In today’s deeply extractive, fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy relationship can be as challenging as navigating a minefield.

Relationship burnout, an increasingly common issue, can sneak up on even the strongest couples, leaving them feeling disconnected, exhausted, and unfulfilled.

Furthermore, your culture might be hostile to authentic intimacy. Yikes.

Understanding the signs and finding ways to address relationship fatigue is crucial for long-term happiness and connection.

Picture this: you wake up, yawn, stretch, and before your morning coffee, you engage in a little romp.

Welcome to the Icelandic approach to love and dating, affectionately termed "sex before coffee."

As an American couples therapist, I can’t help but chuckle at the idea while also pondering its cultural implications.

What could this mean for more reserved societies? And could it actually work?

Marriage, often heralded as the pinnacle of romantic commitment, can undergo a series of challenges that, if left unchecked, can lead to its decline.

Recognizing the stages of a dying marriage is crucial for both partners to address issues early and take necessary steps to potentially salvage the relationship.

This comprehensive blog post explores these stages in depth, supported by social science research and practical insights.

The declaration "marriage is dead" might sound hyperbolic, but numerous studies and cultural shifts suggest that the institution of marriage is indeed under significant threat.

From changing societal norms to economic pressures, the traditional concept of marriage and the nuclear family is evolving rapidly.

This post explores the research behind these changes, what might be supplanting marriage, and the future of the nuclear family in an age characterized by individualism and high costs of raising children.

Future faking is a manipulative tactic often used by narcissists to control and manipulate their victims.

It involves making grand promises about the future to keep the victim invested in the relationship.

By creating an illusion of a bright, shared future, the narcissist secures the victim’s commitment and compliance, all while having no intention of fulfilling these promises. This tactic plays on the victim’s hopes and dreams, making it a particularly insidious form of emotional manipulation.

Victims of narcissistic relationships often wonder if they are narcissists due to a complex interplay of psychological manipulation, emotional abuse, and self-doubt.

This confusion is particularly pervasive and troubling, leading many to seek answers and validation. Let’s dive into the detailed dynamics of narcissistic abuse.

Why victims of narcissistic partners often wonder if they are narcissists?

Couples that argue but don't break up often evoke clinical curiosity.

Contrary to the myth of the perfect relationship, where harmony is constant, healthy disagreements can strengthen bonds.

This post explores the importance of conflict in relationships, how to argue constructively, and the role of repair attempts in maintaining a strong, resilient partnership.

We will consider the mechanics of relationship conflict, constructive arguing, repair attempts, relationship resilience, and best practices for communication in relationships.

As a couples therapist, I often explore the dynamics of emotions and how they impact our behaviors and relationships.

Interestingly, recent research has unveiled a potent emotional tool for beating bad habits: gratitude.

This finding, while initially surprising, offers valuable insights into how we can approach addiction and habit formation from a fresh perspective.

In our fast-paced, digitally connected world, technology has seamlessly woven itself into every aspect of our lives.

Smartphones, emails, and other digital tools have revolutionized how we work and communicate.

While this connectivity brings numerous benefits, it also blurs the lines between work and personal time, creating a significant challenge for couples striving to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

As a science-based couples therapist, I’ve observed how this digital intrusion can strain relationships and undermine quality time together.

Let's explore the impact of technology on work-life balance and suggest ways couples can establish tech-free zones to enhance their connection.

The debate between working mothers and stay-at-home moms is a complex and enduring one, shaped by personal choices, societal norms, and economic realities.

This post discusses various aspects such as the impact on child development, work-life balance, evolving gender roles, economic implications, and differing parenting styles.

By exploring the latest social science research, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the implications for both mothers and their families.

This post will also offer my opinions on the nuanced nature of this debate. I’m advocating for support systems that benefit all mothers regardless of their employment status.

In our hyperconnected world, staying informed is important, but it can easily spiral into doomscrolling—an endless consumption of negative news that leaves you feeling anxious and overwhelmed.

Breaking this cycle is essential for mental well-being. \

Here are 4 curated apps, backed by research and user feedback, that can help you curb doomscrolling and reclaim your peace of mind.

Ah, doomscrolling. If you've ever found yourself lying in bed, glued to your phone, mindlessly scrolling through an endless stream of bad news, congratulations!

You’re part of a growing club of doomscrollers.

But here’s the kicker: it's not just your sleep that's taking a hit. Your relationship might be suffering too. Let’s dive into the grim world of doomscrolling and explore how it's quietly sabotaging your love life.