Hunter Biden’s Unusual Compliment to Melissa Cohen on Their First Date

According to Dr. Sanam Hafeez, NYC neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehend the Mind, Hunter Biden’s complex emotions can be attributed to his layered experience of grief, excitement, and happiness. Speaking to The List, Dr. Hafeez explained that Hunter’s words were a reflection of the intricate emotional landscape he was navigating at the time. The neuropsychologist noted that this moment also underscored Hunter’s enduring bond with his late brother, Beau Biden. “This comparison indicates that his brother’s memory still held a powerful influence over him, and seeing a familiar trait in Melissa likely evoked a strong emotional response,” she elaborated.

However, this emotional honesty could have risked derailing their budding romance. Dr. Hafeez acknowledged this complexity, saying, “The candid admission that it might not be an ideal way to begin a first date underscores the complexity of his emotions — grappling with grief while simultaneously feeling a profound and instant love.” As revealed in “Beautiful Things,” President Biden’s son was unreserved about more than just his feelings; he also disclosed his struggles with substance abuse to Melissa during that initial meeting.

Fortunately, instead of being deterred by Hunter’s revelations, Melissa chose to support him on his journey to sobriety. Over the following days, she took substantial steps to help him, including removing any drugs from his surroundings and keeping a vigilant eye on him, even during his trips to the bathroom. Additionally, she limited his contact with people who weren’t family members to reduce the chances of him reverting to his old habits.