We all know America has a soft spot for train wrecks—the kind we can’t stop watching, even when we know we should.

Reality TV has become the perfect outlet for our collective need to rubberneck, and nothing captures that better than Donald Trump’s rise from reality TV star to president.

The connection between Trump’s role on The Apprentice and his political success isn’t just a wild theory; it’s now backed by research that highlights how The Apprentice helped shape Trump’s image and boost his political career. And the kicker? We let it happen.

A new study published in the American Political Science Review shines a light on how Trump’s portrayal as a tough-talking businessman on The Apprentice helped him gain traction during the 2016 Republican presidential primary.

The show didn’t just entertain—it laid the foundation for one of the most unprecedented political campaigns in U.S. history.

So, how did a reality TV show help make a reality TV star president? The answer lies in the way entertainment media shapes political perceptions, sometimes more than traditional news outlets.

Do you often find yourself scrolling through online stores late at night, adding gadgets or clothing to your cart as a way to unwind?

You're not alone—and there's scientific research that can help you understand why night owls like yourself may be more inclined to compulsive nighttime spending.

In fact, recent studies on chronotypes (your internal body clock) suggest that night owls derive more happiness from material purchases compared to experiences.

But there's more to it.

Recognizing these tendencies can offer you an opportunity to fine-tune your spending habits, giving you greater control over impulsive decisions.

Let’s review new research on chronotypes and limbic capitalism to gain insight into unnecessary spending—and how being aware of your nighttime shopping habits could transform your relationship with money.

As marriage dynamics are constantly evolving, one heartening trend is emerging: husbands of employed wives are reporting significantly higher levels of happiness and self-esteem.

This discovery, highlighted in a recent study published in Personal Relationships, reveals fascinating insights into the relationship between self-esteem, marital satisfaction, and the profound impact a wife’s employment status can have on her husband’s well-being.

As a couples therapist and published researcher in labor studies, I’m excited to unpack these findings and explore how modern couples can build thriving, supportive marriages—especially when both partners work.

Narcissistic parenting is a complex and emotionally damaging experience for many children.

One of the most challenging questions about narcissistic parents is: How easily do narcissists discard their children?

This issue is closely tied to emotional estrangement, a painful dynamic where children are treated as expendable if they don’t meet the parent’s needs.

In this post, we’ll explore the recent social science research that sheds light on this troubling phenomenon, discuss emotional estrangement, and examine how cultural narcissism plays a role in shaping this behavior.

Imagine a world where we could understand the emotional significance of our spontaneous thoughts—those fleeting moments of joy, fear, or self-reflection that occur even when we’re not consciously focused on them.

A pioneering study led by researchers from South Korea’s Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research and Dartmouth College has taken a bold step in that direction by using a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to decode the emotional relevance of thoughts in real-time.

But as we dive into the nuances of this study, we must also consider the implications of what’s happening beneath the surface: limbic capitalism, the practice of monetizing our emotional responses.

The Hilarious Truth Behind the Reality vs. Expectations Relationship Meme

Let’s face it: relationships are a wild ride.

Whether it’s splitting the covers in bed or deciding who’s doing the dishes, the Reality vs. Expectations meme perfectly captures the chaotic magic of being in a relationship.

As a couples therapist, I’ve seen how this meme not only makes us laugh but also reveals some truths about navigating life with another person—and, honestly, we could all use that humor.

As a couples therapist, I often see relationship dynamics mirrored in pop culture memes, and "Gremlin Energy" is no exception.

This emerging meme reflects how people, particularly in intimate relationships, indulge in chaotic, playful behaviors without shame or hesitation.

It's not just about being mischievous—Gremlin Energy invites us to explore what it means to let our guard down and be truly uninhibited with our partner.

Let's explore how this meme manifests in relationships.

What is Gremlin Energy in Relationships?

We all know the feeling: After a long week, you’re in full “Goblin Mode”—hair disheveled, snacks at arm’s reach, and zero plans to leave the couch.

Frankly, you and your partner are comfortably indulging in the least amount of effort possible.

While there’s nothing wrong with cozying up in sweatpants for a Netflix binge, what happens when Goblin Mode takes over your relationship?

And should you be concerned about falling into relationship complacency?

Goblin Mode in relationships refers to the phase where both partners feel so comfortable that they stop putting in effort.

The rise of the “bare minimum boyfriend” meme on social media isn't just a humorous commentary on low-effort relationships—it's also an opportunity to explore deeper psychological patterns, such as narcissism.

While not all partners who give the bare minimum are narcissists, there are significant overlaps in behavior.

Narcissistic tendencies often contribute to a partner’s reluctance to fully invest in the relationship, leaving the other partner feeling underappreciated or emotionally unfulfilled.

Relationships often thrive on teamwork, where both partners share responsibilities, support each other, and contribute to the household or the relationship equally.

However, not all dynamics are balanced.

One term making waves on Reddit and in social media discussions is "Weaponized Incompetence."

This describes a situation where one partner deliberately underperforms a task to avoid doing it in the future, leaving the other partner to pick up the slack.

While it may seem harmless at first, it is a subtle but powerful form of passive aggression that can erode trust, foster resentment, and, ultimately, damage a relationship.

In this post, we’ll dive deep into the concept of weaponized incompetence, explore its roots in passive-aggressive behavior, examine why it happens, and look at how it impacts relationships.

In the age of the “sapiosexual,” where brains have become the new biceps, there’s more to this meme-worthy attraction to intelligence than meets the eye.

Sure, it’s fun to joke about intellectual banter being foreplay, but for some, the pull towards intelligence isn’t just about showing off trivia night skills or flexing one’s knowledge of philosophy.

For others, particularly those within the neurodiverse community, intelligence can manifest in deeply unique and meaningful ways.

So let’s take this conversation a step further.

We’ll explore why intelligence turns us on, discuss how neurodiversity—the spectrum of cognitive differences such as ADHD, autism, and dyslexia—adds complexity to this attraction, and break down the science behind why being “brainy” is sexy.

Alright, let’s be honest. How many times have you heard someone say, “You just need to step outside your comfort zone!” and wanted to roll your eyes so hard you could see your own brain?

Yeah, me too.

We’ve been fed this idea that true growth can only happen when we’re sweating with anxiety, knees shaking, about to burst into a full-blown panic attack.

But is jumping into the terrifying unknown really the best way to grow? Or is there a smarter, comfier way? Spoiler alert: there is, and it involves not abandoning the place where you feel safe.

Introducing the Comfort Room, a fresh take on self-growth that won’t make you break out in a cold sweat. It’s time to change the narrative from “step outside your comfort zone” to “how about we redecorate your comfort zone and expand it, so you don’t feel like you’re about to face a room full of angry velociraptors?”