What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Unlocking the Mystery: What Does It Mean to Be Lucky in Love?

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be "lucky in love"?

It’s a phrase we hear often, but what does it actually entail? Is it just a whimsical notion, or is there a science behind it?

As it turns out, the concept of being lucky in love is more than just a romantic ideal—it’s a topic that researchers have explored in depth.

Is there a science to being lucky in love?

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Unlock the Secret to What Makes You Attractive: Playfulness

Ever wonder what makes you attractive? Researchers wonder too. Dr. René Proyer from the Institute of Psychology at MLU claims that his recent research has uncovered the secret of being attractive.

And it’s Playfulness.

Playfulness is what makes you attractive. According to Dr. Proyer, it’s is one of the most charming ways of engaging with others.

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Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw Extramarital Affairs Daniel Dashnaw

Oh no, you got caught cheating…now what?

Welcome to the purgatory of merciless self-examination.

You got caught cheating. Infidelity is an ancient weakness. It’s a sin that takes up 20% of the 10 commandments: one commandment against doing it, and the other commandment against just even thinking about doing it.

You’ll come to experience true remorse, but right now you just regret getting in trouble.

I’ll tell you that you’ve got a lot of arduous work ahead of you. Your old marriage is dead, and, because you both want to heal, you might have a chance at redemption.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

What is Emotional Gridlock?

Emotional gridlock is a pervasive issue that can sabotage even the most committed relationships, leading to a cycle of frustration, resentment, and emotional disconnection.

Understanding the root causes and dynamics of emotional gridlock is crucial for couples seeking to break free from this destructive pattern.

This post will explore the concept of emotional gridlock, exploring its origins, the psychological theories that explain it, and practical strategies for overcoming it.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

Understanding Cobra Husbands: The Deadly Tactics of Control and Abuse

In the toxic and deadly realm of domestic violence, the nature of abuse varies significantly depending on the personality and behavior of the abuser.

Not all abusers are the same, and understanding the distinctions can be crucial for both recognizing the signs of abuse and implementing effective strategies for escape.

According to ground-breaking research by Neil Jacobson, Ph.D., and John Gottman, Ph.D., detailed in their seminal book When Men Batter Women (Simon and Schuster, 1998), there are two distinct types of abusive husbands: the "Cobras" and the "Pit Bulls."

This post will focus on the former—the Cobra husbands—and the calm and deadly ways they regulate and control their partners.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

The Silent Treatment: Origins, Evolution, and Its Complex Role in Relationships

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.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

Everyday Boss Moves: Celebrating the Small Wins That Make You Feel Like a CEO

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.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

The Hidden Power of Petty Superpowers: Why Mindfulness and Attention Make All the Difference

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.

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Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw Neurodiverse Couples Daniel Dashnaw

The Quirky World of Micro-Obsessions: What Van Halen’s Brown M&Ms Can Teach Us About Attention to Detail

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.

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

The Role of Social Media in Shaping Relationship Expectations: Navigating Unrealistic Standards and the ‘Highlight Reel’ Effect

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.

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

Digital Detox for Couples And Families: Reconnecting in a Screen-Saturated World

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.

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

Digital Intimacy and Relationship Maintenance in the Age of Social Media

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.

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