Verified by Psychology Today

The Last Taboos

What we all think about, but never talk about

Family Dynamics
Birth Order Determines. . . Almost Nothing

Jeanne Safer Ph.D. on November 23, 2015

Everybody tends to think children have particular characteristics: firstborns are achievers, middle children are peacemakers, babies individualists. A new study shows it isn't so.

Everybody tends to think children have particular characteristics: firstborns are achievers, middle children are peacemakers, babies individualists. A new study shows it isn't so.

Forgiveness
Must We Forgive?

Jeanne Safer Ph.D. on July 6, 2015

Forgiving can bring peace, if not always equilibrium, after violent crimes as well as crimes of the heart. But I question the imperative to grant it, especially the automatic, instantaneous kind that is so often idealized.

Forgiving can bring peace, if not always equilibrium, after violent crimes as well as crimes of the heart. But I question the imperative to grant it, especially the automatic, instantaneous kind that is so often idealized.

Friends
On Refusing to Be a Victim

Jeanne Safer Ph.D. on March 10, 2014

The powerful new film "Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil le Clercq" shows us the power of will through a paralyzed ballerina. Here are the four ways she persevered.

The powerful new film "Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil le Clercq" shows us the power of will through a paralyzed ballerina. Here are the four ways she persevered.

Family Dynamics
Sibling Strife at the Holidays: A Survival Guide

Jeanne Safer Ph.D. on November 25, 2013

It never ceases to astonish me how thoughtful, self-aware people become tongue-tied and brain-dead when confronted with sibling conflicts around the year’s-end holidays.

It never ceases to astonish me how thoughtful, self-aware people become tongue-tied and brain-dead when confronted with sibling conflicts around the year’s-end holidays.

Family Dynamics
Sibling Sadists Versus Schoolyard Bullies

Jeanne Safer Ph.D. on August 1, 2013

It’s official: a recent study shows unequivocally that the emotional and physical tortures inflicted by your siblings, your closest relatives—often under the noses of your own parents—cause as much damage as bullying by classmates.

It’s official: a recent study shows unequivocally that the emotional and physical tortures inflicted by your siblings, your closest relatives—often under the noses of your own parents—cause as much damage as bullying by classmates.

Relationships
Why Huma Stays

Jeanne Safer Ph.D. on July 26, 2013

Feeling a man is indispensable blinds you to the fact that the only truly indispensable thing is your self-respect, and that if you left you would never, ever, regret it.

Feeling a man is indispensable blinds you to the fact that the only truly indispensable thing is your self-respect, and that if you left you would never, ever, regret it.