We had an unconventional engagement and wedding. I proposed to him, my engagement ring came after the wedding, and we walked each other down the aisle.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Maria Polansky and her husband outside on a beach with a blue sky in the background.
The author and her husband had a nontraditional engagement and wedding.

Courtesy of Maria Polansky

My husband was unemployed for 7 months. I had to step up to be his support system when his morale slipped.

Tech Insider : Business, Economy
a wife supporting and holding her upset husband
The author (not pictured) had to support her husband when he was unemployed.

VioletaStoimenova/Getty Images

I always ran back to the same ex, calling her my backup plan. She's now engaged to someone else, and I learned how toxic I am.

Tech Insider : Business
a man comforting his distraught girlfriend
The author (not pictured) kept running back to his ex.

Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty Images

Moving from the US to Morocco taught me a different way of living. I sundry my clothes and consume less.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
woman posing in Morocco
The author moved from the US to Morocco five years ago.

Courtesy of the author

My partner and I have traveled all over the world by housesitting. We avoid paying rent and it's changed our lives.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author and her partner sitting on a couch with two frenchies, smiling at the camera.
The author and her partner house- and pet-sitting.

Courtesy of Hannah Wilkinson

I hiked the Appalachian Trail with my family of 4. We ran out of water on the second day and faced a dire situation.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Victoria Marie Lees and her children hiking with backpacks and blankets
The author (far right) and her two children while on a hiking trip.

Courtesy of Victoria Marie Lees

I was 7 years sober when I met my husband. I still needed to set boundaries with him when his drinking triggered me.

Tech Insider : Business
Camilla Richardson and her husband embracing
The author (left) had to be open about her sobriety with her husband.

Courtesy of Leah Hope Photography

I'm a public school teacher with a 3-hour commute. I thought I'd hate it, but it's my favorite part of my day.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
headshot
The author loves her long commute because she gets time for herself.

Courtesy of the author

After giving birth, I felt detached from my body. I decided to cut my hair and start hormone replace therapy.

Tech Insider : Business
a person holding a sleeping baby
The author, not pictured, began their gender journey after giving birth.

Jose Luis Raota/Getty Images

I moved from Toronto to NYC and have no plans to return to Canada. I prefer life in the US.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Economy
Jeremy Berke sitting down wearing a black t-shirt and smiling for the camera
Jeremy Berke moved from Canada to the US and prefers life in the States.

Courtesy of Jeremy Berke

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