In the Name of Love

A philosopher looks at our deepest emotions

Relationships
Three Roads Diverged in Romantic Life

Aaron Ben-Zeév Ph.D. on February 8, 2026

The continuously traveled road is typically the most profound, while the partially taken romantic road often offers the most excitement, though less depth.

The continuously traveled road is typically the most profound, while the partially taken romantic road often offers the most excitement, though less depth.

Mating
Is Romantic Curiosity a Virtue?

Aaron Ben-Zeév Ph.D. on January 13, 2026

Balanced romantic curiosity should seek understanding while avoiding harmful disclosures; sometimes, less is more.

Balanced romantic curiosity should seek understanding while avoiding harmful disclosures; sometimes, less is more.

Relationships
Suitability Is the Name of the Romantic Game

Aaron Ben-Zeév Ph.D. on January 6, 2026

Two scales assess a romantic partner’s value: a cognitive scale that measures traits and achievements, and evaluative scale that judges personal suitability.

Two scales assess a romantic partner’s value: a cognitive scale that measures traits and achievements, and evaluative scale that judges personal suitability.

Humor
5 Reasons People Prefer Good Humor Over Good Sex

Aaron Ben-Zeév Ph.D. on October 8, 2025

Humor and sex both matter in love, but humor brings broader, deeper, and more lasting benefits, fostering joy and connection long after passion fades.

Humor and sex both matter in love, but humor brings broader, deeper, and more lasting benefits, fostering joy and connection long after passion fades.

Relationships
Is Romantic Reciprocity Beneficial?

Aaron Ben-Zeév Ph.D. on June 10, 2025

Genuine romantic reciprocity recognizes that each partner contributes according to their abilities and needs, fostering mutual care rather than rigid balance.

Genuine romantic reciprocity recognizes that each partner contributes according to their abilities and needs, fostering mutual care rather than rigid balance.

Mindfulness
Should Mindfulness Be Nonjudgmental?

Aaron Ben-Zeév Ph.D. on May 13, 2025

Mindfulness involves both a cognitive and an evaluative approach, enabling us to understand and accept others while enhancing our own well-being.

Mindfulness involves both a cognitive and an evaluative approach, enabling us to understand and accept others while enhancing our own well-being.

Relationships
The Myth of the Flawless Partner

Aaron Ben-Zeév Ph.D. on April 15, 2025

Two types of romantic perfection are being the best and flawless, and being the most suitable. Only looking for the most suitable partner creates a flourishing partnership.

Two types of romantic perfection are being the best and flawless, and being the most suitable. Only looking for the most suitable partner creates a flourishing partnership.

Sex
Why Do People Scream (Rather Than Talk) During Sex?

Aaron Ben-Zeév Ph.D. on March 18, 2025

Although people use their voices to express themselves politely in society, many use bad manners, such as screaming and eye-closing, to enhance their sexual experience.

Although people use their voices to express themselves politely in society, many use bad manners, such as screaming and eye-closing, to enhance their sexual experience.

Back
Back
Find a Therapist
Back
Get Help
Back
Magazine
January 2026 magazine cover
January 2026
Find Your Purpose

How to figure out what you truly want in life.

Subscribe Issue Archive
Back
Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

Self Assessments
Quizzes