What did I say? Was it the trance of bliss or…the kink? It was consensual, of course, but I had crossed some sort of invisible line. I wondered: “How come blow jobs are OK to discuss, but a spanking is too hard-core for conscious folks? Couldn’t conscious spanking exist? And where is safe to talk about real sex if not with people we love?” In order to heal, we must actually start talking about it—the good, the bad, and the ugly—in safe places and with people we trust....

And in the case of the moon, astrologer Molly Pennington, Ph.D., tells mbg, “The astronomical reality is the moon is always reflecting the sun’s light. The sun would be like our self, our identity—and the moon comes along and it reflects that, holds up a mirror to yourself.” The moon in astrology is related to emotions, intuition, and our personal inner worlds. Understanding your moon sign can help you get to know yourself and your emotions, and it also gives us valuable insight into our deepest needs (which is why moon signs are important for astrological compatibility, which we’ll get into shortly)....

Many of us have experienced the “mindless reach” into a snack bag, leaving us munching on processed chips, crackers, and cookies that don’t leave us feeling very satiated. However, there are better options out there—even packaged ones—that can keep you from falling into the “junk food veganism” trap. And don’t forget produce! Plant-based nutritionist Jessie Funchion, M.S., R.D., says to snack on “ideally a combo of produce and protein or fat....

The reason this is happening, especially for young folks, is multifactorial. The pandemic, and its lingering effects on our daily lives, have certainly played a role. As has social media: Despite its infinite ability to connect, social media use is linked to higher feelings of loneliness1. But so has the decline of social infrastructure: Without resources to build community, folks are left to deal with the isolating consequences. And these are things we’ve known for the past few years....

According to Merriam-Webster, ghosting is “the act or practice of abruptly cutting off all contact with someone (such as a former romantic partner) by no longer accepting or responding to phone calls, instant messages, etc.” The abruptness of ghosting can give the false impression that it’s a clean break, but it’s actually a pretty messy one that tends to leave singles confused and wary of putting themselves out there again. Although ghosting is never the right way to go about breaking up with someone, the reasons for doing it can be complicated: If someone’s not interested in you or feels like they haven’t invested that much time in the relationship, then they may feel they “don’t owe you anything or owe you that ending conversation,” explains counselor Shae Ivie-Williams, LPC, BC-TMH, CCTP....

“This isn’t just talk about the ‘good old days,’ but there is actual research that shows raising your kid with these priorities in mind is beneficial,” says licensed physiologist Nicole Beurkens, Ph.D., CNS. “Kids need nature, they need unstructured time, and they need play. It may seem like this is just ‘fun,’ but we know from research that this is how they grow.” Author and parenting coach Caroline Maguire, PCC, M....

In romantic partnerships, physical or sexual attraction can be a powerful force that draws folks to stay in toxic relationships," couples’ therapist Melody Li, LMFT, tells mbg. Toxic dynamics can be mended with conscious time, effort, and self-awareness. But both people need to be willing to change and accept responsibility to move forward. It will require each of you to examine your actions and do inner work. If you or your partner is not willing to truly put in the effort, the relationship will not change and should be ended....