Relationship & soft
skills research, made accessible.
Science-backed guidance from social dynamics, linguistics & modern soft skills to help you build, develop and maintain relationships.
What do we do?
We write and publish independent research, think pieces and documentation on topics like:
Psychology
Sociology
Sociolinguistics
Social dynamics
Applied pragmatics
Relationship development
Dating & culture
Persuasion
Behaviour economics
Charisma
Linguistic philosophy
Generative language
Rapport building
Evidence-based insights
into things like:
Selective Synonymy
Read moreThe linguistic phenomenon that leads us to choose one word over another – and why it matters.
Plausible Deniability
Read moreA concept in social dynamics that liars use to cover up their deceit – and how to spot it.
Pre – Suppositions
Read moreHow our sentence composition creates implicit & sneaky assumptions we can use to steer conversations.
Relationship Roadmap
Read moreA clear start to finish progression of a typical romantic timeline – for benchmarks or a checklist.
Emotional Intimacy
Read moreBasic fundamentals of human to human connection, from vulnerability to deep intimate bonds.
Perlocution Metrics
Read moreCombining science and linguistic philosophy to determine how people perceive our speech.
Overview
Intermediate
In-depth
Linguistics
Persuasion
Philosophy
Deep insights.
Practical understanding.
Content and guides structured
by complexity & experience level.
Learn how we structure our research
Private topics,
public education.
Open source information on
the obscure and hard to learn.
Our mission statement
Applied pragmatics
Sociolinguistics
Persuasion
Relationship development
Behaviour economics
Linguistic philosophy
Generative language
Rapport building
Sociology
Psychology
Charisma
Consultation on content
or composition.
Hands-on instruction for soft skills and
linguistic automation.
Learn more about consulting
About the team &
the author, Cain Parish
8+ years of industry experience.
About Cain Parish
Cain Parish
Australian Author/Researcher
Browse our latest articles:
8 Steps for Handling Conflict Resolution and Emotions in Healthy Relationships
Published
by
Cain Parish
Evidence-based strategies for managing conflict and emotions in relationships that turn disagreements into opportunities for deeper intimacy between partners.
Read moreHow To Do The Most With Words – A Guide To Selective Synonyms
Published
by
Cain Parish
Selective synonymy is the process by which we select and use one word over another. Learn about how context and connotation inform our language.
Read moreThe Relationship Roadmap – 2 Categories for a Healthy Relationship
Published
by
Cain Parish
A comprehensive breakdown of typical stages in romantic relationship development.
Read moreShould You Compromise In A Relationship?
Published
by
Cain Parish
Attitudes towards a relationship can inform success, failure and the lived experience of all involved.
Read moreHow To Be Attractive, aka Why Goth Girls Are Hot
Published
by
Cain Parish
Being attractive is about inspiring interest – knowing how to act in an appreciable way towards your partner.
Read moreWhat are Presuppositions? Examples, Contexts and 5 Different Types
Published
by
Cain Parish
Presuppositions – a technique to subtly frame conversations by embedding implicit assumptions, allowing people to influence and persuade.
Read moreUnderstanding and Cultivating Friendships: A Guide in 10 Parts
Published
by
Cain Parish
For some – genuine social relationships can be confusing. Here’s how to understand and develop platonic friendships.
Read moreUnderstanding Social Dynamics: A Comprehensive Guide in 6 Parts
Published
by
Cain Parish
This guide will examine the intricacies of human interaction, offering knowledge that can positively impact your personal and professional relationships.
Read moreInfluence Psychology: A Comprehensive Exploration in 5 Parts
Published
by
Cain Parish
Influence psychology explains why certain individuals possess a natural ability to persuade others. This is the powerful force that shapes our daily interactions and decision-making processes.
Read moreEmpathic Listening in Relationships: Meaning, Examples, and 10 Easy Steps
Published
by
Cain Parish
The act of listening that enhances communication and relationships through active conversational participation.
Read moreInsecurity in Relationships – How to Overcome It and Build Confidence
Published
by
Cain Parish
Insecurity can hamper your relationships by injecting a degree of uncertainty into your dealings with others. Learn how to deal with it.
Read moreHow to Move On After a Breakup – Healing Your Heart and Finding Strength
Published
by
Cain Parish
A common question from those suffering heartbreak is always ‘How do I move on after a breakup?’. This is a jumping-off point.
Read morePush Pull Communication: Definition, Concept, Origins in Social Dynamics & Seduction
Published
by
Cain Parish
Push pull communication – a communication technique that alternates between emotional warmth and detachment, often used for influence and attraction.
Read moreWhat Is A Power Dynamic? Psychological Self-Defense #2
Published
by
Cain Parish
Power dynamics exist in all relationships. Learn about your psychological self-defense and prevent them from being abused around you.
Read moreWhat Is Cold Approaching? The Complete 3 Part Guide
Published
by
Cain Parish
Learn how to cold approach – initiating conversations with complete strangers.
Read moreHow To Date With Trauma – 3 Ways To Keep Baggage From Interfering
Published
by
Cain Parish
Successfully dating with trauma requires self-awareness, emotional regulation, and proactive healing rather than relying on a partner to fix past wounds.
Read moreHow To Date – Dating Advice vs. Dating Success
Published
by
Cain Parish
Dating requires adaptability, not rigid strategies – learn to find success from reading and responding to unique interpersonal dynamics.
Read moreTinder & Self-Esteem: How Dating Apps Ruined My Self-Image
Published
by
Cain Parish
Escaping the grip of dating apps revealed that real attraction isn’t measured by algorithms but by genuine human connection.
Read moreGoal Oriented Thinking: 6 Steps To Achieve Your Goals
Published
by
Cain Parish
Goal-oriented thinking is a mental framework designed to simplify decision-making by working backward from a desired outcome.
Read moreHow To Escape the Friendzone and Go From Friends to Dating
Published
by
Cain Parish
Learn how the ‘friend zone’ is constructed as a mental model and what to do if you’re inside it.
Read moreHow To Use Tinder and Other Apps Without Damaging Your Self-Esteem
Published
by
Cain Parish
How Tinder and similar dating apps manipulate user engagement by exploiting self-esteem and gamifying your attraction.
Read moreThe Relationship Anarchy Smorgasbord: What Is It and How Does It Work?
Published
by
Cain Parish
What is the relationship anarchy smorgasbord? A concise method for picking what you want for your relationships.
Read moreHow To Be A Good Listener – Active Listening in 5 Steps
Published
by
Cain Parish
Listening is more than just hearing the words spoken by someone. It’s about understanding and interpretation.
Read moreHow to Flirt with Someone You Just Met: A Full Guide To Flirting
Published
by
Cain Parish
Flirting is a blend of confidence, communication, and social awareness, allowing individuals to express attraction while gauging interest in a playful and engaging way. Learn how to flirt.
Read moreWhy Doesn’t My Boyfriend Communicate?
Published
by
Cain Parish
Diagnose issues in speaking the language of your partner.
Read moreHow To Dress For A Date – Making The Right First Impression
Published
by
Cain Parish
Learn what factors are involved in the impression made by how you choose to dress – on dates and otherwise.
Read moreHow To Deal With A Clingy Partner – Managing Fear and Insecurities
Published
by
Cain Parish
Clinginess in relationships is often a response to insecurity or past trauma, manifesting as a need for constant reassurance.
Read moreHow to Deal With Rejection: A Guide to Emotional Resilience
Published
by
Cain Parish
Rejection activates emotional pain responses tied to past experiences. Here’s what to do with that.
Read moreFirst Date Ideas: How To Make a Memorable First Impression
Published
by
Cain Parish
Use situational awareness and smart thinking to work out the best date ideas for you and the person you’re looking to meet.
Read morePsychological Self-Defense: What Is Passive Aggression?
Published
by
Cain Parish
Learn about passive aggression – an indirect way of expressing hostility and negative sentiment.
Read moreThe Zero-Sum Game: Making Men Feel Better
Published
by
Cain Parish
How concern for men’s attitudes and mental health can be a topic worth discussing.
Read moreMental Health Makes Everything Easier – How To Get Out Of Your Own Way
Published
by
Cain Parish
Mental health improvements don’t offer instant fixes but rather, create the foundation for sustainable progress.
Read moreWhat Are Open Relationships And Polyamory – A Comprehensive Guide
Published
by
Cain Parish
Multiple relationships can coexist while balancing emotional complexity and situational nuance. Here’s how.
Read moreWhy Selfless Relationships Last Longer – How To Be Less Selfish
Published
by
Cain Parish
Successful relationships are built when both partners prioritise giving and collaboration over selfish desires.
Read moreTrusting Your Gut: How To Listen To Your Intuition and Make Better Decisions
Published
by
Cain Parish
Developing and refining intuition allows for quicker, more confident decision-making.
Read moreThe Bad Behaviour Problem: Why Good People Do Bad Things
Published
by
Cain Parish
Unexamined impulses, rooted in past defense mechanisms, can lead to self-sabotage.
Read moreAssertiveness Training: How to Stand Up For Yourself Without Being Aggressive
Published
by
Cain Parish
Assertiveness is a skill you don’t need all the time, but is mandatory to have in your toolbelt.
Read moreWhat is Relationship Anarchy? Exploring Non-Traditional Relationships
Published
by
Cain Parish
Relationship anarchy prioritises personal autonomy and fluid boundaries, enabling partners to define their relationships freely while emphasising communication, consent and comfort of all involved.
Read moreHow Long Should You Date Before Getting into a Relationship?
Published
by
Cain Parish
Building a strong foundation through emotional connection, communication, and aligned values is important. How long does that take?
Read moreHow To Develop Good Communication In A Relationship
Published
by
Cain Parish
Communication in relationships is not just about speaking but about ensuring clarity, emotional safety, and constructive dialogue
Read moreHow to Give Compliments on a Date: The Art of Genuine Appreciation
Published
by
Cain Parish
Thoughtful compliments work best when they acknowledge a date’s unique qualities in a timely and relevant manner.
Read moreHow to Date Someone with a Different Love Language
Published
by
Cain Parish
Navigating different love languages in a relationship involves recognising your partner’s preferences and learning to express love in ways they value.
Read moreThe Evergreen Statement
Published
by
Cain Parish
This is my evergreen statement – a general stance and philosophy towards my relationships that I hope carries into the rest of my life.
Read moreThe Ethical Whore
Published
by
Cain Parish
Ethical promiscuity is not about the number of partners but about intentionality, responsibility, and mutual respect.
Read moreLasting Love and Happiness: Strategies From A Pick-Up Artist
Published
by
Cain Parish
Understanding your relationship patterns requires re-parenting yourself and ensuring your choices stem from self-awareness.
Read moreHow To Break Up With Someone And Minimize The Pain
Published
by
Cain Parish
A breakup should be intentional, well-planned, and handled with emotional clarity to minimize harm and facilitate closure.
Read moreThe Incel Trajectory: How Men Turn Into Monsters
Published
by
Cain Parish
The business of self-improvement has turned personal growth into a commodity, prioritising profit over real transformation.
Read moreHow To Have a Healthy And Safe Casual Relationship
Published
by
Cain Parish
Casual dating is about balancing excitement with precaution, ensuring safety without sacrificing fun.
Read moreWhen and How To Have ‘The Talk’ In Your Relationship
Published
by
Cain Parish
Defining a relationship requires direct communication – waiting for clarity without asking ensures frustration.
Read moreBad Sex Is Better Than A Good Breakup – Sleeping Together Early
Published
by
Cain Parish
Physical compatibility is a crucial factor in relationships, and testing it early can prevent emotional investment in a bad match.
Read moreHow To Get Girls To Like You By Looking At Things On The Internet
Published
by
Cain Parish
Seeking dating advice online often reinforces harmful biases instead of encouraging meaningful self-growth.
Read moreHow To Choose Your Own Values and Be The Person You Want
Published
by
Cain Parish
Define your values intentionally and strive toward them, using self-awareness as a guide for growth rather than a source of regret.
Read morePsychological Self-Defense: Plausible Deniability and How To Deal With It
Published
by
Cain Parish
Plausible deniability allows manipulators to avoid accountability by subtly directing conversations – learning to recognise and confront this tactic is the best defense.
Read more