As we get older, many things change: our appearance, our interests, our goals, our routines, and our relationships. I’ve found the latter to be especially true. Sure, my hair’s grown, I now enjoy camping, I’m no longer pressed to lose weight, and I actually go to bed at a decent…
Being single when everyone around you (especially your friends) seem to be in relationships can be rough. It’s normal to feel self-conscious if it seems like you’re third-wheeling, but being single is a great opportunity to reevaluate yourself, your life goals, and your other relationships, too. And if you plan…
Starter marriages are legal unions that only last a few years and produce no children. The term “starter” can seem insensitive, especially considering that young divorcees still suffer emotional and social consequences when their marriages end. The first year of marriage tends to challenge most couples–but so does the 4th…
Knowing when to say “I love you” is tough for anybody, but findings suggest that men almost always say those three words first. Confessing you love someone can be a genuine statement, but for couples who haven’t had sex, researchers have found that usually, men are more likely to confess…
Q: I went through my boyfriend’s phone. All the girls he talked to while we were together are saved in his phone and social media, so while he was sleeping I deleted and blocked those girls. He got mad at me because he’s saying that I am trying to entrap…
Parasocial relationships can run the gamut from pop culture crushes to celebrity obsessions. Parasocial relationships are generally harmless, just indicating that your social cognition is functioning normally. Parasocial relationships can even be beneficial, especially when it comes to adolescent development. If these one-sided connections become too intense, however, you may…
A new research study from Thriveworks shows that more Americans are engaged in parasocial relationships than they care to admit. Humans naturally form one-sided connections to media personas and public figures, even genuinely mourning their deaths. These parasocial relationships are usually harmless, though 9% of people report lasting mental health…
Divorce presents one of the toughest emotional challenges a child can face. The grieving process isn’t linear and although divorce is common, every child will cope with it in their own way and time. Parents need to provide stability and comfort during and after the divorce process. Being supportive and…
Trust issues are characterized by fear of betrayal, abandonment, or manipulation. And this fear is often triggered as a result of betrayal (such as infidelity), abandonment (think: leaving a child or foregoing a relationship with them), or manipulation (for example, dishonesty or gaslighting). If you’re reading this, it’s possible that…
In hindsight, there’s no mistaking that recent years have brought a whole host of changes for everyone — namely, the pandemic, vaccines, and social movements. With these changes, there’s been a lot to take in; but some of the bigger subjects have affected our personal connections with the people to…
America’s set to spend $23.9 billion on Valentine’s Day this year, averaging out to around $175 per person. For couples, the pressure can feel overwhelming, but instead of buying something expensive for your spouse or partner, engage in a memorable activity that they’ll enjoy. Evidence shows that couples who spend…
A new research study by Thriveworks reveals the extent to which romantic relationships affect mental health in the United States. Over a third of Americans identify their past and present romantic relationships as the primary cause for their mental health concerns. A large percentage of Americans still suffer psychological fallout…