humanity
For better or for worse, relationships reveal the core of the human condition.
Asking and Explaining
We know that infidelity often results in breakups, divorces and social stigmatization. Western society has frowned upon straying from one’s intimate partner, from the widespread reproach of public figures such as former president Bill Clinton, presidential hopeful John Edwards, actress Kristen Stewart, and professional golfer Tiger Woods, among others. Indeed, partner’s betrayal makes for great emotional upset, perpetuating verbal and even physical abuse. What exactly drives people to cheat? It’s worth examining the literature on people’s reactions and ways of addressing infidelity across genders, social status, and age. Further, cheating may be motivated by fulfillment of needs, the desire for self-growth, and different personality types.
By Kristine Brown9 years ago in Humans
Don't Touch My Stuff!
Quietly, with absolutely no fanfare or public announcement, I have declared, “War”! I admit that I have a mild propensity to let things pile up. Horizontal surfaces around the house provide opportunities for temporary storage, even if temporary can stretch into months or even years. My wife, on the other hand, does not share this inclination. Indeed, she is, what I refer to as, a clutter Nazi. She does not allow, permit, condone, or begin to understand, “temporary storage until I can review later”. She does not tolerate disorganization.
By Victor Acquista9 years ago in Humans
Race and Racial Impersonation: Three Views in Three Books
The national dialogue on race, already fraught enough before the Trump presidency and even more so now, will soon feature three new books with which to settle an argument, or start one, about an intriguing variation on the topic that’s still the third rail of American life.
By Michael Eric Ross9 years ago in Humans
Revisiting 'Her'
I want to take a moment to appreciate the brilliance of Her. Starring Joaquin Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson as the voice of Samantha, we follow a man as he falls in love (and out of love) with a computer designed to fulfill his specific needs. The story that Jonze tells is original and profound, yet does not seem far off from the world we live in today. Everywhere I go I am speed-walking past folks with their eyes on their phones, moving at a glacial pace.
By Marina Caitlin Watts9 years ago in Humans
Why Millennials Can't (Won't) Commit
Nothing ever seems to be quite as painful as wanting a potential partner to commit, only to be met with excuses, awkward silences, or straight up rejection. As painful as it is, it's extremely common in the Millennial dating scene – and it's getting increasingly more common every single day.
By Ossiana Tepfenhart9 years ago in Humans
Language and Family
I've been considering what I'm an expert on. I guess I'm an expert in family, and a failure to understand them. You see, I come from a bilingual family. Well, my mum's bilingual. She's German. My father's English. My brother was once fluent, but he actually lived in Germany as a toddler. He just forgot when we went to England.
By Rebecca Prouse9 years ago in Humans
Grand Master Rod
Learning my limits was always a hard thing for me. I can remember all the way back to my youngest days how I'd always figured that "oh, that's easy. Anyone can do that. Here, let me show you." Famous last words. Amongst the many misadventures of my youth, one stays with me as a true testament to the very real difference between what a boy can do and what a boy thinks he can do. Then there are those things that people believe a boy thinks he can do that he shouldn't even try.
By Rod Christiansen9 years ago in Humans
Living in a Tiny House
Moving into a tiny house isn't for everyone; but it is for us. My wife and I chose to embark on this journey because the area we were living in was quite crowded, and many of our neighbors - always in close proximity - were often rude. We were ready to move out of that apartment complex. When asked about being sure of my decision to move in to a new house, I did not hesitate and proceeded to pack up my things. The excitement of finally having a space of our own powered us through moving and getting rid of a bunch of furniture and items that were not going to fit.
By Eddie Matias9 years ago in Humans
