I took myself to the movies alone. I ended up falling in love.

Tech Insider : Business
A movie theater
 

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I moved from Los Angeles to Paris to live with my boyfriend at 46. The transition was harder than I imagined, but it was worth it.

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Dufflyn Lammers standing under a tree in paris
The author moved from Los Angeles to Paris.

Courtesy of Courtney Bowlden Photography

I sent a letter to a deployed soldier to thank him for his service. We are now celebrating our 29th wedding anniversary.

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soldier reading letter among war
The author (not pictured) sent a letter with cookies to a soldier she had never met before.

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When my husband wanted to retire early, I agreed to do the same. But I hated retirement life, so I went back to work.

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A couple arguing at home
The author (not pictured) struggled with early retirement.

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My fiancé and I feel no connection to our last names. We're debating whether to create a new one when we marry.

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S. Nicole Lane leaning on her finace in a restaurant
The author and her fiancé are considering creating a new last name when they get married.

Samuel Gernand/The Gernands Photography

When I asked my coworker out on a date, he rejected me. I'm still glad I put myself out there.

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a woman and man chatting in an office while holding cups
The author (not pictured) asked her coworker on a date.

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My husband handles all the outside chores, and I handle the inside ones. This compromise is the key to happiness in our marriage.

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a view from inside a washing machine as a couple load it up with their laundry
The author (not pictured) and her husband split their house chores evenly.

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My ex dumped me by sending a voice note. It was painful and confusing.

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a woman listening to a message on her phone
The author (not pictured) received a voice note from her ex.

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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.

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

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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

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