Drinkers Outlive Non-Drinkers

Bad news for the non-drinkers out there: Drinking may actually be good for you. Well, sort of. A new study suggests that drinkers, even heavy drinkers, tend to outlive those who abstain. "Moderate" drinkers, defined here as those who drink one to three glasses a day, were found to live longest. The study followed 1,824 people between the ages of 55 and 65 for 20 years: In that time, 69% of those who never drank died, compared to 60% of heavy drinkers and 41% of moderate drinkers.
The findings are still a bit of a mystery. The benefits of a bit of booze are well known: improved heart health, circulation, and sociability. What's less clear, however, is why heavy drinkers (who are prone to cirrhosis and cancer) would outlive abstemious types.

Go raise a glass and screw those who don't want to enjoy life.

6 Signs You're Too Nice and What To Do About It

Growing up, girls are encouraged to "be nice." But new research suggests that being too nice can actually be detrimental to your personal and professional life (fewer promotions and raises). According to Craig English, co-author of "Anxious To Please: 7 Revolutionary Practices For The Chronically Nice," you might be a chronically nice person if...

1. You are always longing for something (or someone)

2. You feel worried or fretful so often it seems normal

3. You can't keep romance sizzling, and often can't even get romance started

4. You often don't know what you want (As in: "I don't care where we go to dinner...")

5. You apologize frequently, or for things you are not responsible for ("Bonus points if you apologize for apologizing," says English).

6. Your emotional state mirrors your partner's (if your partner isn't happy, you aren't happy).

Here are some things "too nice" people can do to move past their "too nice" image:

Learn what they want. Don't immediately think, "Oh, but X wants me to do..." or "They won't like me if I don't..." or "What will others think if I do/don't..."

Articulate what they want. They need to do this clearly and in language that is about them and not the other person. For example, "I wish I could help you out with that but I can't..." or simply "I really can't right now..." You're being kind to the other person as well as yourself by being forthright about it instead of "Well, let me think about it... not sure... umm..." Just say it. It's OK to do what's best for you.

Be OK with disappointing people. You need to be able to tolerate when/if the other person does have a negative reaction to your asserting yourself