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…
Being recognized as a resilient person feels great. Weathering the tough moments that build resilience is less glamorous. Developing emotional endurance, or the ability to withstand stress or discomfort without letting negative emotions overtake you, can help that process feel less grueling and more like an opportunity to learn and grow, Columbia University-trained psychologist Becky…
You’re experienced. You’re sharp. You know what you’re talking about. So why is it that people sometimes talk over you, miss your emails, or overlook your ideas? Often, it comes down to the words you use. As a keynote speaker, LinkedIn Learning Instructor, and author of “Unforgettable Presence,” I’ve taught dozens of Fortune 500 teams…
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…
Curating your fitness routine to better match your personality could help you get the most out of your workouts, a new study shows. The paper, published last month in Frontiers in Psychology, shows that certain personality traits may indicate which type of exercises people enjoy and how likely they are to stick with them. “We…
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…
It’s a simple question without an easy answer: “What should I do with my life?” “Most of us struggle with this our whole lives,” writes Suzy Welch in the introduction to her recent book, “Becoming You: The Proven Method for Crafting Your Authentic Life and Career.” Her goal — as it is in the similarly…
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…
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….
In successful relationships, both partners feel emotionally secure, connected, and comfortable being themselves around each other. But for many of us, romantic relationships can bring out our deepest insecurities. As a Harvard-trained psychologist who works with couples, I often tell people that emotional security in a relationship starts with seeing yourself as worthy of love,…
