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6Obtaining a PhD is a rollercoaster, and navigating the highs and lows would have been impossible without the support I was experiencing. Although I may not have the space to mention everyone by name, I wholeheartedly thank you for being by my side. In particular, I want to thank the following people:Mariska Kret, you helped me to see the bigger picture and provided me with endless opportunities for development. Your trust and encouragement have been invaluable for my growth. Milica Nikoli%u0107, working with you was an immense pleasure and I could not have wished for a better daily supervisor. Much of my scientific output, as well as my personal well-being, are attributable to your support. My paranymphs Fabiola Diana and Tom Roth: Fabi, we were aligned from the very beginning, and I cannot imagine my time in the Netherlands without you. It is rare to find such a close companion in science and real life. Tom, our discussions, ranging from statistical approaches to life philosophy, have always been a great inspiration. Independent of the type of support, I know I can rely on you. Thanks also to Chris Riddell and Carina Forster, additional paranymphs in my heart. Chris, both organizing and attending conferences, we had the best time together. Your refreshing approach to the PhD and knowledge facilitated my journey a lot. Carina, becoming friends at first sight as summer school students in Greece, we never lost track of each other. Though geographically distant, you have always been close, especially in times of important life decisions.My gratitude also goes to all CoPAN lab members, students, and the Cognitive Psychology unit at Leiden University. Yena Kim, for joining my explorations and taking care of me. Your positive approach to life and your amazing cooking skills always lifted me up. My first office mates Eliska Prochazkova, Evy van Berlo and Friederike Scholten, for helping me to ease into the PhD with lots of knowledge and the occasional gossip. My project collaborators Anouschka van Dijk, Evania Fasya and Ruya Akdag, for finding solutions together in an enjoyable working environment. Selin Topel, Iliana Samara and Tonko Zijlstra, for sharing PhD struggles and offering support whenever needed. Thanks also to the SOLO Research support, specifically Elio Sjak-Shie, a partner in technical and not-sotechnical crimes, Evert Dekker, for always having an open ear and solution, and Iris Spruit, for support in the face of software issues.