aware of our preferences, or are we just stuck in a loop of prepackaged ideals?

Here’s a look into the strange reality of choice in video game characters and how these preferences may affect perceptions of femininity, strength, and—surprisingly—identity.

Polyamory, the practice of engaging in multiple romantic relationships with the consent of everyone involved, has been gaining more visibility in recent years.

As a lifestyle, it promises freedom, open communication, and, ideally, lots of love to go around. But as with anything that steps out of the norm, the internet has a lot to say—especially in the form of memes.

While many celebrate polyamory as a new frontier in love, others poke fun at its challenges, quirks, and contradictions. Here’s a closer look at what these memes are saying, with a warm yet occasionally sarcastic twist.

Ever wondered if watching Batman pummel villains could actually inspire you to be a kinder, more generous human?

Well, buckle up, because a new study in The Journal of Psychology has thrown the Bat-signal over the whole debate.

Despite all those explosions and high-flying kicks, superhero movies might have a softer, fluffier side, encouraging prosocial behavior—actions like sharing, helping, and, you guessed it, giving away chocolates.

Yep, turns out that time spent watching caped crusaders on screen might just be the secret to becoming a real-life good Samaritan.

The days of whispering about therapy as if it’s some shameful secret are over. In 2024, therapy is not just okay—it's lit! And let’s be real, so is protecting your peace.

These two memes, wrapped in humor and honest self-care, have emerged in social media, and for good reason. They remind us that taking care of our mental health is just as vital as hitting the gym or doing a daily skincare routine.

It’s time to dive into why these memes matter, how they’re reshaping conversations around mental health, what societal shifts explain this trend, and the research that backs up their message.

Divorce isn’t what it used to be.

Gone are the days when hushed whispers followed someone who decided to call it quits on their marriage.

Today, divorce has its own cultural moment, complete with social media hashtags, cheeky memes, and an entire vocabulary that makes it seem like more of a personal transformation than a life crisis.

From the “Divorce Glow-Up” to the idea of “Soft Launching the Divorce,” there’s an oddly hopeful narrative that frames divorce not as an ending, but as a fresh beginning.

But how much of this narrative is whistling in the dark, and what does the research really say about the emotional and psychological toll of ending a marriage?

Let’s explore the hopeful—but sometimes misleading—trends in the modern divorce narrative.

Welcome to 2024, where narcissism has evolved into its most dangerous and comical form: MAGA narcissism. It’s loud, it’s proud, and—would you believe it?—terrified of being laughed at.

That’s right, beneath the red hats and American flag capes, these MAGA diehards are trembling at the mere thought that someone, somewhere, might be making fun of their country.

But don’t worry—they still love laughing at everyone else, especially those with names they can’t pronounce or countries they can’t find on a map.

A new study has just confirmed what we all suspected: People with inflated views of their country, like your Uncle Bob at Thanksgiving who can’t stop talking about America’s greatness, are the most afraid of being the butt of the joke.

The research, published in Personality and Individual Differences, shows that the more you think your country is God’s gift to the world, the more you fear others are laughing at it. And, surprise surprise, they also love ridiculing other nations.

MAGA Narcissism: The Fragile Patriot

In the digital age, family group chats were supposed to be the ultimate way to keep loved ones connected, despite the distance and busy schedules.

Yet, the reality for many of us is that these chats often resemble a deserted ghost town.

Enter the "Silent Family Group Chat" meme, an emerging viral trend that humorously captures the awkward, quiet reality of family communication in 2024.

With the occasional “Happy Birthday!” and a slew of unacknowledged messages, this meme is relatable, funny, and poignant all at once.

But why does this meme resonate so much, and what does it say about our evolving family dynamics?

In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into the Silent Family Group Chat meme, explore its history, and examine the psychological and social science research behind digital communication and family dynamics.

We’ll also discuss why this meme has the potential to go viral and how it reflects larger trends in modern relationships.

The Girlboss Fades, as the Stay-at-Home Girlfriend Rises. Remember the girlboss?

She owned her hustle, multitasked like a pro, and juggled her career with endless Zoom calls.

But like a trendy sourdough starter that lost its appeal, the girlboss vibe is fading into the cultural background.

Enter the new queen of leisurely living: the stay-at-home girlfriend (SAHG).

This rising trend among Gen Z (born 1997–2012) isn’t about professional ambition or homemaking with purpose—it’s about Instagrammable moments, Pilates sessions, and a life filled with self-care routines.

But is this trend just another TikTok fantasy, or is there something deeper beneath the surface?

Spoiler alert: It may look glamorous, but the stay-at-home girlfriend lifestyle lacks long-term fulfillment, financial stability, and the commitment that marriage provides.