Melanie Allen, Author at Partners in Fire

A woman breaks a chip over a microphone for ASMR.

We Don’t Want To Yuck Anyone’s Yum, But These Hobbies Are Really Weird

You do you. Enjoy what you like, and spend your free time however you please. Although we don’t like to judge others for the things … Read more

A judge on the bench, stoically watching proceedings with a hardened look on her face. She's judging us all.

Snap Judgement Zone: Public Behaviors That Instantly Trigger Others

We’d love to believe we can go about our lives and be ourselves without judgment, but that’s rarely true. People are always watching us and … Read more

A man talks on the phone, ignoring his date who looks bored.

Horrible First Date Stories That Will Make You Swear Off Dating for Good

Dating is tough. You must navigate schedules, dating apps, and chemistry to find that special someone you truly mesh with. Unfortunately, most people aren’t it; … Read more

That’s Not the Flex You Think It Is: Weird Things People Are Proud of When They Really Shouldn’t Be

People boast about the strangest things, leaving the rest of us scratching our heads, wondering why they’re proudly sharing something we’d be ashamed to admit. … Read more

trendy gen Z teenager on a pink background

Boomers And Millenials Finally Agree! Gen Z Is Into Some Weird Stuff

Kids these days sure like weird stuff. Their TikTok feeds burst with odd trends that older folks like to side-eye, unable to understand how anyone … Read more

A woman stands with her arms crossed. She has a blank look on her face that says she's over it and is dressed casually.

Lies Our Parents Told Us: Things We Learned at Kids that Were Outright Lies

Kids are curious beings. They ask tons of questions about the world, and the adults around them often can’t keep up. In exasperation, some tell … Read more

A lazy men fell asleep on the couch watching television.

Deadbeat Refuses to Work but Thinks His Family Should House Him

While it’s true that no one wants to work, it’s also true that most of us realize we have to work to survive in this … Read more

A woman meditates at work while hands thrust paperwork in her face.

Let Go of Trivial Matters: These Won’t Matter in Five Years So Stop Stressing

We spend far too much time obsessing over details that don’t really matter. A good rule of thumb is if you won’t care in five … Read more

bored couple sitting on a bench with suitcases

The Top Ten Most Overrated Cities You’ll Regret Visiting

There are hundreds of fantastic cities to visit. Some are gateways to natural wonders, while others allow visitors to immerse themselves in art, history, and … Read more

A happy couple having fun outside in the winter snow. They enjoy winter.

14 Fantastic Reasons To Enjoy Winter You Probably Didn’t Consider

After the magic of Christmas, the full force of winter’s drudgery takes effect. The following two months bring freezing temperatures, short days, winter storms, and … Read more