Melanie Allen, Author at Partners in Fire

man angrily typing on his computer keyboard

Revealing the 21 Most Hated Hobbies that Will Make Everyone Dislike You

Hobbies make us unique. They’re the things that keep us going when everything else sucks, the pastimes that fill our free time, and the activities … Read more

Man ignoring a woman who is waving at him in public.

Men Actually Hate These Silly Dating Games Women Think They Have to Play

Does anyone really enjoy dating? Sure, the intoxicating rush of meeting someone new seems exciting, but between all the games, expert advice, and first date … Read more

A woman browsing through the racks at a clothing store.

Big Brands that Paid Dearly for Abandoning Their Core Principles

Some companies can’t help but self-implode. As they eye ever-increasing profits, they abandon the things customers love, becoming ugly shells of their previous glory no … Read more

A tourist with a pile of money and his bag ready to go has a shocked look on his face.

Travelers Share the Smallest Differences that Caused Massive Culture Shock

We travel to experience different cultures and expect certain things to differ. But we often forget to think about the minor differences. Small Differences That … Read more

A wealthy man dressed well sitting in a chair. He looks snobby.

Rich Folks Say the Darndest Things: Outrageous Things the Wealthy Say Proving They’re Clueless

Have you ever heard a wealthy person say something outrageously out of touch with ordinary folks? Their thoughts and ideas sometimes make us plebians wonder … Read more

A business man sadly sits next to his box of belongings pondering his life after being fired.

Why So Many Refuse to Acknowledge the Plight of Average Americans

People are screaming it from the rooftops. With rampant inflation, wage stagnation, outrageous healthcare costs, and minimal worker protections, the average American worker is struggling. … Read more

A woman in a mall looks at her receipt with eyes wide, shocked at how much she spent.

Buyers Remorse: People Share the Worst Things They’ve Ever Bought

We all get caught up in marketers’ hype. We see the ads and get sold on the idea that if we only had this one … Read more

Idyllic image of an American cowboy on horseback to represent rugged individualism.

America’s Obsession with Rugged Individualism Harmful to Society

Rugged Individualism is an American ideal. Extolled by generations as the most virtuous path, our rugged individualism suggests freedom and opportunity. But is it true, … Read more

A couple sits on the couch, bills in hand, fighting about money.

Society Tells Us Choosing Money over Love is Wrong – Here’s Why It’s Not

Which is more important, money or love? It seems like a trick question, meant to rage people into thinking about gold-diggers or hobosexuals. But if … Read more