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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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"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.

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A thorough review of secrets: sharing them, keeping them, betraying them

A thorough review of secrets: sharing them, keeping them, betraying them

1. If you share something private, always tell the person explicitly to keep it confidential - don't assume they'll know to

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We all have a touch of narcissism

We all have a touch of narcissism

That's what flattery is - upholding someone else's image of themselves.

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Addictions shape social interactions

Addictions shape social interactions

Technological progress makes addictive things more concentrated and effective - from opium to heroin, willowbark to aspirin, myspace to facebook.

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"Am I overreacting?" Excerpts from Dear Prudence

"Am I overreacting?" Excerpts from Dear Prudence

I read Daniel Lavery nee Ortberg's advice column, and there's a theme that comes up a lot in his answers: 'You are not overreacting, you are reacting.'

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Two ways of holding an opinion: Extreme but easily swayed, moderate but deeply entrenched

Two ways of holding an opinion: Extreme but easily swayed, moderate but deeply entrenched

If you don't realise which type of opinion-holder you're dealing with, conflict will escalate

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Overreacting vs under-reacting vs being proactive

Overreacting vs under-reacting vs being proactive

Without fully and completely understanding the situation, how can you know if someone is overreacting or under-reacting or just reacting?