Let’s talk about the "silent treatment"—that infamous non-verbal smackdown where words are withheld like a toddler’s favorite toy.

We’ve all been there, on one side or the other, feeling the chill of silence when conversation could thaw the frost.

But where did this behavior come from, and why does it still have such a powerful hold on relationships?

In this post, we’ll explore the origins of the silent treatment, its evolution over time, and how it plays out differently across genders.

We’ll also dive into modern dynamics like stonewalling, and the "walk away wife" phenomenon, and, crucially, how American culture expresses this age-old tactic.

Picture this: You pull into a crowded parking lot, and against all odds, you spot it—a prime parking spot, right up front, just waiting for you. You glide in with precision, step out of your car, and for a brief moment, you feel like the CEO of parking.

Congratulations, my friend, you’ve just made an “Everyday Boss Move.”

But what exactly are these everyday boss moves, and why do they make us feel so darn powerful?

Let’s dive into the psychology behind these small yet mighty victories, explore how mindfulness plays a role, and see how celebrating these moments can turn a regular day into a winning streak.

Imagine this: You’re in the middle of a Netflix binge, and suddenly, the dreaded uncertainty hits—have you misplaced the remote?

For most, this would spark a frantic search, but not for you.

With the calm precision of a seasoned detective, you reach under the couch cushion and voilà—there it is.

You’ve just exercised one of your "petty superpowers," and while it may seem trivial, the truth is, these small abilities are more significant than you might think.

In this post, we’re diving into the quirky world of petty superpowers, exploring how they’re linked to the power of attention and mindfulness.

Yes, even the ability to peel off a sticker without leaving residue can teach us something profound about mental awareness and discipline. So, let’s unpack the science behind these seemingly insignificant skills and why they matter more than you might imagine.

We all have them—those tiny quirks that make us fixate on the most minute details, transforming them into what psychologists might call "micro-obsessions."

Whether it's the way a friend slightly mispronounces a word or the compulsive need to rearrange your desk until everything is "just right," these micro-obsessions can seem trivial on the surface.

But what if I told you that these tiny fixations might be emblematic of something much larger? And, what if they could even be a clever way to gauge the attention span of those around us?

Let’s dive into the fascinating psychology behind micro-obsessions, why they form, and what Van Halen’s famous brown M&Ms demand has to do with all of this.

Let’s be honest—if you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram, you’ve probably seen those perfect couples.

You know the ones: always smiling, dressed in coordinated outfits, effortlessly posing in front of breathtaking sunsets.

It’s like they stepped out of a rom-com and onto your feed. But here’s the thing: what you’re seeing is only part of the story.

Welcome to the world of the “Highlight Reel,” where social media often showcases the best and brightest moments of relationships while leaving the messier, more complicated bits off-screen.

If you and your partner spend more time scrolling through your phones than gazing into each other’s eyes, it might be time to consider a digital detox.

Is this a family concern as well?

In today’s screen-saturated world, it’s easy to feel more connected to our devices than to the people we love.

While technology brings us many benefits, too much screen time can take a toll on our mental health, our stress levels, and—let’s face it—our relationships.

But don’t worry, a digital detox doesn’t mean you have to throw your phone into the nearest lake. It’s about finding balance and reconnecting with your partner in more meaningful ways.

Let’s explore how a digital detox can benefit your relationship, the signs that you might need one, and some practical tips on how to implement it.

In today’s world, social media is as much a part of our relationships as candlelit dinners and whispered sweet nothings—only now, the candles are LED, and the sweet nothings are often emojis.

Social media has become a central part of how couples connect, communicate, and navigate their shared lives.

But while it offers new opportunities for intimacy (and the occasional couple selfie), it also presents challenges that our grandparents never had to consider.

As a couples therapist, understanding these dynamics and helping couples navigate them can be crucial to keeping relationships healthy. I’ll include some tips on applying the latest research for my colleagues.

Domestic violence is often depicted as a unidirectional issue, with men as perpetrators and women as victims.

However, social science research has consistently revealed a more complex picture: domestic violence is frequently bi-directional, involving both men and women as perpetrators and victims.

Understanding this dynamic is essential for marriage and family therapy, especially when addressing the root causes of conflict and violence in relationships.

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.

In today’s rapidly evolving work environment, the concepts of diversity and inclusion are more critical than ever.

As organizations strive to create spaces where all employees can thrive, Ludmila N. Praslova’s book, The Canary Code: A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work, emerges as an interesting voice.

This book not only challenges us to rethink inclusion but also offers practical strategies to transform our workplaces into spaces of true belonging.

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.

If you're a parent, you've probably heard that building a secure relationship with your child is one of the best things you can do for them. But how exactly do you go about doing that?

That’s where the Circle of Security Parenting (COSP) model comes in.

It’s a simple yet powerful way to help parents understand and meet their child’s emotional needs.

In the book Raising a Secure Child, authors Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper, and Bert Powell walk us through this model, offering practical advice on how to raise children who feel safe, loved, and ready to take on the world.