Compassion and empathy
![Two people sit on a wooden park bench, one with an arm around the other, with fallen leaves scattered on the ground in front of them.](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/9a401830-e7b0-4e2d-8643-5bdc79825959/rt-rtxb2erf.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
Communication and language
idea
Why that hard conversation will probably go better than you think
If you’ve delayed raising a touchy issue, fearing it will backfire, new research could give you the confidence you need
by Matt Huston
![Painting of a heron perched on a branch against a gold background. The bird is depicted in fine detail with white feathers and a green beak, while the branch is rendered in dark, bold strokes. Traditional Asian calligraphy with red seals is present in the lower right corner.](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/2aa5b9dc-039c-4203-afa5-2ce1abb974f1/rt-1997_108_full.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
Difficult emotions
idea
What to do when you’re feeling upset about being disliked
It’s an unavoidable part of life. Here are some tried and tested ways to get more comfortable with someone not liking you
by Ahona Guha
![A person hugs two young children near a brick wall in a garden, with plants and greenery around them.](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/b40a62bc-8b38-41f9-85d3-c6885ebecff0/sq-final-nn11620511.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
Caregiving
guide
How to get the most out of caregiving
Giving care is hard, but it’s one of the most meaningful things you can do. Here’s how to change up your perspective
by Elissa Strauss
![Illustration of a person in a purple shirt sitting at a table with a yellow mug, receiving a supportive hand on theirs.](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/38a95c3f-210c-4005-b11f-511806444a8b/original.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
Compassion and empathy
film
How one man saved 160 lives with an extended hand and a warm cup of tea
Directed by Alec Green and Finbar Watson
![A woman looking anxious on a subway train](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/5a687a55-b672-4e7b-a698-e34f62f6f3ac/rt-panos_00196551.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
Goals and motivation
idea
Eight ways to give yourself a pep talk when you feel stuck
All of us could do with more words of encouragement and perspective, and they don’t need to come from another person
by Rachel Goldsmith Turow
![A woman is grappling with another woman who has a bloody nose](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/6ce7b58e-17c8-4907-8cd5-9b16bec41fc7/rt-janice-soprano.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
Stories and literature
idea
Fiction has a special power to give us insight into our flaws
Losing yourself in a book, film or show provides a useful mirror for character – one that is hard to access in real life
by Martina Orlandi
![A steep road with a 1:4 gradient warning sign, flanked by greenery and hills under a clear blue sky.](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/1493ce03-6048-488e-99e3-fa446ff30d78/sq-final-lon48605.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
Emotion regulation
guide
How to take the high road
When someone provokes you, it’s easy to react without thinking. Learn to slow down and respond in ways you’ll be proud of
by Alissa Hebbeln & Russell Kolts
![People of varying ages queue before a temporary table in a church. Food is being handed out to them](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/9a11c7b6-5a32-4c8b-8daf-6638034a4911/rt-panos_00268358.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
Compassion and empathy
idea
Many of us have the wrong idea about poverty and toughness
The ‘thick skin bias’ obscures the reality of hardship. We should check our assumptions about those who are struggling
by Nathan Cheek
![Illustration of a person listening with a hand cupped to their ear, surrounded by soft pastel colours.](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/147e66d9-9c14-4487-903b-964b248bd90e/rt-listening-high-res.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
Communication and language
idea
Why listening well can make disagreements less damaging
Offering undivided attention and curiosity not only lowers the temperature of a conversation but can change its outcome
by Guy Itzchakov
![A young teenage girl wearing a trilby hat sits on the steps leading up to a yellow front door](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/5087f47f-a35e-49c7-82a4-3b3bbee35ae0/original.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
Childhood and adolescence
guide
How to support kids to be brave
The desire to protect kids from uncomfortable situations is natural. But they need your help to grow into the unknown
by Sarah Rose Cavanagh