The Subplot

Friends

How to Build Lasting Friendships

Keven Duffy LCSW on October 22, 2024

Our culture encourages us to ditch difficult friends, but with time and mutual care, some relationships can be salvaged—and even thrive.

Our culture encourages us to ditch difficult friends, but with time and mutual care, some relationships can be salvaged—and even thrive.

Defense Mechanisms

Idealization: Is This Too Good to Be True?

Keven Duffy LCSW on October 1, 2024

If you have put someone on a pedestal and then knocked them down, you might be using defense mechanisms called “idealization” and “splitting.”

If you have put someone on a pedestal and then knocked them down, you might be using defense mechanisms called “idealization” and “splitting.”

Projection

How to Become a Mind Reader

Keven Duffy LCSW on September 3, 2024

Repeated, unfounded accusations are a major tell.

Repeated, unfounded accusations are a major tell.

Relationships

How to Decide Whether to Commit or Walk Away

Keven Duffy LCSW on August 10, 2024

Economic theory could help end relationship indecision.

Economic theory could help end relationship indecision.

Self-Talk

How to Challenge Your Inner Critic—and Win

Keven Duffy LCSW on July 22, 2024

Our inner critics often lie to us. Here’s how to fact-check those falsehoods, set the record straight, and liberate yourself from debilitating unconscious thoughts.

Our inner critics often lie to us. Here’s how to fact-check those falsehoods, set the record straight, and liberate yourself from debilitating unconscious thoughts.

Relationships

Are You Airbrushing Your Relationship?

Keven Duffy LCSW on June 20, 2024

In the rush to find lasting love and security, many people idolize a new partner. But the false story they tell themselves often leads to heartache.

In the rush to find lasting love and security, many people idolize a new partner. But the false story they tell themselves often leads to heartache.