Welcome to my Blog

Thank you for stopping by. This space is where I share research, reflections, and practical tools drawn from my experience as a marriage and family therapist.

Are you a couple looking for clarity? A professional curious about the science of relationships? Or simply someone interested in how love and resilience work? I’m glad you’ve found your way here. I can help with that.

Each post is written with one goal in mind: to help you better understand yourself, your partner, and the hidden dynamics that shape human connection.

Grab a coffee (or a notebook), explore what speaks to you, and take what’s useful back into your life and relationships. And if a post sparks a question, or makes you realize you could use more support, I’d love to hear from you.

Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
~Daniel

P.S.

Feel free to explore the categories below to find past blog posts on the topics that matter most to you. If you’re curious about attachment, navigating conflict, or strengthening intimacy, these archives are a great way to dive deeper into the research and insights that I’ve been sharing for years.

 

Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

Understanding Narcissistic Collapse

One of the most intense and challenging experiences I’ve seen is what’s known as narcissistic collapse.

This term describes a severe emotional breakdown that can occur when a narcissist’s grandiose self-image is shattered.

The concept of narcissistic collapse is crucial for understanding the emotional turmoil that follows when the carefully constructed façade of a narcissist begins to crumble.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

Empathy Without Boundaries is Self-Destruction: The hidden dangers in couples therapy

In the realm of couples therapy, empathy is often touted as a cornerstone of healthy relationships.

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another is crucial for intimacy, communication, and conflict resolution.

However, when empathy is taken to the extreme—when it becomes boundless—it can lead to self-destruction.

Empathy Without Boundaries is Self-Destruction.

This phenomenon, often termed "empathic overextension," is not just a theoretical concept but a real and pressing issue that can undermine both individual well-being and relational health.

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Inlaws and Extended Families Daniel Dashnaw Inlaws and Extended Families Daniel Dashnaw

Middle adulthood is referred to as the sandwich generation because?

Middle adulthood, often referred to as the "Sandwich Generation," describes a period in life where folks are simultaneously caring for their aging parents while supporting their own children.

This dual responsibility can create significant stress and strain, as these adults are metaphorically "sandwiched" between the needs of two generations.

This phase typically occurs during the ages of 40 to 65, a time when many people are at the peak of their careers and are dealing with the challenges of maintaining their own health and well-being.

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Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

Alone But Not Lonely: Hollywood Women Who Thrived in Solitude and Redefined Independence

Many Hollywood women have debunked the myth that being alone equates to loneliness through their lives and public statements.

These women have embraced solitude as a time for self-discovery, empowerment, and fulfillment, showing that independence can be a source of strength rather than a sign of deficiency.

Why is human intimacy so profoundly disappointing?

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

The Heavy Weight of "Grocery List Guilt": How Overcoming the Invisible Load Can Strengthen Your Relationship

We’ve all been there: you walk into the grocery store, confident you can remember everything you need, only to return home and realize you forgot the milk.

The “Grocery List Guilt” meme hilariously captures this all-too-familiar moment, but it also hints at a deeper issue many of us face in our relationships—the invisible load.

This unseen mental burden, often carried by one partner, can lead to stress, resentment, and a sense of being overwhelmed.

But it also might indicate the presence of a hidden stressor, such as untreated ADHD

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Attachment Issues Daniel Dashnaw Attachment Issues Daniel Dashnaw

The Avoidant/Anxious Attachment Loop: How Technology is Amplifying Relationship Anxiety

In today’s digital age, the landscape of relationships has been profoundly transformed by technology.

While it offers numerous avenues for connection, it also brings about new challenges that can exacerbate underlying relational anxieties.

One of the most poignant examples of this is the "Avoidant/Anxious Attachment Loop," a meme that has gained significant traction on platforms like Reddit.

This meme reflects a deep-seated anxiety in relationships, particularly as they intersect with modern dating behaviors like ghosting and orbiting.

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Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

Relationship Anarchy vs. Polyamory

As traditional values and societal norms continue to evolve, new relationship models such as relationship anarchy and polyamory have gained attention.

These philosophies offer alternatives to the conventional monogamous framework, encouraging individuals to redefine love and commitment.

However, from a conservative perspective, these models raise important questions about the long-term implications for individuals, families, and society as a whole.

This post critically examines relationship anarchy and polyamory, exploring their potential consequences through a more traditional lens.

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Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

What is Relationship Escalator Rejection?

The term “Relationship Escalator Rejection” is one of those modern polyamorous memes that have gained traction among those who find the traditional path of relationships a bit too… predictable.

You know the drill: you meet someone, date, move in together, get married, maybe pop out a couple of kids, and settle into a life of blissful monotony (or at least, that’s the idealized version).

The “relationship escalator” is what some call this linear progression. But, for those who reject it, life is apparently a lot more exciting—or chaotic, depending on your perspective.

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Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

Emotional Bandwidth Management: The Hidden Strain in Polyamorous Relationships

Let’s talk about Emotional Bandwidth Management with multiple partners..

Polyamory, at least in its idealized form, is often presented as a boundless landscape where love flows freely between multiple partners.

It’s a vision of relationships unshackled by monogamous norms, offering infinite possibilities for connection, growth, and intimacy.

But beneath this utopian image lies a reality that’s far less glamorous—one that involves a limited resource that no amount of love can stretch: emotional bandwidth.

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Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

The Rise of Self-Partnering: A New Era in Intimate Relationships

The concept of "self-partnering," popularized by figures like Emma Watson, represents a profound shift in how individuals approach intimate relationships in the USA.

This trend transcends traditional notions of singlehood, emphasizing a conscious decision to focus on personal growth, self-care, and autonomy.

As cultural norms evolve, self-partnering challenges established paradigms of fulfillment, happiness, and commitment, quietly redefining the landscape of intimate relationships.

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Family Life and Parenting Daniel Dashnaw Family Life and Parenting Daniel Dashnaw

Solo Parenting: The Unique Challenges and Resilience of Single Moms and Dads

In today's society, solo parenting has become increasingly common, with significant numbers of single mothers and fathers navigating the complexities of raising children alone.

The dynamics of solo parenting present a distinct set of challenges, influenced not only by the parent's gender but also by external stressors such as housing, employment, and transportation.

Understanding these factors is critical for providing adequate support to single parents and ensuring the well-being of their children.

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Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw Social Media and Relationships Daniel Dashnaw

Compersion: A Closer Look at a Really Bad Idea

Compersion is a notion of polyamory advocates, hailed as the antidote to jealousy—a state of enlightened bliss where you’re genuinely happy to see your partner enjoying romantic or sexual experiences with someone else.

It’s the magical potion that supposedly transforms human nature from its possessive, insecure roots into something resembling unconditional love... or so we’re told.

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