Welcome to my Blog

Thank you for stopping by. This space is where I share research, reflections, and practical tools drawn from my experience as a marriage and family therapist with an international practice.

I write about what happens to desire, attachment, and meaning once the early myths stop working.

Are you a couple looking for clarity? A professional curious about the science of relationships? Or simply someone interested in how love and resilience work? I'm glad you've found your way here. I can help with that. I'm accepting new clients, and this blog is for the benefit of all my gentle readers.

Each post is written with one goal in mind: to help you better understand yourself, your partner, and the hidden dynamics that shape human connection

Grab a coffee (or a notebook), explore what speaks to you, and take what's useful back into your life and relationships.

And if a post sparks a question, or makes you realize you could use more support, l'd love to hear from you. Let's explore the scope of work you'd like to do together.

Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.

~ Daniel

P.S.

Feel free to explore the categories below to find past blog posts on the topics that matter most to you. If you're curious about attachment, navigating conflict, or strengthening intimacy, these archives are a great way to dive deeper into the research and insights that l've been sharing for years.


Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

Understanding the "Switching" Phenomenon in Narcissists and Borderlines

One of the most perplexing behaviors in individuals with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) is the rapid and unpredictable change in emotions, also known as "switching."

These sudden shifts often leave loved ones feeling confused and uncertain about the stability of their relationship.

"Switching" is tied to emotional dysregulation, a core feature of these disorders, and is closely related to the psychological mechanism of splitting.

In this post, we'll dive deep into the psychological and neurological underpinnings of "switching," discuss its connection to emotional regulation issues, and explore the scientific research that explains why these shifts occur. By understanding this phenomenon, you can better navigate relationships with those who experience it.

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

The Marriage Sabbatical: A Path to Clarity or Cultural Distraction?

In recent years, the marriage sabbatical has gained traction as a novel approach to addressing relationship burnout.

The basic premise?

Couples take a temporary break from each other—living apart for weeks or even months—to pursue individual growth, with the hope that the time away will reignite appreciation for the partnership.

It's not a divorce, nor is it a trial separation.

As journalist Zoe Williams points out, it’s sold as an opportunity to “forget the little irritations and realize how much you miss each other” (Williams, 2022).

But is this trend the fresh take on marriage it claims to be, or is it simply the product of cultural narcissism, further undermining the commitment required for long-term relationships?

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

How Worry and Rumination Drive Addictive Social Media Use: Insights from New Research

Let’s face it. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) have become daily staples for millions of people.

While these platforms offer endless opportunities to stay connected, share moments, and express ourselves, there's a downside: social media addiction.

New research from Italy, published in Addictive Behaviors, uncovers how psychological factors like worry and rumination play a significant role in addictive social media use.

This is more than just spending too much time online—it's about how patterns of negative thinking can lead to social media dependency and impact mental health.

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

Can Conspiracy Theories Actually Strengthen a Relationship?

Believe it or not, for some couples, conspiracy theories might act as relationship glue.

If both partners are nodding along to each other's claims about secret government plots or hidden alien bases, they’re not just on the same page—they're writing the whole conspiracy chapter together.

There’s a strange kind of intimacy in sharing a worldview that others find bizarre. You and your partner against the world, dodging UFOs and uncovering “the truth,” can create a bond that, according to the research, may even strengthen your relationship.

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

New Study Links Narcissism and Sadism to Increased Sex Drive and Porn Use

A recent study published in Personality and Individual Differences reveals a compelling connection between two dark personality traits—narcissism and everyday sadism—and heightened sexual behavior, including a higher sex drive and increased pornography consumption.

These findings offer a deeper understanding of how specific personality traits tied to manipulative and harmful behaviors may influence sexual motivation.

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

Why Dancers Are More Outgoing and Less Neurotic: New Study Explains the Personality Traits of Dancers

If you've ever wondered whether dancing says something about your personality, you're not alone!

A recent study published in Personality and Individual Differences has revealed that dancers possess distinct personality traits compared to non-dancers.

Spoiler alert: dancers are more open, extroverted, agreeable, and less neurotic. It's almost like the dance floor is a secret recipe for a better mood and personality boost!

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Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw Signs of Trouble Daniel Dashnaw

Understanding the Link Between Pathological Narcissism and Emotional Dysregulation: The Role of Impaired Self-Mentalizing

Pathological narcissism has long been tied to emotional dysregulation, but recent research highlights a key factor that may explain why: impaired self-mentalizing.

For folks with covert narcissism, their inability to reflect upon, and understand their own emotions might be at the heart of their emotional struggles.

Let's consider how these concepts connect, and what this new study reveals.

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

How Daily Habits Affect Brain Connectivity: New Research Reveals Long-Lasting Effects on Brain Health

Have you ever wondered how skipping a workout or staying up too late might impact your brain?

Groundbreaking research from Aalto University and the University of Oulu in Finland suggests that our daily habits, such as exercise, sleep, and stress management, have long-lasting effects on brain connectivity—lasting up to two weeks!

This exciting new insight sheds light on how neural pathways are constantly adapting to our everyday choices.

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

Why Couples Who Laugh Together, Stay Together

You’ve probably heard it before: communication is key to a successful relationship.

But what if I told you there’s something just as powerful that often flies under the radar?

It’s laughter.

Yep, the simple act of sharing a smile or chuckle with your partner can be the secret sauce to lasting love. As a couples therapist, I’ve seen over and over again how humor transforms relationships — even during life’s toughest moments.

And it’s not just anecdotal; research supports it. So let’s explore why being playful and silly with your partner might be the best way to strengthen your bond, weather storms, and stay connected for the long haul.

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

The Evolution of Lesbian Memes on Social Media: Humor, Identity, and Community

Lesbian memes on social media have become more than just humor-filled posts to share a laugh.

They are a rich tapestry of jokes, commentary, and shared experiences that reflect the diversity, struggles, and joys of the lesbian community.

These memes have exploded in popularity, particularly on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, where they create a sense of connection among those who identify as lesbian or queer.

Let’s explore how these memes have evolved, the popular themes they address, and their impact on the community.

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

The Emerging Gay Relationship Memes: Navigating Identity, Masculinity, and Power in Modern Relationships

Memes reflecting experiences unique to gay relationships are a form of cultural expression that conveys the complexities of identity, dating, and interpersonal dynamics in humorous and poignant ways.

Emerging gay relationship memes such as "Masc4Masc," "Twink Death," "Soft Dom Daddy," and "Chosen Family" not only offer humor but provide insight into the emotional and societal challenges faced by the community.

In this post, we will delve into several key memes circulating within the gay community, exploring their deeper meaning and the social dynamics they reflect.

Along the way, we will uncover common patterns in these memes that highlight the ongoing navigation of identity, masculinity, intimacy, and power within gay relationships.

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

The History of the “Hustle Culture” Meme: The Rise, The Reckoning, and Cultural Shift

Over the past decade, hustle culture has become more than a mere mindset; it’s transformed into a widespread meme that glorifies constant hard work, relentless ambition, and personal sacrifice in pursuit of success.

Once celebrated as a badge of honor, hustle culture now faces mounting criticism, with many questioning the toll it takes on mental and physical well-being.

In this exploration of hustle culture, we’ll delve into its origins, how it evolved into an online meme, and the growing backlash that has reframed the conversation around work-life balance.

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