Q. How can I be more assertive in my 10-year relationship?

Welcome back. Hope everyone had a good holiday.

Did you know today is New Hampshire’s 250th birthday?

New Hampshire quietly made history on January 5, 1776, by becoming the first in America to form its own independent government—months before the Declaration of Independence.

The move was part necessity, part rebellion. The colony’s royal governor, John Wentworth, had fled to a British warship in Boston Harbor in 1775, leaving no functioning government behind. Local leaders drafted a temporary constitution to keep things running.

This early constitution wasn’t perfect or permanent. New Hampshire replaced it with a more detailed version in 1784, which (with amendments) is still in effect today, making it the second-oldest active state constitution in the country, after Massachusetts.

It’s a reminder that New Hampshire’s independent streak has been baked in from the very start.

Here’s what else we’re covering today:

📸 A bobcat treks through the snowy woods

📢 Question of the week: What does the country need most in the new year?

❓ “How can I practice being more assertive and voice my truth in my 10-year relationship?” Grace, our advice columnist, tackles the question

P.S. New year, new inbox energy. Forward this newsletter to a friend who likes staying informed—no resolutions required.

(Courtesy of Karen Geiling)

Shout out to Karen Geiling for sending this picture of a bobcat wandering through the snow in Grantham on Dec. 23.

Got a picture to share? Hit the button below, and we’ll feature it in this newsletter.

👉 Moultonborough residents uneasy after suspected fireworks explosion in mailbox

“Moultonborough police are investigating an explosion on Friday afternoon, which neighbors suspect was caused by fireworks placed inside a mailbox.” — WMUR

👉 ‘Surprise’ plans could bring ICE facility to Merrimack, NH

“A New Hampshire town has been reportedly blindsided by the Trump administration’s plans for a new immigration processing site, according to a draft plan reported by The Washington Post. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is planning to renovate industrial warehouses across the country to to hold more than 80,000 immigrant detainees, according to a draft solicitation obtained and reviewed by The Washington Post. The plan includes at least seven large warehouses, which have between 5,000 and 10,000 beds, and 16 smaller processing sites. One processing site, which can hold between 500 and 1,500 beds, is planned for Merrimack, New Hampshire, according to the Post.” — Boston.com

👉 Here’s where you can ski for free in N.H. this season

“Some ski areas in New Hampshire are offering free lift tickets this season. Veterans Memorial Recreation Area in Franklin, which opens for the season on Saturday, will have Community Free Ski Weekends this season, thanks to local sponsors. Storrs Hill Ski Area in Lebanon is offering free skiing for the second year in a row thanks to a gift from the Jack and Dorothy Byrne Foundation.” — Boston.com

A new year always brings that familiar feeling: a clean slate, a chance to reset, and an opportunity to leave a few things behind. Some changes are big and intentional, others are small but meaningful—but all of them shape how we move forward together.

So this week’s question is…

As we head into a new year, what value do you think the country needs more of right now? It could be:

✔️ Health care that’s easier to understand and actually affordable

✔️ Housing that doesn’t require two incomes and a miracle

✔️ More accountability for those in power, fewer consequences for regular people

✔️ Safer communities without constant fear or outrage cycles

✔️ A break from everything being a culture war

Welcome to our weekly advice column, courtesy of Grace: She’s the big sister who shares her own mistakes so you can avoid making them, the coworker who builds you up to ask for the raise you deserve, and the friend who is always happy to listen.

We all need someone like Grace in our corner. Submit your own questions here.

Dear Readers,

How can I practice being more assertive and voice my truth in my 10-year relationship?

— Hoping for More in Clairmont

Dear Hoping for More,

Ask The Readers is your regular chance to grab the mic and give advice to other readers in our community. Each piece of advice we share comes from a different thoughtful reader. Keep an eye out for more juicy questions and answers!

Oof. What woman hasn’t had that feeling of wanting to speak up and say something, but her truth gets caught in her throat? We just spoke with women about this in our focus group on being fierce. 

I sent your question to thousands of women across the country, and so many of them have been in your shoes, especially with boyfriends and husbands. When we are peace-keepers, caretakers, or people-pleasers, speaking up can feel like a risk. But it’s a risk that pays off with stronger relationships and more honest conversations. Here are some of my favorite suggestions from readers like you….

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from Galvanize Together. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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