Valley Girl With a Brain

Relationships

Should You Hook Up With Your Ex?

Jen Kim on October 29, 2018

New research suggests post-breakup intimacy might not be so bad after all.

New research suggests post-breakup intimacy might not be so bad after all.

Addiction

5 Ways to Say No Without Saying No

Jen Kim on September 30, 2018

Have trouble letting people down? Here are the most painless ways to do it.

Have trouble letting people down? Here are the most painless ways to do it.

Media

To All the Teenage Romance Films I’ve Loved Before

Jen Kim on September 4, 2018

First love never gets old: Why young adult romance still gives us butterflies.

First love never gets old: Why young adult romance still gives us butterflies.

Race and Ethnicity

Why We Should Talk About Race When We Talk About Ourselves

Jen Kim on July 30, 2018

How you deal with your "otherness" matters to others.

How you deal with your "otherness" matters to others.

Identity

5 Reasons People Can't Get Over Some Exes

Jen Kim on June 21, 2018

Breakups are already painful — but you may be inadvertently making them worse.

Breakups are already painful — but you may be inadvertently making them worse.

Happiness

Why You Shouldn’t Pursue Happiness

Jen Kim on May 24, 2018

New research suggests pursuing happiness can actually make you miserable.

New research suggests pursuing happiness can actually make you miserable.

Pregnancy

Here's Why It's So Easy to Believe in Conspiracy Theories

Jen Kim on April 29, 2018

The truth is in here: You don't need to wear a tin-foil hat to believe in tall tales.

The truth is in here: You don't need to wear a tin-foil hat to believe in tall tales.

Neuroscience

Would You Die For a Chance at Eternal Life?

Jen Kim on March 31, 2018

This new tech startup will kill you so you can live forever.

This new tech startup will kill you so you can live forever.

Mating

Why Dating Is Such a Challenge

Jen Kim on February 12, 2018

Why trying to find the best possible mate could be screwing up your love life.

Why trying to find the best possible mate could be screwing up your love life.

Environment

3 Reasons Why Smart People Do Dumb Things All the Time

Jen Kim on January 22, 2018

Here's why intelligence and smart living have nothing in common.

Here's why intelligence and smart living have nothing in common.

Resilience

The Myth of Resilience

Jen Kim on December 31, 2017

Bouncing back from failure is not for everyone.

Bouncing back from failure is not for everyone.

Relationships

Is Gossip the Key to Finding Love?

Jen Kim on November 27, 2017

When it comes to intrasexual competition, researchers have found, the weapon of choice for women is something that comes effortlessly: gossip.

When it comes to intrasexual competition, researchers have found, the weapon of choice for women is something that comes effortlessly: gossip.

Dopamine

Here’s Why You're Addicted to "The Bachelor"

Jen Kim on October 24, 2017

Do you accept this truth? Love is not the reason you're tuning into reality television.

Do you accept this truth? Love is not the reason you're tuning into reality television.

Forgiveness

7 Ways to Truly Say You're Sorry

Jen Kim on September 21, 2017

Having trouble with apologies? You're not alone.

Having trouble with apologies? You're not alone.

Dreaming

On Late Blooming

Jen Kim on August 21, 2017

What happens when our milestones are met with disappointment.

What happens when our milestones are met with disappointment.

Relationships

Why Your Relationship Isn't As "Complicated" As You Think

Jen Kim on July 17, 2017

How #FakeNews infiltrates our romantic relationships

How #FakeNews infiltrates our romantic relationships

Optimism

Why We Think We Are Invincible

Jen Kim on June 26, 2017

Why do people knowingly put themselves in dangerous situations? Science has an answer.

Why do people knowingly put themselves in dangerous situations? Science has an answer.

Hypnosis

Your Brain on Magic

Jen Kim on June 13, 2017

Do you believe in magic? Maybe you should.

Do you believe in magic? Maybe you should.

Friends

Love and Exile: Decoding the Many Rules of the Girl Code

Jen Kim on April 24, 2017

What do women want from their female friendships? Decoding the rules of the Girl Code.

What do women want from their female friendships? Decoding the rules of the Girl Code.

Sex

6 Facts About Sex That Might Surprise You

Jen Kim on March 27, 2017

You may think you already know everything there is to know about sex, but do you really?

You may think you already know everything there is to know about sex, but do you really?