Close Encounters

From close relationships to online behavior

Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D.

There Are Three Types of Relationship Histories

New research shows there are three types of relationship history patterns. Which patterns are related to the greatest long-term happiness?

Why Are Narcissists Less Committed to Their Partners?

New research examines how narcissists' lack of commitment can be explained by their perceptions of themselves and their attitudes toward potential alternative partners.

Looking for Love Online During Lockdown

Online dating is one of the only ways to meet new people during lockdown. How might this change the way people date?

Why So Many People Are Contacting Their Exes Right Now

Feelings of loneliness and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may lead some people to reach out to their exes. What's behind this urge to reconnect?

Who Can Best Convince People to Stop the Spread?

Who is likely to be most influential in convincing the public to take precautions against COVID-19?

The Best Tactics for Convincing People to Stop the Spread

What should those who need to convince others to comply with recommendations to stop the spread do?

Why Some Couples Feel the Need to Show Off Their Relationships

Is sharing your relationship on social media just about connecting with your partner, or is there more to it?

Do People Raise or Lower Their Standards for Online Dating?

Online dating has provided us with more choices than ever. But is there a downside to this abundance of choice, and does it affect how likely we are to reject people on these websites and apps?

Who Views Their Ex-Partners More Positively, Men or Women?

Most people view their exes more negatively after a relationship ends than they did during the relationship. But is there a gender difference in how people view their exes?

Is How You Describe Your Divorce a Sign You're Not Over It?

How do you talk about your divorce? Do you say "We were fed up" or "I was fed up"? New research examines how relationship "we-talk" after divorce is associated with adjustment.

Can Using Online Dating Apps Be Addictive?

Mobile dating apps may have certain features that make them addictive. Are some people especially likely to use these apps compulsively?

Do Narcissists Show Off Their Partners on Social Media?

New research examines why narcissists share their romantic relationships on social media, and whether having a good-looking partner makes a difference.

Do People Really Have a Dating "Type"?

A new study finds similarities between the personalities of people's present and past romantic partners.

Will Friends Make or Break Your Relationship?

How important are those friends in the success of our romantic relationships? Do our friends really have the power to make or break our romances?

Friends Have More Say in Your Relationships Than You Think

Pressure from friends can influence who we date, how long we date, and how successful our relationships are—often in ways that are quite subtle.

Romeo & Juliet, Do Your Parents Approve of the Relationship?

Do people use their romances as a way to rebel against their family, or do they really want their parents' approval?

How Do We Respond When Others Share Bad News Online?

A new study compares how comfortable people are when others reveal negative life events on social media, rather than in person.

A Simple Trick to Smooth Conflict Discussions

New research investigates how a simple behavior can help couples approach conflicts more calmly and constructively.

How Do Singles' Standards for a Partner Change With Age?

Do people get more or less picky with age? Do people's priorities about what is most important In a partner change over time? New research asks these questions.

Why Do We Like People Who Are Similar to Us?

A recent study examines the extent to which five different factors explain why we like individuals who are similar to us.

Is Social Media PDA a Sign of Happiness or Overcompensation?

When people post about their relationships on social media, is it a sign that they are truly happy, or that they are overcompensating?

What Happens When In-Person Socializing Meets Smartphones?

Research examines what happens when you mix face-to-face and digital social activities at the same time.

Do Relationship Standards Change Once You Meet Someone?

New research explores differences between ideal and actual partner perceptions among established and new couples.

Is Posting Selfies Motivated by Narcissism?

New research examines gender differences in selfie-posting and how it relates to narcissism.

5 Pieces of Advice No Couple Should Follow

There is no shortage of relationship advice from books, blogs, and magazines doling our relationship advice. But some common advice is misguided.

How to Deal With Reminders of Your Ex

It's hard to avoid reminders of an ex-partner — and sometimes these reminders can be painful. A new study examines strategies for dealing with them.

5 Pieces of Bad Dating Advice Exposed

There is no shortage of dating advice. Some some is misguided or flat out wrong. Find out what research says about some popular dating advice.

Personality Linked to Surveillance and Jealousy on Facebook

Facebook lets us broadcast our relationships to the world and learn about our partners' lives. What does this mean for our relationships, and what role does personality play?

How Vacations Can Help or Harm Your Relationship

Vacations can be an opportunity for couples to get closer, or an opportunity for conflict. What are the pros and cons of couple vacations, and how can you make the most of yours?

What Do We Know About Ghosting?

"Ghosting" is when someone ends a relationship by ignoring their partner's attempts to contact them. How common is it, how do people feel about it, and who is more likely to do it?

  • Previous
  • Page 1 (current)
  • Next