Narcissistic mortification is a profound emotional experience characterized by intense feelings of shame, humiliation, and inadequacy.

This concept is especially pertinent in the context of personal relationships, where partners may inadvertently or intentionally trigger these emotions in one another.

As a couples therapist, understanding and addressing narcissistic mortification is crucial for helping individuals and couples navigate the complex dynamics that can arise from these deep-seated emotional wounds.

As a marriage and family therapist, I've seen firsthand how past traumas can cast a long shadow over present relationships.

A recent study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships brings this into sharp focus.

It reveals that Israeli Arabs who experienced higher levels of physical abuse in childhood often face poorer marriage quality as adults.

These folks also tend to report higher levels of psychological distress and are more likely to exhibit insecure attachment styles.

As a couples therapist, I often hear the phrase, "The eyes are the windows to the soul."

But did you know that those windows can reveal an astonishing amount about a person's emotions?

Recent research suggests that the way people widen or narrow their eyes can tell us volumes about what they're feeling.

Let's explore the science behind this fascinating phenomenon and compare it to our well-documented struggle to detect lies.

Hypersexuality is a topic often shrouded in mystery, stigma, and misconceptions.

While many might joke about having an insatiable sexual appetite, hypersexuality is a serious issue that can wreak havoc on one’s life, much like any other addiction.

With the rise of digital culture and the easy availability of explicit content, understanding and identifying sex addiction has become more critical than ever.

This quiz aims to help you determine whether your sexual behaviors might be veering into addictive territory, while also exploring how Cultural Narcissism plays a role in this modern-day affliction.

We’ve all met that person who constantly talks about themselves, believes they’re superior to everyone else, and craves admiration.

These are hallmark traits of narcissism, a personality characteristic that's received a lot of attention recently. But how does narcissism evolve with age?

New research offers some surprising insights, indicating that these traits may become less pronounced as folks grow older.

Understanding your past can be a crucial step in healing and personal growth. This quiz is designed to help you explore potential childhood trauma.

Inspired by the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study, this quiz will guide you through a series of questions to evaluate your experiences.

Remember, this quiz is not a substitute for professional advice but can be a starting point for understanding your history.

Narcissism isn't a one-size-fits-all trait, especially when it comes to gender.

Research reveals that female narcissists tend to be 'vulnerable' while their male counterparts are more often 'grandiose.'

Dr. Claire Hart, co-author of two pivotal studies on gender and narcissism, sheds light on this distinction.

Relationships today are a lot like riding a roller coaster blindfolded, in a hailstorm, with a dubious safety harness.

In other words, life is tough, get a helmet!

Modern couples face an array of challenges that can make even the most stable relationship feel like it's teetering on the edge of a cliff.

From financial woes and work stress to digital distractions and societal pressures, the path to a happy, healthy partnership can be as tricky as navigating a minefield on a pogo stick.

Understanding the interplay between passive-aggressive behavior and narcissism is essential in navigating the complex dynamics that often arise in intimate relationships.

Both behaviors can significantly impact the quality of relationships, leading to misunderstandings, conflict, and emotional distress.

Let’s explore the characteristics, underlying mechanisms, and strategies for addressing these behaviors in a therapeutic context.

As a couples therapist, delving into Hervey Cleckley's 1941 seminal work, "The Mask of Sanity," offers profound and enduring insights into the enigmatic world of psychopathy.

Cleckley's detailed exploration provides a framework that remains relevant today, shedding light on how psychopathic traits can manifest within intimate relationships.

Additionally, the book's themes resonate deeply with the contemporary concept of Cultural Narcissism.

As artificial intelligence (AI) systems become increasingly integrated into workplaces, understanding their psychological effects on employees is crucial.

Research indicates that folks working extensively with AI are more likely to experience loneliness, which can lead to mental health issues such as increased alcohol consumption after work and insomnia.

Geez…

Discerning truth from lies often feels like navigating a minefield blindfolded.

Surprisingly, it's not just an impression—studies consistently reveal how challenging it is for human beings to detect deception.

Dr. Leanne ten Brinke, who has delved into this perplexing arena, points out:

"Our research was prompted by the puzzling but consistent finding that humans are very poor lie detectors, performing at only about 54% accuracy in traditional lie detection tasks."

Given that a coin toss gives you a 50% chance, our lie-detection skills seem barely better than chance. But why is this the case, and what can we do about it?