I’ll admit it. For most of my adult life thought I was terrible at crossword puzzles. I would stare at the blank grid, feel that quiet dread of words I did not know, and give up too soon. But recently I rediscovered them. I found myself excitedly sitting down over a cup of coffee, filling in squares, celebrating little successes, and enjoying the process in a way I did not expect. So I decided to look into the psychology of crossword puzzles. Why crossword puzzles feel so satisfying...

Social anxiety, also known as social phobia, is a common but often misunderstood mental health condition. It goes beyond everyday shyness and can significantly impact a person's ability to engage in social situations, leading to distress and avoidance behaviors. Fortunately, effective treatments, including psychotherapy, can help individuals manage and overcome social anxiety, improving their confidence and quality of life.

Pathological demand avoidance is a pattern of behavior where a person resists or avoids doing things that others ask of them, even when those tasks are reasonable or align with their own goals. This behavior is often found in children, but some adults can display it as well. This avoidance is not always conscious. It can come from anxiety, fear of failure, or a need to stay in control.