Happier with Gretchen Rubin

We discuss how to make use of counterintuitive research that shows that our ability to change our minds often makes us less satisfied with our choices. We share a helpful smartphone hack for scheduling text messages. Plus we continue our discussion about handling a spouse who makes hurtful "jokes," with practical advice from listeners who've successfully addressed this issue.  Resources & links related to this episode: * Take the Four Tendencies quiz [https://gretchenrubin.com/quiz/the-four-tendencies-quiz/] to find out whether you're an Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, or Rebel * Order your copy of Secrets of Adulthood [http://happiercast.com/secrets] * Sign up for Bookshop's summer reading challenge on the homepage at gretchenrubin.com [https://gretchenrubin.com/] * Download the Happier app [https://thehappierapp.com/] * Elizabeth is reading: The Other Side of Midnight by Sidney Sheldon (Amazon [https://amzn.to/467t0P7], Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9781478948414])  * Gretchen is reading: Round the Bend by Neville Shute (Amazon [https://amzn.to/3Ul1ZjT], Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9780307474162]) Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] Visit Gretchen's website [https://gretchenrubin.com/] to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

In the “Four Tendencies” personality framework, tech legend Steve Jobs was a Questioner. At a crucial moment, his question was ignored—with profound consequences.  Resources & links related to this episode: * Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] Visit Gretchen's website [https://gretchenrubin.com/] to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

We discuss how we’re doing on some items from our “25 for ’25 lists,” and how book writing is going for both of us. Plus we talk about the joys of reading commercial fiction from the 1980s. Resources & links related to this episode: * Sign up for the 30-day summer reading challenge at gretchenrubin.com [http://gretchenrubin.com/] * For the Love with Jen Hatmaker [https://jenhatmaker.com/podcast/] Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] Visit Gretchen's website [https://gretchenrubin.com/] to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

We discuss why it’s useful to identify the "ugliest thing" in your life—i.e., what aspect needs the most attention? We also share an easy hack about enhancing family memories, and we explore a Four-Tendencies situation involving a young-adult son's surprising reaction to his father's lateness. We wrap up with listener suggestions for creative before-and-after photo books. Resources & links related to this episode: * Order your copy of Secrets of Adulthood [http://happiercast.com/secrets] * After Hours with Jamie Rubin [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-urban-governance/id1794619189?i=1000713365708] podcast * The Four Tendencies [https://gretchenrubin.com/four-tendencies/]  * Take The "Four Tendencies" Quiz [https://gretchenrubin.com/quiz/the-four-tendencies-quiz/] * Download the Happier app [https://thehappierapp.com/] * Elizabeth is reading: Climbing in Heels by Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas (Amazon [https://amzn.to/44p5OJI], Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9781250274786])  * Gretchen is reading: Two Serious Ladies by Jane Bowles (Amazon [https://amzn.to/4kizyOm], Bookshop [https://bookshop.org/a/15926/9780062283122]) Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] Visit Gretchen's website [https://gretchenrubin.com/] to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

With time and experience, we learn “Secrets of Adulthood,” and parenthood teaches us many of those lessons. Resources & links related to this episode: * "Secrets of Adulthood"  [https://gretchenrubin.com/secondary_tag/Secrets-of-Adulthood/] Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com [podcast@gretchenrubin.com] Visit Gretchen's website [https://gretchenrubin.com/] to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.