Picture of Leslie Turnbull

Leslie Turnbull

Contributing Writer

Leslie Turnbull is a Harvard-educated anthropologist with over 20 years' experience as a development officer and consultant. She cares for three children, two dogs, and one husband. When not sticking her nose into other peoples' business, she enjoys surfing, cooking, and writing (often bad) poetry.

I love dogs. But can we stop pretending they should get to go everywhere with us?
A woman with her dog.
Opinion

I love dogs. But can we stop pretending they should get to go everywhere with us?

Gardening is great
A garden.
Opinion

Gardening is great

America's Maenad moment
A mosaic representation of a Maenad.
Opinion

America's Maenad moment

A mourner's guide to surviving the holidays
The holidays can be rough when you're grieving.
Feature

A mourner's guide to surviving the holidays

America the tone-deaf
President Trump visits Puerto Rico.
Opinion

America the tone-deaf

In praise of permanence
A dandelion blowing in the wind.
Opinion

In praise of permanence

The ridiculous hoops we make college applicants jump through
Mandatory volunteering.
Feature

The ridiculous hoops we make college applicants jump through

I skeptically tried practicing gratitude. It completely changed my life.
Stop and appreciate the scenery.
Feature

I skeptically tried practicing gratitude. It completely changed my life.

How to avoid being eaten by a shark
Don't freak out.
Feature

How to avoid being eaten by a shark

How to avoid being eaten by a shark
Swimming with sharks.
Feature

How to avoid being eaten by a shark

5 things ER workers wish you knew
A hospital in Hawaii.
Feature

5 things ER workers wish you knew

Good manners aren't about cutlery and rules. They're about kindness.
Like follows like. Set a good example.
Feature

Good manners aren't about cutlery and rules. They're about kindness.

How to stay healthy and sane in Trump's America
Keep your chin up.
Opinion

How to stay healthy and sane in Trump's America

Why the best jewelry is artisanal, unique — and cheap
The most treasured pieces aren't all that expensive.
Opinion

Why the best jewelry is artisanal, unique — and cheap

A mourner's guide to surviving the holidays
Loss hits the hardest during the holiday season.
Feature

A mourner's guide to surviving the holidays

Please obey this simple rule for airplane seat reclining
Airplane
Feature

Please obey this simple rule for airplane seat reclining

Anxious about the world? Watch a dark TV show.
Watching dark television creates an interesting experience.
Feature

Anxious about the world? Watch a dark TV show.

Anxious about the world? Watch a dark TV show.
Watching dark television creates an interesting experience.
Analysis

Anxious about the world? Watch a dark TV show.

How to talk to your kids about sex
Getting past the birds and the bees.
Opinion

How to talk to your kids about sex

How to survive a long airport layover
Bringing items to keep yourself occupied can save you from boredom.
Feature

How to survive a long airport layover

How to deal with the narcissist in your life
Patience and understanding are key.
Feature

How to deal with the narcissist in your life

This ancient Hawaiian philosophy will change your life and make the world a better place
Aloha is a way of life.
Feature

This ancient Hawaiian philosophy will change your life and make the world a better place

What raising dogs taught me about parenting
Practicing parenthood with a pet dog can help prepare for human children.
Feature

What raising dogs taught me about parenting

What raising dogs taught me about parenting
Practicing parenthood with a pet dog can help prepare for human children.
Feature

What raising dogs taught me about parenting

Navigating the gym in the new year: A common-sense guide
Gym newbies
Feature

Navigating the gym in the new year: A common-sense guide

How to take the family holiday picture of your dreams
The First Family holiday photo.
Feature

How to take the family holiday picture of your dreams

Don't judge me
Passing judgement can lead to negativity
Opinion

Don't judge me

How to break up with a friend
Mean Girls
Feature

How to break up with a friend

10 quirky life lessons from a single dad
Father and son
Feature

10 quirky life lessons from a single dad

How to get dinner guests the hell out of your house without being rude
Dinner party.
Feature

How to get dinner guests the hell out of your house without being rude

How to take a perfect shower
Ferris Bueler’s Day Off.
Feature

How to take a perfect shower

The do's and don'ts of flu season
Flu season
Feature

The do's and don'ts of flu season

A parent's guide to dropping your kid off at college
Gilmore Girls
Feature

A parent's guide to dropping your kid off at college

The illusion of personal space
A crowded subway station.
Feature

The illusion of personal space

A complete guide to interacting with other people's children
Three Men and a Baby
Feature

A complete guide to interacting with other people's children

Why 'no' is the most powerful word in your vocabulary
No, no, no.
Feature

Why 'no' is the most powerful word in your vocabulary