Happier with Gretchen Rubin A Little Happier: A Counter-Intuitive Truth About How to Be a Good Guest
Oct 20, 2025
Explore the intriguing concept of being a good guest by embracing desires while also being easygoing. Discover how Gretchen’s observations of her parents highlight this secret of adulthood. Learn reflective questions that can help you navigate life’s transitions with clarity. Tune in for insights that blend humor with practical wisdom!
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Desire Plus Flexibility Wins
- Gretchen Rubin observed that being "full of desires and easy to please" is a Secret of Adulthood that makes someone a great house guest.
- Desire energizes interactions while flexibility reduces the host's mental burden, improving relationships.
Parents As Model Guests
- Gretchen Rubin describes her parents as exemplary guests who have many plans yet accept whatever unfolds with pleasure.
- Their combination of curiosity and adaptability makes them easy and enjoyable to host.
Preferences Reduce Host Burden
- Rubin notes we assume no preferences equals easygoing, but that forces hosts to guess what to do.
- Clear desires paired with flexibility relieve the host from mind-reading and decision overload.