Open Gently

Musings on the introspective life.

Temma Ehrenfeld

New Evidence That Alcoholics Anonymous Works

New proof that Alcoholics Anonymous is a good bet.

Your Thinking Could Affect Your Immunity

You can improve your immunity with your mind.

My Battle with COVID-19

My support magically emerged when I got sick with COVID-19 alone.

Build Muscle Without a Gym

You can build up muscle at home or in the park.

Yes, You Can Be Charming and Interesting

If you're coming out of quarantine, you may need to brush up your conversation skills.

Lose Your Stay-At-Home Weight

Losing your quarantine weight is a chance to change your bad habits for a lifetime.

How Masks Are Exposing Hearing Loss

You didn't know you read lips? Now you do. Hearing masked communication is hard.

You May Be More Vulnerable to A Dating Scammer Now

You may be more vulnerable to online dating scams now--don't ignore your doubts!

Younger Siblings Underestimate Their Intelligence

You may think you're less intelligent than you are just because you have older siblings.

How to Wean Yourself Off of Sugar

You can beat sugar cravings more easily than you'd think.

Should You Try Virtual Therapy?

Many people may not return to in-person therapy sessions after the shutdown lifts.

Antibody Testing Isn't a Reason to Take Risks

Antibody tests are a bad basis for any personal decision, I hope you can avoid that hard choice.

Are You Mom's Favorite?

You may not know which child your mother would prefer to take care of her.

Snacking Is OK—But Watch Out for Chips

Snacking during the day is fine—as long as you stay away from "hyperpalatable" foods.

What Happens When Home Isn't Safe?

Don't let a partner use "social distancing" to control you. If he's threatening to kick you out of the house if you break his rules, look for options.

36 Questions in a Quarantine

Cooped up in your home, now is the time to ask each other questions. Take turns, and listen to the answers. Sounds simple? Do it.

Is Fake Meat Good for You?

Are fake meat burgers really good for you? It depends on what you’d be eating instead.

Is Your Child Afraid to Bring Friends Home?

Growing up with a hoarder just gets worse when your parent ages.

Why Can't You Hear?

Noise pollution can destroy synapses and make you struggle to understand conversation.

Who Gets More Digital Dating Abuse?

A third of teens—more boys than girls—reported abusive behavior.

Guns Don't Help You Sleep

Guns don't help people sleep, even in neighborhoods they consider dangerous.

Could Acupuncture Help You?

Acupuncture may reduce inflammation and pain.

How Noise Hurts You

Noise hurts your hearing and can increase your chances of breast cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Even Light Drinking Raises Cancer Risk

Stay away from alcohol if you're afraid of cancer.

Optimists Live Longer

You can cultivate hopefulness without being impractical.

Your Dog Can Help Your Anxiety

Yes, your dog can relieve your anxiety.

Do You Really Have a Soul?

Once upon a time, you wouldn't have known you had a mind. All you had was a soul.

Coaxing Yourself to Do Stuff

To get yourself to complete an unpleasant task, remind yourself of the happy consequences of finishing up.

Temporary Trauma Symptoms Are Common

Trauma symptoms don't necessarily mean you have PTSD, if they go away within a month.

Manage Your Child's Anxiety

Parents who learn not to accommodate a child's anxiety can match the results of sending your child to a cognitive behavioral therapy program.

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