The cost of loneliness can be death. Here’s how to find good friends

AUSTIN, Texas — After working from home all day, your takeout order arrives and you start binge-watching your favorite show alone. Sounds ideal, right? Except doing this routinely could shorten your life. And that’s not because of the nutritional content of your dinner. It’s because having strong, positive relationships is one of the best ways […]
Feeling betrayed by a family member? Here’s how to cope

From an evolutionary standpoint, this makes sense: As social animals, we benefit from avoiding rejection. “To the extent that social rejection or exclusion is a threat to survival, feeling ‘hurt’ by these experiences may be an adaptive way to prevent them,” Eisenberger wrote. Perhaps your father-in-law had a reason that made sense to him, but […]
Are you a victim of ‘dry begging’? Here’s how to make sure passive-aggressive manipulation doesn’t ruin your relationship

Even in the healthiest of relationships, conflicts are bound to arise. But how you deal with them speaks volumes about the strength of your bond. Passive-aggressive phrases like “I guess I’ll just do all of the laundry this week” or “most people would be happy their partner does this” are prime examples of “dry begging,” […]
I was demoted, and I don’t know how to deal with the whispers

Dear Eric: I work in the public sector in a job that makes me well known in my field of work and in the community where I work. I was recently demoted. My colleagues are stumped as to the real reason why, as am I. This has been a hot topic in my field, and […]
How to stay safe during this weekend’s tornado outbreak

A severe weather/tornado outbreak is headed toward our area early Sunday morning with a risk for potentially strong tornadoes in the western half of the Upstate into Georgia. Here is a guide on how you and your family can stay best prepared if the worst were to happen.Understanding tornado terminologyThe National Weather Service has three […]
How to switch off digitally these holidays to be present with family and friends

Influencer Tim Abbott’s days are spent presenting, podcasting, and creating content for Instagram and TikTok. So taking what Tim calls “annual leave” from social media is an important part of how he unwinds. We share some tips from the Gadigal Country/Sydney-based creator, along with several other people we have spoken to as part of our […]
Guy Winch: How to protect your emotional health during the holidays

The end of the year is often a time to reflect and spend time with family — activities that may seem joyful or anxiety-inducing, depending on your circumstances. Psychologist Guy Winch offers actionable advice on how to manage your emotions with confidence during the holidays, from setting boundaries to healing heartache — above all reminding […]
How To Prevent Clashing Parenting Styles From Ruining The Holidays

At holiday celebrations, adults and children tend to congregate in the same spaces. Where there are parents and children commingling, parenting styles inevitably come out on full display — especially when parents have to manage their child in an environment that may be more chaotic, exciting and stimulating than their day-to-day. All this can breed […]
First time flying with a baby? How to prepare for a long-haul flight

Taking your baby on a trip for the first time is a daunting prospect for many new parents, so what about when that trip involves a long-haul flight? First-time mum Tanja Takala’s daughter was just six months old when the two embarked on a mammoth 23-hour trip from Melbourne to Helsinki, with a layover in […]
Priya Parker: How to come together in a meaningful way

Looking to infuse more connection into your time with friends and family? Facilitator Priya Parker urges us to approach gathering with intention and creativity. Diving into the evolving significance of coming together both in-person and virtually, she demystifies the role of a host, outlines mistakes we should avoid and shares the potential of thoughtfully designed […]