Rules that seem ridiculous to you may make perfect sense to the person that made them. And if people don’t follow the rules set out—in a relationship, at work or during a global pandemic—well, frustration is understandable. Whether you’re tightly laced or laissez-faire, the path to harmony is understanding what rules and rule-breaking are really about, and why. Cross-cultural psychologist Michele Gelfand’s book Rule Makers, Rule Breakers covers just that, describing “tightness” and “looseness” as an approach to rules and This story is from Kinfolk Issue Thirty-Nine Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 42 Audience Participation The new rules for watching movies. Arts & Culture Issue 51 Emily Gernild The Danish painter breathing new life into an old medium. Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables. Arts & Culture Design Issue 51 How to Make a Chair And do it on a tiny budget. Arts & Culture Issue 51 Odd Jobs The comedian with strong opinions about your home décor. Arts & Culture Issue 51 Tall Order The hidden depths of height.
Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables.
