In 2013, more people read stories on RELEVANTmagazine.com than any other year in our site’s history. Thanks to our loyal readers who regularly share, discuss and (at times, extremely) passionately debate our content, we’ve reached millions of readers in the last 12 months.
Here’s a look back at the 10 most popular stories from 2013.
Thanks again to everyone who has taken the time to visit the site! We can’t do it without you.
10) What Men Want in a Godly Woman
Debra Fileta’s piece about what men want in a Godly woman (and the story’s counterpart, “What Women Want in a Godly Man“), was so good, we asked her to write a version of it for our print magazine in our Jan/Feb issue.
9) 29 Creative Ways to Say ‘I Love You’
Though it was originally published as a Valentine’s Day companion, with tips like “Set up a ‘media free’ evening” and “Fresh. Baked. Cookies.” this article just didn’t stop getting clicked. Probably has to do with the cookies. Who doesn’t like cookies?
8) 5 Uncomfortable Issues the Church Needs to Start Talking About
This is one of those that was difficult because there are, obviously, more than five issues the Church needs to start talking about. Consider this a jumping off point for a much longer, more important conversation.
7) 11 Questions Every Twentysomething Should Ask
“Our twenties can feel like being smothered in questions, but if we don’t ask the right questions, we will forever remain stuck.” We loved this one because in an age where “questioning” is such a lauded character trait, this writer suggested that we be cautious about what sort of questions we’re asking.
6) The Socially Acceptable Sin
Our look at the “socially acceptable sin” of gluttony—and its deeper roots in other spiritual issues—sparked discussion, some debate and tens of thousands of shares on social media. Because “gluttony” goes deeper than we thought.
5) What Women Want in a Godly Man
See No. 10. Also, note that the one about what women want got significantly more Facebook and Twitter shares than its partner, “What Men Want in a Godly Woman.” Could mean anything. we’re just pointing it out.
4) Instagram’s Envy Effect
“The danger of the Internet is that it’s very very easy to tell partial truths—to show the fabulous meal but not the mess to clean up afterward. To display the smiling couple-shot, but not the fight you had three days ago.” Shauna Niequist looks at the dangers of comparing yourself to friends on social media (or at least the versions of themselves they put online) and why “the very best things in life can’t be captured in status updates.”
3) 5 Lies Every Twentysomething Needs to Stop Believing
In 2013, negative stories about Millennials—or as Time magazine described them, “lazy, entitled narcissists”—were everywhere. But in “5 Lies Every Twentysomething Needs to Stop Believing,” we examine how media half-truths have led to flat out generational lies like “I am a failure” and “I don’t have what it takes.” In this case, do stop believin’.
2) 20 Things Every Twentysomething Should Know How to Do
From making a killer breakfast and being able to parallel park to learning to be alone and maintaining a mentor, RELEVANT Managing Editor Tyler Huckabee looks at 20 essential things every twentysomething should know how to do.
1) 3 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Got Married
We’ll be honest—this one surprised us. It’s a great article, but we had no idea so many of you were so interested in gleaning a few lessons about married life, and what comes before it. Turns out, just about all of you are.
