From the racism of online dating to mourning through technology, here are the relationship conversations that helped define Canada

The Decade in Relationships

As the 2010s come to close, we look back at a mix of your favourite stories and speakers. From the racism of online dating to mourning through technology, here are the ideas, people, and conversations that helped define Canada



Woman with several different skin tones

Dating While Black

BY HADIYA RODERIQUE
What I learned about racism from my online quest for love



sandwich with note

How to Have “the Talk” as a Muslim Father

BY YASIR KHAN
Growing up, I remained largely ignorant about healthy sexuality. Can I do better for my daughter?



Image of a Bride and Groom Barbie with a Jagged Split Between Them

Yes, It’s Okay to Break up with a Good Man

BY KELLI KORDUCKI
Why are women still told that romantic relationships need to be preserved at all costs?



Mothers and Daughters

BY LISA MOORE
My mother taught me about desire, courage, and action—the same things I teach my writing students today


Illustration by Mugluck

Reading My Dead Husband’s Emails

BY NANCY WESTAWAY
How my husband’s digital ghosts helped me mourn



Illustration of a Woman Looking at Shadows on the Kitchen Wall

Looking Back on My Montreal Kitchens

BY HEATHER O’NEILL
These rooms have always tried to tell me something about my relationships




How Do I Talk to my Five-Year-Old About White Supremacy?

BY KALLI ANDERSON
We’re supposed to explain the world to our children—but lately that’s been harder than ever



Mistresses Should Be Muslim Too

BY NOOR NAGA
Muslim writers are desperate to prove our humanity. But in my work, I want to be on my worst behaviour


A girl with black hair reads a book while sitting under a tree.

What Anne of Green Gables Taught Me about Grief

BY JEN SOOKFONG LEE
When my father was sick and I was left to navigate a new relationship with my mother, I turned to one red-headed rebel



An older couple holding hands.

How to Plan Your Death with the Love of Your Life

BY AMY VAN DEN BERG
Many elderly couples across Canada can now fulfill one of their deepest wishes—to die together



boy in sweater

The Talk

BY RACHEL GIESE
A new sex ed program for boys asks them to explore the question of what makes a good man




Every Stepfather Has His Day

BY KEVIN CHONG
People say your life changes when you become a dad. Mine changed when I met my wife’s son


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The Walrus Staff