I got married at 22, to my hometown high school sweetheart. This is my collection of musings, covering it all.
Married at 22: ‘Adulting’ Together
I’m like many others: when I heard the word “adult” used as a verb, I scoffed, and probably rolled my eyes a little.
But, it didn’t and hasn’t gone away. Adulting, as Millennials have coined, is here to stay. This is what language is all about—it’s a reflective evolution that isn’t worth getting mad over; “literally” doesn’t mean what it used to, and we all just have to deal with it. So, instead of stewing in the silliness of it all, I’ve adopted adulting as a viable term. My husband and I use it pretty frequently, usually paired with long sighs, venting sessions, and moments of existential dread…Read more
Time to Remember
#ThrowBack to my sweetheart.
Today we are celebrating 7 years together, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Chad, I love you, and I always will…Read more
Marred at 22: Listicle Advice for Wedded Bliss
As a writer and former journalist, I think that list-articles—infamously known as ‘listicles’— are in no way, shape, or form a correct method of journalism. They are pretty much trash, that don’t require much thought or skill to compose and removes any need for critical thinking.
Personally, though, I quite enjoy reading listicles. Sometimes to unwind I read through Buzzfeed’s endless list of them, taking note of advice columns, amazing Tweets, Amazon recommendations, and product suggestions for acne-prone skin. I’m only human.
So, here’s a treat on me…Read more
Married at 22: A Year Down
Attention everyone: a year ago, today, was the best day of my life.
There was vodka, burgundy, and dancing. Family, donuts, and fall colors. The air was brisk, my dress was off-white, the mountains familiar. More than one pair of eyes glistened, while laughter and sincerity radiated throughout the evening, keeping us warm.
If I had to make a list of things I’ll never forget, it would begin and end with beautiful moments…Read more
Married at 22: Hot Take
Life as we know it is filled with hot takes. Solicited or not, there they are. We see them as we scroll through Twitter, they are discussed in length on talk shows, we hear them through the group chat, and sometimes we are told, face-to-face, how our choices rank.
As an independent person, I don’t tend to ask for advice or help; when people reach across my barrier of reluctance, I see it as a sign of compassion. I’m open to opinions. Usually.
There are some cases, though, where I’d rather throw away those unsolicited two cents, and trade them for something I can actually use…Read more
Married at 22: the best things about me are NOT you
My husband Chad and I are coming up on seven years together, and one year married.
Throughout this time, we’ve gone through a lot—hurdles, successes, and nearly every milestone that comes up in a young relationship’s highs and lows. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve grown a lot. This growth has come independently and as a couple, and likely won’t stop anytime soon.
I hope to explore “married musings,” to sort through these experiences, and whatever lessons pop up along the way…Read more
Married at 22: (non) Identity Crisis
It can be easy to let labels run our lives.
A few years ago, I opened a door that I haven’t quite been able to wedge shut. It was Christmas vacation: I’d watched a film with my parents and nestled onto the couch with a hefty glass of wine. I don’t remember why inspiration struck, but I remember tweeting, very innocently, “thank goodness for #feminism.”
The darkest depths of the Twitterverse opened…Read more
