Make It Contributors
I’ve studied over 200 kids. The 5 signs you’ve raised a ‘highly spoiled’ child—and how parents can undo it
When we picture spoiled kids, many of us think of tantrums over not getting what they want, being told to follow rules or simply facing any sort of inconvenience. But spoiled behavior isn’t just about entitlement or parents giving in — it’s about unmet emotional needs, inconsistent boundaries and a lack of connection. As a conscious […]
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People who are truly content with life do these 10 little things every day: Ivy League-trained happiness expert
When life gets complicated, our instincts often lead us down the wrong path. We isolate ourselves when community could heal us, or we dream of endless free time when a new challenge could fulfill us. I’ve spent 15 years studying happiness, and I’ve had the opportunity to speak with thousands of people across all walks […]
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I’m a psychologist who studies couples—the ones who can answer these 5 questions have happier relationships than most
Most couples think they know each other well, but real intimacy is a lot more than just being able to name your partner’s favorite food or TV shows. As a psychologist, I’ve found that people in the happiest, most successful relationships see in their partner what others can’t or would normally overlook. If you can […]
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I’ve been a therapist for 30 years: 6 mistakes the happiest couples avoid early on
In relationships, no action is too small. Every little change you make matters. As a couples therapist with over 30 years of experience, I’ve seen partners repeat many of the same mistakes, often unknowingly. Typically, these unhelpful patterns started early on in the relationship. But don’t be concerned if you’re making some mistakes now. Simple […]
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I’m a nutritionist from Japan, home to the world’s longest-living people—9 Costco foods I always trust
Growing up in Japan, home to some of the world’s longest-living people, I fell in love with traditional Japanese food at a young age. My passion for clean and healthy eating is what inspired me to be a nutritionist. My diet has always been centered around nutritious, longevity-fueling and environmentally-friendly foods. Now living in the […]
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33-year-old American living in Germany: ‘I don’t worry about not being able to pay my bills here’
At the age of 33, I sometimes feel like I’ve already lived a thousand lives. I’m originally from Los Angeles, and over the last decade, I’ve done everything from teaching English in China to serving as an emergency aid worker in Turkey during the war in Syria. After I completed my master’s degree in London, […]
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I’ve worked with over 1,000 kids—the ones with high emotional intelligence use these 6 phrases
A parent’s job isn’t to shield their child from life’s challenges, but to guide them through — offering support and tools to help them thrive in tough times. As a child life specialist and therapist, I’ve worked with thousands of children and families facing illness, trauma, grief, and loss. I’ve observed the words and actions […]
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44-year-old who left the U.S. for Spain: I have ‘shorter work hours’ and ‘more energy’
From the moment I set foot in the Netherlands at 17, I knew I wanted to move abroad. But my dream of living overseas always felt just out of reach. I made several attempts: studying Spanish in Spain at 21, teaching English there at 26, and even returning to pursue a master’s degree at 29. […]
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I’ve studied over 200 kids—the ones with high emotional intelligence have parents who do 7 things early on
Raising a child in today’s fast-paced, achievement-driven world is no small feat. While many parents focus on grades and extracurriculars, one of the most overlooked skills is emotional intelligence. This doesn’t just help kids don’t excel socially; it helps them grow into resilient, empathetic, and successful adults who can navigate challenges with confidence, foster meaningful […]
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I’m from Japan, home to some of the world’s longest living people: What I eat for breakfast every day
When I moved from Japan to the U.S. in the 1990s, it wasn’t always easy to get the ingredients I knew and loved. But there were some staples that were easier to come by, like whole grains and beans. From there, I built my favorite breakfast: brown rice, beans, “natto” (fermented soybeans), “nukazuke” (pickled vegetables), […]
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