The Top Posts of 2012

The posts that caught fire this year shed light on love, autism, introversion, creativity, and more. (Cloud photo from Shutterstock.)

8. Twenty Thoughts on How to Say, “It’s Over”

By Rita Watson MPH

Ending a relationship is painful, but facing the truth will set you free

1. Twelve Ties That Bind Long-Term Relationships

By Susan Krauss Whitbourne Ph.D.

Which relationships stand the test of time, and why?

3. The Most Dangerous Word in the World

By Andrew Newberg, M.D. and Mark Waldman

This word can damage both the speaker’s and listener’s brain.

4. Asperger’s, Autism, and Mass Murder

By John Elder Robison

Let’s stop the rush to judgment.

12. Seven Proven Tips for Weight Loss Success

By Melanie Greenberg Ph.D.

Diet and weight loss strategies based on the latest scientific research

5. Seven Things Extroverts Should Know About Introverts (and Vice Versa)

By Sophia Dembling

Some simple guidelines for friendship across the personality gap.

2. DSM 5 Is Guide Not Bible—Ignore Ten Worst Changes

By Allen J Frances M.D.

APA approval of DSM-5 is a sad day for psychiatry.

6. All Work and No Play Make the Baining the "Dullest Culture on Earth"

By Peter Gray Ph.D.

Bateson called them "drab and colorless:" the culture where play is shameful.

9. Lack of Empathy: The Most Telling Narcissistic Trait

By Randi Kreger

Don't expect them to listen, validate, or support you.

10. The Science of Sex, Beer, and Enduring Love

By Douglas T. Kenrick Ph.D.

What’s the one best question to predict casual sex?

11. Scientists Finally Conclude Nonhuman Animals Are Conscious Beings

By Marc Bekoff Ph.D.

Didn't we already know this? Yes, we did.

7. Why Do We Have Sex?

By Noam Shpancer Ph.D.

We have sex more for connection than for procreation or pleasure.

13. Do Men Find Very Skinny Women Attractive?

By Will Lassek M.D.

Women often misjudge men’s preferences.

21. How Kids Can Benefit From Playing Video Games

By Peter Gray Ph.D.

Think twice before limiting your kids’ video play; then don’t.

14. Ten Things Happy People Do Differently

By Paula Davis-Laack J.D., M.A.P.P.

Anyone can steal the strategies that are part of happy people's lives.

16. How to Flirt Without Being Obvious

By Jen Kim

Make the first move without really making it.

17. Why Nice Guys and Gals Finish Last in Love

By Jeremy Nicholson M.S.W., Ph.D.

Why being nice doesn't lead to love.

25. The One Social Skill that Can Change Your Life

By Susan Krauss Whitbourne Ph.D.

6 easy ways to remember names and faces

18. How to Develop Attraction to People Who Are Good for You

By Ken Page L.C.S.W.

You know who would be good for you. So why aren't you attracted to them?

15. Kids Today Are Less Free—And Less Creative

By Peter Gray Ph.D.

New research suggests that American schoolchildren are becoming less creative.

19. The Triggers of Sexual Desire: Men vs. Women

By Leon F Seltzer Ph.D.

Are male brains hard-wired to see females as sex objects?

22. What Eating Too Much Sugar Does to Your Brain

By David DiSalvo

The damage added sugar does to our bodies begins in our brains.

23. Seven Worst Things About Being a Male

By Douglas T. Kenrick Ph.D.

The psychological burdens of carrying around a Y chromosome.

24. Why Are Mean People So Good Looking?

By Vinita Mehta Ph.D., Ed.M.

People who are bad know how to make themselves look good.

20. Ten Creative Block Breakers That Actually Work

By Susan K Perry Ph.D.

You CAN overcome the frustration of feeling blocked.