Marina Krakovsky

Happy or not, Russians rarely smile in public.

Fiction readers score higher on empathy and social acumen tests than do readers of nonfiction.

The Final Cut

Severing family ties can be dangerous. Be sure to cut off a boundary-violating relative only as a last resort.

Why we switch lines at the grocery store. It could be linked to people's tendency to compare themselves to those less fortunate -- those behind us in line.

The Pitfalls of E-mail

Research suggests that communicating via e-mail alone can doom a relationship.

The Secrets of Failure

Studying failure is just as important as relishing in success. Here are reasons why we refuse to dissect our mistakes.

Virtual Social Climbing

Will the online social networking really offer a better way to make contacts? Probably not.

Better Than My Ex

It's natural to consider a current significant other a much better catch than your ex.

Praise Without a Raise

A friendly but patronizing boss can be a dead end for a hardworking employee, especially if the underling is a woman.

The Ego in Cyberspace

Joking can fall flat in e-mails, so think twice before you hit the send button.

Recognizing Strangers

Images of attractive faces seem familiar even if they've never been seen before. Liking something could be a person's clue that it is familiar.

Nostalgia: Sweet Remembrance

Naturally nostalgic people have high self-esteem and are less prone to depression.

Buying Happiness

The old saying goes—money can't buy you happiness. But, as a study finds, spending money on experiences—like a vacation—will bring more happiness than buying material things such as jewelry or clothing.

Is One Kid Enough?

Does having more than one child add to a parent's happiness? One researcher says, if you want to maximize your subjective well-being, you should stop after the first kid.

Current Issue

Everyday Creativity

How to start living creatively and reap the benefits.

Marina Krakovsky

Find a Therapist

Find a Health Professional

Current Issue