Thoughtful, specific articles about everyday anxious moments at work, in conversations and in the face of uncertainty. Each entry names the moment, describes how it shows up, and says plainly what the research does and doesn’t show.
How a one-word message turns into a verdict, what the research on tone and ambiguity shows, and how to give the gap a fairer reading.
Why a short text reply can set off anxious guesses, what research on tone, ambiguity and reassurance seeking shows, and how to read the gap more fairly.
Field marks (from the article’s fictional example)
Thinks
“Just ‘sure’? No question back, nothing. He’s annoyed.”
Feels
A sinking feeling, a flicker of shame, then irritation.
Does
Drafts “No worries if you’re busy!” and considers cancelling.
Why a typo or a missed detail can feel like proof you’re failing, what research says about how others actually judge mistakes, and how to size one fairly.
Why a small mistake at work can feel like a verdict on you, what research on perfectionism, checking and self-compassion shows, and how to size it fairly.
Field marks (from the article’s fictional example)
Thinks
“He corrected me in front of everyone. I always do this.”
Feels
Heat in her face, a hollow stomach, a buzzing restlessness.
Does
Checks the corrected report four times before resending it and apologises twice.
Anatomy of an entry
What you’ll find on every page
aA short answer first. The whole finding in a few sentences, before anything else.
bA fictional example. Clearly labelled, with what the person thinks, feels and does.
cWhat the research says, including where the link is moderate or the cause is still open.
dA reflection exercise to try, and when to look for more support.
eNumbered sources, with the date they were last checked.
Related situations
They travel together
Each entry points to the others. The evening after a work mistake is often when the replay begins, and a short reply from a manager after an error can feel like both at once.
