On Relationships, a Reporter Connects With Readers

Every now and then, something really hits home. ‘I had a lot of friends who were razzing me, like, ‘You’re the person writing a 5-Day Friendship Challenge?’’ Ms. Pearson said in an interview. ‘I’m pretty introverted, but I am making more of an effort now.’ Ms. Pearson joined a news outlet in the spring of 2022 from her previous workplace, where she spent 11 years writing about gender and health. Her coverage focuses on families, romantic relationships, and friendships, with an emphasis on forging better connections. ‘It’s everything that matters to people,’ she said. ‘I try to be mindful of not giving the same advice you read over and over, like, ‘Put yourself out there.’