How To Be Happy (Yawn)
History has taught us many things, they say. It's probably more accurate to say that throughout history we have been able to teach ourselves a lot of things. Except, that is, in the two things where it matters most.
Tickling Can Stop Arguments and Improve Your Relationship
For me, tickling is a kind of torture, but apparently this is not so for most people, which makes it an ideal conflict resolution tool. This conjures up some interesting images, if you like that sort of thing.
If It’s Not Broken, Check It Anyway
Humans have a natural inclination to improve things, to meddle, to leave our mark. This saying reminds us to leave well alone when things are OK. But it can also be used as an excuse for neglect. It may not be broken, but routine maintenance is generally a good idea, especially with relationships.
Understanding Doesn’t Always Mean Effective
I understand how a piano works but I can't use it as intended. In the same way, one can understand everything about plants without having green fingers. This sequel to a recent post
Sociability Helps Others
Staying socially active, being well connected with family, peers and colleagues, is a major factor in health and survival. The quality of our relationships is, to a large extent, what governs our sense of wellbeing and happiness, but it goes further, and taking the first steps is easy.
Silo Mentality
Most of us live and work in silos in as ...
Reach Out As Well As In
It's easy to forget in our self-obsessed and pressured daily lives that contact with others helps not only them, but us as well. Small gestures can work wonders.
Acting the Goat Might be Good Advice
Goats may be stubborn, but they are also wise. Recent research has shown that they really can learn from each other. That's not the point of this post, though.
Compassion, and the Golden Rule
People want to be religious, says scholar Karen Armstrong; we should help make religion a force for harmony. She asks for help to build a Charter for Compassion — to restore the Golden Rule as the central global religious doctrine.
What Is a Real Conversation?
It has been scathingly said that "Many conversations are simply monologues delivered in the presence of a witness." While I wouldn't generalise like that I had some sympathy for the person who asked me about 'Real' conversations recently.
