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

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

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My wife and I knew from our first date that we didn't want kids. We've been together for 17 years and lost friends because of our choice.

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Headshot Matthew Walters
Walters and his wife have been together for 17 years

Courtesy of Matthew Walters

I cheated on my girlfriend. It's the worst thing I've ever done, but I had to lose her to find myself.

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a couple upset in bed
The author, not pictured, cheated on his girlfriend.

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I'm a Hindu and my wife is Christian, so we have different beliefs and traditions. Somehow, our marriage still works.

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Kaajal Nanda and her wife on their wedding day
The augthor, left, is a Hindu, and her wife is a Christian.

Courtesy of Kaajal Nanda

I live on a boat with my husband, and weather conditions often threaten our lives. Trusting each other keeps us safe.

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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.

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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.

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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 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 partner was in a 10-day medically induced coma after a botched wisdom tooth removal. It was just weeks before our wedding.

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side by side of Phoebe Dodds and husband in hospital bed and them at their wedding
The author's partner was in a coma before their wedding day.

Courtesy of Julia Noelle

I met my husband in a gym class. 14 years later, our love of fitness has made us better parents and a stronger couple.

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Sarah Haselwood and her husband next to exercise machines
The author, left, and her husband connect over fitness.

Courtesy of Sarah Haselwood

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