In Hard Times, Pride Can Keep You Afloat

Swallowing your pride might not be so healthy—especially in times like these, psychologists say. While the emotion historically hasn’t meant much to psychologists, new studies are showing that pride can help us function and improve how others perceive us, the New York Times reports. “It’s the strongest status signal we know of among the emotions,” said a researcher.

That means it may be helpful to maintain a working routine even if you have no work, experts say. “I have a new client, a laid-off lawyer, who’s commuting in every day—to his Starbucks,” where he meets colleagues and networks, notes one. “I have encouraged him to keep his routine.” Studies also found that prouder subjects were more dominant, likable, and motivated in tasks before them.
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