The art of debating taught me to see another view – it’s a skill that brings people together

After moving from South Korea I struggled to fit in. But I began to see a new way of understanding empathy through debating

‘If you don’t know what you’re doing, you’ll get bit’: can an alligator be man’s best friend?

WallyGator has been certified an emotional support animal and attracted crowds on a recent trip to Philadelphia

‘I just go into my head and enjoy it’: the people who can’t stop daydreaming

Psychiatrists may soon recognise ‘maladaptive daydreaming’ as a clinical disorder. But what is it, and how can it be treated?

Altruism is a selfless act. So why did helping a stranger leave me feeling so foolish?

Helping a hitchhiker should have given me a warm glow of generosity, but ended with me feeling like a gullible shmuck, says Martin love

Being cheerful on the outside can help you – and others – feel it on the inside

Cheerfulness can boost your energy levels, even in tough times – as philosophers and writers have long recognised, writes Donna Ferguson

‘Don’t take it out on our staff!’: How did Britain become so angry?

Shopworkers, GP surgeries and call centres have all reported an alarming rise in abusive behaviour directed toward them. How can we calm this national rage?

My youngest brother is a famous rockstar. I used to worry for him, but now I just feel so proud

We both loved music growing up but when he sent me his demo CD I was afraid he would be mocked. Now Interpol is my favourite band – and we’re the best of friends

Want to stop feeling hurt when someone says no? Take the rejection therapy challenge

It’s easy to inure yourself to fear of rejection, all you have to do is be rejected every single day. By Andrew Lloyd

I’ve learned to say no and not care what other people think: why did it take so long?

Being assertive is hard, especially for an expat in the US. But age and the pandemic have changed all that, writes Guardian columnist Emma Brockes

‘I’m lovingly angry’: Marianne Levy on why mothers are expected to suffer in silence

A new memoir brings humour to the everyday pain of pregnancy and motherhood. By Emma Beddington