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Coping with the Loss of a Newly Known Father
9 days ago•Source: The Cut
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12.22 min•12 days ago
Mother's Move to Retirement Community Unveils Hidden Secret
A woman reflects on her mother's move into a retirement community amid her own grief and the realization of her mother's declining mental health, highlighting the complex emotions and changing dynamics in aging and caregiving.
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The Rise of the People Pleaser
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A Daughter's Reflection on Her Dad's Cancer Diagnosis
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A Daughter's Reflection on Her Dad's Cancer Diagnosis
The author reflects on her father's diagnosis with colon cancer, his stoic response of 'Why not me?', and how his perspective taught her to accept life's unpredictability, cherish each moment, and live boldly, inspiring her to prioritize health and pursue her dreams despite life's challenges.
Hazing Night Reveals Dark Secret, Alters Brotherhood Forever
A gay college student recounts a transformative night of hazing and vulnerability in his fraternity, where he shared a traumatic secret, found acceptance, and challenged societal homophobia, ultimately discovering a supportive brotherhood that changed his life.
Mother's 15-Year Battle with Mutual Psychosis on the Mountain
The author recounts her mother's 15-year life living off-grid with her husband Mark in a remote mountain cabin, exploring themes of resilience, dependency, and mental health, culminating in her mother's diagnosis of folie à deux and her subsequent health decline, highlighting the complex dynamics of their relationship and the impact of isolation and caregiving.
Rethinking Forgiveness After a Friend's Affair
The author explores her initial black-and-white view of cheating as unforgivable, but her perspective shifts after witnessing and researching stories of infidelity rooted in abuse, survival, and complex emotional needs, leading to a more nuanced understanding that infidelity can sometimes be a response to extreme circumstances rather than moral failing.
Long-Married Gay Dad Shares Unforgettable Last Moments
The author shares the complex and loving story of her father, a gay man who married her mother, kept his sexuality secret for decades, and maintained a deep love for his family despite societal pressures and personal struggles, ultimately emphasizing that love can take many forms and is worth understanding and respecting.
Molly Jong-Fast Reflects on Motherhood, Memory, and Unconventional Bonds
Molly Jong-Fast recounts a tumultuous week marked by her dog’s seizure, her mother’s declining mental state, her stepfather’s Parkinson’s, and her husband's alarming health diagnosis, exploring themes of human frailty, mortality, and familial bonds.
Ending Family Ties Over Immigration Disputes
The author recounts the breakdown of their relationship with their conservative in-laws over immigration issues, highlighting a pivotal moment when they received an anti-immigration book as a gift. Despite attempts to reconcile, the in-laws' lack of understanding and apology for their actions led to a permanent rift. The author reflects on the broader societal divide over immigration and the challenge of maintaining relationships when fundamental human rights are at stake.
"One Cringeworthy Conversation Ended Our Friendship"
The author recounts how a cringeworthy conversation with her white friend Kim, who marveled at attending a Black wedding, changed their relationship forever. This incident highlights the challenges and nuances of interracial friendships, where Black individuals often navigate white spaces and cultural misunderstandings. The author contrasts this with her more balanced and respectful relationships with other white friends and her white boyfriend, emphasizing the importance of mutual cultural appreciation and effort in maintaining true interracial friendships.
"Self-Discovery Through Korean Cuisine"
A traveler reflects on their Korean heritage and identity as they visit Korea for the first time in years, realizing that their connection to the country had always been through their parents. They grapple with self-doubt and the question of whether they can still hold their own outside of their family's influence.
"Conservative Californian's 3-Month Move to Arizona"
Jayne Ashton, a conservative born and raised in California, moved to Arizona to escape the state's liberal politics but only lasted three months before returning home. She missed the diverse landscape, vegetarian options, and her church in California. After briefly living in Riverside County, she settled in Tehachapi, a conservative stronghold in Southern California, where she plans to stay, appreciating the state's beauty and stable weather.