Narcissists often make friends quickly, but keeping them? That's a different story. They often lack emotional intelligence, a critical quality for long-term friendship.

But why don’t these positive first impressions become lasting bonds?

At first glance, narcissists are incredibly attractive to others.

Their self-assurance and showmanship draw people in like moths to a flame.

But sustaining those friendships becomes a challenge once the initial charm wears off. But Why?

Because emotional intelligence, not just charisma, is key to long-lasting relationships.

Ever wonder if you have a high fluid IQ? Well, it might be hiding in your short-term memory!

Psychological research reveals that the ability to store more items in short-term memory indicates a higher fluid IQ.

The average number of things people can store in short-term memory, whether words, numbers, or random facts, is around four. And don't blink because short-term memory only lasts about 15 to 30 seconds.

However, if you can juggle more than four items in your short-term memory, it suggests you might have an above-average IQ.

Or does it?

During activities meant to bring pleasure, distractions like phones, anxious thoughts, or simple mind wandering can divert our focus.

This lack of attention means we don't derive the expected pleasure from these experiences, leaving us craving more.

This cycle can lead to behaviors like overeating, excessive gaming, or endless traveling without truly enjoying the moments.

When the clock strikes midnight and you're still awake, you're entering a realm where your brain might not be at its best.

This phenomenon, known as the "Mind After Midnight Hypothesis," suggests that our brains become more prone to negative thoughts, risky behavior, and emotional instability during late-night hours.

This post explores what happens to your brain after midnight and why you might want to consider getting some sleep instead of binge-watching your favorite series or scrolling through social media.

Breaking bad habits isn't about sheer willpower; it's about understanding how habits work and using the right strategies to disrupt them.

You can achieve lasting change by avoiding cues, making behaviors harder, mentally blocking impulses, and substituting bad habits with good ones

In a world where virtues like humility and love are extolled, it seems paradoxical that narcissism could find a foothold within Christianity.

Yet, the phenomenon of Christian narcissism exists, blending self-righteousness with an inflated sense of importance.

Here’s a field guide to spotting a Christian narcissist, all while keeping your sense of humor intact.

When it comes to relationships, understanding each other's inner worlds can be as tricky as finding a parking spot in downtown Manhattan.

This process is called mentalization—it’s the imaginative mental ability to understand and interpret one's own and others' thoughts, feelings, and intentions.

Now, throw in neurodiversity—a term that acknowledges and celebrates the variety of human brains and cognitive functioning—and you have a recipe for some truly fascinating dynamics. I’ll also touch on Bi-polar disorder as well.

Unlocking the secret to achieving a flow state can transform how you work, create, and live.

For my gentle neurodiverse readers, understanding and entering this heightened state of focus and creativity can be both a challenge and a game-changer.

While traditional advice on achieving flow often includes familiar, ho-hum strategies like setting clear goals or minimizing distractions, here are five lesser-known techniques that can help you tap into your flow state.

Let's dive in!

Perspective-taking is a crucial skill in any relationship, allowing us to understand and empathize with others.

However, for narcissists, this concept can be as elusive as a unicorn at a business meeting.

In this post, we'll discuss narcissism and perspective-taking, exploring why it's so challenging for narcissists and offering insights for those who love, live, or work with them.

Narcissism and mentalization are two concepts that intertwine intricately, impacting not just individual mental health but also the dynamics of intimate relationships.

I've seen how these psychological constructs influence behavior, emotional connections, and overall relationship satisfaction.

Narcissism is often misunderstood as mere self-absorption or vanity, but its roots often lie much deeper.

I frequently encounter the repercussions of narcissistic behavior in relationships, which can often be traced back to complex trauma.

In this post, we will explore the connection between complex trauma and narcissism, drawing on research and insights from thought leaders in the field.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in our brain’s reward and pleasure systems.

As a couples therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how understanding and intentionally boosting dopamine can rejuvenate relationships. These interventions are like a broad menu for dopamine enhancement.

Let’s explore some effective ways to introduce more dopamine into each other’s brain and nervous system.