Relationships
I’m a psychologist who studies couples. Here’s the No. 1 thing that keeps relationships strong—more than love
Ask anyone what they think keeps a relationship strong, and they will probably tell you it’s love. There’s some truth to that: love is what draws us together in the first place. But after years of studying couples as a psychologist, and as a husband, I’ve realized something that research keeps confirming: The real factor […]
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They met on Tinder when they were 19. Now, they’re married and run a cake business that brings in over $650,000 a year
Kai Yang Chan (left) and JiaYi Zhou (right) run Singapore-based bakery Cake Inspiration. Courtesy of Cake Inspiration When Kai Yang Chan and Jiayi Zhuo matched on Tinder at age 19, neither of them expected that it would lead to marriage. Six years later, not only have they tied the knot — they’re also business partners. […]
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I’ve studied over 200 kids—these 7 ‘magic phrases’ can calm any tantrum instantly
When your kid is in the middle of a tantrum, logic and lectures don’t work. I’ve studied over 200 kids and worked with hundreds of families, and one thing is clear: Tantrums aren’t about defiance. Research shows that during emotional overwhelm, a child’s prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain responsible for reasoning and language) essentially goes […]
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I’m a psychologist who studies couples—here’s the No. 1 thing people fight about in relationships
When people ask me what couples fight about the most, they expect the usual suspects like money, sex or parenting. But after years of research, and from real-life experience in my own marriage, the answer is much simpler: tone of voice. That’s right. It’s not the dishes in the sink or the unpaid credit card […]
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I’ve studied over 200 kids—the ones with ‘exceptional’ social skills have parents who do 9 things early on
Many parents think kids develop strong social skills from memorizing phrases like “please” and “thank you.” But the real foundation is built much earlier, at home and through everyday interactions. I’ve studied over 200 parent-child relationships, and I’m a mother myself. I’ve found that kids learn to communicate and connect by watching how their parents behave. […]
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I’m a psychologist who studies couples: People in the happiest relationships talk about 5 things every day—that most neglect
One of the most common myths about long-term relationships is that couples eventually run out of things to say. It’s easy to believe: Life gets busy, routines take over and conversations become more about logistics than connection. As a psychologist who studies couples, and based on my own experience being happily married, I know how […]
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This 30-year-old founder was so fatigued by dating apps, she started hosting IRL events: ‘I got to dating burnout’
Lucy Rout, founder of Haystack Dating. Lucy Rout Lucy Rout is not your typical entrepreneur. The 30-year-old Londoner — known for going viral for skiing off an icy slope in a bikini and for consulting her Instagram followers on whether she should fly 10,000 miles for a fourth date with a man — has used […]
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I’ve studied over 200 kids—parents who are ‘really good’ at handling tantrums use 7 ‘calming’ phrases
Every parent knows what it’s like to face tantrums, meltdowns, and emotional outbursts. They can make everyday life feel impossible. But after years of studying over 200 parent-child relationships (and from practicing healthy habits with my own child), I’ve found that parents who are really good at handling tantrums use language that soothes, validates, and guides. They […]
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I’ve studied over 200 kids—if you teach your child ‘just one skill’ in life, make it this: ‘It’s non-negotiable’ for me
As parents, we spend so much time helping our kids succeed on the outside — teaching them words, setting routines, and encouraging good behavior. But there’s one skill that quietly shapes whether they’ll be successful in life: self-connection, or the ability to tune into one’s own emotions, needs, and inner voice. When kids feel safe […]
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I’m a psychologist who studies couples: People in the happiest relationships do 5 things during weekdays—that most neglect
Sometimes, 24 hours just doesn’t feel like enough. Between work, commutes, and a growing to-do list, it’s easy to get through an entire weekday without really connecting with your partner. But staying close doesn’t require extra time — just intention. As a psychologist who studies couples (and as a husband), I’ve seen firsthand how small […]
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