Stop Apologizing, Variety vs. Familiarity, and the Problem of Passwords

It’s time for the next installment of  “Happier with Gretchen Rubin.”

 Try This at Home: Stop apologizing.

Know Yourself Better: Do you prefer variety or familiarity?

Listener Question: “How can I remember my online passwords?” Elizabeth and I need an answer to this question, too! So listeners, send us your brilliant solutions. Post them in the comments below, or email me at podcast [at] gretchenrubin.com. Plus, we talk about some great lucky charms that listeners told us about, in response to episode 59.

Elizabeth’s Demerit: Elizabeth didn’t spend enough time with her friends while she was in New York City.

Gretchen’s Gold Star: I give a gold star to our father, who showed me a great parenting tip: when a child (or adult) says that something hurts, really pay attention. Often, that’s enough to make a person feel better. (In passing, Elizabeth and I mention our habit of “updates”–learn more here.)

Remember, if you want to request bookplates or signature cards for a mother in your life, to make the gift of a book more special for Mothers’ Day — or if you want a bookplate or signature card for yourself! — you can request them here.

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As always, thanks to our terrific sponsors

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Want to know what to expect from other episodes of the podcast, when you listen to“Happier with Gretchen Rubin?” We talk about how to build happier habits into everyday life, as we draw from cutting-edge science, ancient wisdom, lessons from pop culture—and our own experiences (and mistakes).  We’re sisters, so we don’t let each other get away with much.

HAPPIER listening!

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Gretchen Rubin is the author of the blockbuster New York Times bestsellers, Better Than Before, The Happiness Project, and Happier at Home. She writes about happiness and habit-formation at gretchenrubin.com. Follow her here by clicking the yellow FOLLOW button, on Twitter, @gretchenrubin, on Facebook,  facebook.com/ GretchenRubin. Or listen to her popular podcast, Happier with Gretchen Rubin.

Photo: Gretchen Rubin