The Know Daily - Monday 19 May 2025

_{Read in 4m 34s ∙ Listening to Paramore ∙}

Meet Zen. This border collie isn’t just a rescue dog – he’s training the next generation of avalanche heroes in the Italian Alps. His nose is sharper than any tech, and he’s somehow both adorable and life-saving. Good boy doesn’t even begin to cover it 🐶

🧘‍♀️ The ‘Let Them’ Theory: the viral mindset trick 

What it means, where it came from – and why it’s suddenly everywhere.

Who came up with the ‘Let Them’ theory?
The theory was popularised by US motivational speaker and author Mel Robbins, who first shared it in a TikTok clip that now has over 20 million views. She describes it as a mindset shift that changed her life – and one that can work instantly. The phrase? “If they want to leave you out, let them. If they don’t want to invite you, let them. If they don’t text back… let them.” Her point is this: trying to control other people’s behaviour is exhausting and, more often than not, pointless. So why not focus on what you can control?

What does it actually mean?
The ‘Let Them’ theory is about detachment. It’s a kind of emotional decluttering, encouraging you to let go of things that don’t serve you. If a friend consistently cancels plans? Let them. If someone ghosts you after 3 dates? Let them. It’s not about pretending you don’t care – it’s about choosing not to internalise other people’s decisions as a reflection of your worth. It’s also a nod to boundaries. As Robbins puts it: “The moment you stop chasing people and start aligning with what you actually deserve, things start to shift.”

Why has it gone viral now?
It’s no coincidence that the ‘Let Them’ theory is having a moment in a culture that’s tired of over-explaining, of performing, of people-pleasing. Especially for women, who are often encouraged to keep the peace and read between the lines, the theory is resonating as a kind of modern-day mantra. Searches for “Let Them theory” on TikTok are up more than 1,300% in the last few weeks, and creators are applying it to everything from dating (e.g. “If he doesn’t want to commit? Let him.”) to friendships, to career moves (e.g. “Your boss won’t acknowledge your hard work? Let them. And maybe update your LinkedIn.”)

Does it actually work?
That depends. Fans say it’s freeing – a shortcut to more peace, less drama, and fewer 3am spiral texts. Critics, however, point out that it’s not a fix-all. Some argue that the mantra can be oversimplified and end up having a gimmicky effect. Still, if you’re the type to overthink (we feel you), the ‘Let Them’ theory might just be the simplest mental reset around. As Robbins says: “You’ll be shocked how fast things change when you stop trying to change other people.”

💰 Money Monday: Subscribing to more TV than you actually watch? You’re not alone – the average UK household spends £25+ a month on streaming, often without realising what’s really being used.

• If you're trying to cut back, it’s worth doing a quick audit: are you still watching Disney+ or could it be swapped for something better suited to your current vibe (hi, White Lotus)? This handy comparison tool breaks down what each platform offers, from best for film buffs to family picks. Cancelling even one could save you a cheeky £100+ a year – enough to cover your Netflix and still grab popcorn!

🕺 Austria’s achievement: Austria clinched its third Eurovision victory as JJ's operatic-club anthem "Wasted Love" captivated audiences over the weekend.

⛪️ Papal inauguration: Pope Leo XIV held his first mass at the Vatican yesterday in front of 200k people, vowing to resist the "temptation to be an autocrat” with total power.

🍓 Sweetness surge: A warm, dry spring has led to an early glut of exceptionally sweet and large British strawberries, delighting growers and consumers alike. Time to dig out the world’s best pavlova recipe (in my opinion)!

🏘️ Renewables paradise: A model village in Hampshire has become a miniature kingdom for green energy.

🎬 Tributes’ treats: Ralph Fiennes has been cast as President Snow in the upcoming Hunger Games prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping. Check out the rest of the cast here (this is taking me right back to 2012 and I am so here for it!).

🔗 Last week’s most clicked: Europe’s most overtouristed island, the Celebrity Traitors lineup and a little boy’s birthday tribute to Sir David Attenborough.

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Trivia answer: A) Denmark came top in a study that evaluated the number of museums and UNESCO world heritage sites across all EU countries.

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