I'm Gretchen Rubin and this is a little happier where each week I take a few minutes to reflect

on an experience, share an anecdote, or highlight some interesting new research.

This week I've been reflecting on the fact that dangers don't

always feel dangerous. Activities that are ordinary and familiar don't seem dangerous. Things like texting while

walking, drinking sugary soda, not managing high blood pressure. I was astonished to read that a kitchen sponge

carries more germs than a toilet seat. The CIA standing operating procedure held

that operatives shouldn't wear seat belts in a hostile environment

in case it was necessary for them to bail out of the car during an ambush.

Then, statisticians realized that more operatives were being killed by car accidents than by terrorist attacks.

As I go through my days and make my decisions, I remind myself that dangers don't always feel dangerous.

Something that I've done a thousand times and do every day, like crossing the street, is far more risky than something that feels

more dangerous, such as flying in an airplane.

When an activity feels ordinary, it doesn't feel dangerous, and that familiarity can mislead us.

I'm Gretchen Rubin and this is a little happier.