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Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
If He's Doing Any of These 11 Things, the Relationship Might Be Over for Him, Psychologists Warn
If He's Doing Any of These 11 Things, the Relationship Might Be Over for Him, Psychologists Warn originally appeared on Parade. You can't read your partner's mind, so it may sometimes seem like a mystery to you why he's acting the way he is. Maybe the way he's texting you has changed suddenly, or he's started hanging out with his friends a lot more. If you've noticed that your boyfriend or husband is acting differently, you may have cause to worry that a breakup is imminent. To get to the bottom of the potential may be over for him, Parade consulted two expert psychologists., clinical psychologist, professor and mental health speaker, as well as , neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind, weigh in on how small shifts in a man's behavior may indicate that he's .Of course, if a man starts exhibiting these signs, it "doesn't always mean a breakup is inevitable," says Dr. Hafeez, adding, "But it's important not to ignore them."So if you do notice the signals mentioned below, it's likely time for a conversation. "If you are aware of the [signs], you should think about initiating a candid and sympathetic dialogue," Dr. Brown says. That way, the couple can gain "deeper insight and go around the matter in a way that leads to clarification," he what they say you should be paying attention to if you're concerned about your Why Is It Sometimes Hard To Tell if He's Over You? If you've ever had a breakup come seemingly out of the blue, you're not alone. Dr. Brown says that the ways men and women tend to communicate can often lead to misinterpretations."Women are usually on the lookout for the non-verbal messages and the emotional context. Men often demonstrate their emotions through actions instead of feelings," he says. "The difference in their understanding leads to the confusion about partners' real emotions."Additionally, Dr. Hafeez says that you may miss key signs because your partner has continued "to act polite or affectionate out of habit, even when their feelings have faded." She adds that instead of communicating directly, "they may quietly create distance, which sends mixed signals."But it's time to decode those How Does a Man Act When He Wants To End a Relationship? Because men often show their feelings through their actions, Dr. Brown says that "usually, some of the signs give it away" if a man wants to end his relationship. "Emotional explosions are a sign of being deeply unsatisfied," he explains. "Also, showing indifference or showing anger towards things that were very much cared for before."It may feel like "he is mentally somewhere else... even when you're in the same room," Dr. Hafeez those indications are just the tip of the 11 Signs the Relationship Is Over for Him, According to Psychologists 1. Emotional detachment Dr. Hafeez says that something to watch out for is a general lack of interest or attention from your partner—like if "he no longer asks about your day" or he doesn't "[seem] invested in how you feel," she explains. 2. Change in communication Pay attention to a sudden reduction in communication. "If they retort with minimal words or act uninterested, they might be distancing themselves emotionally," Dr. Brown says. "He might text back less often and with a lower degree of emotion, which indicates that he is emotionally disconnected." 3. Easy irritation Dr. Hafeez says that if your partner "seems more easily irritated" or is "reacting strongly" to things that didn't previously bother him, that is another red 4. Not planning for the future According to Dr. Brown, if your partner starts "asking to delay future plans" or "dodging serious conversations about the relationship's future," that may signal that he's "prepared to continue life without that relationship." So take note if there's "a lack of long-term plans" in your relationship, he says. 5. Opting out of shared routines Many couples have shared routines like watching certain TV shows together or participating in weekend activities as a duo. So Dr. Hafeez says it could be a red flag if he starts skipping those rituals. It "can signal emotional withdrawal," she adds. 6. Seeking outside support "Sharing personal issues with friends instead of you could mean they want support from outside of the relationship," Dr. Brown says. Of course, it's good for both halves of the couple to have strong friendship bonds. But if there's a significant shift in the way your partner confides in you, it may be worth paying closer attention to that. 7. Desire to be alone Just like it is with having friends, it's also OK to not do everything together as a couple. But if he starts always wanting to be away from you—take note."If he tends to dedicate more time to his hobbies and hangs out without a partner, it could probably mean that he is longing for autonomy," Dr. Brown says. "Disruptions to their schedules could be the first signs of a wish for autonomy. So, when they do late shifts or are away with friends more frequently, pay attention to this aspect." 8. Being secretive about his phone Dr. Hafeez says if your partner suddenly "starts taking calls in private" when he didn't before, that behavior should stand out to you. Keeping secrets—particularly around their phone and social media use—is something Dr. Brown flags as well. "It could be a sign of emotional disentanglement," he 9. Changes in your sex life Dr. Brown says that "a disinterest in making physical contact" or an "adjustment in sex" from your partner are other signs to watch out for. "If the emotional warmth is absent or they are trying to spend less time together, it might mean they are feeling disconnected," he explains. 10. Increased interest in self-growth On its own, it's not necessarily a bad thing if your partner wants to improve his physical or mental health—but if it comes out of nowhere or in combination with some of these other signs, then it may definitely be something worth Hafeez says that he may start talking about "personal growth" or "needing time alone," which she says can be a concern, especially if these topics weren't a focus before."And Dr. Brown explains that "an increased focus on self-care—for instance, by hitting the gym or changing the way they look—could mean they are trying to be independent." 11. Frequent criticisms If your partner suddenly starts criticizing you a lot, it could be a sign that he's unhappy in the relationship."If they frequently underline your insignificant flaws, it could be that they have some major issue to deal with," Dr. Brown says. "Regular complaints about the relationship ... are important indicators of that too."If you do notice any of the aforementioned signs and you're concerned, Dr. Hafeez says the next step is having "an honest conversation where you express your concerns" as well as asking your partner "how he truly feels." Then you can get clarity either way and start to "open the door to healing," she Next:Sources: Dr. Adolph "Doc" Brown, III, is a clinical psychologist, professor and mental health speaker. Find him on Instagram @adolphbrown. Dr. Sanam Hafeez is a neuropsychologist anddirector of Comprehend the Mind. Find her on Instagram @drsanamhafeez. If He's Doing Any of These 11 Things, the Relationship Might Be Over for Him, Psychologists Warn first appeared on Parade on Aug 5, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 5, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
10 Subtle Signs a Friendship Is Draining You, Psychologists Warn
10 Subtle Signs a Friendship Is Draining You, Psychologists Warn originally appeared on Parade. At their best, friendships are relationships that fill our cups rather than empty them. However, psychologists warn that , and many people attempt to stay the course out of guilt, obligation or fear of confrontation. However, it's crucial to consider your energy levels after connecting with a friend."When you're consistently walking away from interactions feeling anxious, used or mentally foggy, that's your nervous system signaling that something isn't right," shares , an NYC-based neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind. "Recognizing the emotional toll certain relationships take allows you to set better boundaries and prioritize the connections that genuinely restore and ground you."To do that, you'll want to recognize the subtle signs that a is draining you. Psychologists share easily overlooked red flags that your friendship is a total energy vampire, plus what to do to feel less 10 Subtle Signs a Friendship Is Draining You, Psychologists Reveal 1. Your joy levels are low when you see their name on your phone Your joy and energy levels often go hand in hand when it comes to friendship. Healthy friendships energize you, and you get a pep in your step when you see that friend texted you. Depleting ones may prompt you to slog over to pick up the phone, the dread building with each step."Sometimes we're tired, so we may chalk the lack of joy up to that, which it genuinely could be, but other times that internal sense is an indication that something has changed within the relationship and that it is not as fulfilling as it once was," points out Dr. Brandy Smith, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist with 2. You need a rehearsal before a hangout or call The idea that "all the world is a stage" certainly feels true in a toxic friend's case. Dr. Hafeez says feeling the need to rehearse what you're going to say before seeing or calling a friend is another early sign that the relationship is going in the wrong direction."It can seem like you're just being thoughtful, but it's a sign you're managing their reactions instead of showing up freely," she explains. 3. Not reaching out when they have major life events Your pal reveals their engagement or that they got a puppy on social media. In the past, you'd immediately double-tap the post, comment and follow up with a gleeful phone call or text. Now? The post is lucky to get a thumbs-up reaction. The same goes for when big things happen to you, and you don't feel the need to tell them."If you notice life events happening, and you aren't sharing them with this person, it is worthwhile to explore why," Dr. Smith says. "We usually reach out to share cheer when joyful things happen and solicit support during a struggle. If these life events are happening and you're not reaching out to this friend, it could be an indication that they are not nourishing you."Related: 4. Things feel lopsided Friendships can ebb and flow. Like a seesaw, one friend may need more from you, and then it flips. However, there should typically be reciprocity, with the friend offering you the same grace during "your season." In draining friendships, one person seems to have an "eternal season of me." For instance, Dr. Smith says this sign can manifest as a pal who never asks how you're doing or insists on choosing activities you don't mutually also stresses the importance of reflecting before accusing a friend of this one. Look for patterns first. "It is the frequency of them and how they are interspersed—or not—with questions about you and the inclusion of activities you enjoy too," she explains. 5. There's unfriendly competition Friendships can involve a lot of fun and games. However, constant competition can become exhausting, especially because—outside of a friendly pickleball tournament—we should feel like we're on the same team as our "crew.""If you feel like there is a competition between you and your friend and sense that they are comparing your lives to try to prove their point, it is definitely unhealthy," shares Kaja Sokola, CP, LPC, a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist. Related: 6. You share less You may pick and choose what you tell certain friends. However, Dr. Hafeez notes that sharing less is a clue you're not feeling the same way about someone."It feels like you're just becoming more private, but in reality, you might be protecting yourself from being judged, dismissed or overshadowed," she says. 7. You start feeling guilty for not responding quickly This one is especially easy to overlook because your guilt may not be telling you what you think it does."Guilt can disguise itself as being a 'good friend,' but if you're always feeling on edge about meeting their emotional needs, that's not healthy reciprocity," Dr. Hafeez 8. You're second-guessing yourself Dr. Hafeez says people in draining friendships often start as Monday-morning quarterbacks."When you leave interactions second-guessing yourself or feeling like you said the wrong thing, it often goes unnoticed because it gets chalked up to insecurity," she explains. "However, if that only happens with this one person, it's a sign their presence might be eroding your confidence." 9. You feel chronically exhausted after interactions You're sleeping like a baby, work is going swimmingly and yet? You need 10 hours of shut-eye after an hour with this person. Dr. Smith says that feeling exhausted after interacting with a friend without a physical reason is a red flag. "This can be an indication that you feel like too much is being taken from you or that you are giving too much," she says. "It can be tough to pick up on this sign when we are not being honest with ourselves about how we feel, or are not engaging in self-awareness or reflection to even notice it." 10. Your gut is screaming at you It's a good idea to tune into what your gut is telling you."Figure out how you feel just before talking or meeting your friend," Sokola says. "If you feel tense and don't want to follow up... it means that your instinct is telling you to step away."Related: 5 Tips for Coping With Draining Friendships 1. Gain perspective People can be "friends forever." However, Sokola notes that it's crucial to remember that people aren't stagnant, and neither are relationships."Friendship goes through different phases," she says. "Sometimes, we just need a space and distance, but if the friendship is real, it will survive." 2. Reflect and decide You may think—especially in the polarizing age of TikTok—that psychologists will recommend you walk away from a friendship that is draining you to protect your mental health. However, Dr. Smith takes a more nuanced approach and reports that even a draining friendship can turn around. She suggests asking yourself: Do I want to have a conversation with the person to discuss potential changes we can make together? Are there things I can change within what I'm doing, saying or expecting that can help things improve? Might I want to end the relationship? "Depending on the length of time and quality of the friendship, I recommend at least considering what you can do on your own or a conversation with the person to ensure you are not engaging in problematic avoidance coping," she says. "However, sometimes ending a friendship will be what is needed, whether it is an early step or an eventual step."Related: 3. Engage with intention If you want to maintain the relationship and are scared it will continue to deplete your life energy, Dr. Smith and Dr. Hafeez suggest being intentional about how you connect with this person."Set up time together in a way that works for you both, not just that person," Dr. Smith Hafeez recommends avoiding late-night calls, especially if they devolve into a venting session that casts you in the role of an unpaid therapist. She adds that you might start to limit the frequency of contact and suggests sticking to neutral locations for get-togethers."Meeting for a group activity, a walk or a brief coffee makes the time feel contained and less emotionally loaded," she 4. Don't overshare They say sharing is caring. However, not oversharing with a friend who depletes you is a form of self-care."Keep your updates light and general," Dr. Hafeez recommends. "The less personal material you offer, the less you feed a dynamic where they vent and you absorb. It helps shift the tone from emotional dumping to something more manageable." 5. Empower yourself Even if your friendship goes back decades, it's worth remembering that you still have choices in how you show up for relationships in your current era."Remind yourself that you have a choice each and every time you interact and that you are choosing to interact for X, Y and Z reasons," Dr. Smith says. "Reminding yourself of the reasons [for the friendship] can be helpful because it reconnects and grounds us in why it is meaningful and valuable to us."Up Next:Sources: Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., an NYC-based neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind Dr. Brandy Smith, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist with Thriveworks Kaja Sokola, CP, LPC, a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist 10 Subtle Signs a Friendship Is Draining You, Psychologists Warn first appeared on Parade on Jul 28, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This Personality Trait Might Be the Key to a Longer, Healthier Life
As a society, we're not as trusting as we used to be—for good reason. We're living at a time of internet scams, catfishing, artificial intelligence, and social media, where you really don't know what to believe. But a new study suggests that being more trusting may actually have its benefits. Published recently in the American Psychological Association's journal Psychological Bulletin, the research found that people with higher levels of trust in both other people and institutions have higher levels of well-being than those who aren't as trusting. This is especially important, the authors argue, as well-being is not only an indicator of quality of life, but also a predictor of health and longevity. So, what does it take to become more trusting? And how do you strike a balance between trust and caution? We spoke with a number of experts to find out. Why Does Trust Improve Well-Being? The study found that people who feel they can rely on others—whether it's close relationships or the broader systems around them—tend to experience lower stress, stronger emotional regulation, and a greater sense of safety in the world, says Dr. Sanam Hafeez, PhD, neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind. 'All of these factors support not just mental wellness but also physical health,' she explains. 'The absence of trust leaves people more prone to feeling alone, hypervigilant or anxious, and over time, chronic stress triggers the body's stress response. Studies have shown connections between chronic stress and inflammation, cardiovascular disease, lowered immunity, and even cognitive decline.' In contrast, trusting others may provide a protective benefit, lowering cortisol levels and buffering behaviors associated with long-term health like remaining socially connected, seeking medical care when needed, and sticking to healthful routines, Hafeez says. 'Trust isn't just a pleasant emotion, it's a potent psychological resource,' she explains. 'When nurtured over the course of a lifetime, it can contribute to both emotional resilience and physical longevity.' Additionally, the study shows that the most important kind of trust is interpersonal (involving our family and friends), which has the strongest positive link to our well-being. 'With clients, one of the most important protective factors that can help with their healing process is having access to strong and positive social support systems, which is what this study confirms,' says Patrice Le Goy, PhD, licensed marriage and family therapist. The study also notes trust is particularly important for older adults who may need to rely on—and trust—people more as they become limited in some activities, Le Goy points out. 'If they have these positive relationships where there is a strong sense of trust, they have higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction,' she says. How Can We Increase Our Trust in Other People? Despite the benefits, being more trusting of others can be a challenge, especially if people or institutions have broken your trust in the past. Fortunately, there are ways to help you become more trusting of others. Here are some tips from mental health experts. Start Small According to the study, trust can change based on our experiences and environment. According to Cynthia Vejar, PhD, professor of clinical mental health counseling at Lebanon Valley College, building trust starts small, in the presence of everyday initiatives and routine moments. For example, if a person has difficulty with trust, they might begin by noticing that their colleagues are reliable and dependable by showing up on time, following through on commitments, and working collaboratively. 'These kinds of observations can be reassuring and allow the person to begin to open up to deep and meaningful interactions elsewhere,' Vejar says. Hafeez recommends observing how people show up over time. 'Do their actions match their words, do they listen without judgment, do they respect your boundaries?' she asks. 'Trust grows when people demonstrate reliability in small, everyday ways.' Understand There's Risk Involved Increasing trust with others is all about taking small, calculated risks, says Hannah Holmes, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Holmes Psychology & Consulting. 'There is always the possibility that others might hurt us or let us down, and this feels especially real if you have experienced a lot of that in your history,' she says. Shift Your Mindset Trusting others can be challenging and requires intentional mindset shifts, changes in our perspective, and continuous monitoring of our mood and self-regulation, says Tori Broems, PhD, licensed psychologist. 'People's well-being influences the way they perceive the world around them,' she says. 'Essentially, our perception of reality holds tremendous weight. When we are happy and positive, we are more trusting, whereas when we are negative and frustrated, we feel less likely to trust others.' Examine Why You Have a Hard Time With Trust Often people who have a difficult time trusting people have good reasons for feeling this way—they've probably been let down by people in their past who they wanted to trust, Le Goy says. 'The work is often in acknowledging and validating that fact first, and understanding our reasons for behaving the way we do,' she explains. 'Once we do that, then we can make sure that we are not using these past hurts to project on people who didn't cause that pain.' Le Goy often asks clients, 'Does this past pain belong in this current relationship?' 'This allows us to consider that we can be safe now even if we have been unsafe in the past,' she says. 'It's actually about helping us trust ourselves more—that we can make good decisions, and we can see if the person in front of us is trustworthy. Only then can we truly increase our trust in other people.' Stay in the Present Hafeez stresses the importance of staying grounded in the present rather than assuming someone new will behave like someone from your past. 'That takes self-awareness and patience, but it is possible,' she says. 'It also helps to strengthen your emotional boundaries. When you know you can speak up, walk away, or protect your peace, you feel less anxious about giving people a chance.' Give People a Chance to Show They're Trustworthy While it makes sense to practice some caution and not share everything with someone you've just met, you should at least give them the opportunity to demonstrate their trustworthiness, Holmes suggests. 'This could look a lot of different ways, ranging from sharing an embarrassing story to delegating a low-stakes task to someone else,' she says. 'Trusting others with small things gives them the opportunity to demonstrate trustworthiness, which in turn will help you build your trust in that person. It's okay for this process to take a little time.' How Can We Strike a Balance Between Trust and Caution? Trust is like a muscle that you build over time, Le Goy says. This involves trusting yourself and listening to your gut when something feels 'off.' Instead of blindly trusting—or distrusting—someone, Broems suggests trying realistic trust-building. Ask yourself whether this person follows through. Do their actions match their words? Can they handle your boundaries respectfully? 'You don't have to trust fast—just slowly building this over time can be helpful,' she says. Striking the right balance between trust and caution might mean that the person starts off more discerning, and with time, they become more open and trusting, Vejar says. 'It is important to note that 'discernment' is different from 'cynicism,' the latter of which might prevent the development of trust,' she explains. 'While both discernment and cynicism involve caution and protection, discernment is more observant—open to information as it unfolds—and cynicism is more suspicious and negative.' Ultimately, striking a healthy balance between trust and caution means learning to stay open without being naive, Hafeez says. 'It is not about trusting everyone equally, it is about being emotionally available while also using discernment,' she says. 'Trust should be something people earn through their actions—not something you give away all at once.' Read the original article on Real Simple
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Is Ms. Rachel Good for Kids? A Neuropsychologist Weighs In
If you're the parent to a child under the age of five, there's a good chance you have heard of the YouTube sensation Ms. Rachel. Her educational videos for little ones are wildly popular, but there's so much content out there that it can be hard to discern what has real value and what's, well, crap. So, is Ms. Rachel good for kids? I got an answer to this question from a neuropsychologist (and mom-of-two). Here's what I learned. Meet the Expert Dr. Sanam Hafeez is a New York City-based neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind, a psychological practice that treats learning disorders, anxiety, depression and other psychopathological disorders. Dr. Hafeez obtained her Doctor of Psychology at Hofstra University and completed her post-doctoral training in neuropsychology and developmental pediatrics at Coney Island Hospital. Who Is Ms. Rachel? NBC/contributor/Getty Images In case you missed it, Ms. Rachel is a popular children's content creator known for her educational videos on YouTube. But what's her deal, you ask? Her real name is Rachel Griffin Accurso, and she's a preschool teacher and musician who started making videos to help toddlers with speech and language development after her own child experienced a speech delay. In her videos, Ms. Rachel sings songs, teaches simple words, and uses engaging visuals to keep kids interested. Check out her 'Songs for Littles' channel and you'll see why it has become a favorite resource for families worldwide. Why Is Ms. Rachel So Popular? NBC/contributor/Getty Images Everybody seems to love Ms. Rachel and, in case you're still wondering why, Dr. Hafeez broke it down for me: 'Ms. Rachel is so popular because she blends education and entertainment in a way that really resonates with toddlers. Her warm, gentle voice and clear speech help children learn new words and sounds with ease. The repetition in her songs and activities builds confidence in early language skills.' In other words, she's pretty good at doing what she set out to do: help toddlers and preschoolers develop language skills without overstimulating them. Plus, the expert notes that she's popular among parents because they 'trust her background as a preschool teacher and musician, which comes through in the thoughtful structure of each lesson.' Is Ms. Rachel Good for Kids? Dr. Hafeez tells me that Ms. Rachel's content is considered good for kids because it's designed to support early speech and language development with the use of simple words, repetition, and clear enunciation—all of which help toddlers learn how to talk. Perhaps most importantly, 'her songs and activities keep children engaged without being overwhelming or too fast-paced; In a noisy online world, her calm, engaging presence stands out and offers a sense of safety and learning for young kids,' says Dr. Hafeez. Indeed, the bright visuals and friendly tone create a safe, positive space for little ones, and many parents and speech therapists recommend her videos because they blend fun with valuable learning. Still, there are some cons to tuning in. Well, just one, actually: screen time. Although Ms. Rachel's videos are gentler than much of the overstimulating content around, it's still important to keep in mind screen time guidelines. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, children under the age of 18 months should have no screen time whatsoever, aside from brief video calls with family members; children between the ages of 18 and 24 months should only watch education content (like Ms. Rachel's) in the company of a caregiver, and ideally for no longer than 20 to 30 minutes; finally, kids between the ages of 2 and 5 should have no more than one hour of non-educational screen time on weekdays and three hours maximum on the weekend. Of course, Ms. Rachel's content is educational, so you could make a case for bending the rules a little for kids two and older, but the really young ones definitely don't benefit from binge-watching anything, not even when valuable learning is involved. Bottom line: Ms. Rachel is good for kids, but as with most good things, moderation is key. How to Get the Most Out of Ms. Rachel Videos1. Watch With Your Child As previously mentioned, it is recommended that toddlers under the age of two only enjoy their (limited) screen time in the presence of a caregiver. Dr. Hafeez says that this is true across the board if you want to really get the most out of Ms. Rachel's educational content. 'It's much better for parents to watch with their kids rather than just leaving them to watch alone, because they can sing along and repeat the words to help their child practice,' she explains. 2. Pause and Ask Questions You're watching along, but don't stop there. To really maximize the benefits of the viewing experience for your child Dr. Hafeez recommends occasionally pausing the video to ask your child questions about what's happening. This ensures they are really engaging with the content in a meaningful way and not just, you know, zonked. 3. Use the Songs and Words Throughout the Day Finally, the expert recommends that parents keep the learning going even when screen time is over: 'Parents can also use the songs and words from the videos in daily life, like during meals or playtime. Keeping screen time balanced with other activities is important. Most of all, making it fun together helps kids learn even more.' In other words, try to channel your own inner Ms. Rachel once that day's viewing window has closed. 10 Calming Kids Shows for When the Little Ones Are, Um, Overstimulated Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
If You're 'Type B,' You Might Do These 13 Things, Psychologists Say
If You're 'Type B,' You Might Do These 13 Things, Psychologists Say originally appeared on Parade. "Type A" individuals can take up a lot of oxygen for their drive, go-get-'em attitude and perpetual sense of urgency. However, psychologists want people who identify with a "Type B" personality to know they have value too. So, what's a Type B person like, exactly?"Someone who is relaxed, easygoing and comfortable moving at their own pace," explains Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the familiar? These habits and tendencies might as well. After all, Type B individuals often do these 13 things, according to "These individuals are not driven by a constant need to compete or prove themselves, and they don't tend to feel defined by deadlines or high-pressure goals," Dr. Hafeez tells doesn't mean a Type B person is lazy or reserved, but they're motivated by something different than many of their Type A counterparts.'Their drive comes from personal fulfillment rather than outside validation," Dr. Hafeez says. "Type B personalities are more apt to deal with stress in a calm and steady manner, both in the workplace and in their personal value process over pressure and tend to find joy in connection, creativity and meaningful experiences."Related: Type As frequently act like they're on a deadline (often a self-imposed one) and have their eyes on the clock. Type Bs? Not so much."Type Bs are more inclined to go where the wind blows them instead of obsessing about a schedule or timeline," points out Dr. Hannah Yang, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist and visionary behind Balanced Awakening, P.C. "They are more likely to follow a desire or an intuitive hunch and allow themselves to respond to that. They are also less likely to put pressure on themselves to get certain things done by a certain time." Since Type Bs aren't always on a timeline, they're more inclined to notice life's micro-joys, like fresh-cut Knee-jerk decisions aren't a Type B person's jam. "Type Bs typically weigh their options instead of jumping to conclusions or rushing toward closure," explains Dr. Thomas McDonagh, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist and owner of Good Therapy San Francisco. "There tends to be more comfort with uncertainty. The goal is to make thoughtful choices, even if it means not responding right away."However, don't mistake "intentional decision-making" for a lack of confidence."Type an innate confidence that everything will turn out the way it should," Dr. Hafeez says. Type Bs crave opportunities to use the right sides of their brains."If they aren't already working in a creative field, they are more likely to make time for creative hobbies and endeavors," Dr. Yang says. "Passion projects and things that simply feel way [Type Bs] move throughout the day will reflect more space for creativity in any form." Type Bs haven't conformed to the idea of "instant messaging," even if they, too, have text messaging capabilities plus platforms like Slack, Teams and WhatsApp on their phones."Type Bs may receive a text message or an email and just naturally give it space before responding," Dr. Yang explains. "They may wait until their schedule is clear or they have the headspace to write a thoughtful response."She adds that Type Bs aren't avoiding a response or trying to be mean—it's quite the opposite."They just don't have a sense of urgency and prefer to respond when the timing is best for them and for the best response," Dr. Yang Type Bs more relaxed approach to life also seeps into their approach to work."Type Bs may understand that success is found in other areas besides work and checking off their to-do list," reports Dr. Melanie English, Ph.D., MSW, a licensed clinical psychologist. "They may not feel tethered to the idea that success means demonstrating long hours at the office. Because of that, they're comfortable leaving at the end of the day and feeling good about what was accomplished versus what wasn't accomplished." Your schedule has white space, and the margin brings pure peace."Type Bs are discerning about becoming over-scheduled or committing to too many activities, events and people," Dr. Yang says. "Type Bs are more likely to prioritize space in their schedule for spontaneity. They may turn down an invitation if they sense it could leave them feeling overbooked and without as much creative time as they'd like."Related: Many of your invites may be of the vacation variety. Friends and family love Type Bs as the ultimate travel buddies."Travel can be the epitome of de-railed plans, unexpected obstacles and day-to-day events out of your control," Dr. English says. "Type Bs can adapt easily, view situations positively and look at the greater good."These traits make you the type of person people want to hang with on a turbulent (or canceled) flight. Type B individuals don't have an agenda from the moment they say "hello.""Type Bs are more likely to value casual connections—saying hello to a neighbor, talking to a friend at a coffee shop just to talk—as opposed to connecting to network or build connection as part of a larger plan or idea," Dr. Yang says. "Slow, meaningful conversations are allowed to deliciously unfold without a sense of urgency." Without a running to-do list or need to take charge, Type Bs genuinely hear what a person says, making them ideal confidants. "With a less reactive temperament, Type B's traits make it easier to listen to others without feeling the need to fix, control or interrupt," Dr. McDonagh You may not like games where only one person or team can win."Type Bs often focus on personal growth or collaboration," Dr. McDonagh reveals. "They are likely to be more motivated by personal achievement as opposed to 'besting' others." Chalk this one up to a strong preference for collaboration over competition."Whether in the workplace or in friendships, Type Bs genuinely want to see others do well," Dr. Hafeez says. "They don't view someone else's win as their loss, which reflects a deep sense of security in who they are and what they bring to the table." Type Bs have mastered the art of forgiveness."Forgiveness comes easier to them, not out of naivety, but because they prefer harmony over ongoing conflict," Dr. Hafeez reports. "They're less likely to stew or seek revenge and more likely to let things go in favor of peace and emotional clarity."Related: Type Bs aren't "less than" because their personality letter comes second in the alphabet. Dr. Yang encourages Type B individuals to work with themselves rather than trying to fit into a Type A box."If you've identified that you're a Type B, explore what specifically that means to you and how you can celebrate and embrace your innate preferences," Dr. Yang says. "If you know you enjoy life the best when you're not rushing, see if you can intentionally plan for a leisurely commute. Build your schedule out in a way that supports you." Type Bs are creatives and not bound to timelines. Still, benchmarks have value."Type Bs have great ideas and naturally gifted creativity, but without an intended target, they tend to meander," Dr. Hafeez shares. "Setting a deadline provides a destination while still allowing them to work at their own pace, preventing it from feeling oppressive." "Margin" isn't a dirty word to you—it's more of a love language. Ensure your schedule speaks to that."You're going to do your best at work or with other responsibilities when you have the time you need to do whatever you want—unstructured, unplanned," Dr. Yang says. "You already know or have a sense that you can get more done on your to-do list when you have enough leisure time wrapped around it."She explains that prioritizing free time is especially important during periods when you are under a deadline at work or in your personal life. Ensure you have space to refill your cup when you have to step outside of your comfort zone, which can be You're known for being calm, cool and collected, but that doesn't mean everyone gets to bulldoze your needs."It might also be easy to forget that you do actually have some preferences and a voice that can express those preferences," Dr. Yang points out. "Notice if your autopilot is 'I don't care, it's up to you' and override that sometimes."She suggests taking a beat to ask yourself, "How do I feel right now?" and "What would I like in this moment?" Then, practice sharing your answers with family and Type Bs often gravitate toward calm, familiar situations. However, Dr. Hafeez notes that growth usually requires discomfort. "Whether it's saying yes to a leadership role or signing up for something they've been quietly curious about, stepping outside that comfort zone, even occasionally, can bring out strengths they didn't know they had without sacrificing their natural steadiness," Dr. Hafeez says. Up Next:Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind Dr. Hannah Yang, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist and visionary behind Balanced Awakening, P.C. Dr. Thomas McDonagh, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist and owner of Good Therapy San Francisco Dr. Melanie English, Ph.D., MSW, a licensed clinical psychologist If You're 'Type B,' You Might Do These 13 Things, Psychologists Say first appeared on Parade on Jul 6, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
