A "happy mood" isn't just a fleeting feeling; it's something that can be cultivated and sustained through intentional practices.

Thanks to advances in neuroscience, we now understand that the brain is remarkably plastic, capable of being rewired to support a more positive outlook on life.

Nowadays, playing mind games with people is often dismissed as harmless or strategic, yet the deeper psychological and ethical implications reveal a more troubling reality.

I guess I blame best-selling author Eric Berne for popularizing such a dismal frame for human discourse.

Is It cruel to play mind games with people?

To truly understand whether engaging in such behavior is cruel, we must consider the motivations behind mind games, their effects on our counterparts, and the broader consequences for relationships.

Erica Komisar’s Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters is a compelling exploration of the crucial role that mothers play in their children’s early development.

Komisar, a psychoanalyst and parent guidance expert, delves into the psychological, emotional, and neurological implications of early maternal presence, making a persuasive and compelling argument for the irreplaceable value of a mother’s presence during the first three years of a child’s life.

Komisar's central thesis is that the first three years of a child’s life are foundational for emotional security, cognitive development, and overall well-being.

The Spirit of Intimacy: Ancient African Teachings in the Ways of Relationships by Sobonfu Somé is not just a book; it is an invitation to step into a worldview that is profoundly different from the Western paradigm.

In 1999, Sobonfu Somé, a respected spiritual teacher from the Dagara tribe of Burkina Faso, offered her readers a rare and profound insight: a glimpse into the deep spiritual traditions of her people, particularly as they relate to intimacy, relationships, and community.

This book is more than a guide; it’s an ambitious challenge to how we understand and experience connection in all its forms.

Parenting: the ultimate crash course in patience, creativity, and learning to appreciate the art of hiding in the bathroom for five minutes of peace.

We all want to be better parents, but let’s face it, the job doesn't come with a manual—unless you count that one parenting book you skimmed at 2 AM while the baby was teething.

Fortunately, social science research offers some pretty solid advice that can help you upgrade your parenting game.

Paul Kingsnorth is a British author and environmentalist whose profound critiques of modernity, technology, and globalization offer valuable insights into the challenges facing marriage and family today.

His work, while primarily focused on the cultural and ecological crises of our time, can be directly applied to understanding the pressures that contemporary marriages and families endure.

Kingsnorth’s ideas encourage us to rethink how we approach relationships in a world increasingly dominated by technological advancement, individualism, and a relentless pursuit of economic growth.

Determining when to realize your child’s career path is a complex and evolving process, especially for parents of neurodiverse and twice-exceptional (2E) children.

These children often present a paradox of incredible strengths paired with significant challenges, making the journey to career realization both fascinating and intricate.

In this exploration, we’ll delve deeper into the developmental trajectories, unique needs, and the social science research that can guide parents and educators in supporting neurodiverse and 2E children as they discover their career paths.

Ever found yourself tangled in the web of family tree branches, scratching your head and wondering, "What exactly is my cousin’s kid to me?"

It’s like trying to figure out if the person at your family reunion is a third cousin twice removed or just someone who wandered in for free potato salad.

But fear not gently reader! We’re here to help you decode these family connections with a sprinkle of humor and a dash of clarity.

Let’s dive into the family funhouse and demystify what your cousin’s child really is to you.

Because, let’s face it, knowing this might just save you from some awkward conversations at the next family gathering.

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.

When a spouse feels that their partner prioritizes their family of origin over their marital relationship, it can create significant tension, resentment, and feelings of inadequacy.

The phrase "my husband puts his family before me" reflects a common issue in marriages where boundaries between the marital relationship and the family of origin are unclear or poorly maintained.

This dynamic can lead to conflict, decreased marital satisfaction, and, in some cases, estrangement between partners.

Divorce is challenging under the best of circumstances, but when one or both parties involved are covert narcissists, the experience can reach a whole new level of complexity.

Unlike their overt counterparts, covert narcissists don’t flaunt their egos with grandiosity; instead, they wrap themselves in a cloak of victimhood, often making the divorce process feel like a slow, emotional death by a thousand cuts.

As a couples therapist, I've seen both men and women navigate this treacherous terrain, and the dynamics are as fascinating as they are frustrating.

It’s hard to escape the "relationship goals" meme—those picture-perfect snapshots of love that flood our social media feeds, making us question why our last romantic gesture involved splitting the check at a chain restaurant.

But beyond the glossy images and hashtag overload, what does this meme really say about our culture, our relationships, and, dare we say, our narcissism?

Let’s dive into this digital phenomenon with a blend of serious inquiry and a bit of humor.

The Relationship Goals Meme: What Are We Really Aiming For?