The Hidden Brightness of the Dark SeasonI used to dread the descent into darkness in late autumn.Nov 5, 2024Nov 5, 2024
Love & DelusionUseful delusions crop up in many areas of life, but some of the most endearing involve the people we love.Jun 13, 202282Jun 13, 202282
The Gift of ApplauseOne morning a friend and I went for an early run and stopped to rest at a scenic spot along the water. We chatted for a while until we…Apr 12, 201821Apr 12, 201821
Published inThe CoffeeliciousMiss Jean Louise, Stand UpI had come to watch the Supreme Court in action and, in particular, to see Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.Jan 26, 201854Jan 26, 201854
Published inThe CoffeeliciousStrange DaysOne of the most magical experiences of my youth unfolded like this: Someone invited a group of us into a high-ceilinged apartment with…Oct 3, 20171371Oct 3, 20171371
How We Talk To Each OtherMy father rarely talked about his work. His job was in what was then called employee relations. In an era when unions were much more…Feb 23, 20174Feb 23, 20174
Published inThe CoffeeliciousI Remember This FeelingSuddenly the Obama years feel like a dream — a distant tableau of American promise, frozen in the past. But we are awake now, and things…Nov 10, 2016151Nov 10, 2016151
Published inThe CoffeeliciousAn Introvert’s Guide to DaydreamingA teacher’s comment on my second grade progress report has become a recurring joke in my family: “Stuart is a pleasant child, but he…Aug 22, 2016453Aug 22, 2016453
Published inThe CoffeeliciousListen to the Weirdos on the MallFour times in my life I’ve traveled to Washington DC to join with other Americans in the expression of unpopular views. The first was in…Jun 9, 20161Jun 9, 20161
Published inThe CoffeeliciousNot Your Typical Disease MemoirI’ve never met Mary Elizabeth Williams, but I’m a fan. I found her the way people do these days. A friend who’s done her time with cancer…May 17, 2016May 17, 2016
Published inThe CoffeeliciousDon’t Ask, “How’s the Book Going?”Your friend may not know how it’s goingFeb 19, 20167Feb 19, 20167
Published inThe CoffeeliciousHow a Headache Saved My LifeIt was two days before the start of classes for the new year, and I had a busy schedule. I was academic advisor for a group of first-year…Nov 6, 20152Nov 6, 20152
Published inThe CoffeeliciousMy Enormous RadioAbout two years ago, the power went out in one of my bedroom outlets. The lamp on my nightstand refused to work, and further investigation…Oct 8, 20151Oct 8, 20151
Published inHuman PartsAn Introvert’s Guide to Eating and Drinking OutIn college, I took Emily Dickinson to bars. I had a Dickinson seminar to prepare for, and I thought we both needed to get out. I would find…Jul 27, 201510Jul 27, 201510
Published inHuman PartsYou Fired MeAt a conference some years ago, I was approached by a tall man who was a few years younger than me. He smiled and said, “Stuart, I don’t…Jul 6, 2015Jul 6, 2015
Published inHuman PartsThe Kindness of a StrangerShe took a few minutes out of her life to help me with mine.Jun 15, 2015Jun 15, 2015
Published inHuman PartsAn Introvert’s Guide to the Coffeehouse WorkspaceEven those of us who grow up to be introverts crave the proximity of other people from time to time.May 29, 20152May 29, 20152
Published inHuman PartsAn Introvert’s Guide to Greeting Strangers, Vague Acquaintances, and FriendsIn the introverted world, things work best when people have a generally favorable opinion of you and leave you alone.Apr 23, 201521Apr 23, 201521