Why Bad Looks Good

Consumer Behavior

Is Your Car Part of Your Image? The Surprising Truth

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on September 9, 2024

Think you can guess what somebody drives? You may be right.

Think you can guess what somebody drives? You may be right.

Politics

Passion for a Politically Dissimilar Partner: Can It Work?

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on September 8, 2024

Do Republicans ever successfully date Democrats? The answer is yes, and the relationship impact may surprise you.

Do Republicans ever successfully date Democrats? The answer is yes, and the relationship impact may surprise you.

Narcissism

Why People May Seek to Marry a Narcissist

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on September 7, 2024

Narcissists are flashy and fun at first impression. But women also want to marry them—when they are not marriage material. Research explains.

Narcissists are flashy and fun at first impression. But women also want to marry them—when they are not marriage material. Research explains.

Narcissism

Does Your Narcissistic Partner View You as a Trophy?

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on September 4, 2024

When your partner would rather “show you off” than spend time alone with you.

When your partner would rather “show you off” than spend time alone with you.

Relationships

How to Lovingly Discuss Finances With Your Partner

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on September 3, 2024

Want to talk about money with love? Here is how to approach economic stress with sensitivity.

Want to talk about money with love? Here is how to approach economic stress with sensitivity.

Relationships

Can Money Buy You Love? It Depends What You Buy

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on September 2, 2024

Who says money can’t buy you love? Inexpensive, thoughtful, sacrificial gifts may be emotionally priceless.

Who says money can’t buy you love? Inexpensive, thoughtful, sacrificial gifts may be emotionally priceless.

Relationships

Avoiding Affection May Not Signal Romantic Disinterest

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on September 1, 2024

Do you feel your love interest is not attracted to you? There may be a better explanation.

Do you feel your love interest is not attracted to you? There may be a better explanation.

Narcissism

Are Narcissists More Attracted to Someone Who Is “Taken"?

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on August 25, 2024

Do narcissists find “unavailable” partners more attractive? The answer may surprise you.

Do narcissists find “unavailable” partners more attractive? The answer may surprise you.

Marriage

How to Maintain a Great Marriage and a Great Job

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on August 23, 2024

Think you can’t balance business and pleasure? Think again. Research reveals some suggestions for staying married to your spouse and your job.

Think you can’t balance business and pleasure? Think again. Research reveals some suggestions for staying married to your spouse and your job.

First Impressions

Socially Anxious? Safe Strategies to Spark Relationships

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on August 18, 2024

Anxious when initiating new relationships? Choose the right method of communication to make a great first impression.

Anxious when initiating new relationships? Choose the right method of communication to make a great first impression.

Play

How Playfulness Improves Relationships

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on August 15, 2024

Increasing trust, reducing conflict, and building harmony.

Increasing trust, reducing conflict, and building harmony.

Relationships

Love Made to Order: How Food Flavor Fuels Attraction

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on August 12, 2024

Looking for the perfect date food? Learn how flavor impacts attraction.

Looking for the perfect date food? Learn how flavor impacts attraction.

Relationships

The Best Predictor of Long-Lasting Love

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on August 11, 2024

The power of consistent, partner-focused behavior.

The power of consistent, partner-focused behavior.

Imposter Syndrome

Does Social Media Cause Imposter Syndrome?

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on August 5, 2024

Feeling anxious in the throes of professional excellence? Re-examine time spent with “connections” and “friends.”

Feeling anxious in the throes of professional excellence? Re-examine time spent with “connections” and “friends.”

Career

The Risks of Looking Too Pretty in the Workplace

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on August 1, 2024

Is there a downside to looking your best at work? Research reveals some surprising answers.

Is there a downside to looking your best at work? Research reveals some surprising answers.

First Impressions

Colors Matter: What Bright Clothing Says About the Wearer

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on July 30, 2024

The allure of the “woman in red” may depend on the shade. Research explains how bright colors could benefit you personally and professionally.

The allure of the “woman in red” may depend on the shade. Research explains how bright colors could benefit you personally and professionally.

Flirting

Friendly or Flirting: How Men Can Tell

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on July 29, 2024

Is that a flirty smile or just a happy one? Research reveals that your romantic interest is worn not on your sleeve, but on your face.

Is that a flirty smile or just a happy one? Research reveals that your romantic interest is worn not on your sleeve, but on your face.

First Impressions

How to Spark Romantic Interest When Time Is of the Essence

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on July 28, 2024

If you have less than a minute for conversation with someone you would like to know better, what should do you say? Here are some ideas.

If you have less than a minute for conversation with someone you would like to know better, what should do you say? Here are some ideas.

First Impressions

Strike a Pose: The Posture That Is Romantically Appealing

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on July 24, 2024

What makes you take a double take? Research reveals the power of posture.

What makes you take a double take? Research reveals the power of posture.

Law and Crime

Is Your Next Door Neighbor a Firestarter?

Wendy L. Patrick, J.D., M.Div., Ph.D. on July 24, 2024

What type of person starts a fire? The answer may depend on where they live.

What type of person starts a fire? The answer may depend on where they live.