People with excellent social skills use these 6 phrases to make others feel special

Social skills, phrases, people

Some people walk into a room and instantly make everyone around them feel valued. It’s not about being the funniest or most successful person there. It comes down to how they speak and the words they choose. Researchers and communication experts agree that people with strong social skills share one habit: they focus on making … Read more

Why we procrastinate on the things that bring us joy, according to psychologists — and how to finally stop

friends, young people

We tend to think of procrastination as something we do with dreaded tasks — paying bills, cleaning, or finishing work. But psychologists point out that we also procrastinate on joy, delaying the very activities that should lift us up, like reconnecting with a friend or going back to a favorite restaurant. A recent study published … Read more

Can brain training apps help seniors over 65 stay sharp and mentally young? What research says

Seniors, brain training apps, research

Smartphone apps and computer games that promise to “train your brain” are everywhere. They claim to boost memory, sharpen focus, and even slow cognitive decline. For older adults looking to stay sharp, this sounds appealing. But do they really work? The short answer is not as much as the marketing suggests. Harvard researchers and other … Read more

The science behind dopamine anchoring — and how this viral motivation hack is changing habits

groceries

Dopamine anchoring has quickly become one of the most talked-about psychology hacks on social media. The concept revolves around motivation, showing how pairing enjoyable rewards with everyday tasks can shift the way the brain responds to routines. Instead of dreading chores or responsibilities, this method suggests that it’s possible to train the brain to anticipate … Read more

The phrase that calms a child’s tantrum in seconds when nothing else works, according to psychologists

Phrase, calm, child

Any parent knows how explosive a child’s anger can be. Whether it’s a toddler screaming on the floor, a grade-schooler slamming doors, or a teenager rolling their eyes, those moments are intense. Psychologists say a short phrase can help shift the entire interaction. Jeffrey Bernstein, Ph.D., a psychologist and author of 10 Days to a … Read more

The digital skill that trains kids’ brains for the future and is overlooked in the USA

Skill, kids, brain

Parents often think of reading, math, or coding when it comes to preparing kids for the future, but there’s another skill, both creative and practical, that rarely gets the same attention. Digital drawing can help children sharpen their minds while building talents they’ll carry into adulthood. This blend of art and technology is already being … Read more

What it means when someone smiles too much, according to psychology — new study reveals

smile, happy, young girl

Smiling is commonly seen as a natural response to feeling happy. However, psychology researchers warn that forcing a smile when you’re feeling down might actually harm your emotional well-being. The impact a smile has on your mood depends heavily on the intention behind it. A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology … Read more

The cartoon that teaches kids empathy and is loved by parents, endorsed by child entertainment experts

Animated show, kids, parents

Not every children’s show leaves parents grateful for family screen time. Many popular series aim straight for the giggles, but sometimes tend to do it by making parents the punchline. That’s where one animated hit stands out, offering not just fun for kids but also something surprising for moms and dads. The show is Bluey, … Read more

The kids’ show that teaches tolerance and life lessons, praised by child media experts

Kids, show, tolerance

Children’s TV has no shortage of bright colors, catchy songs, and funny characters, but only a few shows go beyond entertainment to prepare kids for school and life. One program in particular has been doing this for decades, long before Bluey or Peppa Pig ever appeared on screen. That show is Sesame Street. Since its … Read more

Personality test: pick a turtle and find out in 30 seconds if you are more envious than the average person

turtle, personality test

This personality test invites you to pick one of two turtles, each reflecting distinct character traits that may reveal surprising insights about yourself. It focuses on how your energy, mood, and calmness influence the perceptions and envy of others around you. Although simple, this exercise offers a playful way to explore aspects of your character that might … Read more

The phrase that calms anxiety in seconds and always works, according to psychologists

Phrase, anxiety, calm

Anxiety often shows up as racing thoughts and constant “what ifs”. These thoughts can spiral into worst-case scenarios that feel overwhelming and impossible to escape, but psychologists say one simple phrase can cut through the noise and bring a sense of calm almost instantly. The psychologist Jeffrey Bernstein explains that asking yourself “What is the … Read more

Choosing alone time over socializing may reflect these 6 distinct personality traits, psychology says

Alone, personality, traits

Some people prefer quiet evenings with a book or a solo walk over crowded bars or nonstop social events. This preference for solitude isn’t necessarily a sign of being antisocial. Psychology suggests it can indicate strengths in thinking, emotion, and self-management. Researchers differentiate between loneliness—a painful sense of isolation—and voluntary solitude, which can be restorative … Read more

Psychological test: What you see first in this picture might reveal a hidden secret about you

Test, picture, secret

Can what you perceive in an image say something about the way your mind works? This visual personality test, similar to this one about your greatest strength, challenges you to trust your instincts and maybe discover a hidden secret. Let’s see what your first impression might reveal about your personality. Each answer points to a … Read more

Adults with an above-the-average IQ share this problem, according to psychologists

high IQ, intelligence, smart people

Many people assume that higher intelligence makes life easier, but psychologists point out that adults with above-average IQ often face unique challenges. Intelligence can open doors in academics and careers, but it doesn’t always guarantee balance in other aspects of life. While a high IQ is often linked to problem-solving, creativity, and decision-making, researchers note … Read more

This cartoon teaches kids emotional intelligence and social confidence, according to a study

Cartoon, kids, emotional intelligence

Parents often wonder if any screen time can actually help their kids. A recent study suggests that one well-known PBS Kids show can. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, inspired by Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, appears to help preschoolers develop key social skills like empathy and emotional awareness. The research highlights how TV can be used as a teaching … Read more

Psychologists warn: If a man has fallen out of love, he will display these 3 behaviors

Man, love, behaviors

Sometimes, love in a relationship can fade quietly, leaving one partner confused by the growing distance. When a man begins losing interest, the signs often show up in subtle but persistent ways. According to psychologist Mark Travers, Ph.D., when someone stays in a relationship they no longer want, they use strategies to create emotional and … Read more

The 9-word phrase that calms an angry child every time, according to psychologists

Phrase, angry, child

When children are angry, frustrated, or overwhelmed, words can change the situation. The way you respond can either help them calm down or escalate what’s happening. Psychologists say there’s one short sentence that works in almost any scenario, no matter the child’s age. This phrase comes from Jeffrey Bernstein, Ph.D., a psychologist with more than … Read more

The happiest people share one simple habit: It starts at home and boosts productivity at work

Happy, people, habit

The happiest people tend to share one everyday habit that begins inside the home yet extends into nearly every part of life, including focus, stress levels, and even job performance. That habit is keeping a tidy, organized space. Psychologists like Danielle Roeske, Ph.D. point to a strong link between order in the home, lower stress, … Read more

Before Cocomelon, there was Mister Rogers, the show that shaped a generation with kindness

Mister Rogers, show, generation

Long before YouTube channels and animated shows like Cocomelon captured the attention of preschoolers, children across America gathered in front of their TVs to watch Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Fred Rogers didn’t rely on flashy songs or overstimulating visuals. Instead, he connected with kids through honesty, warmth, and respect. The show aired for more than three … Read more

You know you are lower-middle class when you find yourself doing this at a restaurant

restaurant, dinner

Dining out should be enjoyable, but for lower-middle class people, it can feel more like a subtle test of careful spending. From scanning the menu line by line to calculating the tip in your head, everyday habits around money can turn a simple meal into a mental balancing act. Even small choices—like whether to order … Read more

The phrase people with high emotional intelligence use when they’re criticized that works every time

Phrase, emotional intelligence, peopl

Criticism can be quite hard to handle. Some people shut down while others lash out, but those with high emotional intelligence seem to manage these moments with a calm that leaves everyone else wondering how they do it. Here, we want to highlight a simple phrase: “Thanks for telling me. I’ll think about it“. Simple, … Read more

The reason why retirees over 70 experience anxiety for no apparent reason, according to psychology

retiree, senior, anxiety

Growing older often brings a mix of freedom and new challenges, and anxiety can appear even when life seems stable. Many people over 70 remain active and involved in their families’ lives, sometimes helping adult children with childcare or supporting aging relatives. While this engagement can be rewarding, it can also create stress and emotional … Read more

The phrase that lets you express any opinion without offending anyone: psychologists say it always works

Phrase, express, opinion

We’ve all been in situations where we need to say something honest but fear it might upset the other person. Whether it’s giving feedback to a coworker, setting a boundary with a family member, or bringing up a sensitive topic with a partner, the wrong words can quickly turn a conversation tense. Psychologists say there’s … Read more

The best hobby for people over 60 to sharpen memory and help delay dementia, according to experts in senior care

Hobby, seniors, memory

Sudoku, crosswords, and board games are the usual recommendations for seniors to keep the brain active, but there’s another lesser-known hobby that’s not played on paper or with cards. It’s a three-dimensional option to sharpen memory and concentration. 3D puzzles combine tactile movement, visual processing, and problem-solving in one entertaining challenge. Here, we’ll look at … Read more

This simple but rewarding hobby supports brain health and memory function for women over 65

Senior, hobby, brain

Staying mentally active during your retirement years is just as important as keeping the body moving. Hobbies that engage the hands and the mind can provide stimulation while also offering relaxation. One activity, in particular, is once again becoming popular among older adults for this purpose: cross-stitch. In the sections ahead, we’ll look at what … Read more

The smartest people always ask this simple yet powerful question, according to experts

coworkers, work, meeting

Smart thinkers share a habit that often goes unnoticed: they ask the right questions. This simple skill can transform how problems are solved, how teams work together, and how leaders inspire. Knowing what question to ask—and when—is crucial in a world full of complex challenges. Today, many feel pressured to rush decisions and avoid appearing … Read more

These ’80s cartoons still teach kids real family values and promote friendship, experts say

kids, watching TV, children laughing

Not all cartoons are created equal. While some are purely for laughs, others manage to weave genuine life lessons into their stories. For kids who grew up in the ’80s, a handful of animated series didn’t just entertain — they shaped ideas about friendship, family, and kindness. One show in particular blended humor, creativity, and … Read more

The phrase that ends any awkward conversation in 15 seconds and always works, according to experts

people, talking

Starting a conversation is often easier than ending one. Many people struggle to find the right phrase to wrap things up without sounding abrupt or rude, and that’s when the awkward silence or forced small talk begins. Knowing how to close a dialogue with grace can save both parties from discomfort. Researchers have found that … Read more

Robotics may be the best subject to sharpen kids’ minds, NIH study finds — yet it’s often overlooked in U.S. schools

Subject, kids, minds

Ask most people about school subjects for building kids’ minds, and they’ll probably say math or science. But there’s one discipline that blends logic, creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork—and it’s missing from many US classrooms. That field is robotics, where students dive into engineering, electronics, programming, and design thinking to bring ideas to life. Robotics offers … Read more