Willow LabsDating
Everything Willow Labs has written about Dating, drawn from CBT, ACT, IFS and other evidence-based approaches. Practical, no fluff, with the techniques therapists actually use.
7 articles
Micro-Cheating: The Dating Term Everyone's Arguing About in 2026
Micro-cheating means small acts of romantic attention outside your relationship. Here's where the line really sits — and how to talk about it.
Floodlighting: Why Oversharing Early in Dating Backfires
Floodlighting is dumping your deepest wounds on a new date to fast-track closeness or test them. Here's why it backfires and how to pace openness.
The ick: your nervous system talking
That sudden wave of “nope” on a date isn’t random or petty. The ick is your body’s distance system. Learn what it means, when to trust it, and what to do.
Beige, Green, Red: A Therapist’s Guide to Flags
Not every odd habit is a crisis and not every charm is safety. Learn the difference between beige, green, and red flags—and what to do when you spot them.
The Anxious–Avoidant Trap: Why You Fall for Pull-Aways
They pull away, you lean in, and the chemistry feels electric. It isn’t magic. It’s a nervous system loop that mistakes anxiety for attraction.
20 Relationship Red Flags You Should Never Ignore
Red flags aren’t courtroom evidence; they’re signals you’re shrinking. Here are 20 worth acting on, and what to do the first time you notice one.
Free Attachment Style Quiz: Know Your Pattern
You text, they don’t reply, your stomach flips. Or you go quiet and call it independence. That pattern isn’t random. Map it and you get choices.
These articles are for self-understanding, not crisis. If you’re in active distress — Get help now →