If we impart the life lessons we've learned to our children, does that mean they won't make the same mistakes? Gretchen Rubin, author of the new book SECRETS OF ADULTHOOD, discusses how aphorisms provide us with a particular kind of wisdom that stays with us, often forever.

Gretchen Rubin is one of today’s most influential observers of happiness and human nature. She’s the author of many NYT-bestselling books.

Gretchen and Amy discuss:

Why Gretchen chose the aphorism format for her book

Why Gretchen prefers the term "open door" to "empty nester"

Particular aphorisms that ring especially true for Amy and Gretchen

What Gretchen hopes people will get out of the book

What the fluency heuristic is—and how rhymes can win parenting battles
How brief sayings can provoke deep reflection and even disagreement
The surprising dangers of “productive” procrastination
Why the opposite of a profound truth can also be true
How everyday routines and mini-quests (like collecting globes or visiting museums) can increase happiness

Here's where you can find Gretchen:

👉 Buy Secrets of Adulthood: https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9780593800737
🌐 Visit Gretchen’s website: GretchenRubin.com
🧪 Follow Gretchen on IG @gretchenrubin
📩 Sign up for her newsletter: Five Things Making Me Happy
🎧 Listen to the Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast

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