First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Jumping Off Point

Careening through life alone is hard. That’s why we need partners. Some people find partnership with a mate. Others uncover it elsewhere, and learn to rely on a multitude of sources for sustenance and support. I’m now on a first-name basis with the woman who runs the Chinese take-out place in my neighborhood. And that makes me leap for joy.

Contest entries are in the hands of Lizz Winstead. Winner announced shortly.

Divers by Peter Hapak

Is the Mirror Your Friend?

Image by Marc Johns

What Spurs Your Creativity?

I get some of my best ideas walking the dog, which makes sense after listening to Jonah Lehrer talk about the creative process in his new book, Imagine: How Creativity Works. Concentrating hard on a problem doesn’t always yield the best results. Sometimes you need to break away. How do you get your juices flowing?

Bottle from Vinegar and Brown

Here’s One More Reason To Hug a Pet

Dr. Paul Zak, also known as Dr. Love, is the Director of the Center for Neuroeconomics at Claremont Graduate University. Zak has written a book called The Moral Molecule in which he advises people to hug eight times a day, because it releases the hormone oxytocin, evoking compassion and greater well being. I was glad to hear that hugging a pet counts, too.

Image via Magnificent Ruin

Retooling Our Map As We Go Along

Contest deadline is 2 days away.

Image by Samy Charnine

Staying Buoyant On Your Own

On the upside of single, is not contending with a grumpy spouse who can drag your mood down. But the reverse is also true. When it comes to lifting your spirits, you’re often on your own. That’s why it’s important to build diverse networks of people (and pets) who think you’re fabulous and are lavish with praise. In the quiet of home, how do you stay confident? Practice gratitude. Dwell on accomplishments. Have your affirmations handy.

Illustration by Olimpia Zagnoli

How Do We Move Forward?

Before my junior year at college, I spent a leisurely summer driving across the country with three girlfriends and a dog, in a beat up Ford van. I first laid eyes on San Francisco during that trip and knew immediately that I’d found home. 10 years later, I packed up and moved West. My parents hated that I’d be living 3000 miles away and never really got used to it. But it was a powerful sea change (Pacific vs. Atlantic) and one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Tell us something you’ve done that has surprised your family. Enter our contest. Deadline’s Friday.

Dive In beach towel by Kate Spade

Can You Be Single and Please Your Mother?

This sculpture, Work No. 1092, by Martin Creed is a motor-powered, spinning inscription, which speeds up and slows down inside the gallery.

Liberating Women With a Pair of Scissors

Every week, my mother went to a local beauty parlor to get her hair done. In between visits, it never got mussed or wet, and was stiff as armor. The cropped hair style I’ve worn for years is a descendent of Vidal Sassoon’s scissors (my former stylist was trained by him). He pried women from the dryer, and in one small way, helped set us free. Vidal Sassoon died yesterday at 84.

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Progress

President Obama comes out in favor of marriage equality.

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