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EQ & Interpersonal

Ways to be kinder, have better relationships, and annoy people less (everyone is a bit annoying, it's okay)

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I don’t buy the “cult of busyness” argument

I don’t buy the “cult of busyness” argument

People say they’re “busy” because it’s the only kind of No anyone respects.

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Old happy couples: running out of things to talk about vs being able to be silent together

Old happy couples: running out of things to talk about vs being able to be silent together

What a blessing it is to have a friend to whom one can speak fearlessly on any subject; with whom one’s deepest as well as one’s most foolish thoughts come out simply and safely.

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Stop saying "I wouldn't have expected you to like that!"

Stop saying "I wouldn't have expected you to like that!"

Learn to bite your tongue on this one because it is massively annoying (as you probably know, since it's probably happened to you).

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"Is it tacky to tell someone the gift you got them is high-value?"

"Is it tacky to tell someone the gift you got them is high-value?"

A gift that requires special care is giving them an object, but taking away their time - since most people are time-poor rather than object-poor, this may not be a good trade-off.

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On overthinking things, and telling people not to overthink things

On overthinking things, and telling people not to overthink things

Pretty close to 100% of the people who have told me not to overthink things are people with a history of poor decision-making.

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If someone says "I don't like [thing]", resist the urge to say "you just haven't tried the right [thing]!"

If someone says "I don't like [thing]", resist the urge to say "you just haven't tried the right [thing]!"

Or "But have you tried [specific version of thing]?" You know it's annoying so stop yourself.

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Which side will your margin of error fall on?

Which side will your margin of error fall on?

If your plan is based around perfect judgement and no mistakes ever, that is a terrible plan.

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"I'd trust them with my life" is the worst way to indicate that you trust someone a lot!

"I'd trust them with my life" is the worst way to indicate that you trust someone a lot!

Someone stole my bike a few months ago, but I don't think that person would have murdered me. So I'd trust them with my life but not my bike.

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Suggestion for people who want to do stuff with friends, but get frustrated organising groups of friends to do stuff

Suggestion for people who want to do stuff with friends, but get frustrated organising groups of friends to do stuff

Don't ask people if they want to do something - tell them what you're doing and ask if they want to come along

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"What the heck does the word 'should' mean? It's easily my least favourite word in the English language."

"What the heck does the word 'should' mean? It's easily my least favourite word in the English language."

You don't like it because of this blurring between its two uses. For example, people often give advice without saying what the advice is for.