A person with 'oppositional conversational style' is a person who, in conversation, disagrees with and corrects whatever you say. He or she may do this in a friendly way, or a belligerent way, but this person frames remarks in opposition to whatever you venture. Gretchen Rubin belligerentconversationconversational share on social
Don't keep excessive amounts of anything. Those glass vases that come from florists. Those ketchup packets that come with take-out food. A house with two adults probably doesn't need fifteen mismatched souvenir coffee cups. Gretchen Rubin adultamountcoffee share on social
One thing I wish I could tell my younger self: take photos of everyday life, not special occasions; later, that's what will be interesting to you. Gretchen Rubin everydayinterestlife Change image and share on social
As goofy as it sounds, I try to sing in the morning. It's hard both to sing and to maintain a grouchy mood, and it sets a happy tone for everyone - particularly in my case, because I'm tone deaf, and my audience finds my singing a source of great hilarity. Gretchen Rubin audiencecasedeaf share on social
I love taxonomies, categories, ways of dividing people into groups. Gretchen Rubin categorydividegroup Change image and share on social
Happiness is a critical factor for work, and work is a critical factor for happiness. In one of those life-isn't-fair results, it turns out that the happy outperform the less happy. Happy people work more hours each week - and they work more in their free time, too. Gretchen Rubin criticalfactorfair share on social
Superstition is the irrational belief that an object or behavior has the power to influence an outcome, when there's no logical connection between them. Most of us aren't superstitious - but most of us are a 'littlestitious.' Gretchen Rubin behaviorbeliefconnection share on social
Do I need fifty finger-painted pictures by my toddler, or is one enough to capture this time of life? Mementos work best when they're carefully chosen - and when they don't take up much room! Gretchen Rubin capturecarefullychoose Change image and share on social
No leader did more for his country than Winston Churchill. Brave, magnanimous, traditional, he was like a king-general from Britain's heroic past. His gigantic qualities set him apart from ordinary humanity; there seemed no danger he feared, no effort too great for his limitless energies. Gretchen Rubin bravebritainchurchill share on social
Most people enjoy 'potato-chip news' from time to time - to track a presidential election or the Oscars. However, some are particularly drawn to material that makes them feel shocked, frightened, insecure, or indignant, and that's what potato-chip news often provides. Gretchen Rubin chipdrawelection share on social