The Most Tortured Relationship in America
Monogamy is one of the last bipartisan ideals—even if people struggle to live up to it.
Family
In Praise of ‘Difficult’ Kids
Feisty children can be exhausting. They also possess a moral fire that deserves cultivating.
The Endless Goodbye
More than a decade before my dad died, I lost him to dementia.
Everyone Thinks They Need a NeeDoh
But no one can find one.
The Case for Public Child Care
Parents deserve the option.
How We Learned to Be Lonely
In the early days of the pandemic, many of us got used to solitude. It’s a habit we need to break.
How Children Conjure a Snow Day
Spoons under pillows, ice cubes in the toilet, and other rituals to call forth snow
The Quiet Profundity of Everyday Awe
That feeling—of being in the presence of something vast—is good for us. And, counterintuitively, it can often be found in completely unremarkable circumstances.
What It’s Like to Retire in Your Early 20s
Some former college athletes face the existential crisis of a career ending at a young age.
What Squirrels Taught Me About Life After Divorce
Only 25 percent of gray squirrels survive their first year. Success rates for second marriages are almost equally dire.
Partying Feels Different Now
Parties have always been about hope. After forgoing them for so long during the pandemic, that’s clearer than ever.
The Surprisingly Profound Power of Thank-You Notes
Looking back on the year, I make a mental list of everyone who supported me—and remember that no achievement is the result of my efforts alone.
The TV Shows That Helped My Dying Son Communicate
After my son got a brain tumor, his treatment left him unable to speak. Children’s shows that used the language program Makaton became a source of joy for our family.
How to Make the Most of Bad Gifts
Presents are generally terrible, but they can still bring you joy.