The hottest Relationships Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

matchmaking is open + what I've been reading

bookbear express • 137 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Travel Relationships Events
  1. There's a matchmaking event happening soon, and it's a chance to meet new people. You can sign up for just $5, and they promise to refund if it doesn't work out for you.
  2. The author is enjoying traveling with friends and believes that spending time with loved ones is important. They want to focus more on fun and light experiences in life.
  3. The author is reading some interesting books and articles that explore themes of art, motherhood, and personal experiences. They find these topics gripping and reflective.

We All Need to be Loved

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 5 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Loneliness Marriage Mental health Social media
  1. Loneliness can cause serious health issues and is a big problem today, often made worse by social media and dating apps.
  2. Having love and belonging in our lives is more important than having food or a home. Love helps us grow and achieve our goals.
  3. If you're in a relationship, it's important to cherish it. Everyone deserves love, and it can lead to greater happiness and success in life.

Top Quickies of the year: Poly people, Kendrick/Drake, therapy, & more

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 213 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Arts Media Entertainment Lifestyle Relationships
  1. There's a new standup special coming soon on YouTube, and you can join a live Q&A during its premiere.
  2. The post highlights some interesting topics from the past year, including polyamory and popular music.
  3. You can stream the full standup special now for a small fee if you're eager to watch it right away.
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Is Your Marriage Stressing You Out?

Ladyparts • 1837 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Marriage Stress Relationships
  1. Researchers found that in married couples where one did not feel supported by the spouse, stress hormone cortisol was present in their saliva
  2. Feeling supported, seen, heard, and loved by your spouse can help reduce chronic stress
  3. The impact of lack of spousal support on mental health can lead individuals to seek help from professionals like psychiatrists

Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center

Culture Study • 7245 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Friendship Relationships History Society Social norms
  1. Friendship used to be considered a vital part of life through history, becoming sidelined as marriage took priority in emotional connections.
  2. Modern ideals often emphasize a spouse also being a 'best friend', impacting how friendships are valued and maintained.
  3. Cultural norms and societal structures make it challenging to prioritize and nurture friendships over traditional family setups, but it's about understanding the possibilities and taking steps towards meaningful platonic connections.

Research on Dating and Gender Equality

Erik Examines • 44 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Relationships Social Dynamics Psychology Education
  1. Romantic love has played a key role in promoting gender equality. As husbands began to love their wives more, they treated them better and valued their opinions.
  2. Many ideas in the dating world are misunderstood, like the concepts of alpha and beta males. Real 'alpha' traits are more about leadership and respect, not just physical strength.
  3. Statistics around dating and gender can often be misleading. For example, while it seems young men are less likely to have sex, the data is skewed by age and context.

How to Apologize

Remarkable People • 379 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24
🚌 Education Personal Development Communication Skills Leadership Psychology Relationships
  1. A good apology has three key parts: saying 'I'm sorry', taking responsibility for what you did, and showing that you understand the hurt it caused.
  2. People often struggle to apologize because they think it makes them look weak, but admitting mistakes can actually make you stronger and more respected.
  3. Effective apologies should be followed up with actions to prevent the same mistakes, make amends, and ask for feedback to improve.

Why (Some) Women are Attracted to Violent Men

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1780 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology Sociology Relationships Gender Studies Evolutionary Theory
  1. Some women are attracted to violent men because they see them as strong and dominant. This can come from an evolutionary perspective where strength was a key survival trait.
  2. The attraction to harmful partners can also stem from personal experiences or a desire for excitement. Some individuals may find thrill in risky relationships.
  3. Cultural influences play a big role in shaping preferences. Media often glamorizes violent behavior, which can affect what people find appealing.

Ask For and Accept Help

Polymathic Being • 85 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Relationships Self-help Personal Growth Emotional Intelligence
  1. It's okay to ask others for help; doing everything alone can lead to failure. We’re social beings, and working together usually gets better results.
  2. People often struggle to accept help, especially when it’s different from how they would do things. Letting go of control can open the door to new ideas.
  3. Recognizing the differences between masculine and feminine qualities helps create stronger partnerships. It's important to appreciate both instead of treating everyone the same.

Games People Play

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1003 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Psychology Relationships Social Dynamics Human behavior Communication
  1. People often have mixed feelings and hidden messages in their relationships. What they show on the outside might not reflect their true feelings inside.
  2. Understanding the psychological games people play can help us communicate better. Being aware of these dynamics can lead to healthier interactions.
  3. It's important to be open and honest in relationships. Clear communication can help break down barriers and prevent misunderstandings.

The Intimate World and the Remote World

In My Tribe • 789 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Social media Communication Relationships Identity Community
  1. We are connecting more with strangers online than with people we know in real life. This shift is causing us to lose touch with our close relationships and communities.
  2. Social media blurs the lines between public personalities and intimate friends. This can create anxiety and make us feel insecure about our own social lives.
  3. To feel happier and healthier, we need to focus more on rebuilding our real-life connections. Being connected to family and friends in person is essential for our well-being.

What I refuse to accept about work

Sex and the State • 16 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Work Mental health Personal Growth Self-reflection Relationships
  1. One big fear about work is worrying about how colleagues will react or judge. It can be tough to navigate relationships in a work setting.
  2. There's a focus on understanding what is being refused or pushed aside at work that might block personal happiness. Recognizing these barriers is important for personal growth.
  3. Engaging with feedback and comments from others can be challenging but is necessary for improvement and connection in the workplace. It's a sign of growth to respond and interact with others.

America’s Families Are Not Okay

Persuasion • 2692 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Relationships Family Psychology Therapy Mental health
  1. Family estrangement is becoming more common in the United States, with societal shifts and individual empowerment contributing to the trend.
  2. The impact of estrangement on both parents and adult children can lead to deep sadness, embarrassment, and longing for familial connection.
  3. While family estrangement may seem like a socially endorsed choice, it carries a heavy emotional toll, spreading through generations and leaving individuals feeling lonely and anchorless.

honesty is a craft issue: lyz lenz in conversation with jeanna kadlec

astrology for writers • 2515 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Relationships Self-Improvement Parenting Personal Growth
  1. Honesty in writing is crucial for crafting a compelling narrative and connecting with readers.
  2. Sharing personal stories and experiences can empower others to make positive changes in their lives.
  3. Being honest with oneself can lead to self-awareness, growth, and the ability to make necessary changes.

The virtue and private sorrow of Boomer Man

Jeff Giesea • 698 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Social Commentary Identity Psychology Relationships
  1. Boomer Man is friendly and kind, often going out of his way to help others and engage in small talk. He represents a generation that values community and social connection.
  2. Despite his genial exterior, Boomer Man struggles with deeper feelings of sorrow and questions about his legacy. He grapples with issues of mortality and relevance in today's fast-changing world.
  3. Though some may see him as outdated, Boomer Man still plays an important role in society, offering wisdom and support to the younger generations. His experiences and contributions matter now more than ever.

The Monthly Salon: November

The Abbey of Misrule • 309 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Mental health Relationships Youth culture
  1. Social media can be harmful, especially to young girls. It often preys on their insecurities and can lead to feelings of anxiety and shame.
  2. Many people feel a sense of disconnection in modern life, creating a desire to find deeper meaning and connections. This could lead to a spiritual revival among younger generations.
  3. There's a push for community and personal limits in response to the pressures of technology. People are looking to reclaim love and meaningful relationships in a world dominated by social media.

A Tale from the Friend Zone

Bet On It • 135 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Personal Growth Philosophy Life Stories Self-help
  1. Sometimes, people see you as a friend and not a partner, and it's important to accept that. Trying to change their mind often doesn't work.
  2. Many people end up staying friends even when they have feelings for someone, which can lead to regrets later on. It's crucial to recognize when to move on.
  3. Reflecting on past relationships can bring up feelings of regret, especially when we realize things about people we once cared for. It's a part of life.

Future Talk with my Daughter in Heaven

Parents with Inconvenient Truths about Trans (PITT) • 2279 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Family Relationships Grief Forgiveness
  1. A conversation between a father and daughter in heaven reflects on past struggles with gender identity
  2. The father expresses regret for not protecting the daughter better and struggles with forgiving those who enabled gender confusion
  3. The daughter acknowledges the impact of her choices on her father, illuminating the challenges of understanding and coping with changing identities

Gen X: Marriage Failures

The Reclamation Era • 239 implied HN points • 29 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Marriage Generations Relationships Parenting Self-awareness
  1. Getting married young can lead to problems because people often carry unresolved issues from their childhood into relationships. It's important to know yourself before tying the knot.
  2. Sometimes, societal pressure pushes people to marry quickly, without fully understanding their own needs and patterns. Taking time to figure things out can lead to healthier relationships.
  3. Middle-aged people, especially from Gen X, often face a tough choice: stay in a troubled marriage or leave for a chance at happiness. It's crucial to listen to one's gut and seek authenticity.

Will Robot Girlfriends Save Humanity, or Just Speed Up The Collapse?

OK Doomer • 114 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Robotics Loneliness Society Relationships
  1. A lot of people, including some men, are seriously considering having romantic relationships with AI and robot girlfriends. This shows how lonely and disconnected people are feeling today.
  2. Tech companies are seeing a huge rise in interest and money making potential from AI girlfriends, pointing to a bigger issue of loneliness in society. People crave connection, but often look for it in tech instead of with real relationships.
  3. The overall trend suggests a shift where people might prefer comfort from technology over real human connections, which could lead to bigger problems in society as our relationships with each other weaken.

Palm Beach, Friendship Paradox, Personality and Eating

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1231 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Psychology Social Status Relationships Personality Behavior Happiness
  1. Women with tattoos might be more open to casual relationships and tend to enjoy new experiences more than those without tattoos.
  2. Going to religious services regularly can make people happier than having a lot of money, showing the power of community and connection.
  3. Good-looking people are often seen as more trustworthy and capable, which can even influence how they're treated in court.

Ask Erik Hoel: "If I take a job at Meta, should I go long-distance with my girlfriend?"

The Intrinsic Perspective • 5983 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Life Balance Relationships
  1. Every era has its unique cultural norms that influence our life decisions; understanding and counterbalancing these norms can help in making personal choices.
  2. Choosing the less common path or the one opposite to what culture pushes may lead to personal growth and success, even if it feels challenging at first.
  3. Maintaining a balance between love and career decisions often involves navigating societal biases and personal priorities, requiring thoughtful introspection and contrarian thinking.

Why you’re not an impostor and you don’t need a best friend

Granted • 4452 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Psychology Relationships
  1. Friendship is about mutuality, not exclusivity. You don't have to rank friends or rely on one person for everything.
  2. Cultural differences impact communication styles. Americans being perceived as fake and the Dutch as rude is explored in a behavioral science article.
  3. Impostor syndrome is contradictory. When others believe in you but you doubt yourself, it might be time to trust their judgment over your own.

Harvard, Dog and Cat People, Casual Sex

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1458 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Psychology Education Arts Relationships
  1. Women tend to feel more loneliness and regret after casual sex, while men generally feel happier and more satisfied.
  2. In the Soviet Union, educated people were more supportive of communism compared to those with less education, showing that privilege can influence political beliefs.
  3. Trust levels vary by nationality; only a small percentage of Chinese citizens trust those from different countries, while much higher percentages in Germany, the US, and Australia do.