What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Unlocking the Mystery: What Does It Mean to Be Lucky in Love?

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be "lucky in love"?

It’s a phrase we hear often, but what does it actually entail? Is it just a whimsical notion, or is there a science behind it?

As it turns out, the concept of being lucky in love is more than just a romantic ideal—it’s a topic that researchers have explored in depth.

Is there a science to being lucky in love?

Read More
What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Unlock the Secret to What Makes You Attractive: Playfulness

Ever wonder what makes you attractive? Researchers wonder too. Dr. René Proyer from the Institute of Psychology at MLU claims that his recent research has uncovered the secret of being attractive.

And it’s Playfulness.

Playfulness is what makes you attractive. According to Dr. Proyer, it’s is one of the most charming ways of engaging with others.

Read More
What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Relationship Status: “Joint Costco Membership” — A Deep Dive into Emo-Markers of Commitment

As a marriage and family therapist, I spend a lot of time helping couples recognize the often-overlooked signals of commitment that define their relationship.

While we all know the traditional milestones—like moving in together, marriage, or having kids—there's something profound about the more subtle indicators that show two people are genuinely committed to each other.

One of the most underappreciated of these? The joint Costco membership.

Read More
What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Flamping: A Family Adventure in the Pursuit of Awe

Imagine landing your small plane on a remote airstrip, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

As the engine cools and the sun begins to set, you and your family pitch tents beside the aircraft, surrounded by nothing but nature's grandeur.

This is "flamping"—a blend of flying and camping that offers not just an adventure, but a deeply enriching family experience.

But flamping is more than just a getaway.

It’s a journey into the heart of awe, a powerful emotion that can transform how we see ourselves and each other.

Read More
What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Sleep: The Ultimate Cheat Code for Skill Mastery (and Maybe Even Your Golf Swing)

When it comes to mastering new skills, most of us are familiar with the age-old advice: “Practice makes perfect.”

But what if I told you that practice is only part of the equation?

And that the other part—perhaps the most critical one—has been right under your pillow all along?

That’s right, folks, I’m talking about sleep, that magical brain hack that not only keeps us from turning into sleep-deprived zombies but also supercharges our motor skills.

Read More
What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

The Self-Control Paradox: Why Wanting More Self-Control Is Like Wishing for a Million Dollars Right After You’ve Gone Broke

Ah, the irony. The tricky thing about the desire for self-control is that it tends to arrive at the worst possible moment, like a surprise bill after a splurge or the sudden realization that you might need a gym membership while struggling to lift your grocery bags.

Research shows that our thirst for self-control peaks precisely when our reserves are at rock bottom. So, just when you need to channel your inner zen master, your self-control is off somewhere taking a nap.

Read More
What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

The Evolution of the Meme: "Happy Wife, Happy Life" and Its Migration to the Internet

"Happy Wife, Happy Life"—it's the phrase that’s been whispered by wise old uncles at weddings and cheekily inscribed on countless mugs and T-shirts.

But where did this nugget of marital wisdom come from, and why has it stuck around for so long?

Spoiler alert: It’s more than just a catchy rhyme; it’s a reflection of how we've thought about marriage for generations.

Read More
What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

The Hidden Power of Purpose

Imagine if your sense of purpose could be your brain’s secret weapon against aging.

It turns out, it might be.

Recent research suggests that your internal drive could be a more reliable indicator of cognitive health than all those high-tech brain scans and memory quizzes.

Move over, MRI machines—there’s a new player in town.

Read More
What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Building Resilience Through Reflective Writing: A Simple Exercise with Lasting Impact

Feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges?

A quick and straightforward writing exercise could be just what you need to boost your psychological resilience.

Recent research has shown that spending just 15 minutes a week reflecting on how you've successfully coped with difficult situations can significantly enhance your ability to handle future stress.

A study conducted by Dr. Monique Crane and her colleagues highlights the effectiveness of this approach.

Read More
What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Mindful Relationship Habits: Best Practices for Lasting Connection

In a world where our attention spans rival those of goldfish, cultivating mindfulness in relationships is not just a good idea—it’s essential.

Mindfulness, the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment, can profoundly impact the quality of our relationships.

By intentionally applying mindfulness to our interactions, we can foster deeper connections, reduce conflicts, and create a stronger foundation for long-term satisfaction.

Read More
What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

The Carton of Eggs Relationship Meme

Today, I’d like to discuss the "Carton of Eggs Relationship Theory."

While it might sound quirky or even trivial at first glance, this meme encapsulates a profound metaphor for the delicate balance required in maintaining a healthy relationship.

In this blog post, we'll explore the origins of this meme, speculate on what each "egg" might represent, and examine how this idea contrasts with the often-discussed notion of "walking on eggshells" in relationships.

Read More
What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

The IKEA Relationship Principle: what assembling furniture says about your relationship

Assembling IKEA furniture has become a modern-day rite of passage for couples, testing their patience, communication, and problem-solving skills.

It's more than just a chore—it's a relationship exercise that can reveal a lot about how partners work together.

I like to call it the "IKEA Relationship Principle": if you can assemble a shelf together without breaking up, you can handle anything.

In this blog post, we'll dive into why this principle is more than just a funny meme.

We'll explore how it ties into the science of relationships, specifically research by John Gottman, and discuss therapeutic interventions that harness playful cooperation to strengthen relationships.

Read More