I helped Tom Cruise and other celebrities divorce, but I've been happily married for 38 years. I've learned that dates — and postnups — can be key to marital bliss.

Tech Insider
A woman is taking off her wedding room.

Jason Dean/Getty Images

My mother-in-law and I went on our first trip together. We needed it more than we realized.

Tech Insider : Travel
Image of Terri Peters and her mother-in-law smiling at the camera. Terri is on the left and is wearing a flannel and glasses, and her mother-in-law is wearing a black T-shirt with flowers on it.
The author and her mother-in-law enjoyed Dolly's Stampede dinner show while on vacation together in Branson.

Courtesy of Terri Peters

My family of 5 lives in a small apartment. It helps us be minimalist and keep a connection with our neighbors.

Tech Insider
Happy family at home with mother carrying daughter piggyback
The author (not pictured) says that living in an apartment has kept the family's possessions minimalistic.

OR Images/Getty Images

When my friend canceled our 40th birthday trip to Paris last minute, I was frustrated. But it led me to meet my French husband.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
Dufflyn Lammers walking the streets of Paris with a bag of flowers
The author met her husband on a solo trip to Paris.

Courtney Bowlden Photography

I couldn't afford to move out when my boyfriend and I broke up. We're still roommates a year later because it makes works for us.

Tech Insider
a woman sitting far away from her ex on a couch
The author, not pictured, still lives with her ex-boyfriend.

Moyo Studio/Getty Images

I dated a man 15 years older, and everyone criticized me. Some said I was a gold digger and had daddy issues, but I loved him.

Tech Insider
Man and woman enjoying morning coffee together
A couple enjoying an early-morning coffee together.

Zinkevych/Getty Images

I was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer at 36. Ten years later, I'm still learning to be confident in my body.

Tech Insider
A woman looking at herself in the mirror

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I'm a former divorce attorney. Here are 5 subtle red flags I learned to look out for in relationships.

Tech Insider
Signing decree of divorce
The author (not pictured) shares the red flags she saw in relationships as a divorce lawyer.

bymuratdeniz/Getty Images

I dated a man 20 years older than me. He helped me jump-start my career and open up emotionally.

Tech Insider
a young woman and older man on a date, drinking coffee
The author, not pictured, was in an age-gap relationship.

Simonkr/Getty Images

I went to my favorite Halloween theme park events sober. They were even scarier — and more fun.

Tech Insider
Terri Peters holding a mocktail in front of a studded coffin and wearing a white tank top.
The author enjoyed attending Halloween events while sober and found them even more scary.

Courtesy of Terri Peters

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