Finding Joy

Finding Joy

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Finding Joy
Finding Joy
Insight & Action: The Push and Pull of Porcupines

Insight & Action: The Push and Pull of Porcupines

Is your behavior making or breaking connection?

Joy Lere, Psy.D.'s avatar
Joy Lere, Psy.D.
May 14, 2022
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Finding Joy
Finding Joy
Insight & Action: The Push and Pull of Porcupines
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Humans are like Shaupenhauer’s porcupines. These creatures crave closeness and need to huddle together to keep warm in the winter, but soon spread apart to prevent the pain of being poked by each others' quills. Humans engage in a similar push and pull as they manage the tension between connection and autonomy. If I get too close, will I be disappointed? Might I be discovered?

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