Callie Byrnes

Callie joined Thought Catalog as an intern in 2017 and now works as the Editorial Director for its sister site, Collective World. She enjoys writing personal essays and articles about pop culture, astrology, and tarot. She published her first book, ‘The Words We Left Behind,’ in 2024.

Some Subtle Reminders That You Were Once Here

A whole map of our relationship exists online somewhere; if I wanted to, I could follow the breadcrumbs back to the very first night I laid eyes on you.

You Don’t Need The Fab Five To ‘Queer Eye’ Yourself

There’s something so therapeutic about watching someone grow past their insecurities through the love and empathy of five total strangers who swoop into their lives to tell them that yes, you are good enough. Maybe it’s because, deep down, we all wish we could do the same.

All The Empty Spaces

I have a bad habit of creating temporary solutions for long-term problems, putting bandaids on broken bones and drinking away the pain.

Some Thoughts About Turning 25

I once had a 40-something professor who said he’d never date a woman over 25. Maybe that’s why this year feels like such an expiration date.

Thank God It Is Finally Pisces Season So I Can Cry To My Heart’s Content

Grab some tissues and a bottle of wine, because it’s about to get emotional as fuck in here.

Exactly Which ‘Thank U, Next’ Anthem Represents You, Based On Your Zodiac Sign

Cancer — Needy

A Short List Of Things That Only Hurt A Little

Everything was right, except for maybe me.

What If The People In My Life Don’t Spark Joy?

Unfortunately, dealing with burdensome relationships aren’t as easy as dealing with burdensome belongings.

Every Book I Read In 2018, Ranked

Twenty-eighteen is the year I decided to get back into reading things I didn’t have to read, and I’ve never been more glad — I got to spend the year delving into a lot of fun, thoughtful books I’d never read before (and a few I just wanted to experience all over again). What better way to end the year than rank them from best to worst?

Here's To The Friends We Don't See As Much As We Wish We Could

The Worst Breakups Are The Ones That Aren’t Romantic

It was you and me against the world—my enemies were yours, and yours mine. And when our enemies became one another, I’m not sure either of us knew what to do.

A Brief History Of Men Not Learning Anything About Me On Dates

He asks me what I want to do with my life, but before I can answer, he says, “You know, I like being an entrepreneur, but it’s always been my dream to make electronic music.”

10 Must-Read Books For Single Girls Who Want To Start Dating Again

Whether you’ve been single and on a dating hiatus or you’ve just got out of a long-term relationship, it can be daunting to jump back in and start playing the field again. But have no fear — if you’ve got a concern, we’ve got a book for that.

These Middle Schoolers Plotted To Murder Their Classmates And Drink Their Blood

The students were self-described “Satan worshippers” and wanted to go to Hell to be with him.

This Guy Tweeted About His Experience With A Haunted Ouija Board And It’s Actually Fucking Terrifying

It’s the spookiest time of the year, and while many may be running to the pumpkin patch or pulling out their tarot cards to prepare, you might want to second guess investing in that Ouija board you’ve been eying at the store.