The Secret to a Fight-Free Relationship
Conventional wisdom says that venting is cathartic and that we should never go to bed angry. But couples who save disagreements for scheduled meetings show the benefits of a more patient approach to conflict.
The Friendship Files
Comics Made Them Friends. Their Friendship Made Great Comics.
“He writes things that I want to draw.” DC Comics’ Tom King, Mitch Gerads, Clay Mann, and Evan “Doc” Shaner on the friendship that helps them take artistic risks.
Your Money Worries Might Be Hiding Something Deeper
Once you’ve met your most basic needs, riches won't help you feel better about yourself.
The Loss I Didn’t Have Words For
After two miscarriages I didn’t know how to grieve, poetry allowed me to ask: Who are you, who were you, who might you have been?
How to Socialize Safely in the Booster Era
This winter, there are many shades of what it means to be vaccinated. Here’s how to make everyday risk assessments.
When You Can’t Change the World, Change Your Feelings
Adjusting your attitude is easier than you think.
Thanksgiving? In This Economy?
Crunching the numbers on how inflation will affect the price of a holiday meal
How to Be Thankful When You Don’t Feel Thankful
Even if you think you have little to celebrate this year, you can—and should—practice gratitude.
Quit Lying to Yourself
Real happiness starts with telling yourself the truth, even when it hurts.
We Live By a Unit of Time That Doesn’t Make Sense
The seven-day week has survived for millennia, despite attempts to make it less chaotic.
The Most Awkward Part of Living With Your Parents as an Adult
For many young adults, living in their family’s home is a new norm. Their dates still don’t always get it.
What It’s Like to Truly Be Friends With Your Ex
“We can’t always neatly break things into ‘friends’ or ‘more than friends.’ There’s different kinds of love.”
No One Cares!
Our fears about what other people think of us are overblown and rarely worth fretting over.
Parental Leave Is American Exceptionalism at Its Bleakest
The U.S. is the only wealthy country in the world that leaves new parents to fend for themselves.
What Collective Narcissism Does to Society
In everyday settings, it can keep people from listening to one another. At its worst, it might fuel violence.
What Winter-Haters Get Wrong
Chasing the sun usually isn’t worth it. Learn to like the climate you’ve got instead.
The Strange Origins of American Birthday Celebrations
For most people, birthdays were once just another day. Industrialization changed that.
What Becoming a Parent Really Does to Your Happiness
Research has found that having children is terrible for quality of life—but the truth about what parenthood means for happiness is a lot more complicated.
When You Find the Best Friend You’ve Been Longing For
“I’d look at people, when they’d use the term best friend. I was like, I want one of those.”
The Disguises We Wear Every Day
Hiding your feelings can be freeing. But eventually you have to take off the mask.
A Patriarchal Tradition That Just Won’t Budge
Straight, married couples in the U.S. still almost always give kids the father’s last name. Why?
How Home Cooks Work Smarter, Not Harder
A new cookbook by the food journalist Priya Krishna and the chef David Chang emphasizes intuition and experimentation—and embraces the humble microwave.