Turn that Meanie into a Softie

All you really need is a soft chair. According to six studies done by psychologists at Harvard and Yale, changing how a person feels physically can also change how they feel emotionally.

This is not a sleeping bear. It is, in fact, a bean bag chair! (and that rhymed! :)

Big Sleeping Grizzly Bear Bean Bag by chicsindesigndotcom

In one study, subjects were asked to hold either light or heavy clipboards while reacting to different scenarios. Those who held the heavy clipboards rated job candidate resumes as being more serious, and allocated more money to serious social issues, although their decisions were not effected on less important issues (such as regulation of public bathrooms).

Nido Lounge, a two-person lounger by hellodarshan

In another study, those who played with rough, sandpaper-like puzzle pieces rated neutral social interactions as being difficult or harsh, compared to those who played with smooth puzzle pieces. Also, those who touched a hard block instead of a soft blanket rated an employee in a boss-employee interaction as more unyielding.

2tone Muscle Cube by siamcollection

Lastly, participants were asked to sit in either a hard chair or a soft chair while negotiating the price of a new car. Each participant was given a chance to place two bids. Those who sat in the hard chair changed their bid prices by a much smaller amount than those in the soft chair. I guess they were less willing to negotiate a larger range?

Cast Iron Bathtub Couch by ruffhouseart

I think what we can all take away from this study is, let someone sit in a nice comfy chair first before we break any bad news :) Read the original article at LiveScience.com.

ottoman style sofa by namedesignstudio

Will sitting in this chair make me more ladylike?

Antique French Linen Settee by FullBloomCottage