I thought I wanted my life to be like 'Gilmore Girls'— until I started rewatching the series with my daughters

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gilmore girls fall
I loved "Gilmore Girls" as a teen, but the show hasn't aged well.

The WB

We thought Massachusetts was the perfect place to build a life. Boston let us down, but we found peace elsewhere in the state.

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Boats on pond in Boston in front of green, orange, and red trees
Autumn on Boston's Jamaica Pond

DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images

I graduated from college and moved back home to New York City. I struggled to find my place, and it didn't feel like home anymore.

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Zoe Woolrich wearing a yankee hat at a baseball game in new york
The author struggled when she moved back to her hometown of New York City.

Courtesy of Zoe Woolrich

I inherited my parents' small business even though I didn't want it. I vowed not to do the same thing to my son.

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A father and son work together in a workshop with wood.

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I'm a Yale student who just spent a semester abroad in the UK. I now know I want to eventually move overseas for grad school.

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Miles Kirkpatrick looking at his rings in camden london
The author is a Yale student who studied abroad in London.

Courtesy of Miles Kirkpatrick

I worried my husband and I wouldn't last once we became empty-nesters — but we've since discovered how to keep our 24-year marriage strong

Tech Insider : Travel
Felicia Slattery and her husband dining on a cruise ship and smiling
My husband and I try to go on two cruises together a year.

Felicia Slattery

I live on a boat with my husband, and weather conditions often threaten our lives. Trusting each other keeps us safe.

Tech Insider : Travel
Wendy Hawkes and her husband hugging in front of their boat
The author, right, lives on a boat with her husband.

Courtesy of Wendy Hawkes

I got married at 25 and took a personal loan of $15,000 to pay for the wedding. I don't regret it.

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Groom putting ring on bride's finger. Rings exchange. Happy couple celebrating wedding outdoors.
After realizing how much weddings cost, the author and her partner decided to take a loan to pay for theirs.

Kenji Lau/Getty Images

I've been to 86 countries and learned to travel on a budget. I book tours once I'm in the country and embrace public transportation.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
Jennifer Sizeland standing on top of a mountain overlooking water.
Jennifer Sizeland books tours once she's in a country to save money.

Courtesy of Jennifer Sizeland

I struggled to make friends at work, and it was even harder to keep them once I left the job. A simple tip from a therapist helped.

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three coworkers chatting outside with coffee cups in hand
The author, not pictured, struggled to make friends at work.

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