As a couples therapist, I’ve witnessed the bizarre mating rituals of humanity up close and personal. If aliens ever wanted to study our species, I’d tell them to skip Area 51 and come to my office instead.

Because here’s the thing: love is weird. Delightfully, hilariously, heartwarmingly weird.

Every couple has quirks—some adorable, some… well, let’s just call them “special.”

But what’s fascinating is how these quirks are not random acts of oddity; they’re rooted in psychology, biology, and the strange beauty of love. Let me introduce you to some couples whose eccentricities are as endearing as they are research-backed.

When you think of “imagination,” you might picture dreaming up castles in the sky or envisioning your ideal vacation.

But there’s another kind of imagination that’s especially useful in relationships, and that’s prospective imagination. This type of imagination—the ability to envision a shared future or imagine different scenarios—can be a game-changer in couples therapy.

With prospective imagination, couples can navigate the complexities of their relationships and cultivate a deeper, more resilient connection.

So, how does it work?

And why does imagining future scenarios help couples create a better present? Let’s dive into how prospective imagination can strengthen relationships.

What is Prospective Imagination?

Romantic nostalgia—the sweet, rose-tinted warmth of remembering those early days of your relationship.

The late-night talks, the inside jokes, and that slightly overplayed song that somehow became your song.

These shared memories bring couples closer, adding a richness and history to your relationship that’s uniquely yours.

But here’s the twist: while nostalgia can be a source of connection, over-focusing on “the good old days” can sometimes hold couples back from building new experiences together.

Let’s take a look at how you can harness the power of shared memories to strengthen your relationship in the present, without getting stuck in a time loop of the past.

In the world of relationships, “quality time” is often seen as moments filled with engaging conversation, shared activities, or meaningful experiences.

But for many couples, especially those who value a mix of connection and independence, there’s another way to enjoy togetherness that’s deeply satisfying.

Known as “time alone together,” this practice is a kind of adult version of “parallel play” – a term that comes from developmental psychology and describes how children often play side-by-side, absorbed in their own activities, yet comforted by the presence of the other.

Time alone together allows couples to feel close simply by sharing space, each doing their own thing. This approach, although subtle, provides a balance of intimacy and autonomy that can be transformative in relationships.

In this post, we’ll dive into what time alone together means, explore its roots in concepts like parallel play, and look at how it strengthens bonds while respecting each partner’s individuality.

Tilda tilted her head back and attempted to blow smoke rings.

“Daniel, Perel told me relationship expectations are a racket. We all know this. We pretend to be fascinated by each other's hobbies, last night, I feign smiles during Harry’s third retelling of whatever…, and nod sagely as he announces he’s ‘gonna cut down on his doomscrolling… this time for real.’

But underneath all the polite lies, the real foundation of any enduring relationship is a shared aversion, the virtues of grim keeping.”

Tilda barely suppressed a smile.

Enter: grim keeping, the pastime that actually keeps some couples together.

Tilda deadpanned…Love Is Overrated, But Disdain? …Now That’s Forever

Think back to the last time you met someone who was genuinely kind—how did they look to you?

Sure, they might not have walked off a magazine cover, but chances are, they seemed to radiate a certain glow, a sparkle that made them more appealing.

Now, thanks to some intriguing new research, we know that glow is not just in your head.

A recent study published in the British Journal of Social Psychology has revealed that being kind and helpful doesn’t just make you popular at the office potluck; it actually makes you look more physically attractive.

Yes, your mom was right all along: being nice makes you beautiful. Who knew she was moonlighting as a social psychologist?

I have a little confession: I’ve been faithfully on a heavy omega-3 supplementation regime for over 20 years.

It started as a simple habit, but over time, I began to see the benefits—not only in my physical health but also in how sharp and clear my mind felt.

So when I came across new research that links omega-3 intake with better cognitive health in older adults, I felt a wave of validation (and a bit of pride!) that my long-standing commitment to omega-3s might actually be doing my brain some good.

This recent study, published in The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, looked at data from a nationwide health survey to explore how omega-3s might influence cognitive abilities in older adults. And the results?

Encouraging.

Those with higher omega-3 intake performed better on cognitive tests, which suggests that omega-3-rich foods—like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts—could have a positive effect on our minds as we age.

There’s something undeniably thrilling about stepping into a haunted house or settling in for a scary movie night. The screams, the heart-pounding moments, and the laughter that follows—they all make us feel more alive.

And it’s not just a seasonal thing.

Halloween attractions company America Haunts estimates that Americans shell out over $500 millioneach year just to get spooked at haunted houses.

The fascination with fear doesn’t stop when Halloween ends, either. Many of us keep that adrenaline flowing year-round with horror movies, TV shows, and books that make us jump.

But why do we willingly subject ourselves to fright when the real world already has plenty of scares—think school shootings, climate disasters, and other unsettling events?

As a marriage and family therapist, I find this phenomenon pretty fascinating. It turns out, our love for a good scare is rooted in some deep psychological and social needs.

We all have that one habit we wish we could kick to the curb. Whether it’s mindlessly munching on snacks at midnight, doomscrolling through social media when we should be sleeping, or endlessly procrastinating important tasks—bad habits can feel like they're welded to our brains.

But here's the good news: breaking a bad habit is not only possible but backed by solid scientific research. Yes, I’m talking about real, actionable methods that work.

And guess what? We’re going to make this journey fun, filled with warmth, humor, and a hefty dose of psychology!

So, if you're ready to say goodbye to your bad habits and hello to healthier, more fulfilling routines, read on. Spoiler alert: you have more control than you think.

If you’ve ever heard that repetition is the key to mastering a new skill, it’s time to rethink that advice. Sure, practice makes perfect, but here’s the real kicker: it’s not about how many times you repeat something—it’s about how you practice.

In fact, research shows that variety, not just repetition, is the true secret ingredient for learning and mastering new skills.

Think of it this way: if repetition is like eating the same meal every day, variety is like a buffet where your brain gets to sample new dishes—and who doesn’t love a good buffet?

As couples enter midlife, it’s common to feel like you’ve drifted apart.

The hectic years of raising children, building careers, and managing busy lives often take precedence over nurturing your relationship.

Once the kids are grown or you’ve settled into your career, the question becomes: How do we reconnect?

The good news is that shared hobbies can help rekindle the bond you and your partner share, allowing you to create new memories and enjoy time together in a way that feels fresh and exciting.

This isn’t just about having fun—it’s about strengthening your relationship.

Shared hobbies in midlife can help couples reconnect emotionally, improve communication, and bring a sense of joy back into their partnership. Let’s explore how finding and maintaining shared activities can keep you from growing apart and instead bring you closer together, even after years of navigating life’s challenges.

Surf therapy, also known as ocean therapy or “blue care,” is rapidly gaining recognition for its profound effects on mental health and trauma recovery.

As more folks seek alternative methods to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges, surf therapy is emerging as a transformative way to reconnect with nature and find healing through the ocean.

According to marine social scientist Easkey Britton, who has spent her life immersed in surfing and studying the relationship between humans and the sea, the ocean has the power to heal both mind and body.

Britton’s own experiences with the water and her research, outlined in her book Ebb and Flow, offer compelling evidence that the sea can be a source of restoration, particularly for those recovering from trauma or grappling with mental health issues.

What is Surf Therapy?