You're currently following this author! Want to unfollow? Unsubscribe via the link in your email. Follow Tess Martinelli Every time Tess publishes a story, you’ll get an alert straight to your inbox!

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Shari Williams, a 41-year-old social media strategist based in Chicago. It's been edited for length and clarity. In 2017, my four-month contract ...

After leaving to expand my job search, I moved back to California to be with my partner. Our relationship lasted three years, and I learned so much about love and what I want in a partner. Though I ...