The Dating and Relationship Group: 
The Characteristics of Successful Couples  

In previous meetings of the Dating and Relationship Group, we have been exploring how people choose their romantic partners and what may or not be "wise" about these selection and decision-making strategies.  Part of what has emerged from these discussions is the need to identify a potential partner who is "viable," i.e., who manifests certain characteristics and competencies that would seem advantageous for maintaining a healthy and intimate long-term relationship.  Yet it seems there is a fair amount of uncertainty and disagreement regarding what characteristics seem to be the most important.  Perhaps the answer lies in understanding what we know about successful couples.  In the next meeting of the Dating and Relationship Group on Saturday, June 18, 2016, 12:00 to 1:15 PM noon, I will review several provocative articles including "The Bad Relationship Advice You Can Stop Taking" and "The Top 10 Secrets of Those Highly Successful Couples We All Envy" that shed light on the individual and relational factors most relevant for fulfillment in love.  

The Men's Group:
The Male Hormonal "Cycle"

Recent scientific evidence suggests that men have a hormonal "cycle," a masculine version of the female menstrual cycle (see "What Your Doctor Won't Tell You about Male Hormonal Cycles" and "Do Men Have a Monthly Cycle?" for a good introduction to this topic).  Although the knowledge base on how hormones impact men's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning is in its infancy, findings suggest that patterned fluctuations of men's cortisol, insulin, testosterone, estrogen, and thyroid hormones seem to occur in the course of a day and a month, with some researchers even suggesting that fluctuations can be traced annually.  Writers are beginning to link these variations to men's tendencies in romantic relationships, including their capacity for empathy and motivation for sex.   In the next meeting of the Men's Group on Saturday, June 18, 2016, 10:45 AM to 12:00 PM noon, we will review the new knowledge of the male hormonal cycle.  

To register for the June 18th meetings of the Men's Group and the Dating and Relationship Group:   If you would like to attend the Men's Group (10:45 AM to 12:00 PM noon) and/or the Dating and Relationship Group (12:00 to 1:15 PM) on Saturday, June 18, 2016, please RSVP ASAP to Dr. Tobin at 949-338-4388 or [email protected]. There is a limit of 14 attendees for each group and registrants will be accommodated on a first-come/first-serve basis.  The fee is $25.00 and the location is The Water Garden Business Center, 23421 South Pointe Drive, Suite 130, Laguna Hills, CA, 92653.  Please note that these groups are educational in purpose, not therapeutic.  
 
James Tobin, Ph.D., PSY 22074 | 949-338-4388 | [email protected]