Relationships
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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I’m a sex therapist: These 4 things ‘quietly kill intimacy’—most of them are ‘hiding in plain sight’
Many couples see intimacy as a “nice to have” in relationships. It’s sweet when it’s there, but not essential. This is especially true after the honeymoon period wears off. As a sex therapist and psychotherapist with over two decades of experience, I’m here to tell you that’s wrong. Intimacy is the heartbeat of a thriving relationship. […]
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If you say any of these 5 overused phrases, you may be coming off as ‘judgmental,’ says communication expert—what to say instead
You’ve probably worked hard to build positive relationships. But what if, despite your best intentions, your communication is coming off as judgmental? As the author of “Managing Up,” an executive coach to top performers at the world’s biggest companies, and a professor of human behavior, I’ve seen how certain phrases — even ones that sound […]
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I tried Denmark’s No. 1 secret to happiness for a year. It truly changed my life—and even made me more confident
For over four years, I’ve been a professor at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. Before that, I worked in the corporate world at organizations like Coca-Cola and IBM. Recently, for work, I went to Denmark, one of the world’s happiest countries, to teach a course called “Happiness Blueprint.” While there, I discovered what many had […]
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I’m a psychologist who studies couples—people who are miserable in their relationships say ‘no’ to these 4 questions
Many of us already know the components of a healthy relationship — things like strong communication, total honesty, and unwavering commitment. But most people don’t actually know what these qualities look like in practice. As a result, couples may find themselves in a miserable situation. Even worse, they don’t recognize it due to unhealthy habits […]
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