Mental models for…

10 mental models for better relationships

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Most friction with other people comes from a few predictable misjudgements. These models help you assume better and connect more honestly.

  1. The fundamental attribution error: it's the person, you assume — but it's often the situation

  2. Never assume malice when a simple mistake explains it

  3. The spotlight effect: nobody's watching you as closely as you think

  4. We feel obliged to give back — the rule of reciprocity

  5. The curse of knowledge: once you know it, you can't imagine not knowing

  6. Dunbar's number: you can only really know about 150 people

  7. People rise (or fall) to what's expected of them

  8. Vulnerability is courage, not weakness

  9. The space between stimulus and response is your freedom

  10. Negativity bias: bad is stronger than good

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