The (Emotional) Cost of Living With an Ex
Breaking up is tough, but breaking a lease is tougher.
Til Colonoscopy Do Us Part
When my husband asked me to marry him, on his knees in the Rubin Museum, I said “Yes, on one condition. Get a colonoscopy. Like, before our wedding.”
I Want to Spend 2019 Sending Handwritten Cards to My Loved Ones
A rare moment of kid-like excitement washes over me when I find a brightly colored envelope in the mail.
Buying Safe Passage at the Rendezvous Café
A hospital is a strange land, but if you respect their customs, perhaps your husband will make it out — of course he will come out alive.
The Cost of a Traditional Wedding: The Engagement Phase
On July 10th, my boyfriend proposed to me while we were on vacation in Ireland.
Financing My Boyfriend’s Dream With My Own
I tried so hard to hide the resentment and worry I felt whenever a joint expense came up. But he knew.
The Argument for Pooling Money in a Relationship
At Longreads, Vanessa Golenia describes what happened when she started dating someone who made significantly less money than she did, and what happened when they decided to combine both their lives and their incomes.
Three Stories on Whose Income Is Going Up and Whose Is Going Down
Plus a bonus story about keeping finances separate after marriage!
Throwback Thursday: What I’ve Spent Since I Got My Keys Back From My Ex-Boyfriend
I didn’t realize that getting the keys to my apartment back from the guy who told me he was moving to Germany, then broke up with me, would be more painful than, well, that.
The Cost of a New Relationship
I’ve definitely spent more money in the last few months than when I was single. Being in a new relationship has a way of pushing me to want to experience everything I can with my partner.
Would You Let Your Father’s Girlfriend Pay Off Your Student Loans?
I’m not sure I agree with Cheryl Strayed and Steve Almond’s advice.
My Girlfriend and I Don’t Share Clothes — or Health and Beauty Products
The other morning, while showering, I glanced around the tub and couldn’t find face wash.
On Love and Cohabitation
Today’s must-read essay comes from Carolita Johnson at Longreads, in which she “tallies the costs and benefits of love and cohabitation as a woman artist living in a patriarchy.”
Half My Food Budget Goes to Dining Out
My husband Ben and I eat out at least three times a week.
The Cost of a New Life: Part One
Rebuilding my life — and building furniture — after a divorce.
Planning for Retirement When There’s an Age Gap in Your Relationship
My husband is 17 years older than I am. When should we plan to retire?
A Two-Bedroom Apartment of One’s Own
I just moved to the first apartment where I am the master tenant.
The Cost of Moving On: How I Justified My $100 Gym Membership
It was the nicest adult daycare I could possibly check myself into.
The Cost of a New Last Name
When my husband and I got married, we decided to create a new last name together.
Why I’m in Philadelphia Instead of Seattle
I grew up in Seattle and always planned to spend my adulthood there.
When You Don’t Know What’s Coming, Plan Anyway
As the year rounds out, I’m realizing the lengths I go to just so I can avoid being caught out unawares.
Holiday Costs When Your Partner Lives in the Arctic
This is the most expensive holiday of my life.
Why Separate Bank Accounts Have Been a Relationship Game-Changer
First, let me say my husband and I are obviously slow learners. We tried to have a joint checking account for 20 years.