Let’s face it: makeup has been around as long as people have had faces to put it on.

Cleopatra had her eyeliner; Marie Antoinette had her powdered wigs; and today, many of us can't leave the house without a touch of concealer (unless you’re a psychopath, but we’ll get to that later). So, what's behind our love affair with blush, mascara, and lipstick?

Apparently, your makeup habits might have a little something to do with your personality, and in some cases, the darker corners of it.

A recent study in the Archives of Sexual Behavior had a fascinating take: it seems that certain personality traits—particularly narcissism, extraversion, and (drumroll please) psychopathy—may influence how much makeup women slap on before heading out the door. Because nothing screams “I need admiration!” quite like contouring for a casual coffee run.

In the global race for a long life, Americans are trailing far behind.

A recent study published in BMJ Open reveals that the United States has the shortest life expectancy among six high-income, English-speaking countries.

This alarming trend raises serious questions about the state of health and healthcare in the land of the free.

The study, led by Jessica Ho from Penn State, analyzed life expectancy data from 1990 to 2019 across the United States, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

The results are not pretty: Americans consistently lag behind their peers, with U.S. women living an average of 81.5 years and men just 76.5 years in 2019. In comparison, Australians are living significantly longer, with women reaching up to 85.5 years and men 81.4 years.

The American family has changed significantly in recent decades, and this evolution has sparked an intense debate.

While some view these changes—like cohabitation, single-parent households, and delayed marriage—as signs of progress, others argue that they reflect a deeper societal issue.

Thought leaders from various fields have expressed concern, suggesting that these trends might signal a decline in the shared values that hold society together.

However, this conversation isn’t always driven by religious or moral dogma; many of these critiques come from sociologists, economists, and political theorists who argue that the decline of traditional family structures could lead to long-term societal challenges.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many couples into uncharted territory, leading to emotional strain and burnout. As we begin to emerge from this unprecedented period, many couples are looking for ways to reconnect and rekindle their relationships.

On Reddit, users frequently express the exhaustion they feel from prolonged togetherness and share stories of navigating relationship burnout. Rebuilding intimacy, communication, and personal space are common challenges that post-pandemic couples face.

Recent research published in Biological Psychiatry reveals intriguing insights into how different types of early-life adversity can lead to unique patterns of brain development.

The study found that children who experience emotional neglect tend to have younger-looking brains.

In contrast, children exposed to more severe adversities, such as caregiver mental illness or socioeconomic hardship, often show signs of older-looking brains. These findings shed light on how diverse early-life experiences shape the brain in distinct ways.

Good morning gentle reader! Here’s a review of the book Mother Brain by Chelsea Conaboy: How Neuroscience is Rewriting Parenthood.

In Mother Brain: How Neuroscience Is Rewriting the Story of Parenthood, health journalist Chelsea Conaboy explores how caregiving reshapes the brain.

With her background in science and health reporting for outlets like Mother Jones and The Boston Globe, Conaboy bridges the gap between cutting-edge neuroscience and the everyday experience of parents.

Her work is especially valuable for debunking the cultural myth of "maternal instinct" by showing how caregiving behaviors emerge through brain plasticity and adaptation.

Parenting is a journey filled with ups and downs, moments of sheer joy, and times of overwhelming exhaustion.

In the whirlwind of raising children, it’s easy to focus on the challenges—sleepless nights, tantrums in the grocery store, or the seemingly endless messes.

But amid the chaos, there are those precious moments of success that remind us we’re doing something right. These parenting wins, no matter how small, deserve to be celebrated.

What Are Parenting Wins?

In an era characterized by Cultural Narcissism, where self-promotion and the relentless pursuit of personal validation often overshadow collective well-being, the notion of quiet hope emerges as a powerful antidote.

This concept, subtle yet profound, speaks to the resilience found in everyday moments, the belief in gradual change, and the deep-seated trust in the possibility of a better future.

As we navigate the complexities of a post-Trump world, marked by division and disillusionment, the role of marriage and family therapists becomes increasingly crucial.

Hyposexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) might sound like a mouthful, but at its core, it's about something many people can relate to—a persistent lack of interest in sex.

It’s not just about having an “off week” or feeling stressed; it’s when this lack of desire becomes a pattern that causes personal distress or strains a relationship.

HSDD can affect anyone, though it’s more often reported by women. It’s recognized as a legitimate medical condition and is something worth talking about openly.

Hypersexuality, often referred to as compulsive sexual behavior, is a condition where an individual experiences intense and recurring sexual thoughts, urges, or behaviors that can interfere with their daily life.

It's essential to recognize the signs early to seek appropriate help and avoid potential negative consequences.

This self-assessment is designed to help you reflect on your sexual behaviors and thoughts to determine if they may be indicative of hypersexuality.

While this test is not a diagnostic tool, it can guide you toward better understanding your sexual health. If you score high, consider consulting with a mental health professional for a more comprehensive evaluation.

ADHD and Hypersexuality: Navigating the Challenges with Compassion

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often associated with symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

However, a lesser-known aspect of ADHD is its potential link to hypersexuality, a condition characterized by excessive or uncontrollable sexual behavior.

Understanding this connection is crucial for individuals and couples navigating the challenges that ADHD can bring to relationships and personal well-being.

Sarah Blaffer Hrdy’s Mothers and Others: The Evolutionary Origins of Mutual Understanding is a beautifully written and deeply insightful exploration of the evolutionary forces that have shaped human empathy, cooperation, and social intelligence.

Hrdy, a distinguished anthropologist and primatologist, takes us on a journey through time, revealing how the unique challenges of raising our vulnerable, dependent infants have left an indelible mark on what it means to be human.