“Parasocial relationships” are one-way relationships we develop with celebrities, media personalities, or fictional characters from TV shows, movies, or books. While they are normal and healthy, we have to be careful that they don’t replace our need for real-world connection….
Supernormal stimuli are exaggerated stimuli that hijack our natural instincts and behaviors. They influence everything from our health and diet, to our relationships, and even our sense of “cuteness.”…
“Social comparison” is one of the biggest traps when it comes to our happiness and well-being. It’s important to remind yourself that you don’t measure up with anyone, because you can’t accurately compare yourself to others. Everyone is on a different path….
It’s important we recognize the need for dissent and be willing to step out-of-line when appropriate – or we risk continuing a vicious “spiral of silence.”…
It’s human nature to be a psychologist. We’ve evolved to become a very social species, and because of this we’ve developed what psychologists call empathy or theory of mind. This is our ability to attribute mental states – like thoughts, feelings, and intentions – onto ourselves and others. If we see someone smile, we assume…