‘12 weeks and SO disgusted by my dog’: what happens when you’re pregnant and can’t stand your pet?

There may be almost no research on pet aversion during and post-pregnancy, but it may not be particularly rare

A buckwheat pillow and a 10lb blanket: what you loved most in September

Plus: a dog-training hack, ice-cream makers and a really heavy blanket

The one change that worked: Anxiety had me hiding from the world – then two magic questions set me free

I used to be terrified of socialising, certain I would embarrass myself the moment I opened my mouth. And as for dates …

‘I wanted to help another family’: four surrogates on how they feel about the surrogacy discourse

The Guardian spoke with surrogates across the US about what they think of the controversy surrounding the practice

‘It’s problematic’: concern as weight-loss jab maker sponsors Vogue World event

Critics say partnership between Mounjaro maker Eli Lilly and fashion giant suggests thinness is an aspiration

‘I’d like to explain why I was such a monster back then’: six writers on the apologies they wish they’d made

From making life hell for a young teacher to doubting the motives of a caring foster mother, Olivia Petter, Derek Owusu, Annie Lord and other writers repent for past bad behaviour

‘They accepted the money but didn’t take care of my child’: what Luna Wong’s death reveals about the treatment of international students in the UK

When her parents waved her off to study in England they hoped it would be a fresh start the 16-year-old needed after struggling with her mental health in Hong Kong. Instead, 10 months later, she was dead. What went so wrong?

Experience: a brain surgeon dropped part of my skull on the floor

I was a healthy 34-year-old when a mass of blood vessels ruptured in my brain. It took three neurosurgeons and a risky 16-hour operation to fix me

I love my life and my cup is full but I’m drowning in shame for things left undone. How can I balance it all?

You are not the only one, advice columnist Eleanor Gordon-Smith writes. It will help to ask whether you have a time problem or a bandwidth problem

The best earplugs in the US, for concerts, power tools or just sleeping better – tested

From inexpensive foam options to silicone models with customizable filters for concerts, we found the best earplugs for every ear and situation