My partner, The Consultant, has a teenage daughter who has recently been the target of bullying at her middle school. For many, the term “bullying” immediately conjures up images of teenagers spreading rumors about each other or stealing young children’s lunch money. Indeed, even … [Read more...] about Bullying: It’s Not Just for Kids Anymore
S&M: No Pain, No (Relationship) Gain?
My friend Monika recently shared a concern that her sex play with her boyfriend has been spilling over into other areas of her life. Several months ago, her boyfriend requested that she take on a sadistic, dominatrix-like role in their sexual relationship. Sadomasochism (S&M) … [Read more...] about S&M: No Pain, No (Relationship) Gain?
Marriage-Free, Not Fancy-Free
As a relationship scientist, I frequently consider research findings when making personal decisions in my life. The most recent personal decision I’ve made was to move in with The Consultant, a man I have been dating for some time now. Unfortunately, most of the research out … [Read more...] about Marriage-Free, Not Fancy-Free
Retired and Dating: Starting Over When You Are Older
My live-in mother recently started Internet dating, which has been quite an experience for both of us. Whereas many adult children are uncomfortable with their older parents dating and actively discourage finding a new partner to replace a deceased or divorced spouse,1 I actually … [Read more...] about Retired and Dating: Starting Over When You Are Older
“I Need Closure!” Why It Is Not Possible To Get It
“Closure” is a term I have heard bandied about by many of my friends over the years, but I have always wondered what it really means. For example, after my friend Daphne’s long-distance boyfriend broke up with her over the phone, she told me she needed to fly from NYC to London … [Read more...] about “I Need Closure!” Why It Is Not Possible To Get It
