Garik Khachatryan

I'm Garik Khachatryan, an editorial writer with a BA in Journalism and Mass Media and over five years of experience as a writer covering news across the Americas and Europe. I've been writing for Bright Side since 2022, creating articles on trends, human relationships, travel, culture, and the emotional experiences that connect us for millions of readers around the world.

I did a high school semester in New York City, spent a year living in Spain, and can speak conversational Spanish. These days, between articles, I'm perfecting what I consider my most underrated hobby: watching Harry Potter.

I write about the things that fascinate me most: the kindness behind human relationships and the world you discover when you actually leave home. A multiple international essay award winner, I bring the same curiosity I once used in newsrooms to everything I publish here.

Backed by a journalism degree and half a decade of editorial experience, I cover the emotional and the experiential: why we connect the way we do, and what the world looks like when you're willing to explore it.

You can email me at garik.khachatryan@id.thesoul.io, follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram @garikked

10 Real Acts of Forgiveness Proving Loneliness Always Loses When Wisdom Takes Over in 2026

10 Real Acts of Forgiveness Proving Loneliness Always Loses When Wisdom Takes Over in 2026
People
06/22/2026

Forgiveness is one of the most misunderstood forms of self-care and generosity in 2026. Research found that letting go of hurt measurably boosts mental health and wellbeing, eases stress, improves sleep, and lowers blood pressure and heart rate. A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology by researchers confirmed that people with higher forgiveness levels showed significantly greater self-esteem, optimism and happiness, and measurably lower anger. In 2026, forgiveness is not weakness but nothing less than wisdom. And these 10 real moments are proof that it is still the shortest path from loneliness to happiness.

10 Acts of Kindness Teaching Us Compassion and Wisdom Still Lead to Happiness and Self-Care in 2026

10 Acts of Kindness Teaching Us Compassion and Wisdom Still Lead to Happiness and Self-Care in 2026
People
06/22/2026

Kindness is one of the most powerful tools for mental health and self-care available to every person in 2026, and the science has never been more clear about it. Research from Harvard University and the Mayo Clinic, cited by mental health specialist Noel McDermott in Psychreg, directly links compassion and generosity to reduced stress and measurably improved wellbeing for both the giver and the receiver. Acts of kindness activate brain chemicals that enhance positivity and optimism, strengthening community bonds and supporting psychological health in ways that no wellness app can replicate. These 10 real moments are proof that compassion and wisdom are still the most reliable path to happiness and self-care in 2026.

10 Moments Teaching Us Compassion and Kindness Still Bring Happiness and Self-Care to Every Heart in 2026

10 Moments Teaching Us Compassion and Kindness Still Bring Happiness and Self-Care to Every Heart in 2026
People
06/22/2026

In 2026, kindness still shows up in the most unexpected places. Not in grand gestures of self-care or viral moments, but in a neighbor who notices, a stranger who stays, a colleague who speaks up and a parent who shows up long after anyone expected them to. A large-scale research of more than 12,000 people across 12 countries by Gallup and Workhuman found that people who receive recognition and gratitude from those around them are up to 4 times more likely to feel that someone genuinely cares about their wellbeing and mental health, and up to 2 times more likely to be thriving in their overall life. Yet most people are still waiting for someone to simply check on them.These 12 real moments are proof that compassion and generosity still show up for the person nobody checked on, almost always from the direction nobody expected.

10 Fresh Pedicure Trends Nail Techs Are Mastering Nonstop This June 2026

10 Fresh Pedicure Trends Nail Techs Are Mastering Nonstop This June 2026
Girls stuff
06/20/2026

Nail salons in June 2026 are fully booked, and the color requests coming through the door right now tell a very specific story. Clients want gel pedicure finishes that last through a holiday, pedicure color and nail polish that look just as good at the pool as they do at dinner, and nail art that feels personal rather than predictable. June 2026 is leading in a more creative, fashion-forward approach to toe color, with clients choosing pedicure shades that feel “intentionally chosen rather than impulsive.” From blueberry milk nails and metallic pedicures to mocha mousse and gold tip French pedicures, these are the 10 summer pedicure trends nail techs are mastering nonstop right now.

10 Pedicure Trends and Ideas Nail Experts Are Calling the Biggest Looks of Summer 2026

10 Pedicure Trends and Ideas Nail Experts Are Calling the Biggest Looks of Summer 2026
Girls stuff
06/19/2026

Walk into any nail salon this June and the summer 2026 pedicure trends taking over the booking calendar are impossible to miss. From chrome pedicure finishes to bold nail polish shades that flatter every skin tone, nail experts agree: summer 2026 is serving up some of the most wearable, eye-catching looks in years. These are the 10 pedicure trends and ideas nail experts are calling the biggest looks of the season — and the ones worth booking in with your nail technician.

12 Acts of Kindness Teaching Us Compassion Is Still the Quietest Path to Happiness and Self-Care in 2026

12 Acts of Kindness Teaching Us Compassion Is Still the Quietest Path to Happiness and Self-Care in 2026
People
06/19/2026

In 2026, self-care has become one of the most searched topics on the internet. But the research keeps pointing to the same quiet truth. Research published in Scientific Reports analyzed data from more than 40 studies and found that people who show compassion, empathy and generosity to others report greater overall life satisfaction, experience more joy and find more meaning in life, with their psychological well-being and mental health measurably higher across every demographic studied. These 12 real moments are proof that the most effective form of self-care and human connection in 2026 is still the simplest one.

10 Acts of Kindness That Teach Us Compassion Is Still the Quiet Force Behind Happiness in 2026

10 Acts of Kindness That Teach Us Compassion Is Still the Quiet Force Behind Happiness in 2026
People
06/17/2026

In 2026, the world moves fast and most people have learned to look away. But some haven’t. Research published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that just 1 act of kindness per day measurably reduces loneliness and improves personal happiness, with the effect growing stronger the longer the habit is maintained. These 10 real moments are proof that compassion is still the most powerful force the world has, and that the people carrying it are everywhere.

10 Hairstyle Trends That Teach Us Hair Oil Is Still Making Grey Hair Look Healthier and Shinier in June 2026

10 Hairstyle Trends That Teach Us Hair Oil Is Still Making Grey Hair Look Healthier and Shinier in June 2026
Girls stuff
06/15/2026

In June 2026, grey hair is not something women are hiding. It’s in the fashion and beauty world. It’s something they are styling, hair oiling, and wearing as an act of self-care and confidence more than ever before. Gareth Williams, Global Colour Ambassador at Moroccanoil, confirmed to HJI that “movement and shine are key factors for hair color success in 2026,” adding that “oil mists will be hot, hot, hot” and that the defining principle of the season is “quiet luxury.” From silver glass hair and greige balayage to braided grey crowns and sculpted silver chignons, these are the 10 grey hairstyle trends that hair oil is making healthier, shinier, and more beautiful this June 2026.

10 Acts of Kindness That Teach Us Compassion Is Always Closer to Happiness Than We Think in 2026

10 Acts of Kindness That Teach Us Compassion Is Always Closer to Happiness Than We Think in 2026
People
06/15/2026

The world is kinder than you think. That is not an opinion, it is research. Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup, wrote in the World Happiness Report that “happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth, it’s about trust, connection and knowing people have your back,” and that we consistently and measurably underestimate how kind our communities actually are. In 2026, that gap between what we expect from people and what they actually do is where some of the most jaw-dropping human moments live. These 10 real stories are proof that compassion is not rare. It is everywhere. We just have to stop long enough to notice it.

10 Fresh Pedicure Trends Nail Techs Are Rushing to Learn This Summer 2026

10 Fresh Pedicure Trends Nail Techs Are Rushing to Learn This Summer 2026
Girls stuff
06/14/2026

India’s nail salon culture is having its biggest moment yet in summer 2026, with clients from Mumbai to Delhi requesting chrome pedicures, pearl nail art and gel nail designs that survive the heat, the humidity and sandal season in equal measure. Nail artist Olha Shtanhei told Marie Claire that “the modern client wants nail designs that reflect their image, mood, lifestyle, confidence, and self-expression.” From French pedicures and velvet nail art to floral nail designs and tomato red nail polish, these are the 10 pedicure trends nail technicians are rushing to learn this summer 2026.

10 Moments That Prove Human Instinct Still Catches What Your Eyes and Brain Always Miss in 2026

10 Moments That Prove Human Instinct Still Catches What Your Eyes and Brain Always Miss in 2026
Curiosities
06/12/2026

Your brain is constantly building a map of everything around you and most of it happens without you knowing. Research published by ScienceDaily confirmed that each region of the human brain has a unique “connectivity fingerprint” that determines how we think, remember and perceive the world. Your eyes see it. Your brain files it as normal. And then something makes you stop and look again. That you may say is luck, but no. That is instinct. In 2026, those same instincts are what turn a quick glance into a genuine double take. These 10 real moments are proof that your human instinct still catches what your eyes almost miss.

10 Fresh Trends That Teach Us Self-Care and Hair Oil Still Give You the Most Beautiful Summer Hair in 2026

10 Fresh Trends That Teach Us Self-Care and Hair Oil Still Give You the Most Beautiful Summer Hair in 2026
Girls stuff
06/11/2026

In June 2026, hair oil is the foundation of the most beautiful summer hair looks of the season, from glossy glass hair and beachy waves to nourished curls and sleek wet look hair. Celebrity hairstylist Kim said that “2026 is expressive, textural,” adding that the biggest shift this summer is “more personality, more texture and more confidence in letting hair feel lived-in.” The science backs it up too: research published in the journal Cosmetics confirmed that coconut oil successfully diffuses into the cortical region of the hair fiber, making it one of the most deeply penetrating natural hair oils available, while jojoba oil mimics the scalp’s natural sebum to condition and hydrate from the surface. Whether your hair care routine is built around argan oil, coconut oil or the latest hair serum launch, these 10 hair oil trends prove that self-care and shine are still the most powerful beauty combination of the summer.