Is it so odd to talk to yourself? No one knows you better – or is better at keeping your secrets

I’ll happily chat to plants and pets, but when I really need to get something off my chest I’m my own best listener. And that’s absolutely fine, according to my new favourite expert

‘I have an ego that needs to be put in check’: ex-Gawker editor AJ Daulerio on life after addiction

After his fall from grace, media’s former enfant terrible is now sober and helping others with his addiction recovery newsletter and podcast, The Small Bow

Amid the social and political panic about falling birthrates, why not ask new mothers what they think?

Medals and cash bonuses have been mooted as incentives, but the priority is for policy that addresses women’s real concerns, says author and journalist Lucy Jones

Four types of thinker have been identified. Which one are you?

Investigation finds evidence of distinct groups, from big-picture thinkers to those who sweat the small stuff

Can a ‘power phrase’ turn a spineless worm like me into a go-getter? I doubt it – but it’s worth a shot

The psychotherapist Amy Morin says uttering a ‘short, positive sentence’ can offer the cognitive reset we need. The idea makes me cringe – but then I can barely cope with returning defective trousers, writes Emma Beddington

Roll up, roll up! Older generation find joy and fearlessness in circus

Juggling, trapeze and hula hoop classes for over-50s are taking off as people rediscover their inner child and tap into health benefits

Don’t tell me it’s wrong to hold a grudge. I’m making the world a better place, one petty boycott at a time

Forgive and forget? I haven’t set foot in my local bakery since I was belittled by the woman behind the counter, writes Polly Hudson

Scientists are working on headphones that block annoying noises and allow the ones you love? I can’t wait!

Imagine a world with more birdsong and less Nigel Farage. If this is the future, bring it on, writes Emma Beddington

From man boobs to baldness: everything you wanted to know about midlife wellness … but were too male to ask

Is my metabolism slowing with age? What’s the secret to good skin? And is there anything I can do about my bald patch? Medical, health and diet experts offer a midlife MOT

Experience: I sat under an oak tree every day for a year

After a period of burnout, I realised that nature knows what you need, and is always ready to offer it – you just have to be quiet enough to receive it