Many people get nervous in social situations because they don’t know how to start conversations or make small talk. They overthink things to the point of social paralysis. Others miss the mark at parties or when meeting new people because they think the key to being likable is impressing others with their wit, charm, and accomplishments. However, according to Harvard Business School research, the key to being likable is asking questions. It’s better to be interested in others than to try to make them interested in you. “In fact, among the most common complaints people make after having a conversation, such as an interview, a first date, or a work meeting, is ‘I wish [s/he] had asked me more questions’ and ‘I can’t believe [s/he] didn’t ask me any questions,'” Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, a behavioral research scientist and professor, writes in Harvard Business Review’s “The Surprising Power of Questions.” A woman making eye contact with a man she is speaking to. Photo credit: Canva The real secret to being likable On a recent appearance on The Diary of a CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett, Wood Brooks shared 10 research-based questions designed to make people more likable. The questions are based on psychologist Arthur Aron’s famous 36 questions that lead to love. Aron found that when people ask each other these questions back and forth, it can make them fall for each other more quickly. Wood Brooks later modified the questions so they could be used to get to know others in social settings and help people fall “in like” with you. “It’s just ten questions that are of this flavor that many people, but I suspect lots of men don’t ask,” Wood Brooks said. “That is a great starting point. It’s just the first turn, right? You have to actually listen to what the person says and ask follow-up questions to really deepen the conversation. But these are good questions. You could prep just one or two of them. You could carry two of them in your back pocket all the time as go-to topics for people.” A man in a suit with questions. Photo credit: Canva Ten questions that make you more likable 1. What are you excited about lately? 2. What’s something you’re good at but don’t like doing? 3. What’s something you’re bad at but love to do? 4. Is there something you’d like to learn more about? 5. Is there something you’d like to learn how to do? 6. What can we celebrate about you? 7. Has someone made you laugh recently? What happened? 8. What is something cute your [kid/friend/pet/partner] has been doing recently? 9. Did you grow up in a city? 10. Have you fallen in love with any new [music/books/movies/shows] lately? Why do these questions make people more likable? Wood Brooks’ questions are effective because they’re open-ended, allowing people to do what they enjoy most: talk about themselves. They also give people permission to be vulnerable, which studies show makes them more likable. Research indicates that one of the quickest ways to become more likable is to ask a question and then follow up with two more. This signals that you are genuinely interested in them. The psychological principle of reciprocal liking also supports this: we like people who like us. This article originally appeared in January. It has been updated. The post Behavioral scientist shares 10 questions that will make people fall madly ‘in like’ with you appeared first on Upworthy.

Railroad tracks run all across America. It’s nearly impossible to drive through a town, no matter how small, without coming across a set of railroad tracks. But have you ever looked down and wondered why every railroad track you see has the same rocks surrounding the tracks? There’s never a variation of colors, shapes, or sizes. You never see railroad tracks surrounded by pebbles or sitting atop the bare ground. If the tracks aren’t encased in between metal and asphalt so cars can drive over them, they’re surrounded by these rocks. Turns out, there’s a very specific reason for this that even a quick Internet search may not explain without you having to peruse multiple sources. Sunlit railway track stretching into the distance. Photo credit: Canva The simple answer isn’t the whole story Popping this question into a search engine will yield the result that the rocks are used for the expanding track, which is true. But there’s so much more. These stones aren’t just across America, they’re under railroad tracks in any country that operates the fast-moving cargo and people haulers. The YouTube channel Simple Things – Surprising Histories shares some of the many reasons train tracks are surrounded by those grey rocks in one of their recent episodes. “A loaded train is incredibly heavy. We’re talking about millions of pounds of steel and cargo. If you place that much weight directly onto the ground, the intense pressure would crush the soil. The tracks would sink, buckle, and the eventual train would derail,” the video explains before revealing that the stones are actually called “track ballast.” As the host moves along, they share that the entire thing is in layers, working together to allow the train to move smoothly along the tracks without sinking into the dirt. The very top layer is the metal track, followed by the horizontal beams, evenly spaced, called “sleepers.” Those sleepers sit on top of the ballast, otherwise known as grey rocks, which act as a cushion for the weight of the train. “It takes the immense concentrated weight of the train and spreads it out over a wide area. It dissipates the pressure so the ground underneath doesn’t get crushed,” they say. “But here is the fascinating part. The tracks are not fixed to the ground. If you look closely, you’ll see the tracks are floating on the stones. They aren’t bolted into the earth deep below. They rely on friction and the sheer weight of the ballast to stay in place. This flexibility allows the track to slightly absorb the vibration of a roaring train rather than snapping under the tension.” Not just any rock will do The type of rocks used to make ballast is also important to keep the train running smoothly. Jagged, rough rocks won’t slide away from each other from the vibration of a moving train like smooth rocks would. According to Strasburg Railroad, ballast stones are a combination of crushed stones, rocks, and gravel used to prevent vegetation from sprouting and drain water from the tracks. The type of stones that traditionally make up a ballast are limestone, granite, basalt, and quartzite, which help disperse the high heat generated by a heavy, fast-moving train. Who knew those stones were doing so much heavy lifting? Holding down the railroad track, absorbing the heat created, keeping weeds from growing, and allowing the track to expand to keep the train from sinking into the ground. Viewers were fascinated. Train traversing lush greenery. Photo credit: Canva People couldn’t stop talking about it “I had no idea that the tracks aren’t actually bolted into the ground. Amazingly interesting,” one person says. “I had no clue why I clicked on this video, but glad I did!!! Great info about something I never even considered. Thank you for sharing!!!” writes another. “Grew up with tracks in my backyard. I grew up throwing these ballast stones. I could bullseye a target at a good distance. Never once considered their importance. Thanks!!” someone else chimes in. The next time you see it, you’ll look twice At the end of the day, it’s one of those details that’s been sitting in plain sight our whole lives, never once demanding a second look. Those unassuming grey rocks are quietly doing the work of holding up millions of pounds of steel, draining water, fighting off weeds, and letting the tracks breathe with the seasons, all without a single bolt. It’s a good reminder that some of the most important engineering in the world isn’t flashy. It’s just doing its job, one train at a time. This article originally appeared in February. It has been updated. The post The real reason why every railroad in America has the same rocks lining the tracks appeared first on Upworthy.

Putting a dream into action can sometimes provide that little bit of magic children crave. So, when first grade teacher Ashley Lowry genuinely surprised her students with homemade hats based on their own designs, their reactions were super wholesome. Lowry, who teaches first grade at Wallace Elementary in Kelso, Washington, is always looking for new ways to get her students excited about learning. According to KGW News, her aunt, Amy LaFave, had a thoughtful idea: “What if we created our own hats?” Amy tells the news camera, “So I had seen the idea and thought, well in the middle of winter, it would be a great project.” So, Lowry made photocopies of the already drawn winter hats with no color. The kids were tasked with coloring in their favorite designs. Some opted for solid colors like all blue or purple. Others were drawn to colorful stripes! Lowry shares that some of the kids were excited just to color. “I definitely saw kids who were like really excited about patterns. So you’ll see kids that had like a nice repeating pattern.” The secret plan behind the scenes Once winter break arrived, Lowry had her plan: she would take those hat drawings and sew each and every one of them for her 22 students. “I guess I didn’t realize 22 hats was going to take as long as it did, but we managed,” she shared. Once they were back from break, she sent the kids off to recess so she could put each perfectly wrapped, made-to-design hat in their desks. When they returned, Lowry asked, “Raise your hand if you remember doing your hat.” Many raised their hands enthusiastically. She then read them a book called Extra Yarn, and told them to “go to their desks and sit down.” She added, “I might do a little magic in here.” As they sat obediently at their seats she shouted, “Let’s say magic magic! Drumroll!” The children begin drumming on their desks. “Open your drawers,” she instructs. The big reveal finally arrives The children excitedly do as told to uncover the gift-wrapped hats, just as they had imagined them. Delighted, some of the kids explained their design choices. “Because those are my favorite colors in the world!” one shared. They each try their hats on to showcase what great work has been done. Aunt Amy shared, “I was just thrilled that everybody was so excited. And it looked like they’re going to enjoy the efforts.” Lowry added, “They love accessories. So I can’t wait to see these hats bouncing around. I think they’ll love it and just that pride. It’s something that they made!” View this post on Instagram The internet couldn’t stop gushing On a Threads post sharing the news story, commenters are deeply impressed with this teacher’s choice to go the extra mile. One writes, “I absolutely love this story. The children’s teacher is amazing and these young little people will remember this moment forever. We need more stories like this in the world today.” This Threader points out how special the teacher is for caring for these children, writing, “You can’t teach a teacher that kind of compassion and empathy for their students, it’s priceless and starts these young students with a love for education and going to school. We should all take a lesson from this teacher!” Another states the important and obvious, saying, “You cannot put a price on a good teacher.” The YouTube comments were equally supportive. “This made me tear up. Those kiddos are so excited! What a wonderful way to show them that people care about them and want them to be happy,” one shares. One commenter was not only impressed with the teacher’s knitting skills, they adored the creative design picks. They wrote, “I LOVE that! As a crocheter of over 50 years experience, and a knitter of considerably less time, I can very easily appreciate all the effort that went into making all those hats! I do have to say, I really liked that one little girl’s unicorn hat—even though I’m now 73, I very much like unicorns!” This article originally appeared in February. It has been updated. The post 1st grade teacher asked students to color their ‘favorite’ hat. She then secretly created each one for real. appeared first on Upworthy.

Not all dogs are created equal. Some don’t get the best start in life and end up in situations where they need rescuing. That was the case for an elderly golden retriever named Duke, who had been returned to a rescue so many times that he was nearly labeled unadoptable. His “bad dog” reputation wasn’t due to aggression or destructive behavior. Instead, some might say Duke simply has sticky paws. The golden retriever is something of a canine kleptomaniac, constantly stealing objects from around the house only to put them in his dog bed. He’s not eating them, burying them, or even playing with them. Duke is a collector of sorts, a trait his previous owners couldn’t get used to. But his current owner, Cathy Hoyt, understands the pup’s strange behavior and rolls with it. A happy golden retriever relaxing indoors. Photo credit: Canva According to Hoyt, Duke’s original home involved domestic instability, and after his owners split up, he went to live with the parent who kept him, who passed away shortly after, likely leaving Duke with lasting trauma. Dogs, like humans, can be affected by trauma in ways that surface through behaviors others may find confusing. While some dogs become skittish, aggressive, or have accidents when they are nervous, others engage in resource guarding, as Duke does. Although resource guarding typically involves food, the behavior this elderly golden retriever displays is still classified as such. Not your typical resource guarding Duke doesn’t steal sandwiches or other edible items. Instead, the pooch absconds with household objects that make little logical sense for a dog to want. “Duke has very severe resource guarding,” Hoyt tells GeoBeats. “Most dogs have it with food, but Duke does not have it with food. He has it with the items he steals. Household items.” In clips shown in a video by GeoBeats, Duke can be seen trotting away with his dad’s pants before the footage cuts to him carrying something else. Hoyt explains: “He steals electronics, my Kindle, my phone, laptops. He has stolen a lamp, framed poster art, a cooler. He took a teapot. He took creamer, a sugar bowl. Just the oddest items. He just places them on his bed. He guards them. We’ve spoken to professionals about this, but because of his age, it’s very difficult to reverse.” Why his family just lets him be There isn’t much Duke’s new parents can do to reverse a behavior that has likely been with him for most of his life. Thankfully, the Hoyts understand his condition and meet him with patience. They don’t punish him for snagging things that aren’t his, nor do they try to force him to give the items up. Instead, Hoyt says they simply wait until Duke is ready to allow them to retrieve the item from his bed. “So we give him space. He will just have them around him, especially the household items. He just takes such comfort in them. It’s really remarkable,” Hoyt shares. Hoyt says that while some people have suggested Duke’s item collecting could be a sign of canine dementia, she insists his behavior is intentional. Duke isn’t confused. Hoyt believes that after leaving behind so many people and belongings throughout his life, he has developed what she calls a “hoarding personality.” By collecting items around the house, even ones that make no sense to anyone else, Duke creates a sense of safety and security for himself. “We’ll never really know, but he’s happy doing it, so we let him do it,” Hoyt exclaims. The internet has fallen for Duke too People who’ve watched the video can’t get enough of Duke’s bizarrely sweet behavior. One person gushes, “Poor Duke. Sweet boy. He’s an emotional hoarder. Poor guy. I’m so grateful he’s found acceptance and safety with you. Thank you for not allowing him to be abandoned once again!” Someone else shares, “He is seeking stability. These things represent you and he’s trying to keep you. Poor old fella. So happy you are kind. Let him have this. Very loving.” One woman points out Hoyt’s calming voice, writing, “I’ve seen a few videos of this dog. I love how mom speaks to him with such a kind, soft voice all the time even when he’s taking something she really doesn’t want him to have. Her tone of voice never communicates anger…perhaps bewilderment at times but never anger. Great mom!” Some dogs just need a soft place to land At the end of the day, Duke’s story isn’t really about stolen teapots and lamps. It’s about what happens when a dog who was given up again and again finally lands somewhere he doesn’t have to leave. His quirks aren’t a problem to fix, they’re proof that he finally feels safe enough to have opinions about his own space. The Hoyts didn’t try to change him. They just gave him room to be exactly who he is, oddities and all, and that might be the most important part of the whole story. This article originally appeared in February. It has been updated. The post Elderly rescue dog can’t stop putting random items in his bed, keeping his family entertained appeared first on Upworthy.

The CDC reports that about 15% of adults have trouble sleeping “most days or every day.” That number is on the rise, and can be seen in the rapid rise of melatonin usage, up nearly five-fold in the past 20 years or so, and other sleep aids. There are a lot of modern factors that play a role in difficulty sleeping, from high caffeine consumption to a heavy use of blue-light screens. These, along with high levels of general stress and anxiety, suppress natural melatonin production and make falling and staying asleep a challenge for many people. Albert Einstein was famous for prioritizing his rest, frequently sleeping for 10 hours a night and taking regular daytime naps. He often used a technique where he would hold a metal spoon or ball while drifting off; as he fell asleep, the object would drop and wake him up,… pic.twitter.com/QwFXsL939t— Shining Science (@ShiningScience) July 10, 2026 One YouTuber decided to take matters into her own hands and try a brand new nighttime routine in order to get better sleep. She borrowed the entire thing from the 1940s. Hannah, who runs the channel Real Vintage Dolls House, shared in a recent video that she had a “non-existent nighttime routine,” and decided to try a routine similar to what the average woman would have done in the 1940s. She explains that the 1940s, of course, were a time of great international strife and rationing for the war effort. But even still, people (women, especially) were expected to keep on top of their hygiene and personal appearance. Many women at the time, Hannah goes on to say, would actually leave the house to work traditionally male jobs during the war. A woman like Hannah may have worked at a shipyard or factory and then returned to a homemaking and child-rearing role at the end of a long day. Recreating a full 1940s evening For Hannah’s experiment, she began with a bath after working hours. Of course, due to rationing, she could only use five inches of water. From there, Hannah changes into her “night clothes”: A set of silk pajamas with matching robe and house slippers. Extremely cozy. Fascinatingly, after sitting down to brush her hair after washing, she rubs the strands together between her fingers to test for cleanliness. Women at the time would often wash with soap once every two weeks or so, then do another pass with lemon juice or vinegar to strip away the soap residue. If the hair made a squeaking sound when rubbed together, it meant you did a good job, hence the term “squeaky clean.” The vintage 1940s nighttime routine then called for a significant amount of time spent brushing the hair. One hundred brushes was a commonly recommended practice at the time. Hannah then continues following 1940s protocol and cleans her skin with a cleansing cream, plucks her eyebrows, applies Vaseline to her lips, files her nails, and sets her hair in overnight rollers. Men, for their part (if they weren’t at war), would likely be reading the paper or listening to the radio while resting after a long day. Finally, it’s time to wind down. Hannah sets a dim light in her room, bundles up under a blanket, then proceeds to knit and read a book before turning out the light for sleep. “The bedtime routine of this era was a much more thorough and communal ritual than I’m used to. Centered around rest and basic comforts… evenings were quieter, slower, and focused on family connections.” The screen problem nobody had back then Hannah says she thinks screens are a big reason people today have trouble sleeping, and the experts agree. “And that’s something that I find really interesting, and is likely a huge reason many of us struggle to go to sleep: Mobile phones and televisions. There weren’t any,” she says. “With fewer distractions, the emphasis was on comfort and quiet. People would actually settle in for a more peaceful and slower transition to sleep. Which probably meant that they got a better nights sleep. And that was a focus. Getting a good night’s rest to prepare for the busy day ahead.” Working on a laptop, scrolling on a phone, or even watching television are extremely common before-bed activities in many parts of the world now. But scientists unanimously agree that these habits are harmful to our sleeping habits. In 2022, the National Sleep Foundation noted, “Light exposure within two hours of bedtime can be disruptive to one’s sleep cycle.” That’s because exposure to blue light at night stimulates your brain into thinking it’s earlier in the day. Your brain slows or stops its release of melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep.” Of course, it’s not only the screens. Surveys show that about one third of people don’t have a consistent bedtime routine at all, and if they do, it’s far shorter than what was common in the 1940s (just 21 minutes on average). The long, thorough, completely analog routine demonstrated by Hannah does a lot more than keep your skin moisturized and your hair looking nice. It gradually unwinds you and allows tension, stress, and anxiety to slowly melt away before you attempt to sleep. Another vintage YouTuber conducted a similar experiment here: What we can actually learn from this Phones and televisions have made our lives easier and more enjoyable in many ways, and no one would ever yearn for the days of a violent World War. But the data is clear that people are sleeping worse than ever, so there may be some helpful clues we can take from the past. We may not be able to completely isolate ourselves from the fast-paced society around us, but it’s worth considering if we each can’t slow down our nighttime routines. Try less screen time, more self-care, and a gentler, slower transition from go-go-go to deep rest for better sleep. This article originally appeared in February. It has been updated. The post Woman follows ‘1940s bedtime routine’ and can’t believe how restful it is appeared first on Upworthy.