-
When We Can Hug Again, Will We Remember How It Works?
… As the weeks of coronavirus quarantine stretched into months, hugs are among the many things isolated people found themselves aching for. Hugs are good for humans — perhaps more valuable than many of us realized, until
-
Yes, You Should Smile Behind Your Mask. Here’s Why.
Before the coronavirus pandemic, I always smiled at other runners as we crossed paths. Now that we’re wearing masks, I rarely bother. And when I do, I have no idea whether the intended recipient even notices. …
-
‘The WEIRDest People in the World’ Review: Marriage Story
We may think that the culture of a society or civilization grows out of a variety of forces—social, political, historical, even biological. But what if culture is itself a potent force, one that, in part
-
What Makes Strangers Click?
Most of us have experienced it at least once: you meet someone, and within minutes you know you are going to be friends – or more. Often, discovering shared opinions sparks the connection; you might
-
The Surprising Benefits of Talking to Strangers
Imagine you die. You wake up in a world only made up of people you remember. “All your old lovers. Your boss, your grandmothers, and the waitress who served your food each day at lunch…
-
Friendly and Open Societies Supercharged the Early Spread of COVID-19
The case to “flatten the curve” is bolstered by new data showing a connection between social openness and the initial rapid spread of COVID-19.