journal prompts, dairy queen free cone day, how 'housewife' became an insult, and the tiny trader joe's tote crisis
Hello.
I’m sharing a few journal prompts with you before we get into today’s reading.
Oh! Also, Tuesday, March 19, Dairy Queen is giving out free ice cream cones.
Also also, I’m visiting Regime Des Fleurs this week and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. I hope I come home with an abundance of new fragrances.
Okay, I’m at terrible at journaling, despite how much I enjoy writing. But I’m challenging myself to journal every day this week to see if has any improvement on my mental health. Care to join me? Here are some prompts I find interesting (because I’m not going to freestyle ‘dear diary’ it):
1.) What are your dream careers? What is your current career? Is it your passion/ purpose? Are you happy?
2.) Make a list of all the things you want to do this Spring.
3.) Research new fragrances to try. Plan a fun day with someone you love and wear that scent to create a new core memory. Write about it in your journal.
4.) Write a letter to the person who has hurt you the most. Too heavy? Write a letter to a person who changed your life.
5.) Write a grocery list.
6.) Make a list of things that bring you the most peace.
7.) What color is your favorite song?
8.) Write about your favorite season.
9.) Make a March wishlist.
Read with me:
Can New Love Survive Mismatched Texting Styles?
In the intricate dance of modern romance, the rhythm of text exchanges can set the tone for a budding connection. The seemingly innocuous choices of when to reply or the strategic delay in opening a message become subtle indicators that, in the age of digital courtship, can either fan the flames of intrigue or extinguish the spark. In the kaleidoscope of dating styles, the pace of virtual conversations emerges as a delicate art, where the absence of a well-placed emoji or the length of a message can become the brushstrokes that paint the canvas of early love, leaving us to ponder if mismatched texting styles foretell a tragic finale or are just the whimsical overture of a unique romance.
The New York Times
More Screen Time Means Less Parent-Child Talk, Study Finds
In an era dominated by screens, a new study highlights the silent consequences of "technoference" on early childhood development. Beyond the well-known risks of obesity and depression, the research reveals a subtler impact as toddlers engrossed in screens exhibit diminished verbal interactions with parents, emphasizing the need to consider the long-term implications of our digital habits on the fundamental building blocks of language, social skills, and familial bonds. As screens infiltrate households, the study underscores the importance of understanding how and when media is integrated into family life, hinting at a nuanced approach that acknowledges the inevitability of technology while exploring ways to mitigate its potential drawbacks.
The New York Times
Thaddeus Yan's quest for Trader Joe's miniature tote bags not only reflects the power of social media in driving consumer trends but also underscores the influence of limited-edition items, tapping into the fervor of Gen Z's penchant for affordable, trendy goods. The frenzy captured in TikTok videos and the bags' appearance on resale sites suggest a cultural phenomenon reminiscent of previous instances where everyday items gained unexpected popularity, adding a quirky layer to the consumer landscape.
The New York Times
Gen Z Is Officially Old Enough To Feel Old
The "how old do I look?" trend on TikTok sheds light on the evolving dynamics of beauty standards, fueled by social media's influence and the growing normalization of cosmetic procedures among young people. As generations grapple with aging anxiety, the trend not only reveals the impact of online comparison but also underscores a societal shift where the pursuit of perpetual youth has become a marketable commodity, with individuals strategically engaging in these trends for attention and relevance.
Vox
Lauren Oyler's exploration of her anxiety in "My Anxiety" delves into the complexities and quirks of living with various anxiety symptoms, using personal anecdotes to illuminate broader issues of mental health and societal pressures. The essay strikes a chord by juxtaposing Oyler's intimate struggles with sleep, physical symptoms, and social interactions against a backdrop of cultural and psychological insights, making it a compelling narrative that mirrors the silent battles many face but seldom articulate with such candor and depth.
The New Yorker
How “Housewife” Became An Insult
Lisa Selin Davis's "Housewife" offers a nuanced exploration of the term's evolution from a simple descriptor to a loaded term fraught with stereotypes and societal pressures, yet the book tiptoes around potentially revolutionary solutions. It's insightful in its historical context and personal anecdotes, especially from Davis's own life, but leaves the reader craving a bolder stance on reshaping the future of domestic roles and recognizing the value of domestic labor.
The Washington Post
Trapped In Routine? Here’s How to ‘Dishabituate’ And Rediscover Joy
Tali Sharot's insights on "dishabituation" highlight a crucial aspect of human psychology that's often overlooked: the need to balance the comfort of routine with the invigoration of change. It’s like we’re on autopilot until something or someone comes along to flip the switch back to manual. The idea of taking a break or changing habits might seem simple, but it’s a profound strategy for injecting freshness into our lives and relationships, reminding us that being too comfortable can sometimes be a trap, blinding us to both problems and beauty right in front of us.
Big Think
See you tomorrow,
Bye <3
