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Essays

Personal stories about parenting, health, pop culture and more.

Back to life

‘Betty La Fea’ helped me find confidence as a young girl. What will she do now?

The groundbreaking telenovela that had such a big impact on me is returning to the screen, and I for one can’t wait. 
Erika Glass as a child / Ana Maria Orozco as Betty Pinzon in "Betty La Fea."
Erika Glass as a child / Ana Maria Orozco as Betty Pinzon in "Betty La Fea."

Dear Shannen Doherty: I’m sorry I bought the ‘I Hate Brenda’ newsletter in high school

As a social outcast myself, it felt good to pick on someone else — even if that someone was a celebrity I’d never met.
Shannen Doherty
Shannen Doherty

Savannah Sellers: I decided I want kids. Then I found out I have PCOS

It didn’t mean I couldn’t get pregnant, but the surprise diagnosis did help me decide to pursue fertility treatments.
Savannah Sellers.
Savannah Sellers.

My wife is the default parent. When I asked her to do less, it didn’t go very well

How I learned to be a more supportive husband in the ways she needs — not the ways I think she needs.
Jeff Raderstrong with his family
Jeff Raderstrong with his family

Shannen Doherty and Luke Perry had a bond that helped define the '90s. Now they're both gone

As Brenda and Dylan, the "Beverly Hills, 90210" stars were part of one of TV's biggest couples, speaking to a generation of viewers.
"Beverly Hills, 90210" stars Luke Perry and Shannen Doherty.
"Beverly Hills, 90210" stars Luke Perry and Shannen Doherty.

I’m a happy mom but I’m obsessed with stories about not having children

Our lives look nothing alike, but I love these women — and it’s not about envy.
Happy Mother Sara Heise Graybeal, loves child-free stories.
Happy Mother Sara Heise Graybeal, loves child-free stories.

Why I refuse to play with my kids

In a personal essay, the mom behind a viral Instagram account opens up about her controversial take on imaginary play.
Caitlin Murray.
Caitlin Murray.

I hid my cancer treatment from my kids. It was the only way I could get through it

I knew my ordeal would be a million times harder if I had to carry their fears and worries alongside my own.
Gila Pfeffer
Gila Pfeffer

My son wanted to go to Disneyland. We did this instead and it was just as magical

A real trip to Disneyland was out of reach for us, so I had to get creative.
Maggie and Everest Downs
Maggie and Everest Downs

I took my kids on the vacation I hated as a girl. Now I get my parents more than ever

Why couldn’t we just go to Disney and sleep in real beds like everyone else?
A mother and her child
A mother and her child

I told him he was too short for me. Then we fell in love

Eight years after losing Jim, I still think of him every time I see the Blue Angels in the sky.
Essay: Too short
Essay: Too short