Personal Essays and True Stories

How My Parents Helped Me When I Was Being Bullied

There are things parents can do to help their children who are being bullied—even if they feel powerless.

Apr 28 • Cartoons Hate Her

Why Most Personal Essays Suck

Lena Dunham's "Famesick" is an instant bestseller. Most memoirs are...not.

Apr 21 • Cartoons Hate Her

So Apparently My Son's School Auction is NOT About Me

A few years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to volunteer for a preschool auction to get attention. I mean, "be part of the community."

Apr 17 • Cartoons Hate Her

OCD Means Winning the "Fell For It Again Award" All the Time

Yes, I know this fear didn't come true the last 50 times. This time is different.

Apr 7 • Cartoons Hate Her

Yes, I'm A Performative Parent

I want everyone watching me to know I'm not a bad mom, and yes, they ARE watching me.

Mar 19 • Cartoons Hate Her

Is My Husband Crazier than I Am?

My husband and I both have OCD. He's convinced his OCD is "better" than mine. Our guest post for Valentine's Day

Feb 13 • Cartoons Hate Her and Mr. Cartoons Hate Her

When I Was 13, My Boyfriend Was Obsessed With My Mom

I got my first real boyfriend, but I noticed something was wrong--he was more interested in my mom.

Feb 10 • Cartoons Hate Her

I Was The Office Sub

I really put the "sub" in "subordinate." Turns out you can be too obedient in the workplace.

Jan 26 • Cartoons Hate Her

When I Went to a Bogus Conference to Look Important

My boss told me I needed to "seem" like a hard worker. So I signed up for a totally bullshit conference.

Jan 6 • Cartoons Hate Her

I Threw The Worst Networking Event of All Time

I'm bad at jobs, and bad at getting people to attend my parties--what could go wrong?

Dec 12, 2025 • Cartoons Hate Her

When I Worked in Big Tech and Everyone Fucking Hated Me

My wake up call to stop being such an unlikable person

Dec 10, 2025 • Cartoons Hate Her

Quitting My Job Turned Me Into a Girlboss

One year ago, I ended a 13-year career in tech to be a "slow life" SAHM and writer. I've since become a workaholic.

Oct 20, 2025 • Cartoons Hate Her

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