Humorous and observational stories about dating, work, aging, society, everyday life, and the strange things human beings do.
There are certain things we’re taught to expect from relationships. Couples eat dinner together. They watch television together. They go places together. They argue about where to eat even though they both know they’re eventually going to the same three restaurants. And, of course, couples sleep together. Or so we’ve been told. Then you reach … More The Dating Chronicles: Not Every Couple Sleeps Together
There was a time when hearing the phone ring was exciting. You’d race across the house wondering who it might be. Maybe it was a friend. Maybe a family member. Maybe someone with good news. Back then, if the phone rang, there was a pretty good chance someone actually wanted to talk to you. Fast … More The Chronicles of the Unknown Caller
One of the strangest things about getting older is realizing that the world you grew up understanding quietly changed while you were busy living your life. You wake up one day and realize the rules you learned no longer apply. Dating is one of those areas. When I was younger, finding someone was pretty simple. … More The Dating Chronicles: Good Luck Out There
I recently discovered that I have apparently been communicating incorrectly for most of my life. I learned this, naturally, from Facebook. For years, I have been walking around saying dangerous things like: “Nice to meet you.” “What do you do?” “I’m fine, thank you.” I had no idea the damage I was causing. According to … More The Speech Chronicles: Apparently, “Nice to Meet You” Is Ruining Your Life
Every year, millions of people participate in a strange ritual. We adjust the clocks. For some, it is a welcome change. More sunlight in the evening means more time outside, more activities after work, and more opportunity to enjoy the day. For others, it is frustrating. The changing clock disrupts sleep, creates confusion, and moves … More Time to Stop Changing Time
I have recently discovered that there is an entire world operating between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. I had heard rumors. I assumed it was mostly retired people, toddlers, and the occasional man waiting for his tires to be rotated. I was wrong. Technically, I am not unemployed. I am temporarily off … More The Chronicles of the Unemployed Man: Things I Never Knew Happened Between 9 and 5
One of the interesting things about the World Cup being here is that it gives people a chance to discover something the news rarely does a good job of showing. Most people are not their governments. Most people are not their headlines. Most people are not the loudest voices on television, social media, or in … More The World Cup Chronicles: When the World Shows Up in Person
Every year, the first signs of spring are the same. The birds begin singing. The flowers start blooming. The grass turns green. And somewhere, as if by magic, millions of orange barrels emerge from hibernation. I don’t know where they spend the winter. I assume there’s a giant warehouse somewhere in America where they’re stacked … More The Orange Barrel Chronicles
There is an old saying that goes, “Common sense is a flower that does not grow in every garden.” I used to think it was just a clever expression. The older I get, the more I wonder if it should be engraved on the entrance to every parking lot, grocery store, and government building. Whatever … More The Common Sense Chronicles: The Flower That Doesn’t Grow in Every Garden
Every year around this time, Christmas in July begins, and before long the familiar movie titles start appearing. A successful businesswoman returns to her hometown. A woman reconnects with her high school sweetheart. A fiancée discovers she has feelings for someone else. A career-driven executive finds true love in a small town decorated with enough … More The Other Christmas Movie