We’re very very glad that you exist, too

I used to share way more sweet emails I received from readers. I have a whole category called “Mailbag” and it was all very sweet, and I'm not sure why I stopped doing that, but I did. Well, since today is a day all about gratitude, I'm bringing it back, in the form of this email I received:

I just wanted to say that I think your website is awesome. I can't get over how soulless and sales focused other blogs are. Even ones called things like “Alternative Bride” etc. It's always about brides only and dresses and things to spend money on. Nothing about what it's actually like to get married and the questions, considerations, worries etc. that real people with brains and emotions and families might want to read about. You do this so well.

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I made the incorrect assumption that Offbeat Bride would be all about how very offbeat you all are because we like tattoos and skulls… but you do so much to stop it turning into a ‘more offbeat than you' competition. And it's offbeat in a real way, because it's about how diverse people and relationships are and how this can be reflected in families and marriage and what it's actually all about and people feeling comfortable with their decisions. That's a hell of a feat to do that authentically, but you do and you do it consistently.

In a way it's sad that this blog is so offbeat because of how real and warm and interesting it is in a cold sales-y wedding world, that shouldn't be the case that you're a one-off but I'm very very glad that you exist.

Thank you and keep up the brilliant work
x

Every day I learn so much from the amazing readers of this site. Thank you so much for the opportunities to grow with you. Thank you so much for your forgiveness when we mess up. Thank you for your readership, your patience, your feedback, and your awesomeness.

Today, I'm thankful for you. Every single one of you.

About the Author: Ariel

@arielmstallings

Author of three editions of the Offbeat Bride book and its sequel (From Shitshow To Afterglow, the ultimate offbeat breakup book) Ariel Meadow Stallings is the publisher of all the Offbeat Empire web properties. She lives in Seattle with her son. To read her latest writing, follow @arielist on Medium.