personal essays

Strawberries and Swans

A mammogram, a missed subway stop, and the unexpected joys of making mistakes

Apr 14 • Deborah Copaken

New Op-Ed in today's Guardian

Today's my 60th birthday! As an unexpected present, the Guardian published my new essay on embracing sign language and the phrase "hard of hearing" over…

Mar 11 • Deborah Copaken

A love letter to Bridget, my partner's wife

Every day after lunch, we dance. Sometimes she tries to eat my fingers. Other times she walks away, shouting word salad and ignoring me. My favorite…

Feb 26 • Deborah Copaken

When will it be enough?

Snow is falling. Our hearts are broken. Again.

Jan 25 • Deborah Copaken

Solstice solace

After one of the worst weeks of the worst year in our country's short history, here are reminders of 10 good things that happened last year.

Dec 22, 2025 • Deborah Copaken

What makes a good life?

An 87-year longitudinal study by Harvard found the answer to this centuries-old question for men: good relationships, including a good marriage. For…

Sep 26, 2025 • Deborah Copaken

WTF just happened to free speech?

The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel felt like the final nail in the coffin of free speech in the U.S. I spoke with Ian Rosenberg, media lawyer & author, to…

Sep 18, 2025 • Deborah Copaken

29:43

The Beautiful Now

Chapter one of a novel in progress

Aug 2, 2025 • Deborah Copaken

On being human in a time of inhumanity

Jul 3, 2025 • Deborah Copaken

Moving vans and thwarted plans

Since leaving college, I've moved 18 times within 3 different countries. Most were forced. All were stressful. But this move, combining two families…

Apr 14, 2025 • Deborah Copaken

A Webby for Debbie?

Leaning into my long-ago retired childhood nickname to let you know some good news. But, like, make it rhyme.

Apr 3, 2025 • Deborah Copaken

Planning a wedding during the apocalypse

Tablescapes, hellscapes, and why celebrating love in a time of hate in America is not unseemly. It's the only antidote.

Mar 24, 2025 • Deborah Copaken

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