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Essays

Personal stories about parenting, health, pop culture and more.

1d ago

I was 59. She was 80. What happened when I met my mom for the 1st time

Growing up in Texas, I always knew I was adopted from Greece. I didn't know I'd find a home there.
Greek adoption story
Greek adoption story
6d ago

In defense of coffee creamer

Coffee creamer isn’t the height of culinary sophistication, but it makes my mornings.
16d ago

My mom went to war after 9/11; she came back, but it changed everything

She was one of the lucky ones; she wasn't hurt. But she came back different.
Davon Loeb and mom
Davon Loeb and mom

We broke it off for years. Then we found each other again — and it’s true love

I was sure he was my soul mate. I was just as sure that I'd ruined my chances with him forever.
Taryn Clark
Taryn Clark
28d ago

My OB told me to go to the psych ward or ride it out when I had postpartum depression

I was struggling and needed support — instead, I got a harsh response from my doctor and a few bottles of wine from well-meaning friends.
Celeste Yvonne
Celeste Yvonne
29d ago

I'll probably never be able to retire. Here's what I'm doing instead

For people like me, it’s important to get creative and reimagine what retirement might look like. 
Photo illustration of woman stressed out about not being able to retire. Incorporating elements inlude dollars floating, retired person relaxing and lonely person in office.
Photo illustration of woman stressed out about not being able to retire. Incorporating elements inlude dollars floating, retired person relaxing and lonely person in office.
34d ago

People pay me to be a bridesmaid at their wedding — yes, really

A lot has changed since I got into the professional bridesmaid business, but all these years later, it’s still a dream job for me.
35d ago

I never knew my daughter had a food allergy. Then a stranger saved her life

A stranger in the right place at the right time. And a story that I’d just heard days earlier, about a boy named Oakley, fresh in my mind. 
35d ago

I thought my boob job was no big deal. Then I wound up in emergency surgery

As I observe the younger generation’s more casual approach to cosmetic procedures, I think about my own story — and what it all means for my children.
Alexis Barad-Cutler and her kids.
Alexis Barad-Cutler and her kids.
36d ago

I hid my past with disordered eating. My toddler helped me finally face the truth

It wasn’t until having kids — and helping them through their own struggles — that I truly understood the power in being vulnerable.
Jarrett Lerner and daughter
Jarrett Lerner and daughter
37d ago

How going on 'anti-dates' saved my marriage

I’ve never been comfortable with romantic date nights. So I came up with a solution: the anti-date.