The Myth of the Picky Child
The post argues that childhood pickiness is a recent cultural construct, not a universal developmental stage. Historically, American children ate the same meals as adults and were encouraged to try diverse foods. Since the 1970s, the rise of ultra‑processed “kids’ foods” has fostered a belief that children are naturally fussy, coinciding with a sharp increase in childhood obesity. The author urges parents to treat kids as capable eaters and serve family meals without special accommodations.
The Science of Oversharing: Why Revealing More Builds Trust
The post argues that the real risk isn’t oversharing but undersharing, and that thoughtful disclosure can strengthen trust, influence, and wellbeing. It cites research showing people default to silence, which limits connection in personal and professional relationships. By treating disclosure...
After Atheism: One Writer’s Search for Faith
Former Harper’s editor and novelist recounts his shift from Catholic altar boy to atheist and now a “skeptical believer,” arguing that belief is unavoidable because science cannot prescribe how to live. He illustrates how personal decisions—from career choices to marriage—are...
The Hard Work of Loving Well
Stephen Grosz’s new book *Love’s Labor* reframes love as an ongoing, demanding practice rather than a sentimental refuge. He argues that confronting confusion, pain, and inevitable loss is essential to building authentic connections. The work draws on decades of psychoanalytic...