I don't want to label my sexuality, so I've decided not to come out to my friends or family

Tech Insider
a group of friends lounging on a bed, laughing
The author, not pictured, doesn't feel the need to come out.

Frazao Studio Latino/Getty Images

I took my 6-year-old to Los Angeles. I was surprised by how kid-friendly the city is.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
Mixed race girl holding skateboard at beach
The author was surprised at how kid-friendly the city was.

Peathegee Inc/Blend Images

Growing up with a lazy eye was difficult. It still makes me self-conscious sometimes, even as an adult.

Tech Insider
Composite image of the author as a child on the left wearing brightly colored overalls and on the right smiling and wearing a navy blue t-shirt.
The author has had a lazy eye her whole life.

Courtesy of Nicole Johnson

We paid $50 to enter Universal Studios an hour early. It's the only way to have a good time at Super Nintendo World.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
Entrance to Super Nintendo World
The author paid extra to enter Universal early to be able to enjoy the Super Nintendo World

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

I moved with my kids to a hotel room. It's cheaper than renting an apartment and has many amenities.

Tech Insider
Mom and kids at hotel lobby
The author moved with her two kids to a hotel room.

Courtesy of the author

The night my ex-husband and I got divorced, we went out to dinner to celebrate. I will always love him.

Tech Insider
aerial shot of a couple holding hands on a dinner table
The writer says she will always be friends with her ex-husband.

Tom Werner/Getty Images

I was drowning in $370,000 of student loan debt with my salary as a teacher. Then, it was all forgiven.

Tech Insider : Economy
a hand holding up a sign that reads
The author was drowning in student loan debt.

Bill Clark/Getty Images

I married at City Hall, and my son had a traditional wedding. I stumbled through helping him prepare, but it was beautiful.

Tech Insider
Rose Greene and her son on his wedding day.
Rose Greene had a very laid-back wedding and her son's wedding was much more planned.

Photo Credit: Jay Zhang Photography

Our kids are 2 years apart but in back-to-back grades. Here's why we chose to retain one and not the other.

Tech Insider
Composite image of the author's oldest son, Copper, practicing writing numbers at school on the left, and her youngest son, Colt, graduating from pre-k earlier this year.
The author retained her older son, Copper, left, for an extra year, and her younger son, Colt, is starting kindergarten this year.

Courtesy of Bethaney Phillips

My husband and I are trying to adjust to being empty nesters. These 3 simple tricks help us feel less lost.

Tech Insider
man and woman looking sad at breakfast table
The writer, not pictured, and her husband struggled with their empty nest.

Vladimir Vladimirov/Getty Images

Subscribe to Essay