Gameplay Tips that makes the game more fun/realistic/unpredictable?

If something weird/random/unexpected happens, I've learned to supress my inner control freak (mostly!) and roll with it. For example, in my legacy challenge that I've been playing since day one, my latest heir - a really cute little kid - decided autonomously to dry some laundry... I bet you can guess where this going... Yes, up in flames. With much gritting of teeth I managed to stop myself quitting without saving and play the storyline out despite feelings of guilt :#