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Relationships, work and leisure

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Photo of a pregnant woman in a pink vest and white skirt, holding a red bag, walking in an urban area.

Parenting and families

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Moving through the world pregnant, my body became everyone’s

And I knew that, once I became a mother, I would be only more visible, more public, more available for scrutiny

by Katie da Cunha Lewin

Photo of a woman playing with a smiling baby in a pram outside. The woman wears glasses and has her hair tied back.

Emotions

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Cuteness has a powerful pull, and it’s written all over your face

Our typical responses to cute things might seem cheery and unserious, but they signal something vital about us

by Makenzie O’Neil

A classical painting of two women and a man in a lavishly decorated room with ornate furniture and clothing, 19th century style.

Ethics

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The curious paradox in how we address each other today

While honouring people’s preferred pronouns, we’ve begun to neglect forms of formal address. Perhaps we need a rethink

by David Benatar

Workers in a warehouse stacking large burlap sacks with grain on the floor and more sacks piled against the walls.

Money and economics

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There are ways to manage your finances to do good in the world

Whether you have a little or a lot, your money is always at work. Follow these steps to ensure it’s making a positive impact

by Sarah Bengtsson

A photo of a person sitting at a table in a cosy café setting. The background is softly blurred, showing shelves and decor.

Conflict and conflict resolution

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Why being snubbed can make you feel so hurt and enraged

The psychology of ostracism helps explain why you can sometimes shrug it off, yet other times feel the urge to lash out

by Christiane Büttner

An otter rolling on a moss-covered rock, eyes closed in a relaxed pose with a blurry background.

Animals

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You can think like an animal by silencing your chattering brain

The desire is partly whimsical, but a brief shapeshift across the taxonomic gulf could help us better empathise with animals

by Bryony Tolhurst

A kakapo, a flightless parrot, perched on a mossy branch in a forest setting.

Cultural diversity

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Insularity can be a good thing, for creatures and cultures alike

The plight of threatened species can help us understand – and respond to – the endangerment of local ideas and practices

by Antone Martinho-Truswell

Photo of a person in a white vest and jacket with folded hands and a tattoo, viewed through a mesh screen.

Conflict and conflict resolution

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Restorative justice fits human nature more than retribution does

As recognised by ancestral wisdom and Indigenous practices, our need to repair relationships is a deep-rooted instinct

by Flavia Corso

A group of people engaged in a heated discussion outdoors with diverse expressions and gestures.

Communication and language

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Why every utterance you make begins with a leap of faith

Time pressure and the limitations of memory compel you and your listener to engage in a fascinating linguistic trade-off

by Julie Sedivy

Photo of a person driving at night with dashboard lights on and a road visible ahead through the car windscreen.

Technology and media

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The reason that even hands-free calls are risky for drivers

Cars are filled with ever more communication and entertainment tech, but our minds are stuck with the same limitations

by Robert Rosenberger

Parenting and families

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Trapped with no escape: the hidden problem of sibling bullying

When brothers and sisters victimise each other, the harms can be serious. But it’s never too late to heal old wounds

by Kristen Cvancara

Photo of a yellow bird singing while perched on a branch with a blurred green background.

Animals

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Learn to tune into birdsong – respite and fascination await

Listening deeply to the sounds of birds is a powerful form of meditation and a first step towards a rewarding new hobby

by David M Logue