When people think about what makes a relationship successful, their first instinct is to focus on the big things like communication, trust, commitment, honesty and shared values. But as a psychologist who studies couples, I’ve found that the happiest ones pay attention to the small moments that have a big impact every day. They create…
People love their AI companions. And they’re increasingly relying on AI to navigate the hardest parts of human relationships. Between 2022 and mid-2025, the number of AI companion apps surged by 700%. Surveys have found that seven in 10 Gen Zers use AI to navigate workplace conflicts, and about half use it in their dating…
Building a trusting relationship is the goal for most couples. We all want to feel understood and connected to the person we’re building a life with. One of the biggest factors in making that happen is communication. As a clinical psychologist, I’ve seen that the happiest couples always take the time to show interest, check…
I’ve studied happiness for 15 years and interviewed thousands of people about what helps them thrive. The happiest people I speak to are also the most emotionally secure. Research shows that people with high emotional security have greater resilience, emotional well-being and relationship satisfaction over the course of their lives — all of which are…
Parents today try to raise their children for good grades, perfect behavior and high achievement. We want them to do well and be able to handle challenges in life. But research shows that confidence and resilience stem from a child’s ability to feel safe being fully themselves. In my work of studying over 200 kids,…
Getty Images | Rebecca Drobis “Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage” is a book about betrayal, heartbreak and loss. But for women, the financial lessons in it are paramount. In her bestselling memoir, author Belle Burden recounts the deeply personal dissolution of her marriage after her husband admitted to an affair and left her abruptly in…
Many people assume emotional security means never feeling jealous, arguing or questioning where they stand. But couples in emotionally secure relationships can navigate discomfort without losing trust in each other. As a psychologist who studies couples — and as a husband — I’ve seen that emotionally secure partners consistently act in ways that reinforce safety,…
Habits shape how we work, how we manage stress, and how we relate to others. They determine whether we move closer to our goals, or repeat the same mistakes. The same is true in our romantic relationships. Our satisfaction, stability and sense of connection are directly related to the behaviors we default to every day. …
Dating is full of tiny money moments: choosing a restaurant, talking about travel, splitting a check, and deciding whether a gift is “too much.” You don’t need to ask someone how much they make, what their net worth is, or how much student loan debt they carry to learn how they approach money and what…
Building a healthy romantic relationship takes time and intention. Over time, meaningful experiences, personal disclosures and authentic conversations create closeness and intimacy. To genuinely know someone, you must understand what matters to them — their likes and dislikes, passions, limits — and respecting those traits even when they differ from your own. In fact, many…
