I got married at 18 to my boyfriend of 6 months to help pay for college. It was the worst decision I ever made.

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ronni benson with her arms in the air, smiling, in an open field
The author married in college to save money; now she's happily divorced.

Courtesy of Ronni Benson

I dated a younger guy until I learned he had another girlfriend. I became good friends with the other woman.

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Nadine robinson smiling in a selfie on the beach
The author befriended her ex-boyfriend's other woman.

Courtesy of Nadine Robinson

My partner and I divorced after 19 years together. It wasn't the end of the world.

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a person sitting on the floor surrounded by moving boxes
The author, not pictured, is starting over after their divorce.

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My 17-year-old daughter has dated a few boys in high school. I know the relationship is getting serious when I see her wearing their hoodie.

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Teenager wearing boyfriend's hoodie
The author says that she knows when her daughter is dating someone because she wears the boyfriend's hoodie.

Courtesy of the author

My husband and I have been together for 13 years. Neither of us wears a wedding ring.

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Selfie couple in public transportation
The author and her husband have never worn wedding rings.

Courtesy of the author

I had my mom and sisters wear their wedding dresses for my 40th birthday. People stopped to take photos of us.

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Women wearing wedding dresses for dinner
Hailey Myers with her sisters and mom on her way to her 40th birthday dinner.

Courtesy of Hailey Myers

My partner gifted me a dog that became like a child to us. When we broke up, custody of the dog got complicated.

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Rashi Goel holding her dog in her arms
The author's boyfriend gifted her a dog.

Courtesy of Rashi Goel

Summer as a divorced parent goes too fast. I much prefer the school year when I see my kids more.

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Playful siblings having fun during summer day at the pool
The author shares how summer goes too quickly as a divorced parent

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When I quit my job, the CFO came to my house and kissed me. We've now been married for over 25 years.

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Pauline Milner and her husband have been married for 25 years
The author, left, met her husband, right, when they were coworkers.

Courtesy of Pauline Milner

I've been with my boyfriend for 12 years. We own a home, are planning to adopt a child, but don't want to marry.

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Couple not married posing with art
The author (left) and her partner have been together for 12 years and have no plans on getting married.

Courtesy of the author

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