Essays by Felix Schürholz
Inspired by psychology, the social sciences and lived experience.
Meaningful relationships rarely begin by chance alone.
They are shaped by our experiences, our choices, the opportunities we create and the people we become before we meet someone.
In this collection of essays, I explore what psychology, the social sciences and lived experience can teach us about preparing for meaningful encounters. Each essay combines established research with my own reflections and observations developed through many years of working with people and decision-making.
The essays were originally published in French under the title Avant la rencontre.
🇫🇷 The following articles are currently available in French. English translations will be published over time.
Are Couples Who Meet After 35 Happier?
Are couples who meet after the age of thirty-five happier? Research cannot answer this question with a simple yes or no. It does, however, suggest that many qualities essential to lasting relationships often develop with life experience. Inspired by the work of Benjamin Karney, Thomas Bradbury, John Gottman, Eli Finkel and Arthur Aron.
🇫🇷 This article is currently available in French.
Why Do Some Encounters Change Our Lives… and Others Don’t?
Why do some encounters remain with us for a lifetime while others are quickly forgotten? Drawing on three psychological studies, this essay explores why preparation matters and why meaningful encounters depend on more than chance alone.
🇫🇷 This article is currently available in French.
Who Are We… When We Are in a Relationship?
We often believe we know ourselves well. Yet relationships sometimes reveal a person we have not yet discovered. Inspired by David Schnarch’s work, this essay explores autonomy, attachment and self-discovery in intimate relationships.
🇫🇷 This article is currently available in French.
What If We Realised a Dream in Toulouse… Together?
The most meaningful encounters do not depend on chance alone. They also depend on the opportunities we create. This essay reflects on places, encounters and the idea of building a community of people who wish to create lasting relationships in Toulouse.
🇫🇷 This article is currently available in French.
What Do We Really Show When We Meet Someone?
When meeting someone for the first time, we naturally try to make a good impression. Inspired by the work of Erving Goffman, this essay explores how a shared space gradually emerges between two people, allowing a first encounter to become a genuine discovery of another person.
🇫🇷 This article is currently available in French.
Are We Meant to Be Happy on Our Own?
Can we truly flourish on our own, or do meaningful relationships play an essential role in lasting happiness? Inspired by the work of Arthur C. Brooks, this essay explores the three dimensions of happiness: enjoyment, satisfaction and meaning.
🇫🇷 This article is currently available in French.