• We took a multigenerational family vacation to Paris and had an incredible trip.
• Looking back, though, there are a few things I'd do differently next time.
• For example, I'd definitely book more group tours and build more time for rest into the itinerary.

Last spring, I went on a family trip to Paris with nine people, including my husband, children, parents, brother, sister-in-law, and nieces. Although it wasn't our first trip as a party of 10, it was our first time visiting Europe together.

Our group ranged in age from 10 to 74, and I soon found that multigenerational travel to another continent comes with its own set of challenges.

Although we had an incredible time, there are a few things I would've done differently to make the trip go even more smoothly.

Next time, I'd do more research before choosing a week to travel

We chose to travel during the Easter and Passover break because it was a rare time when all four kids in the group were off from school at once. I expected things to be a bit busier because of the holiday, but I didn't realize we'd be visiting during the Paris Marathon.

I've been fortunate enough to visit the city several times, but I've never seen it as crowded as it was during our family vacation.

It was fun to cheer on the runners as they passed right in front of our hotel, but the event clearly drew in massive crowds.

Some of the city's most popular tourist destinations, like Versailles, were packed, and tickets to the Louvre were sold out. This was a bummer since it was the first trip to Paris for half of our crew.

Next time, when booking a trip, I'll research any big events happening in the area that could increase traffic. This will help us avoid higher prices and sold-out attraction tickets.

I wish we'd done more group tours

When planning our trip, I didn't book a lot of group tours because I was worried it would make traveling with 10 people more difficult.

But after doing one in Montmartre, I realized it actually might just be the best way to see the city with a large group.

Our tour guide gave us valuable insights, from the most opportune moments to use a restroom to the best places to sit down and enjoy a madeline.

Knowing the best places to rest were especially helpful when the 10-year-old got cranky or the 74-year-olds wanted to slow down.

The guide also helped us maneuver crowds and knew which steep stairs and rocky streets to avoid walking down. Plus, her local perspective and expertise meant she taught us a lot of facts about famous artists in the area. We saw a different side to the famous neighborhood that we may not have seen on our own.

Next time I'm planning a big family vacation, I'll definitely prioritize booking more group tours.

Flexibility is key when planning an itinerary for a multigenerational group

Even though we only planned to be in Paris for a week, I created a packed itinerary. I even booked a day trip to Tours, France, (which is about an hour and 15 minute train ride from Paris) so my kids could see where I studied abroad.

However, it was toward the middle of the trip, and my husband and kids were exhausted. I thought they'd be able to rally, but we ended up canceling this excursion and losing out on some money.

While planning, I was so eager to do it all that I lost sight of the fact that we might need to sleep in one day.

Next time, I'd leave more room in the itinerary to relax and recharge.

• I packed lots of essentials for my five-hour Amtrak ride, but I didn't think of everything I needed.
• My Kindle, tripod, and headphones came in handy for keeping me entertained on my journey.
• However, I wish I had brought more comfort items such as a travel pillow, blanket, or even slippers.

When I hauled a heavy suitcase into the overhead on my Amtrak train car, I thought I had everything I'd need for my trip.

Three jackets, two pairs of boots, and a scarf to match every sweater — I was ready for anything. However, I quickly realized I wasn't nearly as prepared for the five-hour ride itself.

My trip from New Jersey to Boston on the Northeast Regional line gave me just enough time to settle in, stretch out, and enjoy a little downtime. Soon, I learned that what I had — and didn't — made all the difference in how much I enjoyed my trip.

Here are five items I'm glad I brought, and three I wish I'd packed.

My ticket didn't come with complimentary snacks, so I was glad to have brought my own.

Due to the length of my ride, I knew I'd be hungry at some point.

My basic ticket didn't come with complimentary snacks from Amtrak, but I didn't mind much since I had brought plenty of food from home.

I stopped at a bagel shop before boarding, packed a homemade latte, and had more than enough snacks to keep me satisfied throughout the ride.

There was a café car about halfway through the train that I could've bought a few bites at, but I was happy to save the money anyway.

My hot spot came in handy when the train's WiFi didn't work super well.

Though Amtrak offers complimentary WiFi on routes like this one, I didn't find it reliable for everything.

It worked fine for sending texts or scrolling through social media, but it wasn't as reliable when I wanted to stream TV on my laptop. To stream better, I switched to my phone's hot spot.

My headphones were great for listening to music and streaming TV.

Though the lull of the train can be soothing in itself, I was happy to have packed my headphones so I could listen to music during the ride.

These also came in handy when I wanted to catch up on TV shows without bothering anyone around me.

The only packing mistake I made was bringing wired headphones, rather than wireless ones, because I couldn't charge my device and listen at the same time.

I bring my Kindle almost everywhere.

Luckily, I didn't struggle to keep myself entertained since I had packed my Kindle. I'm a book lover, so five hours of uninterrupted reading time was right up my alley.

I prefer using an e-reader over a physical book when traveling because it's lightweight and doesn't take up much space in my bag.

Plus, for early morning or late-night rides with my Kindle, I don't have to rely on the train's reading light, which might disturb other passengers.

I brought my tripod for capturing content, but it was useful for creating extra space at my seat.

I had originally packed my tripod to capture travel content, and it was helpful as I snapped photos and filmed videos.

I also found it surprisingly useful for creating extra space at my seat.

My tray table wasn't very big, so setting up my tripod on the floor with my phone to stream a show gave me room to keep my laptop on the table instead.

It's worth noting that I didn't have anyone sitting next to me, so I had plenty of floor space to work with. Overall, it made for a nice setup.

However, I found myself wishing I had packed motion-sickness medication.

I thought I packed pretty well for the trip, but toward the end of the ride, I started feeling nauseous. I've never had motion sickness on a train before, but I've also never been on one for this long.

So, when I started getting dizzy in the last hour, I was caught off guard. I couldn't look at my screen anymore, so I leaned back and closed my eyes.

It really made me wish I had brought some motion-sickness medication along for the ride.

Having a travel pillow or blanket would've made my trip more comfortable.

My seat ended up being comfier than I thought, with a decent recline and footrests.

Looking back, though, I really wish I had packed some comfortable travel items, such as a neck pillow or blanket. This ride was early in the morning, and my return trip was late at night, so they would've come in handy.

Next time, I'll definitely bring a few more things to make the ride cozier and allow me to close my eyes for a bit.

Similarly, slippers would've been helpful for walking throughout the train car.

Another comfort item I didn't think about until I was on the train was slippers.

I like taking my shoes off during long trips, especially on an airplane, but for some reason, I felt hesitant to do it on the train.

I wish I had brought a pair of light slippers to wear during the ride and for those trips back and forth to the bathroom. It would've been another way to add to the overall comfort of a long Amtrak ride.

• This post originally appeared in the Business Insider Today newsletter.
• You can sign up for Business Insider's daily newsletter here.

Noticed Google recently making big moves in the AI space? OpenAI certainly has.

The world's most famous startup reportedly declared a "code red" in a companywide memo from CEO Sam Altman. What comes next could be a critical juncture in the AI wars that impacts us all.

Altman told employees to go heads down on improving ChatGPT, setting aside work on other products. It's a sign that the already intense battles over AI are only going to amplify.

On the one hand, that could spur even more innovation. Monopolies are never beneficial to consumers. Google's threat to OpenAI's place atop Mount AI could mean more competitive pricing, better tools, or simply a wider array of options for customers.

The fight over market share also comes with risks. For years, some AI experts have warned us about the danger the tech can pose when gone unchecked. OpenAI's mission statement is even "to ensure artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity."

But what happens when your back is against the wall, competitors are breathing down your neck, and investors or analysts are asking tough questions? Will tech companies maintain a responsible approach to AI if they risk losing their competitive edge?

We're more than a decade removed from the infamous "move fast and break things" era that defined innovation in Silicon Valley for years. Tech companies previously vowed that aggressive style of innovation is a thing of the past.

But with trillions of dollars at stake, and everyone going hardcore, will that remain the case?

So what's got OpenAI so nervous?

BI's Brent D. Griffiths breaks down the key areas where Google can put pressure on the ChatGPT maker.

One issue is that OpenAI's smaller size is becoming more of a weakness than a strength.

Initially, Google's size made it a lot harder to keep up with the nimble OpenAI. But as AI enters its next era of growth, Google has the benefit of a massive ads business and wide-reaching distribution channels to fuel its AI plans.

The search giant has secured some big wins in recent weeks, most notably the launch of Gemini 3, which was widely praised.

(If you're curious about the differences between ChatGPT 5 and Gemini 3, BI's Katherine Li has you covered.)

And it's not just Google that OpenAI is nervous about. Let's not forget about fellow AI startup Anthropic, which also recently launched a new model, or Elon Musk's Grok.

OpenAI may have sparked the AI wars more than three years ago with the launch of ChatGPT, but it's still a long way from finishing them.

• Earlier this year, I flew 15 hours in business class from Newark to New Delhi on Air India.
• I thought the experience in Air India's A350 aircraft rivaled most international first-class seats.
• I loved all of the storage options and thought the food, drinks, and amenities were great.

I've flown in hundreds of international business-class seats, but I've never wanted to stay on the plane after arriving at my destination — until a trip to New Delhi on Air India changed everything.

Let's face it, travel — no matter what class — wears the body down, but the 15-hour flight in business class on Air India's upgraded A350 from Newark to New Delhi was an unexpected pleasure.

Here's how the journey went.

One of the first things I noticed was that my business-class seat was actually a suite

When I walked over to my seat, the first thing I noticed was that it was a private suite with lots of storage space for my belongings. There was even a wardrobe for hanging clothes, like a jacket.

After putting my belongings away, I familiarized myself with some of the suite's features.

For example, outside every numbered suite was a light that turned red if you pressed the "do not disturb" button. This signaled to the flight attendants that they shouldn't stop by for a check-in. I thought this was a nice touch for those trying to get some rest during the flight.

My suite also had a large window with built-in electric blinds that allowed as much or as little light as I wanted. Once closed, the blinds darkened the cabin for a good night's sleep.

There was a 21-inch "entertainment screen," too, which featured a cool selection of Bollywood and Hollywood blockbusters, as well as international TV shows.

Overall, I was impressed with the business-class cabin as a whole, and thought the design was sleek and upscale. I also had quite a bit of room in the aisles to stretch and stand if I wanted to visit with someone or get up to read a book.

The food and drink menus were extensive, and the snacks kept coming

Just moments after getting settled in my suite, I was offered a glass of Laurent-Perrier. (Yes, please.)

The food menu was extensive, and I chose tomato and bocconcini caprese with toasted almonds, Kalamata olives, and garlic toast, as well as rice, beans, and chickpeas.

My meal even came with a salt and pepper shaker shaped like a tiffin box (a traditional Indian lunch box, often made of metal, with tiers to store different foods).

After dinner, the crew offered me snacks, including a cheese plate with Emmental, Brie, and English cheddar, as well as a chocolate rind cheesecake. Along the way, I also had a delicious Bloody Mary.

During my flight, I also visited the dedicated social area behind business class. The delightfully decorated area was a warm and inviting enclave for visiting with fellow passengers and crew members. It was complete with more snacks, including cookies, cakes, cheeses, nuts, and fruit.

After the flight attendants saw that I'd grabbed a bag of nuts, they grabbed another bag and warmed them up for me. I thought that attention to detail was really special.

I continued to receive warmed bags of nuts and popcorn, seemingly every 45 minutes.

Bedtime felt luxurious, too

My seat reclined into a 79-inch lie-flat bed, and at 5-foot-9, I had plenty of room to spare. The crew made my bed with a duvet, and I was also provided a soft blanket, so I slept like a baby.

Business-class passengers also received Tumi pajamas and amenity kits designed by Ferragamo, which included body lotion, hand cream, lip balm, and more, in an elegant keepsake bag featuring a gold Maharaja charm.

I thought the pajamas were extra soft and comfy — a much-appreciated bonus for an overnight flight.

Altogether, my experience in Air India's business class was enjoyable and comfortable from start to finish. With ample storage, delicious meals and snacks, and plenty of room to relax, I think it rivaled most international first-class seats I've been on.

By the time my trip was over, my only thought was: Would anyone notice if I stayed?

• Spotify Wrapped launched December 3.
• New features in this year's recap include the ability to see your "Listening Age" and compete in a "Wrapped Party."
• Here's how to quickly find your own Spotify Wrapped.

Spotify Wrapped is here! It's time to relive your year in listening.

The annual music run-down — which takes more than a year to create — is officially a marquee event for Spotify. Last year, 1 in 3 of Spotify's over 713 million users engaged with their Wrapped. The campaign has grown from music to podcasts to audiobooks, and from a wholly digital event to in-person pop-ups.

This year, Spotify Wrapped has several new features, or "stories," as the company likes to call them. Spotify will calculate your listening age and place you in a club. It'll also race your top artist against each other.

Spotify Wrapped is easily shareable with friends, both on social media and in the group chats. There's a new in-app Wrapped Party feature for group-sharing, too.

Here's how to unwrap your year on Spotify.

How to find your Spotify Wrapped 2025

You won't have to look far: Spotify Wrapped is visible right on your home page.

Users opening their Spotify mobile apps will find "Your 2025 Wrapped" images in the Home tab. A simple click will take you to thew stories.

There's also a tab at the top of the home page, next to "All," called "Wrapped." Users can click there to see both their stories and custom playlists.

What's new for Spotify Wrapped in 2025?

The hallmarks of Spotify Wrapped are there. Users can easily see their top five songs and artists, as well as how many minutes of music they've listened to.

Spotify added podcasts to Wrapped in 2019. The medium remains in the run-down, with viewers seeing their top five podcasts, minutes listened — and maybe even a message from their favorite podcasters.

The streamer is now in the audiobook market, and the medium has officially made it to Spotify Wrapped. Users can see how many books they listened to and their top genre. Some authors, like "The Fourth Wing" author Rebecca Yarros, also recorded messages for fans.

Last year, the top genres category was missing. Fans quickly decried the loss on Reddit and X — and Spotify took note. Top genres is now back in Wrapped 2025.

One new story this year is the user's "Listening Age." Music fans love tracks from their teen years. So, based on the decade of some of your favorite songs, when would you have be a teen? That's how Spotify calculates your age.

For example: I am 22, but I listen to lots of music from the late 1960s. Spotify gave me a listening age of 73.

Each user is also sorted into a club based on their listening taste. Within the clubs, users are also given roles.

There are six clubs users can be placed in: the Soft Hearts Club (tender, cathartic), Grit Collective (angsty, dauntless), Full Charge Crew (hype, limitless), Cosmic Stereo Club (dreamy, lo-fi), Club Seratonin (euphoric, radiant), and Cloud State Society (lush, relaxing).

New for top artists this year is the ability to see how your five most-listened-to artists stacked up each month, before finally learning which one won out in a race.

Spotify Wrapped screenshots are often sent around group chats, where texters gawk at their friends' top songs. This year, Spotify wants to bring those group-sharers back into the app.

The new Spotify Party feature turns allows users to group together and compete for titles, like the "Sonic Sync Award" and the "Chaos Crew Award."

Users can access a Wrapped Party via the Wrapped hub in the Spotify app, by searching for it within the app, or at the end of their personalized story collection.

Before you leave, check out your archives. After the shareable images, Spotify offers users a log of some of their most notable days of music listening. These include the "Most Diverse Day," "Repeat-Heavy Day," "Most Nostalgic Day," and more.

• Delta Air Lines expects to take a $200 million hit from government shutdown flight disruption.
• Airlines were forced to cancel thousands of flights during October and November.
• The shutdown, which ended on November 12, was the longest in US history.

Delta Air Lines said on Wednesday that the company expects to take a $200 million hit to its profits due to flight disruptions during the US government shutdown.

The shutdown, which was the longest on record, wreaked havoc on the aviation industry as thousands of flights were canceled.

Air traffic controllers were short-staffed as the shutdown meant they weren't getting paid. Many couldn't work or stayed home, leaving fewer staff to manage flights.

To manage staffing shortages, the Federal Aviation Administration issued an emergency order to cut flights, maflights at 40 of the busiest airports in the US.

This story is developing. Please check back for updates.

• Families have long decked out their homes for the holidays.
• Some decor, such as tinsel, stayed in style for decades, even as materials changed.
• Innovations, such as colorful electric lights and mass-produced flocked trees, modernized displays.

With Thanksgiving behind us and the holiday season in full swing, many families are decking the halls.

While some common holiday decorations like tinsel, ceramic Christmas trees, and colorful stockings might feel more nostalgic, they are back in style, as people look for comfort and connection that more modern elements can't always conjure.

Many resurgent decorating trends, from cranberry or orange garlands to vintage Christmas villages, can either be made at home or found in thrift stores — good news for the 85% of people who said they plan to spend the same amount or less on the holidays this year compared to 2024, WalletHub reported.

Take a look back at how people decorated their homes for the holidays in years past.

By the 1920s, some families were decorating their Christmas trees with electric lights.

An associate of Thomas Edison thought up the idea of electric lights for Christmas trees back in 1882, History.com reported, replacing the long-held tradition of attaching lit candles to branches.

By the 1930s and '40s, families were decorating their Christmas trees with festive candy canes and strands of tinsel.

Tinsel has gone through various iterations. Initially made from silver, which indicated wealth, it was switched for cheaper metals that didn't sully so easily, such as copper and tin, The BBC reported.

However, a copper shortage in World War I gave way to aluminum and lead tinsel, which in turn led to concerns over fires and poisoning, The BBC reported. Eventually, PVC was used.

History.com reported that candy canes got their start in Germany in the 17th century, and were brought to the US by a German-Swedish immigrant in the 1800s. The mint flavor was first introduced in the 20th century.

Wartime shortages in the 1940s meant families had to use handmade or natural ornaments.

In place of tinsel and metallic ornaments, items like pinecones and nuts adorned families' trees, The National WWII Museum reported.

There was even a shortage of real Christmas trees around that time because there were fewer people to cut them down and fewer train lines with space to transport them. Instead, American families turned to artificial trees.

Christmas stockings were typically made of red or green felt and trimmed with bells.

People still use similar stockings today, hung by the fireside with care.

By the mid-1950s, tinsel and other elaborate decorations were back in full swing.

There were tinsel garlands or long strands of metallic tinsel called icicles, like on the tree shown above.

Hanukkah tables were often decorated with ornate tablecloths.

Menorahs could also be simple or ornate to match the tablescape.

In the 1950s, ornaments became more uniform, and colored lights were firmly in fashion.

By the 1920s, 40 years after the invention of the electric Christmas light, colorful versions were on the market. By the 1950s, they had become more widespread.

For holiday meals, families would break out a red tablecloth and festive-colored taper candles.

Taper candles are still commonly used in holiday table settings.

Strands of pearlescent beads were used to decorate Christmas trees in the 1960s.

"Silver and Gold," a famous Christmas song performed by Burl Ives in the 1964 film "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," embodied the Christmas tree-decorating trends of the time.

Some families, like President Lyndon B. Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird, adorned their trees with strands of popcorn, colorful flowers, and mismatched ornaments.

White House Christmas decorations have remained traditional but are more extravagant than they were in the 1960s.

"Flocked" trees covered in fake snow were also trendy in the 1960s.

Flocked trees date back to the 19th century, when people first used flour and other materials to give the impression of snowy branches.

By the 1960s, the trees were being mass-produced, but some people DIY-ed the look by dipping their tree branches in laundry starch, an approach now discouraged due to fire hazards.

Lawn ornaments like snowmen and reindeer also grew in popularity.

Inflatable versions of these vintage-looking lawn ornaments are still commonly seen today.

Families in the 1970s embraced colorful decorations with tinsel garlands and knit stockings.

Some holiday decorating trends never go out of style.

One popular decoration was the light-up ceramic Christmas tree.

The trees are popular again today and can be found at stores including Aldi, Target, Pottery Barn, and Home Depot.

Christmas villages were also popular, and people would collect different scenes to create a miniature town for their mantel.

People would often add cotton wool or sparkly white felt to create a snowy environment for their miniature Christmas villages. This decorating trend is still popular today, either new or secondhand.

Many trends have remained the same throughout the years.

However, elaborate light displays are one trend that probably would have seemed out of place 100 years ago.

• Lauren Gilbert was diagnosed with an aggressive form of colon cancer in April 2025.
• She is writing greeting cards in case she isn't there for her kids' milestones.
• The mom hopes they will read her messages when the time comes, and it'll affirm her love for them.

This story is based on a conversation with Lauren Gilbert, 42, VP of operations for a healthcare company, from Collegeville, Pennsylvania. It has been edited for length and clarity.

Many people find it challenging to choose a suitable greeting card for a loved one. However, for me, the process took at least an hour as I chose 16 cards for my two children, Ella, 5, who is neurodiverse, and Austin, 4, to open as they grow up.

It was an emotionally draining shopping experience. I have Stage IV colon cancer, and my prognosis is not good. I doubt I will be around to celebrate occasions like their milestone birthdays, high school and college graduation, and weddings when they're older.

I've decided to write messages in the cards well in advance so that my husband, Dan, can present them to Ella and Austin on each special occasion.

I had no choice but to have surgery

The doctor broke the devastating news that I had Stage IV cancer in April this year. It was a particularly rare and aggressive form — signet ring cell adenocarcinoma.

The diagnosis came two weeks after I went to the ER with intense pressure in my rectum. My stomach had been bloated for weeks, and going to the bathroom was virtually impossible.

They did an initial X-ray, which showed inflammation. But when I had a CT scan at a second hospital after a frightening spell of vomiting, they picked up a large mass that looked like a rectal tumor. A gastroenterologist did a colonoscopy, but couldn't get past the tumor. I had no choice but surgery.

They removed the tumor and took a total of 12 inches from my colon. I was fitted with a colostomy bag, which I still wear today.

The pathology results took a while to come back, but confirmed our worst fears. The cancer had spread to my abdomen and also outside my liver.

It didn't feel real, but my emotions came in waves. Dan, who isn't particularly emotional, cried hysterically at times. This was the hardest thing for me because I hadn't seen him that way before.

We call my resting periods 'be still time'

Next, I had chemotherapy. "The doctor is going to give Mommy medicine, but it's going to make Mommy sick a little bit," I explained to the kids.

We called my resting periods "be still time," when I might need some cuddles, be alone, or sleep. "We might get to watch a movie together, but Mommy's not going to be able to run around and play."

The initial chemo sessions were successful, but the second was not. The cancer had not shrunk, but had instead spread.

Now I'm pinning my hopes on a clinical trial in Philadelphia, which I start the first week of December.

Meanwhile, I've occupied myself during my sick leave by writing children's books, including "Ella and her Neurosparkly Brain," which explores autism. The writing has given me a new purpose.

As for the kids, they're at the age when they're developing core memories. I asked myself, "What can I do to let them know I'm still watching over them when they're older?" I want them to feel that I'm still part of their lives even though I'm not here.

I decided to write personal messages in greeting cards

I'm writing letters to them to open when they're having a bad day or they're going through a break-up. For those times when they want their mom to know what's happening and need comfort.

It gave me the idea of writing personal messages in greeting cards to mark milestone occasions, such as significant birthdays — when they're 13 and become teenagers, and adults at 18 and 21, for example.

I also bought cards that were more purposeful, like getting their sacraments in church, which I hope they will.

Another plan is to write cards for their wedding day, although I haven't found the right ones yet. In Austin's, I will remind him of all the thoughtful things that he did for me, even as a 3 and 4-year-old child.

Those are the precious things I'd want him to do for his future wife, including being sensitive, nurturing, loving, and caring. I'm sure he'll build on those qualities over the years and make a great husband.

I want my kids to know that I'm proud of them

I've also been thinking about Ella's 18th birthday card, which she'll receive in January 2038 if she chooses to do so. I don't want either child to feel obliged to read them because who knows how they will feel about the idea when they're older.

However, my message to Ella will be that she has the whole world ahead of her at the age of 18. I know that by then, she'll have overcome many challenges in her life because she is incredibly strong.

I want my children to feel my love and know that I'm proud of them, no matter who they become or where their lives take them.

• In 2022, I moved to Germany for nine months as part of my Master's program.
• I fell in love with a German man, and we're still here — and married — over three years later.
• Although I don't think this country is my forever home, it's great for now.

When I moved to Germany in September 2022, it was under the assumption that I'd return home to Canada in nine months.

Germany was the last stop of my Master's program that stretched across two years and three universities. I'd started out in Glasgow, then moved to Barcelona, and finally ended up in the small city of Göttingen, Germany.

Fate had other plans for me, though. After downloading Bumble one evening, mostly out of boredom, I matched with Leo: a very cute German beekeeper, drummer, and artist. I was intrigued.

It wasn't long after our first date that Leo and I knew we had something special, and soon, we were spending every single day together.

There were just a few issues, though — mainly, the minor detail that he was born and raised in Germany, and I was from Canada.

I didn't plan to stay in Germany, but meeting the love of my life made the choice a no-brainer

I had always planned to return to Canada at the end of my two-year program. Most of my friends and family were still there, and I had a few ideas of places I wanted to work after I had my Master's.

I'd also been renting a beautiful, two-story apartment that I had planned to return to. To this day, though, my furniture and boxes of clothes are still in Canada.

Germany wasn't exactly my dream destination, either. I was there because of the Master's program, but the country had never been high on my travel bucket list, and I spoke virtually no German.

In my first month of dating Leo, the reality that my time in Germany would come to an end hung over both our heads. Given how serious we became in such a short amount of time, though, that didn't last for long.

Truth be told, the decision to stay in Germany wasn't that difficult to make. I had met the love of my life. This was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience.

Plus, knowing that we wouldn't necessarily be here forever helped me feel a lot more confident. Leo made it clear he wasn't married to the idea of staying in Germany; he still had a few years of university to finish, but then, he was open to moving elsewhere.

By June 2023, we were engaged, and we moved in together shortly after that. Later that summer, he met my family when we traveled to Canada together, and our lives became increasingly intertwined.

There are benefits and downsides to life here

Now, it's been nearly three years since we met, and Leo and I live together on a retired farm in a small village outside Göttingen.

In June, we got legally married, and just this past October, we had a huge celebration in France with all our friends and family.

My life is wonderful, but Germany has its downsides. I miss the friendliness and more laid-back attitude of Canadians. Society here is highly rule-abiding, which can get tiring.

When I first moved here, for example, someone angrily scolded me for crossing the street on a red light. I learned later from a friend that jaywalking is frowned upon — especially if done in front of children.

I've also struggled with the language barrier. Try as I might, my German remains at a beginner level, even after three years. English isn't spoken often in our rural village, and this has led to many moments of isolation for me.

On the other hand, my cost of living feels lower, and there is a certain charm to rural German life. One thing I've come to love is the mobile bakery that comes through our village twice a week, offering a wide range of baked goods.

Also, everything closes on Sundays, and although that can be inconvenient, I appreciate the slower-paced lifestyle and emphasis on family that this helps Germany maintain.

Germany isn't forever, but it's our best option for right now

Our plan, for now, is to stay in Germany for another two years. We're expecting a baby in January, and we've found Germany's healthcare system to be mostly excellent.

Staying here will give Leo the chance to finish school, allow us to take advantage of the German healthcare system, and help us save some money in a more affordable setting.

After many conversations, we've planned to end up living in Canada in some capacity; maybe we'll move there in two years or split our time between both countries.

My parents are getting older, and I miss living closer to them and my friends. I also desperately miss living in an English-speaking country.

Even so, the fact that I don't know exactly what my future looks like doesn't scare me.

My move to Germany has taught me that plans can change in the blink of an eye, and although looking ahead is important, staying flexible and open-minded can lead to all kinds of unexpectedly beautiful experiences.

It has also taught me that my home is Leo, and whatever we do, we'll do it together. Soon, that will extend to our child, too.

• Business Insider asked etiquette experts about the mistakes to avoid when attending a work event.
• Showing up dressed inappropriately and not greeting members of leadership are major faux pas.
• Hiding behind your phone instead of socializing can also be seen as rude.

No one wants to be that coworker. You know, the one everyone talks about after a work party.

Work gatherings can be a great way to connect with your colleagues and celebrate your professional accomplishments together. However, inappropriate behaviors can harm your professional reputation.

That's why Business Insider asked two etiquette experts to share the mistakes guests should avoid making at work events. Here's what they said.

Showing up dressed inappropriately

Pamela Eyring, owner of The Protocol School of Washington, which teaches business etiquette, told Business Insider that when it comes to work events, a big faux pas is dressing too informally for the business environment.

"Before you go to the work party, think about what you're going to wear," she said. For example, you don't want to dress like you're going to a nightclub.

When in doubt, avoid styles you'd be uncomfortable wearing to work during the day. You can also try checking the event's invitation for a dress code.

In addition to dressing professionally, though, Eyring also emphasized the importance of communicating the dress code to any guests you bring.

Making assumptions about what people celebrate

At seasonal events and parties, it's especially important to steer clear of holiday-specific wishes unless you know exactly what your colleagues celebrate.

When in doubt, Sheree Bryant Sekou, a business-etiquette expert and leadership consultant, said it's best to stick to broad, culturally sensitive greetings like "happy holidays."

Skipping leadership greetings

"A lot of people avoid senior leaders, like the president, CEO, or even their boss's boss" at work events and parties, Eyring said.

But instead of being fearful of saying hello, she told BI that guests should use this opportunity to make their presence known to senior leaders.

If you're unsure of what to say, try referencing something they've shared recently — or simply thank them for hosting the party.

Sitting out on the fun and ignoring planned activities

"If there's a DJ or band, prepare to get up and dance, even if you don't like to or don't think you are good at it," Eyring told BI. "If there are activities, participate."

After all, this is your opportunity to connect with coworkers and show them a lighter side of you that they may not always get to experience in the workplace.

Hiding behind your phone instead of socializing

Eyring told BI that one of the biggest mistakes you can make at a work party is hiding behind your phone.

"There are a lot of people who feel anxious when attending these events, and they don't really know many people," Eyring told BI. "Instead of mixing and mingling because they're introverted or feeling anxious, they sit behind their phone and scroll."

However, by doing this, you're missing out on a valuable chance to network and get to know other people at the company.

Of course, there are valid reasons to have a phone out during the party. But if you're showing colleagues photos on your phone, for example, do it quickly and then put it away, Eyring said.

Taking photos of people without their permission

Eyring said another appropriate use case for phones at a work party includes taking photos with coworkers — but only if permission is obtained first.

"People don't always like having their photo taken when they aren't posed or haven't been asked to be a part of a photo," she told BI.

Likewise, it's a good idea to ask for permission before posting or sharing the photo with others. "Some people also don't want to be seen on someone else's social media page drinking, or holding a glass, either," Eyring said.

Discussing sensitive conversation topics

At work events, it's best to steer clear of any topic that could be seen as delicate or controversial.

"Proceed with caution when mentioning anything that falls into a category where people might have distinct or strong feelings about that topic. That includes politics, romantic relationships, money, and religion," Sekou told BI.

Instead, she said, it's safer to have low-stakes conversations about family, vacations, and hobbies.

Packing up leftovers to bring home without permission

When extra food is left behind, it can be tempting to pack it up to take home. However, this can come across as rude at a party.

"When you attend a work event, the goal is to connect and build relationships. Packing up food and other leftovers could be perceived as uncouth," Sekou said.

She also suggests being mindful when it comes to how much you take to eat in general. If you're not served a pre-portioned plate, avoid taking more food than you plan to eat in the moment.

Overstaying your welcome

Company events can be a great excuse to get to know your coworkers on a deeper level. However, it's important that you don't let an engaging conversation cause you to overstay your welcome.

According to Sekou, it's essential to pick up on social cues and leave at the appropriate time.

"Pay attention to cues around exiting. Sometimes the music may go down, or the lights may come up. You might start to see people putting away dishes," Sekou said. "That's your sign to start winding it down."