THE 20-SOMETHING FILES

a space curated for the dynamic souls navigating the exhilarating journey of their twenties.

The 20-Something Files Magazine

Body Positivity & Diet Culture in the World of the Winter Arc

Years ago, Martha shared her thoughts on breaking free from diet culture on her blog. Now, at 25, married, and embracing a bigger body, she revisits the conversation with fresh insight. In this updated post, Martha explores the growing discourse around 'wellness' as diet culture in disguise and discusses how to recognize and avoid harmful patterns on the journey to health or weight loss.

It’s Getting Colder

A tender portrayal of love's fragility, Claire reflects on the quiet erosion of connection amidst the changing seasons.

How Can I Survive?

May explores the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations, capturing the feeling of being stuck—unable to move forward or leave an unfulfilling place. The poem reflects the pressures of being in your twenties and not quite having life figured out.

Deconstructing the Default Character

Deconstructing the Default Character” explores how we start life as blank slates—our personalities shaped by parents, society, and external influences. As we grow, the journey to uncovering our authentic selves can feel daunting, but it’s essential. This article offers insight on breaking free from the “person you’ve always been,” learning to trust your decisions, and building values that reflect who you truly are.

Turning 25 and Letting Go of Timelines

Zoe reflects on the pressure to meet life’s milestones by a certain age and how turning 25 has allowed her to let go of rigid timelines. She embraces the freedom of uncertainty, celebrating growth, change, and the exciting unknown ahead.

The Anti-Office Butt Plan

A humorous glimpse into office culture and the unspoken phenomenon of the "Secretary Spread"—the all-too-real effect of sitting at a desk for hours. From historical tidbits about office chairs and Victorian bustles to laugh-out-loud personal anecdotes, it’s a witty take on balancing work, fitness goals, and life with an overly pampered pup named Marley.

Holiday Gift Guide ‘24

Get ready to shop the best of the season with Zoe’s handpicked holiday gift guide! From cozy essentials to chic splurges, many items are on sale—so don’t wait to grab these festive deals!

Primordial Soup

Inspired by the term primordial soup coined by the Dear Hank and John podcast, Primordial Soup by Samantha Piver is a beautiful exploration of finding love in your 20s—the existential crisis era.

That Time of Year Again

Let’s talk about seasonal depression—because it’s real, it’s frustrating, and it doesn’t pair well with the dreaded time change. Dive into the emotional rollercoaster of shorter days, longer nights, and how the lack of sunlight can affect your mood.

Living in the Color of Thangs

Finding the music in life, no matter the season, enjoying every part of the journey, recognizing each moment’s necessity, and staying grounded and rooted in the essence of who you are.