When the world disappoints us, giving up can feel strategic. Research on “lying flat” suggests it often deepens dissatisfaction. Meaning, not withdrawal, may be the better defense.

Defense mechanisms are a part of our everyday life. Even if you're not a Freudian by philosophy or training, you've got to admit that there's something to be said for the idea that everyone engages in ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. In your quest for happiness, you might be unknowingly sabotaging yourself. Defense mechanisms, those automatic psychological ...