I'm 30, and my best friend is 75. She's shaped how I approach relationships.

Tech Insider
Gill and Hannah, center, on a double date with their partners Howard and Brendan, standing outside a restaurant.
The author, second from right, has gone on double dates with her partner and her best friend Gill.

Courtesy of Hannah Wilkinson

I was paralyzed from the chest down by a school shooter at 15. I chose to forgive him.

Tech Insider
Missy Jenkins Smith photo
Missy Jenkins Smith was shot when she was 15 at a school shooting and was left paralyzed from the chest down.

Courtesy of Missy Jenkins Smith

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.

Tech Insider
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

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

Tech Insider
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.

Getty Images

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

Tech Insider
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

Westend61/Getty Images

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

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

Milorad Kravic/Getty Images

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

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

Morsa Images/Getty Images

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