close relationships

Most Romantic Couples Begin as Friends

Have you ever fallen in love with a friend and eventually became a romantic couple? If so, you’re not alone!

Read more about Most Romantic Couples Begin as Friends

Post-Breakup Conflict Between Parents Harms Children

Young boy sitting on floor with head in lap

Using children as a weapon against an ex-partner is a form of family violence.

Read more about Post-Breakup Conflict Between Parents Harms Children

Get Hitched or Get Ditched? Why Some Marriage Proposals Fail

Man Proposing Engagement Ring and Getting Denied

Timing and expectations can be key when it comes to successfully proposing marriage.

Read more about Get Hitched or Get Ditched? Why Some Marriage Proposals Fail

“We Need to Text This Out.” Should You Use Texting to Solve a Conflict?

Research shows that despite opinions to the contrary, texting may not actually be so bad for your relationship conflicts.

Read more about “We Need to Text This Out.” Should You Use Texting to Solve a Conflict?

Reactions to Unsolicited Advice in the Workplace

Male worker gives advice to other male worker

Before you offer some advice…

Read more about Reactions to Unsolicited Advice in the Workplace

Expression of Affection Through Touch Across Cultures

Two smiling young women in embrace cheek to cheek

Does expression of affection through interpersonal touch vary globally? What can explain differences?

Read more about Expression of Affection Through Touch Across Cultures

Social Support Protects You From Daily Stress, but Who You Are Matters More

People forming hands in shape of a heart

Personality traits linked to caring social relationships, not social support per se, are key to low levels of daily stress.

Read more about Social Support Protects You From Daily Stress, but Who You Are Matters More

Get Self-esteem With a Little Help From Your Friends (and Vice Versa)

Two female friends embracing one another near the ocean

Did your childhood relationships shape your self-esteem today? And has your self-esteem shaped the relationships you have today?

Read more about Get Self-esteem With a Little Help From Your Friends (and Vice Versa)

Having Cross-political Relationships Might Not Always Be Beneficial

Can simply having a cross-political partner or close friend improve your attitudes toward the opposite political group? Our studies show that it might not always be the case.

Read more about Having Cross-political Relationships Might Not Always Be Beneficial

Even the People Most Reluctant to Touch Others Benefit From It

Two young women sitting by a lake;one woman is touching the other on the shoulder

How people high in attachment avoidance miss out on the beneficial experience of touch.

Read more about Even the People Most Reluctant to Touch Others Benefit From It