Welcome to my Blog
Thank you for stopping by. This space is where I share research, reflections, and practical tools drawn from my experience as a marriage and family therapist.
Are you a couple looking for clarity? A professional curious about the science of relationships? Or simply someone interested in how love and resilience work? I’m glad you’ve found your way here. I can help with that.
Each post is written with one goal in mind: to help you better understand yourself, your partner, and the hidden dynamics that shape human connection.
Grab a coffee (or a notebook), explore what speaks to you, and take what’s useful back into your life and relationships. And if a post sparks a question, or makes you realize you could use more support, I’d love to hear from you.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
~Daniel
P.S.
Feel free to explore the categories below to find past blog posts on the topics that matter most to you. If you’re curious about attachment, navigating conflict, or strengthening intimacy, these archives are a great way to dive deeper into the research and insights that I’ve been sharing for years.
- Attachment Issues
- Coronavirus
- Couples Therapy
- Extramarital Affairs
- Family Life and Parenting
- How to Fight Fair
- Inlaws and Extended Families
- Intercultural Relationships
- Marriage and Mental Health
- Married Life & Intimate Relationships
- Neurodiverse Couples
- Separation & Divorce
- Signs of Trouble
- Social Media and Relationships
- What Happy Couples Know
Narcissism and gift-giving
Gift-giving is often perceived as a selfless act, a way to show love, appreciation, or gratitude.
However, when it comes to narcissists, this seemingly altruistic behavior takes on a whole new meaning.
Let's discuss the fascinating world of narcissism and gift-giving.
We will explore how narcissists use gifts as tools for manipulation, control, and ego inflation.
Power struggles in relationships and the importance of influence
Power struggles in relationships are typically shaped by gendered behavior.
Research tells us that over 80% of conflictual marital discussions are initiated by wives, while husbands typically dodge and deflect these overtures.
A couples therapist needs to normalize this dynamic; we’re not talking about dysfunctional marriages here. We’re talking about happy marriages as well…
Angry wife?… Why?…and what can I do about it?
Sandra Thomas at the University of Tennessee conducted a large-scale empirical study of the “ordinary anger of everyday women.”
Her research suggests that there are three consistent themes to the source of a woman’s anger; irresponsibility of others, injustice, and powerlessness. Let’s tip-toe in!
Are some breakups thwarted by altruism? The surprising truth about staying in unhappy relationships
Have you ever stayed in a relationship just because you thought your partner couldn’t handle a breakup? Turns out, you’re not alone—and there’s scientific research to back you up!
According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, people often stay in unhappy relationships when they believe their partner might crumble without them.
Yes, it sounds like a plot twist in a romantic comedy, but it’s true!
Why don’t I feel understood?
What happens when you feel understood? Good question.
To feel understood, and to understand in return, requires an intentional communication process. Here’s how…
How do women flirt? …. the science!
When it comes to flirting, women have a secret weapon that men can instantly recognize.
This isn't just an ordinary smile or a neutral expression—it's a special look that sparks interest and sets off relationship fireworks.
According to researchers, the most effective flirting expression includes a head turned to one side, tilted down slightly, accompanied by a slight smile and eye contact.
5 Money problems in a marriage that are top predictors of divorce…
Money is, by far, the most combustible issue in marriage.
Research tells us that these 5 money problems in a marriage are the most challenging. Do you recognize any yourself?
What is Portia Polygamy?
"Portia polygamy" is a term that's not often heard, so let's explore its meaning a bit more.
Portia polygamy describes the pattern of engaging in multiple, successive marriages.
The name evokes the idea of a series of marital relationships, much like the character Portia in Shakespeare's play, who navigates various complex relationships, albeit without multiple marriages.
The Romantic Revolution: Unveiling the Depths of Online Dating
The University of Chicago's magnum opus, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science halls, unveils a truth that defies conventional wisdom.
Couples who meet online are happier and less likely to part ways—a testament to the transformative power of pixels and algorithms.
Why does online dating lead to better marriages?
The phubbing meme and FOMO…how tech is displacing mindfulness…
Human attention is incredibly valuable, and is intended… well, for other humans.
Bestowing attention takes energy.
When you subordinate your attention to your digital devices you are choosing pixels over the partner sitting next to you…
It’s a global problem…
How intimate relationships impact our physical health…
The impact of our closest relationships on our physical health is significant, with both positive and negative experiences playing crucial roles.
Research indicates that folks who experience more negative interactions and hold more negative perceptions about their closest relationships tend to have worse physical health outcomes.
This includes higher stress levels, increased blood pressure reactivity (a sign of poor health), and greater difficulties coping with daily challenges.
What are the 2 most common personality changes between 18 and 40?
Research suggests that our goals in life evolve alongside our personalities.
A common trend observed between 18 and 40 is a shift towards greater agreeableness and conscientiousness.
Agreeable humans are characterized by their friendliness, warmth, and tactfulness, often prioritizing others' feelings.
Conversely, conscientious folks exhibit self-discipline and strive for achievement.