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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My ex-husband's wife is as much of a mother to my son as I am. She's one of my closest friends.

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Beautiful family of four having great time together indoors.
Two friends enjoy each others company with their children

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My grandma is practicing 'Swedish death cleaning,' or getting rid of things before you die. It inspired me to declutter, too.

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older woman's hands holding old photos, younger woman's hand holding hers, on top of table, with cup of tea
The author (not pictured) was inspired by her grandmother to declutter her own home.

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Working in corporate America burned me out, so I became an elementary school teacher

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jesse gormley headshot
For 16 years the author worked in the corporate world before he decided to become an elementary school teacher.

Courtesy of the author

My husband and I waited to get married so that we could focus on finances and our careers. Waiting made us stronger.

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Camilla Richardson hugging her husband, who is older
The author, left, waited until her 30s to get married.

Courtesy of Leah Hope Photography

I'm a professional declutterer and think everyone should get rid of things before they move. Here's how to do it.

Tech Insider
A tired woman resting on plastic wrapped bed at a house
A woman takes a break from the burden of packing

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We got a minivan when I was pregnant with our second kid, and I'm weirdly obsessed with it. I don't care that my friends say it's dorky.

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Family unpacking groceries from minivan on a sunny day.
The author (not pictured) loves her minivan.

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I ghosted my best friend of 15 years when we grew apart. I don't regret it.

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two women sitting side by side and sipping coffee
The author, not pictured, struggled to connect with her best friend.

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I'm 36 and never dating again because I can't afford a partner or a family. I prefer my drama-free, single life.

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a man sitting on the couch reading alone
The author, not pictured, wants to remain single.

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My husband and I just took our first kid-free vacation. It helped me realize how much he's changed since becoming a father.

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Katrina Donham and her husband smiling and looking at the camera while walking on the High Line in New York City.
Katrina Donham and her husband visited the High Line on a trip to New York City without the kids.

Courtesy of Katrina Donham

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