They Passed the Ikea Test

Even the most loving couples can struggle to put together a simple Ikea bookshelf without arguments and acrimony. But Amy Lai Wong and Michael Jastrzebski, who were married Nov. 29 at their home in Newark, Calif., bonded over much more complicated projects while working together as the only two mechanical engineers at a technology start-up…

A One-Way Ticket to Chicago

While Sarah Ariel Attermann spent a quiet evening at home on Jan. 18, 2019 sipping white wine on her couch in Washington, she sent Scott Michael Topal, who lived in Chicago, a Facebook message: “From what I’ve heard, you’re a great person to know. Hope you’ll plan a visit to D.C. soon!” Mr. Topal saw…

The 20 Phrases That Defined 2020

Related word: Joyscrolling Essential workers By early April, much of the country was under stay-at-home orders, marooned inside and safely out of the virus’s reach … unless, of course, you happened to work at a grocery store, a gas station, an airport, a hotel, a food processing plant, a restaurant, a convenience store, the U.S.P.S.,…

Mock Debates as Relationship Prep

Some evenings in late 2015 and early 2016, lights would snap on in an empty classroom at the University of Florida. Susan Dorothy Clara Webster and members of her campaign staff would waft in, along with the smell of pizza or sandwiches — brain fuel to consume as they worked to get Ms. Webster elected…