More on the people close to you
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Focus on changing your own actions and reactions rather than trying to change other people.
You cannot control others, and focusing on yourself is more efficient.
- Do not change yourself *for* other people.
8 people, independently
Search online for local recreational sports leagues, such as kickball or axe throwing, to join teams and build long-term friendships.
One person found that joining a kickball team led to a group of close friends that lasted nine years; another met a best friend through volleyball.
3 people, independently
Spend time with older people to learn from their life experience.
They are an invaluable source of wisdom and have experienced most things you will encounter in life.
- Age does not automatically bring serenity and wisdom; some elderly people remain stubborn or hold prejudiced views.
- Some may have made poor financial decisions.
3 people, independently
Save voicemails from loved ones.
It ensures you have their voice to listen to when you miss them and provides peace of mind that they won't be forgotten.
3 people, independently
- Save voicemails from elderly relatives to preserve their voices and memories.3
Call grandparents and ask about their heritage and life history while they are still alive.
It helps you understand their life and avoids the regret of missing out on documenting this history.
11 people, independently
More on more on the people close to you32
Buy bedding one size larger than the mattress to reduce competition for space.
Larger sheets and duvets save years of blanket fights.
4 people, independently
Use a comforter one size larger than your fitted sheet (e.g., a king comforter on a queen bed) to ensure ample coverage.
Using a larger top layer rarely causes issues with coverage.
3 people, independently
To estimate a partner's ring size without direct measurement, slide one of their rings onto your own fingers to find the best fit.
Different rings fit differently on each finger, and comparing the fit to your own hand can provide an approximate size that a jeweler can adjust.
- Do not use this method for expensive or important items like engagement rings; find out the actual size instead.
- The estimate may be slightly off.
3 people, independently
Use two separate blankets or comforters for each partner instead of sharing one.
It eliminates fighting over covers, prevents waking up cold or overheated, reduces disturbance from movement, and allows regulation of warmth.
- Some partners dislike it because they want to cuddle or touch without separation.
- A 'blanket hog' might still steal the other person's blanket.
21 people, independently
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Set a safe word with your partner that signals they are overwhelmed; stop immediately without argument when it is used.
It allows respectful communication that the conversation is no longer productive.
3 people, independently
Build friendships beyond your job and view employment solely as a source of income.
Expecting colleagues to be close friends is often unrealistic.
3 people, independently
Take up new hobbies, activities, or social connections to distract yourself and fill the void.
Distraction helps you become accustomed to being without them over time.
5 people, independently
Reciprocate with people who help without expecting anything in return.
You'll be happier for it.
3 people, independently
Decline invitations by stating the activity is not in your current budget without providing further details.
It emphasizes that it is your choice not to spend the money and does not imply their priorities are wrong; most people will respect this.
4 people, independently
- Decline costs by stating 'That's not in my budget'.3
Judge people by their consistent actions rather than their words.
6 people, independently
Create one shared account for common bills and individual accounts for personal spending to reduce financial pressure between partners.
This structure requires each person to manage their own discretionary expenses.
7 people, independently
Use physical cash for discretionary purchases to reduce impulse buying by making the loss of money tangible.
Seeing physical money leave your hand or disappear in piles creates a sense of loss that curbs spending, unlike digital transactions.
3 people, independently
Set a phone alarm or book a weekly reminder in your calendar to prompt yourself to call when you might otherwise forget.
Without reminders, people often don't think to call until it is too late.
3 people, independently
Handle minor complaints and unexpressed feelings promptly to stop them from becoming resentment.
Small annoyances may accumulate over time if you are not careful.
3 people, independently
Direct your energy toward what is ahead and release the past.
5 people, independently
Suggest low-cost social options like park walks, home board game nights, public gatherings, or free listings on Eventbrite.
5 people, independently
- Propose zero-cost or inexpensive pastimes such as hiking, walking, potlucks, card games, or free events to socialize without financial pressure.13
Connect with frugal meetup groups to build friendships with people who have comparable budget constraints or savings goals.
4 people, independently
Initiate social interactions by greeting coworkers first or inviting them to events rather than waiting to be included.
Those who initiate conversations are often the most popular.
3 people, independently
Recognize that you are likely projecting onto an idealized version of the person rather than seeing the real individual.
4 people, independently
Make friends before starting to think about romantic partners.
3 people, independently
State that you are unavailable for such a relationship if you have no romantic interest.
5 people, independently
Learn how your partner shows love and show appreciation through actions that fit that style, like listening without interrupting.
3 people, independently
Own your mistakes and talk openly with your partner about specific problems.
3 people, independently
Politely decline social invitations by saying you will meet up another time without offering a specific reason or apology.
3 people, independently
Overlap separate blankets slightly at the edges to help with cuddling while maintaining individual coverage.
This makes snuggling easier while keeping best cuddling possible.
3 people, independently
Verbally express gratitude and respect for specific contributions your partner makes.
4 people, independently
Study the Karpman Drama Triangle model to understand dysfunctional relationships.
3 people, independently
Explore new activities or hobbies you have never tried before, such as learning an instrument, cooking, or traveling.
4 people, independently
Do favors solely because you genuinely want to help, avoiding any desire for approval or likability.
3 people, independently
Withhold personal details from others if you are uneasy about their awareness.
3 people, independently
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Record audio of your pets making happy sounds, such as purring or barking.
You can listen to these recordings when you miss them or need help sleeping.
3 people, independently
Write down or record stories and anecdotes from elderly relatives as you hear them.
Younger people may not appreciate the history at the time, and older relatives may pass away before it is recorded.
4 people, independently
- Record oral histories from elderly relatives using a smartphone or voice recorder before they pass away.5
Convert old analog recordings, like microcassettes or answering machine tapes, into digital formats to keep them safe.
Hearing their voices brings comfort; video captures more than photos do.
3 people, independently
Mail handwritten greeting cards or postcards to grandparents regularly, even without a special occasion.
It brightens their life and gives them something precious to look forward to; they can reread it without disturbing naps.
- Some may complain about stamp costs or prefer email.
- Some may have vision issues preventing reading.
3 people, independently
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Store digital assets in several places, using both cloud services and separate physical drives.
Physical drives fail within a few years, flash storage is unstable, and one technical glitch can wipe out all key files simultaneously.
5 people, independently
- Back up audio recordings to multiple locations, including cloud storage and local drives, rather than relying solely on a phone or hard drive.4
Capture photos and videos of your grandparents regularly.
You will appreciate these memories later; one person regrets having only one picture over 17 years.
3 people, independently
Record conversations with grandparents discussing their childhoods and historical experiences.
To preserve family history and stories that might otherwise be lost.
7 people, independently
Capture candid videos and photos of everyday moments and spontaneous expressions rather than just posed shots.
They make for great memories of people being themselves, capturing genuine emotions, laughter, flaws, and spontaneity.
3 people, independently
Listen attentively when elderly relatives retell familiar stories and ask follow-up questions to uncover new details or deeper context.
3 people, independently