The Solitary (Window-)Shopper: 8 Enormous Benefits of (Window-)Shopping Alone Regularly
Shopping is often perceived as a social activity, where companionship adds to the experience – moreover, in an age dominated by social media and constant connectivity, the idea of spending time alone is often overlooked and/or undervalued. But engaging in activities like shopping or window-shopping alone can offer a multitude of benefits, both tangible and […]
At Peace with Myself: 6 Massive Benefits of Being Quietly Happy
Happiness is a universal pursuit, often portrayed as a loud, exuberant state, characterized by visible expressions of joy, excitement, and enthusiasm – yet the ways in which we experience and express it can vary greatly: while some may associate happiness with outward displays of joy, others find contentment in a more subdued, quiet happiness. […]
On My Own: 9 Tremendous Benefits of Traveling Alone
Introduction Traveling alone, once considered unconventional, is often viewed with a mix of admiration and concern despite having become a growing trend in recent years: while some see it as an empowering and adventurous endeavor and they increasingly seeking the unique experiences and personal growth that solo travel can offer, others worry about safety […]
Toxic Me: Recognizing and Overcoming Toxicity in Oneself
Toxic behavior can have a profound impact on our relationships, work environments, and overall well-being. Recognizing, understanding and addressing one’s own toxic behaviors is essential for personal growth and healthy interactions. This essay, based on my own experience of trial-and-error as well as unwavering commitment to sustainable healing, explores the ways in which I […]
“You Are Imagining Things!”: Understanding Gaslighting
Gaslighting is a insidiously manipulative tactic in which a person or group attempts to sow doubt in another person’s mind, involves persistent denial, misdirection, contradiction, and lying, ultimately causing the victim to doubt their own reality and to question their memory, perception, sanity, with the goal of gain power and control over the victim, […]
Am I a Gaslighter? Recognizing and Healing Manipulative Behaviors: A Self-Reflective Guide
I have never been a gaslighter myself, but I have known more gaslighters – and manipulators, for that matter – than regular people had known normal humans. (Conversely, I have encountered very few, if any at all, healthy individuals during the first two or two-and-a-half decades of my life.) This essay, the first among […]
Understanding Toxic Families: Root Causes, Characteristics, and Healing Strategies
Family is often considered a safe sanctuary, a place of unconditional love, support and growth. However, not all families provide such a nurturing environment: some can be toxic, leading to long-lasting negative effects on individuals born and raised in them. Toxic families, characterized by dysfunctional relationships and harmful behaviors, can profoundly impact the mental […]
Gaslighting in the Workplace: Recognizing and Coping with Psychological Manipulation, with a Focus on European Professionals
Gaslighting, a term originally derived from the 1938 play Gas Light and its subsequent cinema adaptation from 1944, in which a husband manipulates his wife into thinking she is losing her sanity. Likewise, gaslighting designates a form of psychological manipulation involving a person or a group causing someone to question their perception of […]
5 Benefits of Regularly Drinking Coffee Alone in a Wholesome Café
The simple act of drinking coffee alone in a wholesome café can be profoundly enriching. This ritual might be cherished by many people around the world as it offers more than just the pleasure of a good cup of coffee: the experience in itself provides a range of benefits which touch on physical health, […]
8 Benefits of Visiting Museums Alone
Museums serve as sanctuaries of culture, history, and knowledge, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with the past and present in profound ways. Visiting museums is often seen as a leisurely activity that can be enjoyed in the company of friends, family, or a significant other While many people visit museums in groups or […]