Looking for compelling reading material this weekend? The Guardian has curated six of its most engaging features from the past week, covering everything from how names shape our identities to the powerful friendships forged on football terraces.
Identity and Human Connection
Research reveals that your name can significantly influence your life path, affecting everything from romantic relationships to academic performance. Journalist Emma Russell explores this fascinating phenomenon, speaking to individuals with unusual names like 'Peach' alongside therapists and economists to understand the real-world impact.
In a profoundly moving Long Read, documentary maker Pamela Gordon shares the tragic story of Craig, a teenager she met while he was homeless after fleeing the care system in the late 1990s. Gordon's account reveals how discovering what Craig was running from helped explain the heartbreaking trajectory his life ultimately took.
Modern Dangers and Healthcare Concerns
With romance fraud becoming increasingly prevalent across the UK, Anna Moore's feature provides a crucial examination of the seven manipulative stages scammers use, from love bombing to gaslighting. Moore challenges the narrative that blames victims, emphasising that anyone human can be targeted by these sophisticated schemes.
The surge of artificial intelligence in American healthcare systems raises significant concerns, warns Eric Reinhart. Rather than correcting human error, AI risks amplifying it by training clinicians to rely less on critical thinking and patient listening. This technological shift often serves to gloss over fundamental problems within the healthcare system itself.
Community and Wellbeing Traditions
Football stadiums have become unexpected venues for forming deep, lasting friendships. Writer George Harrison introduces a photo essay by Sam Wollaston featuring six sets of fans whose bonds, initially formed through shared support of a club, extended far beyond the turnstiles. Their stories demonstrate how shared passion creates connections that transcend the game's outcome.
Looking beyond British pubs for health inspiration, Sarah Phillips explores longstanding European traditions that promote wellbeing. From daily swims in Iceland to power naps in Spain and five meals a day in France, these cultural habits offer valuable alternatives for a happier, healthier lifestyle that Britons might consider adopting.
