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Tracy Hayes's avatar

This popped up in the inbox just as I closed out of a 2014 NY Times story about Not That Kind of Girl (comments predictably laudatory or savaging) while Tiny Furniture is paused on the TV and audio book of Famesick ready to be resumed next time I'm in the car. I'm not so much obsessed as truly in awe. Please never stop!

Kayli Mylius's avatar

You have such a beautiful gift for meeting people where they're at and saying just the right thing, Lena. My heart twinged, and tears sprang to my eyes when I read, "Unlike with a human, who has many relationships with many people who could eulogize them in many ways, you were Chunky’s person, and that leaves you to be the keeper of his legacy."

What a gift it is to be a legacy keeper for our animal companions.

Katie MacBride's avatar

Not to be this person, but folks specifically interested in advice around substance use/addiction/recovery can also check out my ask a sober lady newsletter. It’s free and I’m nice

Hope Corrigan's avatar

Highly recommend Katie's expertise on this topic!

Hanna Kozlowska's avatar

best there isssss

clare reihill's avatar

Happy Birthday! Have a wonderful & blissfully happy day tomorrow. X

Ninibo's avatar

Came from your Instagram story, stayed for Dunhamisms. It’s strangely comforting in the best way. Happy birthday ✨

AOK's avatar

I’m amazed by the wisdom / depth / humor & universality here. I could read it like 3x and keep extracting more. I really wish the series would continue.

ESK's avatar

Lena, you are so happy and freeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Which seems to happen (at least it did for me) with work and turning 40. All the best to you on your birthday!

Jane Gregorie's avatar

Happy Birthday, lady! So many people are grateful that you were born. I can tell you for a fact it gets better and better after 40. Have the happiest of days!

Kerry Henrico's avatar

Happy 40th Birthday, Lena!

DIØNNE's avatar

Thank you for these columns Lena, it’s been so comforting to read your words again. I’m excited to keep following your substack. Happy birthday to you, me, Stevie Wonder and all other May 13 babies 🥳🎈

Lena Dunham's avatar

And Robert Pattinson and Nick Carter 🥹🥹🥹🎉🎉🎉

claire's avatar

happy birthday queen!!! just finished Famesick and I’m feeling very inspired to get back into writing. I’m 25, similar age to you when you landed Girls, but I still feel like time is running out. I know that’s what all young people say, so I’m trying to not be annoying about it, but your book reminded me that sometimes “time takes time” lol. thanks for literally being the voice of our generation. para socially, love ya

Kimberly Warner's avatar

WISHING YOU THE HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS! You’re entering a wild, gorgeous decade, and with all the peeling-of-the-ego-onion you’ve already lived, I see a helluvah lot of good times and grand creations ahead. 💛

Caroline Beuley's avatar

Happy Birthday!! And thank you for this excellent series -- I have loved reading your advice! And I second the Dear Sugar recommendation. I recommend Tiny Beautiful Things to everyone!!

Sophie Strand's avatar

These answers have been a weekly delight and helpful in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. Thank you Lena (and all the question askers) and have a happy happy birthday!!

Lena Dunham's avatar

Sophie 😭😭😭

caitlin's avatar

what a fucking sweetheart. happy birthday love 💛

Tracey Wright's avatar

Happy birthday Lena! I am going to miss your Dunhamisms just as much as I have missed everything else you have done. However, I'm also looking forward to reading your new book. And once I'm done with that, I'll also miss it, but I'll look forward to the next thing you do. I am a lifelong fan. 😍