Maximizing Relationships and Happiness in Life

Improving lives with the economics of people and relationships

Optimism
Faith: The Most Rational Strategy in an Irrational World?

Rebekka Grun von Jolk Ph.D. on October 12, 2025

In an age of endless uncertainty, faith isn’t naïve—it’s strategic. Discover why optimism, grounded in action, may be the most productive mindset for the poly-unknown.

In an age of endless uncertainty, faith isn’t naïve—it’s strategic. Discover why optimism, grounded in action, may be the most productive mindset for the poly-unknown.

Relationships
Artificial Intimacy

Rebekka Grun von Jolk Ph.D. on August 19, 2025

Dating apps promise love but often profit from swipes, not matches. Learn how market forces and AI shape modern romance—and how to reclaim control in the search for connection.

Dating apps promise love but often profit from swipes, not matches. Learn how market forces and AI shape modern romance—and how to reclaim control in the search for connection.

Career
You’re Taking Vacations Wrong

Rebekka Grun von Jolk Ph.D. on July 9, 2025

You’re taking vacations wrong. Research shows it’s not length but how you detach, rest, and play that recharges you. Learn to design a vacation that actually works.

You’re taking vacations wrong. Research shows it’s not length but how you detach, rest, and play that recharges you. Learn to design a vacation that actually works.

Environment
The Psychology of Green

Rebekka Grun von Jolk Ph.D. on May 2, 2025

Nature heals more than stress — it boosts focus, empathy, and connection. Discover why protecting green spaces is the ultimate form of self-care.

Nature heals more than stress — it boosts focus, empathy, and connection. Discover why protecting green spaces is the ultimate form of self-care.

Cognition
How Scarcity Hijacks Your Brain

Rebekka Grun von Jolk Ph.D. on March 28, 2025

Scarcity traps your mind in short-term survival mode. An abundance mindset boosts long-term thinking, better decisions, and generosity. Train your brain to shift today!

Scarcity traps your mind in short-term survival mode. An abundance mindset boosts long-term thinking, better decisions, and generosity. Train your brain to shift today!

Gratitude
Is Gratitude Overrated?

Rebekka Grun von Jolk Ph.D. on November 29, 2024

Gratitude is a staple of self-help advice and holiday platitudes, but does it really deliver the benefits it promises?

Gratitude is a staple of self-help advice and holiday platitudes, but does it really deliver the benefits it promises?

Family Dynamics
Family Resilience During Times of Separation

Rebekka Grun von Jolk Ph.D. on November 1, 2024

Building family resilience during long-distance separations requires a multifaceted approach that combines emotional preparedness, financial stability, and quality communication.

Building family resilience during long-distance separations requires a multifaceted approach that combines emotional preparedness, financial stability, and quality communication.

Relationships
Love Is Stronger Than Death

Rebekka Grun von Jolk Ph.D. on October 5, 2024

While war includes profound emotional trauma, the ability to lean on supportive relationships and employ adaptive coping strategies can mitigate the long-term negative effects.

While war includes profound emotional trauma, the ability to lean on supportive relationships and employ adaptive coping strategies can mitigate the long-term negative effects.

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Magazine
March 2026 magazine cover
March 2026
The Friend Effect: 23 Surprising Ways Other People Shape You

Having friends protects you in multiple ways, from slowing cellular aging to deterring bullies to bolstering your self-esteem.

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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