Age: 30
Relationship Status: Married
Occupation: Nonprofit Event Manager
Income: $68,000
Astrological Sign: Taurus
What is the first thing you do when you wake up?
Let my dog out and feed him, and then sit on the couch for 30 minutes while I scroll on my phone and eat breakfast
Have you ever felt genuine fulfillment? When?
Yes, and I feel grateful to say that I have. I feel genuine fulfillment when I am helping someone, whether it’s through my job and connecting people to helpful resources or funds or caring for family members or friends going through a tough time.
What is your most repetitive, negative thought?
One is that I was adopted as a baby and always feel like an outsider or unwanted, no matter how much love or support I have. This leads to SO much guilt because my parents have done so much for me and love me unconditionally. I would never admit this to them.
The other is the thought of my dog dying. I will sit there and sob just thinking about this. He is 6 years old, and I love him with all my heart.
What is your most repetitive, positive thought?
Contrary to my answer to the last question, I feel so grateful to have been adopted and have the life I do. I could have remained in Russia and lived a life of poverty, so I feel extremely lucky to be in the United States with a steady income, a loving husband/family, and a safe home.
What is one thing that surprised you about adulthood?
How much I actually enjoy it. I was so scared of growing up, but I love it. I love being in control of my life and having the freedom to do what I want with my free time.
What are three things you want to put every woman onto?
Know how to recognize manipulative behavior in your romantic relationships.
If a job is making you anxious and unhappy - quit. Do not feel the need to stay for “x” number of years because society says so. I jumped around every year for a while before I found something I enjoyed.
Make sure you have fun in your 20s—don’t settle down too quickly. Go out, make dumb decisions, have fun with your friends, go on lots of dates, and be picky.
Rank the following from most to least important:
money, food, sex, love, and laughter (feel free to explain or don’t).
Love, laughter, money, sex, food
How has your relationship with your parents/ guardians changed in adulthood?
I feel like I have to take care of them now. My father is 83 years old and in bad health, so I am regularly taking him to the doctor and checking in on him. My mom needs a lot of emotional reassurance and some financial help. I am close with both of them, but I don’t rely on them for anything anymore - it has switched.
When do you feel most like yourself?
When I am with my sister. We just get each other.
What is the best compliment someone has ever given you?
I want to say something about my personality, generosity, or kindness, but truthfully, I love when someone compliments my appearance or calls me beautiful. (not proud of this).
How do you feel about falling in love?
It is terrifying, but it is also the most wonderful feeling in the world. It seems like nothing else matters when you are with the one you love.
What is one thing you’re sick of hearing?
That money can’t buy happiness or isn’t important. I find the people who say this usually have money. Try living in poverty, never getting to enjoy the simple pleasure of going out to eat, not being able to take a break from work to go on a vacation, or not being able to see your partner because you both work constantly to try and make ends meet. Money gives you the freedom to enjoy your life in your own time. *in this case, I mean a comfortable salary with disposable income, not necessarily being a billionaire*
How often do you feel alone?
Every now and then - I don’t have a ton of friends, so if my husband or friends are busy on the weekends, it will hit me.
What is one thing you hope everyone experiences in their lifetime?
True, unconditional love! Whether it is from a romantic partner, friend, or pet.
What is one thing you hope no one has to experience in their lifetime?
Major, life-altering health issues.
What is the best decision you’ve ever made?
Marrying my husband and getting our dog. They make me the happiest I have ever been.
When do you feel most at ease?
When my house is clean, and I’m on the couch with my husband and dog, with Doordash on the way.
At a concert/show for a band I love.
What does having a successful life mean to you?
Having the freedom to do what you want while building meaningful relationships.
How often do you think about your body?
Unfortunately, constantly. I am extremely critical of myself but would never admit that out loud. I will regularly cancel plans in the summer if they involve wearing a bathing suit, depending on where my headspace is that day. I am completely aware that I am not even overweight, but I can’t seem to shake the negative thoughts that were ingrained in my mind growing up.
When do you ask for help?
Very rarely. I am usually desperate by the time I actually ask. I like to do things on my own.
What is something you feel strongly about?
You should not try to have kids if you can’t afford it. Raising a child in poverty can be traumatizing. You don’t need to be rich to have kids, but you should have some financial security.
BONUS: Tell me something good.
Trader Joe’s has a delicious jalapeno limeade that is perfect for spicy margs.
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