Age: 26
Relationship Status: Married
Occupation: Clinical research administrator in oncology
Income: $80,000
Astrological Sign: Virgo
What is the first thing you do when you wake up?
Roll over to squeeze my dog or husband (whoever is closer) and then check my phone to play whichever goofy mobile game I’m obsessed with at the time. Right now it’s Hay Day, but I was an Angry Birds bitch for a while.
Have you ever felt genuine fulfillment? When?
I thought about this for a while. As an adult, my brain brings up a montage of evening parties in the backyard with our closest friends, surrounded by laughter and love. As a kid, I recall the time I pitched a shut-out softball game, and my team rushed the field and lifted me up. I guess a common theme is being overwhelmed with support and genuine friendship.
What is your most repetitive, negative thought?
How much I want to quit my job. I’m good at it, but I don’t get any fulfillment out of it. And how, even if I did quit, I would have no idea what to do next. That terrifies me.
What is your most repetitive, positive thought?
That I’m lucky. I’m lucky to have a house, an adoring husband, and a stage 5 clinger of a dog. I’m lucky to have a job, food on the table, and tons of entertainment at my fingertips. I try to beat the negative thoughts away with the metaphorical stick of gratitude.
What is one thing that surprised you about adulthood?
How easy it is to reflect on your own behavior, consider other perspectives, and apologize when you need to. As a kid, the adults in my life acted like that was an impossible task.
What are three things you want to put every woman onto?
Dental routine - floss, tongue scraper, brush, mouthwash. I’m so self-conscious about my dental hygiene and this combo works wonders.
Crafting! Coloring, working with clay, painting - having a creative outlet honestly keeps me sane. And it doesn’t have to be fancy - you can use air dry clay from Walmart or an old dried-up watercolor kit from your closet.
Brewed tea, over ice, topped with sparkling water, in a fun glass with a cool straw. So tasty, hits the carbonation craving, and super customizable.
Rank the following from most to least important:
money, food, sex, love, and laughter (feel free to explain or don’t).
Love, laughter, money, food, sex
How has your relationship with your parents/ guardians changed in adulthood?
I’m still pretty close with my parents, but more and more as I get older, I see them and my grandparents as flawed people. I used to worry sick about what they would think of me if I made a choice they didn’t like. I hit a turning point recently when my grandma said something so nasty it stopped me in my tracks, and everyone around agreed with her, and I realized that I don’t have to adhere to the moral compass of someone who thinks like that. It’s been very freeing, but a little sad.
When do you feel most like yourself?
When I’m out with friends and we’re all the same level of tipsy and just can’t stop laughing.
What is the best compliment someone has ever given you?
Someone told me once that I’m very perceptive. Not, like, with my eyes - I would step right onto a snake in my path and not notice it - but about people. It meant a lot for someone to notice how much effort I put into really knowing someone.
How do you feel about falling in love?
People should do it more! Take risks, love even when it hurts. I’ve never regretted something I did that was truly out of love (not obsession!). Don’t just fall in love with people - fall in love with the world, the sky, the trees in your backyard, the smell of spring when the weather starts warming up and
What is one thing you’re sick of hearing?
“Yeah, that symptom is normal, don’t worry about it.”
How often do you feel alone?
Sometimes. My husband started working out of town several days a week, and it’s been a harder adjustment than I expected. I didn’t realize how much we talk every day until he’s gone, and I realize I’ve been talking to myself.
What is one thing you hope everyone experiences in their lifetime?
Being loved by someone who knows every part of you and embraces it all, who encourages you and gives you strength when you need it.
What is one thing you hope no one has to experience in their lifetime?
Miscarriage.
What is the best decision you’ve ever made?
Choosing my college based on one silly conversation with a student on my first tour there. Changed the rest of my life, for the better.
When do you feel most at ease?
When my husband is scratching my back. It grounds me in the moment and makes me feel incredibly calm.
What does having a successful life mean to you?
Being able to relax without feeling like you’re missing out or feeling guilty about relaxing. If I can have a couch day without feeling like I’m a total fraud, I’ll have made it in life.
How often do you think about your body?
God, constantly. I gained about 20 pounds in 1.5 months without major changes in my diet or lifestyle and am too nervous to bring it up to my doctor out of fear they’ll dismiss my concerns like all the others. I can’t shake the feeling that something’s wrong with me.
When do you ask for help?
Rarely. I’m still learning that it’s not an admission of defeat.
What is something you feel strongly about?
Don’t take advice from people who are trying to sell you shit! Especially on social media. “You have cortisol face, go to the link in my bio to buy this powder that will fix-” NO! GET OUTTA HERE!
Comments