In the age of smartphones, dating apps, and social media, our relationships have evolved—sometimes for the better, but often in confusing ways.

The rise of terms like soft ghosting, breadcrumbing, and orbiting reflects how digital communication can complicate romance, leaving many feeling emotionally stuck.

These subtle behaviors often cause more harm than outright rejection because they leave the person wondering, “What’s going on here? Am I still in this relationship, or not?”

In this post, we’ll go deep into these new dating behaviors, explore their philosophical implications for how we connect (or fail to connect) today, and discuss how they’re changing our understanding of intimacy and commitment.

In contemporary society, the concept of the independent woman has become a lightning rod in gender politics.

While many celebrate the progress women have made in attaining autonomy and success, a notable faction of men expresses resentment, even hostility, toward this empowerment.

Why do some men hate independent women?

The answer lies in a complex interplay of cultural narcissism, gender politics, and movements such as MAGA (Make America Great Again).

This post will examine why independence in women is often met with disdain, using social science research to understand these attitudes while also exploring how cultural dynamics fuel this backlash.

What is Narcissistic Abuse? Understanding Emotional and Psychological Manipulation

Narcissistic abuse occurs when an individual with narcissistic traits—such as an inflated sense of self-importance, lack of empathy, and a constant need for admiration—engages in patterns of emotional manipulation to control their partner.

Narcissistic partners use various tactics, including gaslighting, projection, and love-bombing, to gain dominance in relationships, leading their victims to feel confused, emotionally unstable, and often powerless.

Breakups are rarely simple, and as countless stories on Reddit’s r/BreakUps show, the end of a relationship is often fraught with confusion, pain, and a sense of regret.

But what if some of these relationships could have been saved? Could couples therapy have provided the tools needed to navigate conflict, heal emotional wounds, and avoid the final heartbreak?

In this blog post, we’ll explore common relationship issues shared on r/BreakUps and discuss how therapy might have helped these couples find resolution before reaching the breaking point.

Infidelity is one of the most devastating events that can happen in a relationship. While many people assume cheating marks the end of a relationship, others find ways to survive—and sometimes even strengthen—their bond after the betrayal.

Over on Reddit’s r/infidelity, users share stories of both heartbreak and recovery, offering insights into why some relationships endure infidelity while others do not.

This blog will explore what Reddit users have taught us about infidelity and the key factors that therapists believe determine whether a relationship can survive.

By combining real-life examples with therapeutic insights, we’ll dive deep into what it takes to rebuild trust and move forward after betrayal.

In Reddit’s r/relationship_advice, thousands of people post daily about their relationship challenges. These stories range from small disagreements to major conflicts that leave people questioning the future of their partnerships.

While the community is quick to offer support and advice, sometimes even the best Reddit suggestions fall short of offering a solution tailored to the unique emotional dynamics of a couple. This is where couples therapy comes in.

Therapy offers a personalized, evidence-based approach to addressing conflict, helping couples understand the root causes of their problems and work toward lasting solutions.

In the ever-popular r/relationship_advice subreddit, users from all walks of life post about their relationship challenges, hoping for validation or guidance.

Many times, these posts highlight what we, as therapists, often refer to as "red flags"—warning signs that something isn’t quite right.

Yet, for the people living through these experiences, these red flags are often missed or downplayed.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common red flags seen on r/relationship_advice, discuss what they reveal about unhealthy relationship dynamics, and, most importantly, explain how therapy can intervene before it’s too late.

There’s something fascinating about the way emotions typically run high at an iconic Trump rally. It’s not just about politics—it’s about collective energy, belonging, and the thrill of rebellion.

In the world of psychoanalysis, there's a term for this kind of deep, almost excessive enjoyment: jouissance.

French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan used the word to describe the type of pleasure that’s both thrilling and a little bit uncomfortable, where you push boundaries and break norms.

For Trump supporters, the rallies were more than just political events—they were an emotional experience that tapped into this jouissance by creating a space to defy the status quo, cheer, chant, and push back against what they saw as the "establishment."

But what happens when that pleasure gets disrupted?

Imagine this: Trump loses another election, and just before Thanksgiving, he’s sentenced to 5 years in prison. How does the energy that has fueled his rallies translate into such a sudden, shocking defeat? And most importantly, how will Trump’s most loyal supporters—the so-called "Trump cult"—react?

The End of Jouissance as They Know It?

I get a lot of complaints about pornography use in my practice.

As a science-based couples therapist, understanding the neural mechanisms of associative learning related to internet-use behaviors such as porn can be invaluable in clinical practice.

This recent study, which shows that pornographic stimuli elicit stronger reward responses in the brain compared to monetary and gaming stimuli, provides important insights that can be leveraged in therapeutic settings.

Let’s be honest—if you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram, you’ve probably seen those perfect couples.

You know the ones: always smiling, dressed in coordinated outfits, effortlessly posing in front of breathtaking sunsets.

It’s like they stepped out of a rom-com and onto your feed. But here’s the thing: what you’re seeing is only part of the story.

Welcome to the world of the “Highlight Reel,” where social media often showcases the best and brightest moments of relationships while leaving the messier, more complicated bits off-screen.

If you and your partner spend more time scrolling through your phones than gazing into each other’s eyes, it might be time to consider a digital detox.

Is this a family concern as well?

In today’s screen-saturated world, it’s easy to feel more connected to our devices than to the people we love.

While technology brings us many benefits, too much screen time can take a toll on our mental health, our stress levels, and—let’s face it—our relationships.

But don’t worry, a digital detox doesn’t mean you have to throw your phone into the nearest lake. It’s about finding balance and reconnecting with your partner in more meaningful ways.

Let’s explore how a digital detox can benefit your relationship, the signs that you might need one, and some practical tips on how to implement it.

In today’s world, social media is as much a part of our relationships as candlelit dinners and whispered sweet nothings—only now, the candles are LED, and the sweet nothings are often emojis.

Social media has become a central part of how couples connect, communicate, and navigate their shared lives.

But while it offers new opportunities for intimacy (and the occasional couple selfie), it also presents challenges that our grandparents never had to consider.

As a couples therapist, understanding these dynamics and helping couples navigate them can be crucial to keeping relationships healthy. I’ll include some tips on applying the latest research for my colleagues.