While many people tend to put off altruism for various reasons, we often forget that an act of kindness can have a ripple effect on the community around us. Even less well-known is the power that selfless acts have to positively affect not only the recipients of those good deeds, but our own health and wellbeing. It might  seem counterintuitive, since altruism is about giving to others without getting or expecting anything in return (think,...

Have you ever been at the grocery store or standing in line somewhere and someone else backs into you? Chances are, you find yourself saying “I’m sorry” even though you didn’t do anything. I used to be the person who would apologize if someone stomped on my foot while walking past, or knocked into me and spilled my drink. I’m still that person sometimes. It might seem like manners, but apologizing for our very existence...

Growing up in Europe as a Greek Orthodox Christian, we never really thought about who was a member of what religion. It didn’t matter anyway. But frequent visits to a country like Lebanon always ensured I felt the difference with my Muslim friends. The small Mediterranean nation officially recognizes 18 religious denominations, including four Muslim and 12 Christian sects, among others. Most Lebanese would be able to guess which branch of which religion you belonged...