Most couples know how to argue about the little stuff: “Why didn’t you take the trash out?” or “Do we really need six pillows on the bed?” (Answer: yes, always.) But what about the big stuff? The existential questions that linger quietly in the background of every relationship, like a nosy aunt eavesdropping on your conversations.

As a couples therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how rarely these big questions come up in therapy—and that’s a shame. Questions like, What do we believe about love? How do we handle loss? What’s our purpose as a couple? aren’t just abstract musings. They’re the bedrock of a partnership that can survive the long haul.

Let’s dive into these existential questions, explore the social science behind why they matter, and, of course, sprinkle in some humor along the way.

Because if you can’t laugh while contemplating the meaning of love and death, what’s the point?

American culture often treats intimacy as synonymous with sex.

From movies to Instagram reels, the message is clear: if there’s no passionate lip-lock or bedroom scene, is it even love? This hyperfocus on sexual chemistry sidelines the importance of connection outside the bedroom.

Interestingly, a 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 57% of Americans in relationships prioritized emotional closeness over physical intimacy, but a significant portion admitted they weren’t sure how to cultivate it.

Picture this: It’s a typical Thursday night. You and your spouse are scrolling through Netflix, both avoiding the burning question of who will pick tonight’s show.

You suggest a rom-com; they counter with a gritty true-crime docuseries. An innocent disagreement? Sure. But, beneath the surface, tiny, invisible resentments may already be simmering: Why do I always have to compromise?

Resentment in marriage is like rust. And Rust Never Sleeps.

It doesn’t start as a gaping hole in the hull of your relationship, but if left unchecked, it eats away at the foundation, leaving your partnership shaky and prone to collapse.

So, let’s dive into why resentment happens, how it festers, and what to do before you’re both watching TV in separate rooms.

When you think of strength sports like Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, CrossFit, and strongman, you might picture hulking dudes shouting "One more rep!" as chalk clouds the air.

But here’s a plot twist: women are increasingly stepping onto the platforms and into the gym racks, smashing stereotypes and redefining what it means to be strong.

A recent study published in Sex Roles dives deep into the world of these powerhouse women, and spoiler alert: it’s a mix of grit, glory, and some occasional side-eye at outdated gender norms.

Welcome to the delightful cesspool of the internet known as incel forums, where bitterness, blame, and baffling logic collide in a perfect storm of misogyny.

If you’ve ever wondered where humanity's hope goes to die, look no further—these communities are as warm and inviting as a cactus embrace.

But what makes these forums so persistently toxic? A recent study published in New Media & Society offers a window into the murky depths of incel culture, showing just how pervasive—and creatively terrible—misogyny is in these spaces.

Let’s face it: the topic of faking orgasms has been the butt of jokes, sitcom plots, and awkward dinner table conversations for decades.

But beneath the laughter lies a serious question—who’s faking it, and why?

A recent study published in The Journal of Sex Research tackles this head-on, offering surprising insights into not only why people fake orgasms but also what makes them stop. Spoiler alert: it’s not always because they got caught mid-performance.

Grab your popcorn (or perhaps your partner), and let’s unpack this research with a healthy dose of humor and warmth.

It’s 10 PM. You’re curled up on the couch, mindlessly scrolling through social media when you stumble upon a dramatic post in your favorite relationship forum:

"My husband hasn’t planned a date night in six months, and I’m the only one doing laundry. Am I being unreasonable?"

Cue the comments:

• “Divorce him.”

• “Girl, you deserve better!”

• “🚩🚩🚩 Leave now!”

Does psychopathy impair emotional memory? This question has intrigued psychologists, neuroscientists, and therapists for decades.

New research, published in Memory, challenges long-standing assumptions by revealing that psychopathic traits might not significantly disrupt emotional recall.

This finding reshapes our understanding of how emotional processing, memory, and interpersonal relationships intersect in individuals with psychopathic traits.

As a marriage and family therapist, I often grapple with questions about empathy, emotional awareness, and relational memory in clients with psychopathic tendencies.

These insights can help illuminate paths for meaningful intervention in therapy and better understanding in relationships.

What if I told you that happiness doesn’t come in a one-size-fits-all package? That there isn’t just one “correct” personality for a fulfilling life?

Good news: research proves it! Having certain personality traits—whether you’re bubbly or introspective, cool-headed or a lovable hot mess—can lead to a happier life.

Let’s dive into the personality buffet and see what happiness tastes like for you!

The relationship between neurodiversity and the criminal impulse requires nuanced understanding, free from the stigma and stereotypes that often cloud the conversation.

Neurodiversity acknowledges that variations in neurological functioning, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and others, are part of the natural spectrum of human diversity.

Yet, folks within this spectrum can face challenges—social misunderstandings, impulsivity, or difficulty regulating behavior—that intersect with systems of law and social norms.

This essay will delve deeper into the interplay between neurodiversity and criminal behavior, exploring the contributing factors and protective measures, while referencing social science research to ground the discussion in evidence.

The internet is a powerful tool for learning, creativity, and connection, but it’s also a space that requires vigilance, especially for children.

According to a survey by Internet Matters, children spend an average of 4.4 hours per weekday online, which highlights the need for safe digital environments.

Parents often worry about their child’s exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, or other online dangers.

The good news?

There are many secure platforms designed specifically for kids to explore, learn, and socialize in a safe and engaging way.

To ease your concerns, I’ve carefully curated a list of 23 safe online communities for kids.

These platforms combine fun, education, and creativity while maintaining strict safety protocols like moderated chats, parental oversight, and compliance with privacy laws such as COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act).

Whether your child loves gaming, coding, writing, or socializing, these websites offer a safe space to nurture their interests and teach them how to navigate the online world responsibly.

In the ever-evolving landscape of online masculinity archetypes, where the Alpha, Beta, and now Sigma Male hog the spotlight, a lesser-known contender lurks in the shadows, armed with wit, hobbies, and a healthy disdain for peacocking: the Gamma Male.

So, what exactly is a Gamma Male, and why should we care? Let's dive into this underdog archetype with warmth, humor, and a generous sprinkling of meme culture.