List: Relationships | Curated by Gracia Kleijnen | Medium

Gracia Kleijnen

Jul 8, 2022

12 stories

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Relationships

In

The Masterpiece

by

Gracia Kleijnen

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Aug 24, 2021

My Best Friend Is Unpredictably Toxic, but I Choose to Forgive Her for Her Sins

The constant pushing and pulling does make me wonder if it’s the right decision

Blob on the left wearing a purple shirt thinking “What is hér deal?”. On the right a blonde white girl wearing a black hoodie and sticking her tongue out while looking straight at the camera.

In

RESONATES

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Gracia Kleijnen

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Aug 26, 2021

I Am Triggered By Your Pregnancy Announcement, But Not For The Reasons You’d Expect

It denotes an upcoming change in our relationship and a loss of something I never received

On the right: The Blob sitting on a bed in a dimly lit, dark, shadowy room, her face lighting up from the smartphone screen. On the left: A fake text message conversation with a pregnancy announcement along with a photo, and a cheerful reply with a congratulations.

Gracia Kleijnen

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Mar 8, 2021

I Don’t Know if I Ever Want To Start a Family of My Own

The baby wagon is in full motion for women around my age, and I have no intention of hopping on.

Interracial heterosexual couple of white male and brown-skinned female with short curly hair. The mom is holding a 2 year old on her lap and they’re reading her a story from a big, brown, old-looking book. They are sitting on a living room floor next to the couch.

In

P.S. I Love You

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Gracia Kleijnen

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May 9, 2021

Why I Took A Break From Celebrating Mother’s Day

And will never take any classmates’ advice again

Withering white flowers on branches

In

Long-Term Perspective

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Gracia Kleijnen

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Jul 10, 2021

Love Isn’t Always Enough

It needs to be practical too.

An illustrated character in the middle. On the left a cute-looking heart on legs with fluttery eyelashes. On the right a concerned brain on legs, telling the character in the middle “Dude, no, don’t listen blindly to that! It’s idealizing and romanticizing!”

Gracia Kleijnen

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Jul 26, 2021

Improve Your Friendships by Paying Attention to Cultural Intricacies When Communicating

Or risk your message getting lost in translation.

Two characters, the familiar one on the left, and another one wearing purple sweater and green skirt on the right. The character on the left is holding an envelope. The message is sent to the recipient, but gets distorted by communication barriers (slang, cultural intricacies). When opened, the letter is full of confusion.

In

Fearless She Wrote

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Gracia Kleijnen

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Jul 28, 2021

In Dating, “No, Thank You” Is Not the Start of a Negotiation

There’s a fine line between courting someone and harassment.

On the left: A character sitting on a bench, wearing glasses, reading a book. On the right: a male figure approaching the lone reader. Dialogue. Male speaking: “Hey! Would you like to go on a date with me?”. Character responds: “Huh? Oh, no, thank you, but I appreciate the invite.” Male thinking: “Select option: 1) ignore rejection, start negotiation 2) call names: Wh#re! Sl*t! You’re ugly!” 3) leave her alone.

In

Curious

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Gracia Kleijnen

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Jan 9, 2021

The Overlooked Benefits of Dating a Workaholic

They will pull you up to new heights of potential.

Sleek dressed male with side cuts hairstyle and trimmed beard, wearing blazer, watch, looking into camera determined.

Gracia Kleijnen

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Oct 11, 2020

Finding Comfort on a Stranger’s Virtual Shoulder

In a few spare minutes, people show their best sides through patience and understanding.

Man with headphones on at computer desk in a light room with large windows who looks ready to work.

In

How To Be A Human

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Gracia Kleijnen

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Sep 7, 2020

At A Call Center, We Had Less Than 250 Seconds to Make a Human Connection

I vividly remember these conversations to this day

Business woman smiling in front of her laptop in a light room. Hair is tied back, she wears a white blouse and glasses.

In

How To Be A Human

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Gracia Kleijnen

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Sep 2, 2020

Can You Befriend Someone with Opposing Views?

It is possible, if you are both able to see past your differences.

Can You Befriend Someone with Opposing Views?

In

How To Be A Human

by

Gracia Kleijnen

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Aug 9, 2020

How It Feels When Friendships Reach Their Expiration Date

As you move through life, you will come in contact with all sorts of people. Some stay lifelong friends, others stay by your side for some…

How It Feels When Friendships Reach Their Expiration Date