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Dating Decisions

Exploring turning points in romantic relationships

Motivation
How New Relationships Can Shift Your Priorities

Samantha Joel Ph.D. on November 5, 2017

What are the consequences of having conflicting goals with a new romantic partner? Is the relationship doomed, or is there room for compromise?

What are the consequences of having conflicting goals with a new romantic partner? Is the relationship doomed, or is there room for compromise?

Marriage
Why Diamonds Aren't Forever

Samantha Joel Ph.D. on October 24, 2014

For decades, the idea that spending a fortune on engagement rings and weddings is good for your relationship has gone untested and largely unchallenged. But recently, a pair of economists put De Beers et al. to the test.

For decades, the idea that spending a fortune on engagement rings and weddings is good for your relationship has gone untested and largely unchallenged. But recently, a pair of economists put De Beers et al. to the test.

Sexual Orientation
3 Myths About Bisexuality, Debunked by Science

Samantha Joel Ph.D. on May 22, 2014

Is bisexuality just a phase? Can bisexual people be faithful? Does bisexuality even exist? Research is debunking the many myths and misconceptions about this sexual identity.

Is bisexuality just a phase? Can bisexual people be faithful? Does bisexuality even exist? Research is debunking the many myths and misconceptions about this sexual identity.

Motivation
When Differences Can Make Your Relationship Stronger

Samantha Joel Ph.D. on May 1, 2014

You might expect differences between romantic partners to cause problems for the couple. Don’t birds of a feather flock together? But in fact, recent studies suggest that goal pursuit might be one area in which differences between romantic partners can nicely complement one another.

You might expect differences between romantic partners to cause problems for the couple. Don’t birds of a feather flock together? But in fact, recent studies suggest that goal pursuit might be one area in which differences between romantic partners can nicely complement one another.

Attachment
Good Parents Lead to Better Partnerships

Samantha Joel Ph.D. on February 21, 2014

People’s attachment styles can explain a lot about their behavior in their relationships. But where do these attachment styles come from? Recent research suggests that early parental care plays an important role in shaping the relationships we have later in life.

People’s attachment styles can explain a lot about their behavior in their relationships. But where do these attachment styles come from? Recent research suggests that early parental care plays an important role in shaping the relationships we have later in life.

Relationships
Relationship Investments as a Double-Edged Sword

Samantha Joel Ph.D. on February 11, 2014

When one partner invests time, energy, emotions, and other resources into the relationship, the other partner tends to appreciate that person more and is subsequently more willing to stay in that relationship.

When one partner invests time, energy, emotions, and other resources into the relationship, the other partner tends to appreciate that person more and is subsequently more willing to stay in that relationship.

Relationships
Ten Research-Based Wedding Vows

Samantha Joel Ph.D. on January 7, 2014

As a romantic relationships researcher, here are the ten promises that my partner and I have decided to make to each other on our wedding day.

As a romantic relationships researcher, here are the ten promises that my partner and I have decided to make to each other on our wedding day.

Animal Behavior
Four-Legged Support

Samantha Joel Ph.D. on November 29, 2013

Research suggests that owning a pet is a great way to feel more socially fulfilled, even for people who already have a number of meaningful relationships in their lives.

Research suggests that owning a pet is a great way to feel more socially fulfilled, even for people who already have a number of meaningful relationships in their lives.