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Articles by Erika Ryan
Kids Raised By Parents Who Let Them Run Wild Sometimes Usually Develop 3 Increasingly Rare Traits
Parents today seem to schedule every moment of their child’s day. But this overscheduling leaves no time for unstructured play, something Amanda Eliasoph, a board-certified behavior analyst, stressed is incredibly beneficial for young kids and their future success. "Parents, if you're tired of looking on Pinterest and making 45 activities a week for your child to do to keep them occupied while you clean or cook or try to get work done, allow them to be bored," she explained.
People Who Don’t Spend Sunday Night Dreading Monday Usually Do 8 Things Casually On The Weekends
It’s Sunday night, and a familiar feeling creeps in: the dreaded Sunday scaries. For many, Monday represents the end of freedom and a return to obligation and stress. But not everyone feels this way. Some people wake up on Monday ready to take on the week with surprising enthusiasm. What's their secret? As it turns out, the difference isn’t necessarily in the job itself.
People Who Feel Absurdly Happy With The Life They’re Living Usually Do 5 Casual Things Daily
Writer Jamie Fields said she was tired of escaping the monotony of life as it seemed to pass her by, so she took to Reddit to share how five simple shifts brought pleasure back into her evenings. In a post that literally any of us could have written, Fields shared, "A few months ago, I realized I was ending every day feeling wired and tired, half my brain still stuck in tasks, the other half scrolling because I was too exhausted to do anything else." Sound familiar?
People With Sharp & Witty Brains In Their 60s Usually Start These 5 Habits Early
For years, it’s been widely believed that cognitive skills decline as early as our 30s. However, a study of aging challenges that idea. If you want a sharp and witty brain in your 60s, cognitive decline isn’t inevitable. Memory decline can be prevented, or even reversed, through regular mental engagement. The research indicates that cognitive abilities like literacy and numeracy can be improved well into your 40s and beyond.
The Exact Number Of Friends You Need For Max Happiness, According To Research
As adults, making friends can be incredibly difficult. Introducing yourself to strangers can feel intimidating, and between work, family, and other responsibilities, even maintaining existing friendships can be a challenge. Luckily, research shows you don't need a large group of friends to be happy. In fact, a small, solid circle of close friends may actually be more fulfilling. Research says you only need three to five close friends for a healthy social life Of course, there is no magic number.
How You Take Your Coffee Usually Reveals A Really Funny Thing About You, Says Research
We've all heard it before: how you drink your coffee says a lot about who you are. From the bold black coffee drinkers who are supposedly as intense as their brew to the sweet latte sippers who could be classified as people-pleasers. But what does science say about these assumptions? Are we really a reflection of our coffee choices, or is it just a fun stereotype we all love to indulge in? Let’s dive into the research and debunk (or confirm) what your cup of joe might reveal about your personality.
Introverts Who Become Highly Respected Leaders Usually Do 5 Things Without Changing Who They Are
Leadership positions often seem reserved for extroverts: the ones who network effortlessly and speak boldly. Yet, introverts, too, can excel as leaders. According to Hannah Sosa, a career & workplace content creator, their quiet nature actually benefits the workplace. "Quiet leaders bring something the corporate world desperately needs: deep thinking, intentionality, the ability to actually listen," Sosa, a self-described introvert, said in a recent Instagram post.
People With Strong Mental & Emotional Intelligence Usually Say 5 Better Phrases Instead Of ‘I'm Sorry’
Navigating grief isn't easy for anyone, including supportive loved ones. The knee-jerk reaction when someone we care about is hurting is to immediately say, "I’m sorry." But what if that word, though well-intentioned, isn’t actually the best way to show empathy? Behavioral expert Amelia Meskerem took to TikTok to challenge the overuse of “sorry” when supporting others and to offer a more mentally & emotionally intelligent approach.
What Actually Happens To Your Brain After Going 2 Weeks Without Internet, According To Research
For better or worse, smartphones have become our trusty sidekicks. From the moment we wake up to that last scroll before bed, they’re by our sides, offering access to everything we could ever need: endless cat videos, social media updates, and, oh yeah, some (maybe?) helpful information in between. With over 90% of Americans owning a smartphone, it's safe to say we’re pretty much glued to a screen. But what happens when we unplug even for just two weeks?
7 Behaviors People Think Make Them Look Impressive But Actually Just Come Across As Kinda Rude
Let’s face it: We all love to show off a little, especially on social media. But sometimes, the things we think make us look cool or impressive are actually just ... kind of rude. From acting “too tough to quit” to refusing help because you’re “independent,” some so-called “flexes” are really just bad manners in disguise. A post on Threads had users sharing the behaviors that many try to pass off as flexes but are actually just plain inconsiderate.
People Who Are Rarely Impressed By Anyone Usually Share 3 Distinct Personality Traits
Ever met someone and everything was going great until he did that one thing that instantly made you want to run for the hills? Maybe he said something cringey, wore a questionable outfit, or had a weird quirk that you completely fixated on. Whatever it was, it wasn't a dealbreaker in the true sense of the word. But for you? You just couldn't get past it. That feeling, known as "the ick," is something many of us have experienced, and now, thanks to a 2025 study, we know exactly what’s behind it.
People-Pleasers Usually Have 7 Kind Habits That Are Actually Signs Of Self-Abandonment
In today’s world, kindness is often celebrated as a virtue, and it has been engraved in our minds since we were young. Phrases like “kill them with kindness” are what parents, guardians, and even teachers throughout our lives instill in us. However, there’s a thin line between genuine kindness and people-pleasing behavior that can be detrimental to your well-being.
6 Cliché Things Boomers Love To Say That Are Actually Worth Listening To
We’ve all heard those old phrases from our parents, grandparents, and older generations that can seem tired or overly simple. But when you really think about it, many of these so-called “clichés” that Boomers love to say hold real wisdom that's worth listening to. Sometimes, the simplest advice is the most timeless. People on Reddit acknowledged this and came together to share the “old man’s” advice that has stuck with them the most.
6 Awkward Things People Do When They Talk That Make Them Seem Really Dumb
Communication is a crucial aspect of how we connect with others. It’s not just what we say, but how we say it, that influences how others perceive our intelligence and emotional awareness. Some conversational practices make you appear smarter and more likable, such as actively listening and asking questions.
7 Ways Life Was Mentally & Emotionally Healthier When The Internet Lived In The Living Room
The internet has completely transformed our lives. We are in a constant state of being connected thanks to our phones, tablets, TVs, smartwatches, and basically any and every Bluetooth device imaginable. There's no denying that, as our Roombas vacuum our messes and our groceries get delivered to our doorsteps, being online has its perks.
Gen-Z Woman Explains 3 Reasons Millennials Are Deeply Superior And Cooler Than Her Generation
Everyone, cue the alarms — everyone being Millennials — you have officially reached cool status. The best part? It was a Gen-Zer who gave you the title. In a candid and humorous TikTok post, Gen-Z woman Jess Bosnjak openly admitted what many of her peers may secretly feel: Millennials are, in fact, the cooler generation. So why have the Millennials that many Gen-Zers made fun of officially reached this status?
5 Lies 90s TV Shows Made Millennials Totally Believe About Real Life
Whether you tuned into shows like "Friends," "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," or "Frasier," 90s television created lasting memories for many. However, looking back, there were certainly some not-so-realistic aspects of 90s TV shows that left viewers with misguided expectations about life. It's almost like no one told us life was gonna be this way.
People Who Grew Up As An Only Child Usually Have These 10 Casually Telling Traits
Growing up as an only child comes with its own unique set of experiences that shape how individuals behave, interact, and perceive the world around them. While these traits can be subtle, certain signs might give away someone’s solitary upbringing. Based on insights from an online forum thread, here are 10 telltale signs that someone grew up without siblings. Only kids often have thes traits: For many, Halloween means stashing candy in a safe, secret spot to keep it from melting.
People Who Grew Up As An Only Child Usually Have These 10 Casually Telling Traits
1 hour ago And it's probably not what you'd expect. Menopause can bring about a number of mental, physical and emotional changes — including some shifts in your sex life. Clinically speaking, menopause is reached when you’ve gone 12 straight months without a period, marking the end of one’s reproductive years. …
The 'Boring' Career Millennials & Boomers Left Behind That’s Now Paying Gen-Z 6 Figures
When it comes to a career path, Gen-Z is driven by the bottom line. It makes sense in a lot of ways. The economic uncertainty of our daily lives, combined with a high cost of living, means that young people just starting out do not have the luxury of "working their way up" in a career, as generations before them had. Instead, they are looking for starting salaries that will at least allow them to afford an apartment on their own, and for many, that means a six-figure salary.
People Who Are Genuinely Kind To Themselves Usually Ask 3 Simple Questions Every Morning
Life can often feel overwhelming, with daily pressures from relationships, finances, and world events piling up. Anxiety tends to make matters worse, especially when we struggle to identify exactly how we feel or why. But according to Dr. Esther Boykin, a Washington, D.C.-based psychologist, people who are genuinely kind to themselves can ask themselves three specific questions that can shift how they approach their day and even improve how they treat themselves.
People Who Grew Up In Homes Where Nobody Apologized Usually Develop 4 Sketchy Habits, Says Therapist
Growing up, we all had disagreements with our parents and siblings. Navigating familial conflict is part of growing up. In fact, learning to resolve these conflicts is integral to development. However, not all families resolve conflict effectively, which can result in children growing up without learning important relationship skills. Therapist Nadia Addesi discussed this in a recent TikTok video, explaining the psychological impact of growing up in a home where nobody apologized.
5 Pieces Of Marriage Advice A Suffragette Gave Young Women In 1918 That Still Feel Really Relevant Today
In 1918, as women were fighting for the right to vote, a suffragette's pamphlet on marriage offered candid advice to young ladies navigating their futures. The pamphlet, now on display at the Pontypridd Museum in Wales, gave practical — and brutally honest — insight into the nature of marriage. Some of these reflections may seem dated, but much of it still resonates with modern-day women.
People Who Grew Up Deeply Afraid To Ask For Anything Usually Have 7 Habits As Adults
Were you raised in a "guess family" or an "ask family"? If it was the latter, you're likely willing to openly ask for what you want, even if it seems unreasonable or might result in rejection. In "guess families," however, direct requests are practically unheard of, and communication often feels like a game of emotional charades.
4 Uncomfortable Things People In Surprisingly Healthy Relationships Usually Experience
It's natural to experience uncomfortable moments when navigating love, which can make us question whether we are with the right person. However, you might not want to throw in the towel just because of a little discomfort. According to therapist and relationship expert Jeff Guenther, it might be exactly what you and your partner need. Not every challenging or uncomfortable situation you may face with your partner is deemed a red flag.
Parents Who Raise Competent, Well-Rounded Boys Usually Teach Them These 9 Simple Lessons
As noted by podcaster and healthy masculinity proponent Johnny Cole, there is a growing cultural push to undermine the importance of men participating in household responsibilities and emotional labor. The pressure placed on men to avoid anything “feminine” and to separate from their emotional needs is simply perpetuating the growing crisis of male loneliness and emotional isolation.
People Who Come Across As Having Low Integrity At Work Usually Do 9 Unprofessional Things
When it comes to success, being a good worker isn't always enough. How you present yourself and the reputation you cultivate might even be more important than the work you produce. Even the most skilled and hardworking employees can undermine their own professionalism with certain behaviors. Whether it’s being tardy, over-committing, or failing to communicate effectively, certain low-integrity habits can damage your reputation and career prospects.
3 Special Traits Middle Children Usually Have That Make Them Exceptionally Well-Adjusted
There will always be a never-ending debate with your siblings about who is the best. Whether you are the oldest, middle, or youngest child, you may never agree on an answer. However, what if we told you that the middle child — yes, the one who always gets a bad rap — would actually become the most well-adjusted adult? Labeled as having “middle child syndrome,” they are often seen as overlooked somewhere in the shadows of their older and younger siblings.
People Who Only Give The Bare Minimum In Relationships Usually Have 6 Disappointing Behaviors
In any relationship, we all want emotional connection and actual effort. However, there is one thing that we definitely don't desire, but unfortunately, many receive: the bare minimum. Yes, these are the words that your friends use to tell you that the guy that you're seeing isn’t giving you what you deserve. When someone is only capable of giving you the bare minimum, it can leave you feeling frustrated and undervalued.
7 Subtle Signs Your Body Knows Someone Is Good For You Before Your Brain Does
How your body responds to a relationship is incredibly telling. Long before your brain intellectually realizes whether someone is a good or bad presence in your life, your body is well aware and sends signals to let you know. If you feel tense around someone, for example, your body may be warning you that they are not meant to be in your life. But if you feel an immediate sense of comfort, that's a good sign.
6 Things Millennials Basically Refuse To Do The Same Way Their Baby Boomer Parents Did
Millennials have often been made fun of by younger generations for their quirky humor or their inability to comprehend upcoming trends. However, there are trends Millennials are refusing to follow, especially ones that were common among their Gen-X and Baby Boomer parents. From their approach to work-life balance to how they manage their finances and personal habits, Millennials are making a clear break from the practices of previous generations.
People Who Save Money Without Giving Up Their Free Time Usually Have 7 Affordable Hobbies
Hobbies have been proven to boost your mood and relieve stress. But when your hobby makes your wallet run dry, how stress-free can you truly be? Luckily, not all hobbies require you to drop the big bucks. In an online forum post, a user asked for money-saving hobbies, and commenters delivered. These seven hobbies are not just fun and fulfilling, but they can also help you save a few bucks: something we all need in today's economy.
Kids Are More Likely To Inherit Generational Trauma From This Parent, According To Research
Those who have experienced childhood trauma know all too well that the impact is long-lasting. It doesn't just disappear when you grow up, move away from home, and start a life and family of your own. A study found that the effects of childhood trauma are even more enduring than you might expect — at least for men. The research showed that generational trauma may be passed down from fathers to children through their sperm cells.
People In Mentally & Emotionally Strong Marriages Swear By 6 Absurd Pieces Of Advice That Actually Work
Throughout your marriage, you're likely to hear lots of advice, solicited or otherwise. Some of it may sound ridiculous, even absurd, yet the most unexpected advice can be surprisingly helpful. In an online forum thread, a user asked others for "random marriage advice that sounded absurd but was actually spot on." The answers did not disappoint.
The Sibling With The Best Personality, According To Research
A surprising study — or unsurprising, depending on where you place in birth order — suggests that the middle child takes the cake when it comes to certain personality traits. There's no denying that birth order impacts personality, and it's long been believed that those middle kids kind of get lost in the shuffle between the eldest and the babies of the bunch.
People With Mentally & Emotionally Fulfilling Relationships Usually Do 3 Simple Things In Everyday Life
In life, the people you surround yourself with make up who you are. Having the confidence to connect with others around you is part of the cycle of finding the right people in your life. Whether you do this by walking into a room with effortless confidence or by being a beam of light and positivity, mindset coach Kyla Glendenning dives into this on her social media, sharing the key habits that happy people use to build meaningful relationships.
People Who Are Emotionally & Spiritually Gifted Often Have 3 Uncomfortable Traits
Spiritual power is often misunderstood. Many people who are emotionally & spiritually gifted go through intense challenges, and their experiences can sometimes make them seem uncomfortable or even unapproachable to others. These powerful individuals may find themselves dealing with spiritual warfare, envy, or even physical harm that seems inexplicable.
The Simple Math Behind Why Boomers Think Giving Up Daily Coffee Can Help Younger Generations Buy Homes
Content creator Nick Powers took to TikTok to shed light on a common misunderstanding between older and younger generations about money, spending habits, and the skyrocketing cost of living. One recurring piece of advice from older generations is the belief that small luxuries — like a daily Starbucks coffee — are draining young people's finances and preventing them from buying homes.
Husbands With High Mental & Emotional IQ Usually Say 8 Casual Phrases To Their Wives
According to David Lea, a polarity coach, one of the key ways a man can maintain a healthy and thriving relationship with his wife is by embracing his powerful, masculine energy. In a post, Lea stressed that the words husbands with high mental and emotional IQ use to communicate with their wives can have a significant impact on the emotional health of the marriage.
Husbands With High Mental & Emotional IQ Usually Say 8 Casual Phrases To Their Wives
Now The couple married in secret in 1996, later returning to the Las Vegas chapel where they tied the knot as part of a “Live With Kelly and Mark” episode. Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are still going strong over 30 years into their marriage — and their beloved dog, Lena, might have a lot to do with it. …
If You Want A Sharp Brain In Your 60s, Science Says Start These 4 Habits Now
For years, it’s been widely believed that cognitive skills decline as early as our 30s. However, a study of aging challenges that idea. If you want a sharp brain in your 60s, cognitive decline isn’t inevitable. Memory decline can be prevented, or even reversed, through regular mental engagement. The research indicates that cognitive abilities like literacy and numeracy can be improved well into your 40s and beyond.
Groomsman Asks If He Should RSVP 'No' To His Friend’s Wedding Because His Girlfriend Wasn’t Invited
Generally, wedding etiquette states that every member of the wedding party — that's bridesmaids, groomsman, the best man, and the maid of honor — should automatically be given a plus one. "Giving your crew the ability to invite a date is a token of gratitude for their love and support," . One engaged couple seemed to miss this memo. A man on Reddit explained that he was invited to be a groomsman at his friend's wedding; however, his girlfriend, with whom he lives, didn't even make the guest list.
Flight Attendant Refuses To Help Disabled Elderly First-Class Passenger Stow Her Belongings — Then Calls Security On Her
It was supposed to be a routine flight, but according to a Reddit post, for one elderly first-class passenger, it quickly turned into a humiliating ordeal. The passenger on a United flight made a simple request of the flight attendant. Help her place a small purse and a collapsed cane into the overhead bin, but it escalated into an aggressive confrontation, a delay on the tarmac, and the involvement of security.
Bride Meticulously Chooses Unphotogenic Bridesmaids Who Won’t Outshine Her On Her Wedding Day
Most brides don't need to deliberate when it comes to choosing their bridal party. They are the friends and family members who are part of their inner circle. But one woman took a more... strategic route. Rather than choosing the people who know her best, she chose the ones who wouldn’t look better. Her bridesmaid lineup, according to her sister, who ratted her out on Reddit, featured women she barely spoke to, handpicked not for their support and friendship, but for their lack of camera-readiness.
People Who Don’t Dread Mondays Usually Have These 8 Habits In Common
It’s Sunday night, and a familiar feeling creeps in — the dreaded "Sunday scaries." For many, Monday represents the end of freedom, a return to obligation, and a restart of stress. But not everyone feels this way. Some people wake up on Monday ready to take on the week with surprising enthusiasm. What's their secret? As it turns out, the difference isn’t necessarily in the job itself. It’s often about the habits people build around it.
Teen Opening His First Paycheck Leaves People Reminiscing About Simpler Times
A young teen’s excitement over his first paycheck from McDonald’s is melting hearts and stirring nostalgia across the internet. In a short clip circulating on social media, the unnamed boy is seen sitting in a car while his mother films him opening an envelope containing his first paycheck. While the amount on the check might not be jaw-dropping, the moment spoke volumes.
5 Tiny Habits That Can Help You Enjoy Life Instead Of Trying To Escape It
Ever wrapped up your day so mentally fried you end up mindlessly scrolling on your phone, wondering where your evening went? You’re not alone. For many of us, life feels like an endless loop of work, chores, sleep — lather, rinse, repeat. But what if it doesn't have to be? Writer Jamie Fields said she was tired of escaping the monotony of life as it seemed to pass her by, so she took to Reddit to share how five simple shifts brought pleasure back into her evenings.
10 Things To Do After A Breakup So You Don’t Keep Going After People Who Remind You Of Your Ex
After a breakup, it's all too easy to fall into the same toxic cycles. Perhaps you left one emotionally unavailable or narcissistic ex, only to fall for another a few months later. If you don’t consciously take the time to heal, process, and break your patterns, you’re likely to repeat them — with new names and faces, but the same unresolved wounds.
The 'Boring' Job Millennials & Boomers Abandoned That’s Helping Gen Zers Earn 6 Figures Right Out Of College
When it comes to a career path, Gen Z is driven by the bottom line. It makes sense in a lot of ways. The economic uncertainty of our daily lives, combined with a high cost of living, means that young people just starting out do not have the luxury of "working their way up" in a career, as generations before them had. They are instead looking for starting salaries that will at least allow them to afford an apartment on their own, and for many, that means a six-figure salary.
Research Says You Only Need This Many Friends For A Healthy Social Life
As adults, making friends can be incredibly difficult. Introducing yourself to strangers can feel intimidating, and between work, family, and other responsibilities, even maintaining existing friendships can be a challenge. Luckily, according to research, you don't need an extensive group of friends to be happy. In fact, a small, solid circle of close friends may actually be more fulfilling. Research says you only need three to five close friends for a healthy social life.
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