Ask Polly

Ask Polly

Share this post

Ask Polly
Ask Polly
'Now That Hell Is Over, Can I Build a New Life?'
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More

'Now That Hell Is Over, Can I Build a New Life?'

Shortcuts to the future rarely work. Slow down and reckon with who you are instead.

Heather Havrilesky
May 14, 2025
∙ Paid
27

Share this post

Ask Polly
Ask Polly
'Now That Hell Is Over, Can I Build a New Life?'
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
4
1
Share
Tricheurs (1957), Dorothea Tanning

This column was first published in March of 2021. Today I received an update from the letter writer, so I’m running his original letter today and publishing the follow-up tomorrow in the hopes that we can share in the suspense: HOW DID EVERYTHING TURN OUT FOR THIS GUY?

Sometimes I worry that I’ll look back and realize I …

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Heather Havrilesky
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share

Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More