Tag Archives: "relationship"

Each week, I post a video about some Pigeon of Discontent raised by a reader. Because, as much as we try to find the Bluebird of Happiness, we’re also plagued by the Pigeons of Discontent. This week’s Pigeon of Discontent, suggested by a reader, is: “I envy my friends.”   If you want to read more about this resolution, check … →

Every Wednesday is Tip Day. This Wednesday: eight tips for making new friends. Last week, I posted a list How to make friends — or at least think about it more clearly. That list sets forth the "essential friendship skills." But knowing the essential friendship skills isn't the same thing as being able to make friends. And friends are very … →

Happiness interview: Meghan O’Rourke. Meghan O’Rourke is a writer in many incarnations — an essayist, poet, critic, and editor. I got to know Meghan during the time that this blog appeared on Slate , and I was very eager to get my hands on her new book. The Long Goodbye is a memoir of her mother’s death from cancer in … →

Every Wednesday is Tip Day, or List Day. This Wednesday: Why these six happiness “boosters” might actually make you feel worse. Everyone has a few tricks for beating the blues. It turns out, however, that several of the most popular strategies don’t actually work very well in the long term. Beware if you are tempted to try any of the … →

Assay: One of my most important personal commandments — and one that I struggle with constantly — is No calculation. It’s meant to remind me not to keep score, not to stint on love and generosity, not to keep track of who’s done what. This commandment is based on an observation by my spiritual master St. Therese of Lisieux: “When … →