Why learning about manipulation matters — When I was younger and hitting the dating scene hard, I had no clue about gaslighting. However, I had experiences where I would see something happening in a relationship, and my boyfriend (or a guy I was seeing) would tell me that I was crazy and it wasn’t happening. …

How being an older student can set you up for success. — How many of us are proud of how we did in school or proud of our majors? It seems there are so many adults working outside the scope of their studies. Perhaps you know someone who has made big changes in their career towards the end of their twenties or…

Why hating confrontation causes more problems — I hate confrontation. One of the things I dread most is having an awkward discussion about something I have done, or someone has done to me. The anxiety and dread are overwhelming. I’m not the type to clap back in general, and I rarely address something right when it happens. …

Tips for taking advantage of these resources and improving your skills at the same time — “Writing is hard work. A clear sentence is no accident… Remember this in moments of despair. If you find that writing is hard, it’s because it is hard.”― William Zinsser, On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction I remember how relieved I was when I first read Zinsser. …

Easy tips for building profiles that help you connect with your audience — Ten years. That’s how long I spent fantasizing about being a writer, but not doing much about it. I had the vision part—wearing tweed jackets and fake glasses in cafes — but I couldn’t get the writing part to work. The problem was I wanted to write but every time…

An open letter pleading for you to respect your space! — Beloved homeowners, tenants, and furry friends: Thank you for meeting me! Please get comfortable — it’s just going to be us today. Listen, I have something I need to discuss with you, and I ask that you hear me out before you say anything. …

Plus a few tips that can make disconnecting with booze a little easier — A familiar feeling sloshed in my belly and bubbled up my throat. I blasted through the bathroom door and rushed towards the portal in the room's corner. Kneeling before the porcelain god, I surrendered and began the ritual dance of lifting the lid and praying for relief. …

Why these kick-ass podcasts matter and help you stay informed — Next time you see someone with headphones on, try to guess what they’re listening to. If they’re smirking or chuckling, they might be listening to a podcast. At least that’s been my experience. I can’t tell you the times that I busted out laughing or yelled, “Wait, what?!” while out…

5 ways walking every day is easier than you think — Meandering, strolling, traipsing, walking — these are the dreamy and lazy cousins of the cooler choices in the health and wellness family. We often pick them last in favor of biking, lifting weights, running, and yoga. Yet the dismissal doesn’t stop there. We also ignore walking in favor of desk…