Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and love is in the air – or is it?
Texas Tech experts can talk about more than your standard cliché love topics. From
busting the Valentine’s Day myth that lots of flowers and candy equal quality expressions
of love to why people choose bad mates and stay in bad relationships, these five experts
can add a different twist to your story. Visit the Hot Topics section of
experts.ttu.edu for more information.
Patrick Hughes, associate professor in the Department of Communication Studies, can
discuss how the everyday, mundane acts of kindness toward a loved one matter more
than a blitzkrieg of candy and cards on Valentine’s Day. Also, lots of conflict in
a relationship doesn’t mean the end – it’s how conflict is handled that matters. He
can be reached at (806) 742-3911, patrick.hughes@ttu.edu.
Luis Ramirez, assistant professor of sociology, is an expert about the lesser-known
forms of intimate partner violence such as psychological or mental abuse directed
toward males, who are not often as susceptible to physical violence. He can be reached
at (806) 742-2401 ext. 255 or l.ramirez@ttu.edu.
Martha Smithey, associate professor of sociology, can speak about intimate partner
violence, otherwise known as domestic violence. Specifically, she can speak about
what factors motivate individuals to begin abusing their partners and how to leave
unhealthy relationships successfully. She can be reached at (806) 742-2401 ext. 254
or m.smithey@ttu.edu.
David Rudd, chairman of the Department of Psychology, can speak about why people tend
to make bad mate choices, then choose to stay in an unhappy relationship despite the
obvious emotional strain. He helps unhappy couples in his psychology clinics on a
weekly basis. He can be reached at (806) 742-3711 ext. 224 or david.rudd@ttu.edu.
Narissra M. Punyanunt-Carter, assistant professor in the Department of Communication
Studies, can discuss how affectionate communication can lead to a healthy relationship,
and why romance and affection are not just meant for Valentine’s Day. She can be reached
at (806) 742-3273, or at n.punyanunt@ttu.edu.