# Little Happier: The Paradox at the Heart of the Open-Door Stage

An episode of [Happier with Gretchen Rubin](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/969519520), 26 Oct 2026, 3:01.

Audio: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/claritaspod.com/measure/pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/491/traffic.megaphone.fm/LEME2003089505.mp3

I've come to see a great paradox at the heart of the "Open Door" stage: I want my daughters to know they're essential to my happiness, and also that my happiness doesn't depend on them. Connect with Us: • Email: podcast@gretchenrubin.com • Website: gretchenrubin.com • Instagram: @gretchenrubin | @lizcraft • Take Gretchen's free Four Tendencies quiz Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify—it helps other listeners find the show! Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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