Six Habits of Highly Empathic People.

Are We Living in the Age of Empathy?: If you think you’re hearing the word “empathy” everywhere, you’re right. It’s now on the lips of scientists and business leaders, education experts and political activists. But there is a vital question that few people ask: How can I expand my own empathic potential? Empathy is not just a way to extend the boundaries of your moral universe. According to new research, it’s a habit we can cultivate to improve the quality of our own lives. But what is empathy? It’s the ability to step into the shoes of another person, aiming to understand their feelings and perspectives and to use that understanding to guide our actions.

Melania Trump’s red Christmas trees compared to characters from The Handmaid’s Tale.

First Lady Melania Trump’s newly-unveiled red Christmas trees have been likened to characters in dystopian drama The Handmaid’s Tale. Mrs Trump shared photos and videos of the 2018 White House decorations Monday morning, with a row of bright-red trees lining one corridor soon compared to enslaved women in the hit Hulu adaptation.

HSE launches new crisis pregnancy website to give women information on abortions.

THE HEALTH SERVICE Executive has launched a new website to provide information to women who are considering terminating their pregnancies.

What is the psychological impact of Christmas?

In the 1930s, US President Calvin Coolidge made the following observation on the annual yuletide festivities: “Christmas is not a time nor a season,” he said, “but a state of mind.”For sure, Christmas affects the human mind in many ways, capable of stimulating joy, nostalgia, excitement, trepidation, and stress occasionally all at the same time.

Teen Greta Thunberg tells climate negotiators they aren't mature enough.

Greta Thunberg, a 15-year-old student from Sweden, captured the attention of the world recently when she shamed climate change negotiators at a United Nations climate summit in Poland."You are not mature enough to tell it like is," she said at the COP24 summit, which ended late Saturday night after two weeks of tense negotiations.

What it Really Means to Hold Space for Someone.

How to be there for the people who need you most: When my Mom was dying, my siblings and I gathered to be with her in her final days. None of us knew anything about supporting someone in her transition out of this life into the next, but we were pretty sure we wanted to keep her at home, so we did.

Primary school bans 'floss dance' due to its association with 'violent' video game Fortnite.

What got banned at your primary school when you were a kid? For us, it was Pogs and Pokemon cards. Those are both understandable, as one game involved throwing a really hard plastic disc and, let's be honest, no one wants to see a kid get beaten up for their shiny Venusaur.

Blind, Sand-Burrowing Creature Named After Donald Trump.

A newly discovered worm-like amphibian that buries its head in the sand is to be officially named Dermophis donaldtrumpi, in a nod to US President Donald Trump's climate change denials. This name was chosen by Aidan Bell, the head of sustainable building company EnviroBuild.

Dying neighbour leaves 14 years of Christmas gifts for two-year-old girl.

A daredevil pensioner has stunned his neighbours by leaving their daughter 14 years of Christmas presents before he died. Owen Williams, from Barry in South Wales, was overwhelmed when the daughter of his late neighbour turned up on his doorstep with a sack of 14 presents, all bought by her father for Mr Williams' little girl.

In pictures: Wildlife Photographer of the Year launches online people’s vote.

They are some of the most amazing wildlife photos taken this past year and you can vote for your favourite. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year has launched its Lumix People’s Choice Award, and there is an array of stunning pictures to choose from.