We explore the big question of whether to get a dog, sharing results from our listener poll, research on how pets boost happiness, and hilarious "worst-case scenarios.” We share a hack for getting tasks done more quickly and pleasantly. Plus we feature a rich collection of listener insights on restaurant plate-rotating secrets, balance-building while tooth-brushing, how grief can lead to new friendships, and more.

Resources & Links Related to this episode:

• Pre-order your copy of Secrets of Adulthood
• Join me on book tour starting April 1, 2025
• We mention the podcast Side Hustle School
• The Library of Congress
• National Archives
• A Little Happier: The Efforts that Allow a Grandmother's Love to Speak Across Time
• Elizabeth is reading: Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II by Liza Mundy (Amazon, Bookshop)
• Gretchen is reading: Legendborn by Tracy Deonn (Amazon, Bookshop)

Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com

Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app.

Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app.