Thank you for sharing your experience. That’s what I thought of when I read the headline, so I was really confused by the lighthearted tone of the article.

Add Diana Wynne Jones to the list, if you’re taking suggestions!

Madeleine L’Engle was like an extra mother to me. A Wrinkle in Time was my gateway book, but then I read almost every book she wrote including her works for adults. She definitely left a lasting impact on my ethics and ideals.

Same. It really unnerved my perception of otherwise solid-seeming relationships. I realized anybody could and would cheat, even people who adored their spouses. It made me significantly more suspicious, but simultaneously compassionate.

Yeah. It’s a combo of awesome writers leaving, and long-time favorite commenters making themselves scarce that are driving me to find a replacement Internet habit. I don’t need to read more Dirt Bags (although I do). I miss the few hard-hitting articles Jez used to feature a little more often and the robust…

What do other people read on the Internet? I’ve been a Jez-addict for so long, I’m not sure what other blog could fill the space, but with my favorite writers leaving in droves over the last couple of years, it seems like I’ll need somewhere new to while away my time.

It actually made me like him a smidge.

I moved in with someone after 4 months and we’ve been together 5 years now, married for 3. However, I am practical and made sure I could afford to move out if things went south. It was my way of being optimistic and realistic at the same time.

I would do a meetup! I’ve been jealous of the CA & NY Jez meetups that have occurred over the years!

W00t! Another Arizonan Jezzie! I was starting to wonder if I was the only one!

I am in Phoenix and I’m glad a couple of Arizonans piped up. We’ve got our issues, but I am trying to be a part of the solution!

I really like your patient responses. A lot of the Jez echo-chamber is filled with “Get new friends, get a different job, move to a more tolerant place, don’t go home for the holidays if it’s so horrible”, etc. There are very few people who agree with me ideologically and I’d be a lonely, lonely person if I shunned…

Same. I love them, and I am shocked at how their personal beliefs are shaking my affection for them. I don’t want to hear shit about homeopathy, you privileged morons, but my longlasting affection is being tested!

I’m so sorry for your loss. Hugs.

My grandparents have unusual longevity, so I never thought about losing my parents in their sixties. I assumed 70s and 80s. This 69 trend just reminds me not to take anything for granted.

Hugs.

I’m so sorry. Hugs.

This 69 thing is freaking me out. I just did the math on when my parents will turn 69 and it’s sobering.

When I was super broke, it quickly became apparent to me that veggies amply supplemented with beans, legumes, eggs, & dairy (although dairy can get pretty pricey, so it would be scratched if my budget was too tight) was the cheapest way for me to eat and feel good. I never had any nutrition problems from it. Once I…

Fair. We had a tick infestation a couple of years back, so I appreciate your horror, but luckily my brain hasn’t formed that association. Dates, on the other hand, squick me out. I always examine each one carefully to make sure it isn’t a dead cockroach. I still eat dates; I just have to mind-over-matter it.