This post was 3,000 words long. They all felt overly complicated and heavy and weird. I clicked delete. Then I just typed what we’re really feeling, complete with things we’ve never said out loud and even a few things we’ve never fully admitted to ourselves before.
The truth is that we love you guys. Like for real. Even for the tough love. We know you say it because you care (or hopefully you did at some point), and we want you to know we care right back. We want to do a good job. We want to do this with joy and excitement. We want to inspire you. We know this is an incredible way to have made a living and we are full of gratitude for the experience to have shared the last seven years of our lives with you guys online.
We would NEVER be here without you, and not a day goes by that we don’t know that. It’s why we asked for your feedback last week and read every last comment. We appreciate the honesty and the passion you guys have on the topic of making this blog great. And we agree with a lot of what was being said. We have been feeling off for a while – like we have lost our rhythm and we’re somehow missing the mark for ourselves and for you guys. We too miss the good old days when we did this for the love and were full of such obvious joy and spontaneity. This felt like a place we all hung out and it just doesn’t have that vibe anymore.
Over the years many amazing opportunities popped up for us. Things we never dreamed of doing in a million years, and things we’re incredibly grateful to have had the chance to experience. A book deal, curating paint picks with Benjamin Moore, a line sold at Target, a showhouse, etc. But in hindsight those things also made this feel a lot more like a business than a personal blog to many of you, and to us as well. We have actually ramped those down behind the scenes in an attempt to get back to our roots (we no longer do the BM color collection, the second book is mostly written, our products at Target have completed their run, and we finished the showhouse) but we never really made a big announcement about that – so it’s completely understandable that some of you might think we’ve moved on to those greener pastures and left the blog in the dust, so to speak. The reality is that our site propels the success of any outside project like a product or book, so we could never turn our backs on the blog and expect those items to continue to sell as well.
Not only have we felt this shift from “John and Sherry” to “Young House Love: The Brand”, but the blogosphere as a whole has become increasingly sponsored/corporate lately. We can see from the outside prospective as a reader, or even a fellow blogger, that it’s hard to read a blog post without suspecting some ulterior motive or money-making system behind it. Last week a few of you mentioned that we might need to keep giveaways around because they pay us well, which surprised us since they’re never something we accept payment for (we like to pass free things along to you as a thank you for reading).
Along with the whole business/brand thing that’s going on, and the side gigs that felt like they muddied the water for some of you, there are certainly other things we wish we had handled differently in hindsight. Just to name a few, there’s: being too defensive, over-explaining, letting things get in our heads and change our lighthearted approach, and the internal struggle between being transparent and oversharing personal details like a vacant new house without an alarm system (looking back we wish we’d handled our third house announcement differently). We know many of you felt insulted that we didn’t share more freely about that house, and we truly apologize.
Anyway, back to that whole “we’re sexy stumbling and you know it” thing. It’s endlessly frustrating to do a job that you love poorly, especially when it’s a blog baby that you’ve birthed yourself and nurtured for seven years. And especially when it’s such an amazing job that we once felt so inspired and joyful to wake up and do each day. What’s wrong with us? We know this is a dream job. We acknowledge it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. We know most people who have built something like this would be more inspired than ever. It’s not that we lost the gratitude, I think it’s that we feel like we’ve fallen out of our groove. We feel like we’re letting you guys down repeatedly. It got to the point that every time we pressed “publish” we braced ourselves.
So in an attempt to stop stumbling around and feeling like we just can’t get it back, we’re taking a break. We don’t know exactly how long we’ll be stepping away, but our guess would be at least a month. We will certainly be exploring other options for supporting our family (something we mentioned we were considering back in April). We had that fiery blog-spark back when we had day jobs and did this as a hobby, so we think it could be a good change. We’ll also be taking a break on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, but the blog will stay public so you guys can access the archives whenever you’d like.
Our internal struggle and the state of this blog is entirely of our making, and we completely own that. Please don’t get mad at anyone for being honest with their feedback last week or accuse them of sending us packing. We have been struggling with that “something is off” feeling for a while now, and after way too much denial and “we’ll turn it around” pep talks, we finally asked for your feedback because we truly wanted to hear what you were thinking. It was cathartic and helpful for us. It has allowed us to very clearly see that if we have any respect for this blog and our love of it, and for you guys and what you’d like to see, we need to take a break if we ever want any hope of getting back to that fun/real/spontaneous place it used to be when this was something we did for the love instead of the high stakes game of supporting a family.
In summary: we love you, we thank you, and we hope you understand.
Bea says
I’m in high school and a huge fan of your blog. I always looked forward to reading your posts every day during my second hour class. When you scaled back your posts, on days you guys didn’t post I just re-read ones from previous days. Now, I have nothing to read. It makes me sad :( I look at your family, and you guys are honestly so wonderful. Teddy, Clara, and Burger are extremely lucky to have such amazing parents. I’m extremely excited to learn what future plans you have for your blog and continue my knowledge of home improvement. I just wanted to say thanks…I’m the only 17 year old I know who reads blogs. I love you all so much. Please come back soon!
Crystal A. says
J & S- I am so sad to see you leave but respect your decision. I am so thankful that you are leaving the blog open as I always come here first when I am looking into a project. To be honest, I haven’t been on here for a while, but not because of the style. I also have a family and have just been really busy. I love this blog and how real you are. Seeing a growing family, messy rooms, and late nights is what life is all about. I will always be grateful for you both. Take care and maybe we will see you again soon!
Jen says
Just wanted to say I’ve been checking the blog daily, and that if you choose to continue blogging I will be a loyal fan. Missing your happy, cheerful, enthusiastic can do attitude that encourages all to tackle our own projects. Warmest Regards, Jennnifer
Emily F says
I hope you are enjoying your break from blogging, but I (selfishly) really hope that you miss it! Because you are missed.
Lisa says
This is my first comment even though I’ve been reading for a few years. I’m just really not that commenting type but I really miss checking in on your family and your house every couple days. I guess I will just keep checking in until I see something besides feeeeeelings although that hasn’t stopped me from re-reading that post every few days.
Andy says
Just saw a BEE ???? door knocker from Home Depot on pintrest & it made me think of y’all.
Corinna says
Missing you guys. It’s actually hard to put into words what I want to say considering this could be my last opportunity :)
I am a casual blog reader and have found it so difficult to see bloggers be harassed and/or scrutinized to the nth degree because it is a public forum. So, thanks for all the great content through the years, I don’t agree that it is lacking or too technical or … I just want to throw my hat in the ring of readers that saw this blog as the genuine article. Two people who share their everyday passion for DIY in incredible detail and very professionally. I’ve learned things from you and tried new things because of you. It’s been fun.
Again, thanks for the great blog and all my best in whatever you decide to do. I’ll be here reading if you return. Most of all, I hope you find the next item on your list that excites you.
Jackie says
Come back!! I have been checking my reader and missing your posts! Your blog is one of the very few I would read regularly and always one of the first to be read. You are truly missed!
joaday says
Sherry & John, I love you guys & what you’ve created with Young House Love! In fact, you’re the only blog I check regularly (meaning you’re the only one I follow, and I won’t miss a YHL post). I only discovered you a couple years back, but have loved it all & never felt tired or bored of your ideas & content. I adore your current home – the design of the house & your changes. When you announced that you’d be reducing the # of your weekly posts around the time of Teddy’s arrival, I took a sigh of relief. …But only because I had a hard time keeping up with reading everything you produced, yet didn’t want to miss anything. On that note, a mix including shorter posts are welcome. Enjoy time as a family & please, please come back soon! You, nor anyone, can please everyone. Know that sometimes those who are dissatisfied may be the most vocal. Yet, for every naysayer comment you may hear, there are many times that number of readers and fans silently gushing over your latest idea & project. I’m one of them. I think this is my first time commenting… not because I don’t love your posts, but because the days are too short with too much on the list. I’m sure there are many who are in a similar scenario, and we’re looking forward to your return.
xo
PS – please visit Seattle on your book tour
The Chatty Housewife says
Have you seen this meme (not sure what it is really called?) You’re in it! I was so surprised when I saw it!
http://redtricom.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/stay-at-home-dad.jpg?w=620&h=427
It is #16 on this list: http://redtri.com/mom-memes-that-will-crack-you-up/?utm_source=FB&utm_medium=NATL&utm_campaign=FB-NATL#
Becky says
I almost never leave comments, but just wanted you to know that we miss you! :)
Renee says
Missing you guys!
Jodie McBride says
Hi P Family,
I think you are great! I just found you a few this past summer. I thank you for the grout information. It took me almost 3 months to paint my gross tile, but it looks great now. I can’t believe how many comments you have, that is crazy…I’m writing to say thanks for sharing all your ideas. I’m on your 398 blog and am slowly catching up. I decided to start at the beginning when you announced your break. You seem like you have good heads on those shoulders, go with your gut and everything will fall into place. The M Family in the Salad Bowl of CA.
P.S. If you are ever in our neck of the woods our girls say you can have their bunk beds. We can also get you into the Monterey Bay Aquarium for free!!!
Chrissy says
Just popping in to say ‘Kia ora’ from New Zealand. I love your blog, it’s been so inspiring for me and reading about your experiences has enabled me to tackle jobs I would never otherwise have had the courage to start.
Miss you very much, but applaud you taking time out to think about what works best for you and your family. Whatever happens next no-one can ever take away my ‘John and Sherry DIY chutzpah’. You changed my perspective. Blessings and aroha.
Jocelyn says
You are missed!
Jac says
Ok a Laugh today…. No mug hands today, but my husband asked me yesterday what this whole ‘bearded, well-dressed thing’ was. I said it sounded like a hipster. Today he came home looking confused. He’d gone up to the hipster to discuss Coltrane & miles Davis, and when the hipster looked confused he said he started making jazz trumpet sounds like miles in case the hipster knew the song. I explained that the term ‘hipster’ is a little different now, Daddy-O.
On that note….why did the hipster burn his tongue?
Because he sipped his coffee before it was cool. ;-)
Take care all…you know I’ve read all 4792 comments on this post. I think I’m going a little mad without a new post to read…
April says
I know you guys weren’t posting every day, but now that you’re away I miss you every day. Each time I check my RSS feed I hope to see a post from you guys. Miss you so much.
It’s not about the house, or the projects, or all the other stuff that’s admittedly a lot of fun to read. It’s about you. I miss YOU. Your writing voice, the tidbits about your family, your quirky humor, your honest opinions, your sincere passions.
I hope you guys are having a LOVELY break from all the pressures of public content creation, but I hope you know that we miss you terribly! And not just because we want things to read. But because we miss YOU and who you guys are. We’ve never met and you don’t know me, but I can’t help but feel like you’re my friends. I’m sorry the friendship is one-sided. But I really care about you guys.
I’ll understand if you quit for good and don’t come back, but I truly, truly hope you DO come back. I’ll wait for you, even if it takes years.
Jac says
I was face-painting the other day & a little boy wanted a panda face. I painted him…and he smiled so brightly when he saw his reflection. Then he asked politely ‘excuse me, but you don’t happen to sell panda ears at this stall too?’. I said I’m terribly sorry but we don’t have panda ears. He looked so disappointed and walked off, but not before saying thank you & shook my hand. I wish I had some ears for him, he was so sweet!
Pure manners people, from a 5 year old, even in the midst of disappointment. Sometimes people don’t have panda ears for you, but you don’t have to be rude. Just say thanks for what you get, and politely go find your ears elsewhere.
:-)
Now, who wants a butterfly face? Or an ‘I heart YHL’ face? Or a burger face?
Robin W says
Love this!
Lisa says
“When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.”
? Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
I miss you more than i should – but than again… you have made the internet a better place. Thank you for that!
Alie says
Hi guys!
I’m just checking in on you. I wanted to make sure you know that I was thinking of you. I think a break for now is ok. Just remember if I’m reading another blog along with yours, it’s because “We Were On A Break!” :)
Seriously though. Best thoughts to your family. I’m a fan of doing what you need to.
~~Alie
Kim says
I still check in every day. Yesterday I checked in twice because Macklemore’s Thrift Shop came on the radio, and I thought it might be a sign that you came back. :-) No for real, ask your grandpa can I have his…
But I digress.
I understand changing priorities . I was a very casual and on my own time 1-2 times a month blogger before my son was born last fall. While I still “write” home improvement blog posts in my head, I decided to stop posting because it took too long, it wasn’t my job, and I had different (better!) priorities with my son here.
I wish you all the best no matter what you decide (even though I’m not so secretly hoping you come back)!
Shelley says
Just wanted to add to the posts, stating I’ve been a follower for several years and have always enjoyed your posts. I am not a DIYer but look to your posts for decorating ideas. So hoping you pop back in for a Halloween post! I love seeing the creative low cost decorations you come up with! Hoping you are enjoying life.
Lisa says
Miss you more than I even thought I would. This blog has been the best of its kind for so long. High quality info, well-documented and all that heart and soul. How could we NOT miss you? Hope y’all are well.
Trudy says
Please please come back! Even if only once or twice per week! We miss you!
Steph says
Just checking in again. Miss you guys.
Maggie says
Don’t listen to any negative comments. Ya’ll are great and a family with two kids takes a lot of work just for the everyday stuff. Any of your fans who have loved you will continue to love you and understand no matter what you decide for the future. I’m praying for you to know just what is right for your family and will rejoice with you when you figure that out. :-)
Christine says
Regardless of what your next steps will be, I hope that you will take the time to do two things: 1) Please let John also address your readers. I love Sherry, but we did read a blog written by the two of you and your sign off letter was written or appeared to be written by Sherry (altho I’m sure it was a labor of love from you both behind the scenes.). We would love to hear from John as well, even if it is simply to say goodbye. 2. Should you consider continuing the blog (and I hope you do!) I hope you find a way to ensure that if your fans/readers should, in the future, criticize (constructively of course) they will not be faced with another shutdown. While I have no doubt that your burnout has come at a very stressful time in your lives, your disappearance also came simultaneously after an abundance of criticism from your readers. It is my experience that we have to find ways to accept that criticism without looking like we’re taking our ball and going home. That being said, I look forward to whatever the next steps are for you. I do hope your talent and your creativity will find a way to be in our lives for a long time to come.
jen says
Stoppin in to add my comment to the pile JUST IN CASE you are waiting till you hit 5,000 to come come back. What ever it takes to get you get ya back.
Pam the Goatherd says
Ahhhhhhh! It’s comforting to know I’m not the only one who has it in my head that the 5000th comment will be the magic number which will bring John and Sherry back to us.
KathyL. says
The way I figured it was when they hit page 100 of comments, lol. Yeah, I keep checking, I loved them too. I miss little Miss Pixie Face–she is so adorable. I’m sure Teddy will have changed so much….we’ll be ok as long as they are.
Leah says
I miss your posts so much! I’ve been checking everyday in hopes that you’re posting again. We’ve all been deprieved of the weekly Teddy pics too! I hope that WHEN you guys come back you’ll update the missed weeks. :)
Ranna says
Just checking in….I miss you guys….I’ve read everyday for years so it’s weird to have you gone….I’m still mad at the mean jerks :-(
Cindy Nehlsen says
Really missing you guys.
emily kathryn says
Hope you’re enjoying your much needed break. I miss YHL appearing on my Bloglovin’ feed. I enjoyed seeing your family more than even the house projects! Sending good vibes your way.
Dawn From Michigan says
Has it only been 21 days…. feels like an eternity. Still missing my daily YHL. Its like a coffee addiction that’s gone dry and I am not coping well. Sure do hope you come back… I miss you, the kids and BURGER sooooo much!!! I will take whatever you are willing to give. Even if your daily post is only one sentence and a picture of Burger, I would be satisfied.
Laura says
I put a reminder on my phone to check on October 9th to see if they were back… I feel ya.
Alba says
I toooootally agree with you!
Amanda Zimmerman says
Missing my favorite bloggers :) hope you are doing well! Hoping you’re back soon…. but most of all that you’re at peace with whatever decision you have to make. <3 you guys!
Meg says
I miss you guys and hope you are all doing well and enjoying your well deserved time away. I’ve been with you from the beginning and think you’re the bees knees!
Renee M says
Ummm…I’ve been missing you guys, so I was browsing (looking for your fav other blogs actually) when I ran across this:
https://www.younghouselove.com/2012/01/dealing-with-criticism/
Alden says
I’ve never left you guys a comment before, but I’ve been reading YHL for years, and you are one of the few blogs that I follow regularly. I just wanted to chime in to support you guys in any format you decide to come back with, and if you do decide to start a new chapter in your lives, best of luck!
Katie says
100% Agree with Dawn! ?
Alyssa says
I miss you :)
nic says
Hope you are refreshing your enerfy and zest for life with this break. I am sure that some of the critiical comments must sting, but ultimately you have a huge readership and most people check in every day b/c they so enjoy your work. Your readership numbers speak for themselves!! You can’t be everything to all people, and while it is easier said than done, I hope that you will be able to give more weight to the 95% of readers who really enjoy your work and let go of the people who are just looking to provoke/hurt/snipe. You guys are so “accessible” and you make affordable home design/decor seem within reach. There are tons of decor mags featuring $40K kitchens – anyone can have a great kitchen for that. It is really inspiring and refreshing to see people who need to consider their budgets still end up with great looking rooms. I thank you for all the inspiration you’ve given me, and hope that you will become inspired to blog again soon!
Kristen says
Miss you guys
Trisha says
I have tried to fill the YHL void in my day with other diy/rehab blogs. Here’s the problem: I can’t see myself actually being able to do any of their projects. The detailed step-by-step that you guys take the time to do actually gave me the confidence to tackle some things I never thought I was capable of. I (naively) thought all of the blogs in the genre did the same. I always knew you guys were the best, but now I know you are unique. I hope you come back to share your very special perspective on home, life and family with us soon.
Sarah C says
That’s exactly how I feel too Trisha! I look at other blogs and say to myself, how can I actually do this? Or where are the links so I can use those same materials? YHL definitely gives us the confidence to do it and do it right the first time!
singlemomthriving says
I’m posting again in case you don’t realize how much you are missed. I am an avid DIYer that loves to checkout new ideas on blogs and websites and when they miss a day here and there, go on vacation, have a baby, I’m like “okay, cool, it happens”. With you guys, I feel like I lost my phone and can’t call my best friends. It wasn’t just the DIYing, though I love the way you guys explain every plan, every thought process, every purchase. It was more than that. I saw two wonderful people who clearly found their soulmate and had the added benefit of marrying their best friend. I love the video’s of Sherry rapping and Clara doing her Clara-thing. I enjoyed the Burger photobombs and John’s clever and informative posts. Put simply, you guys are so much fun and I miss all of you.
~ Dona
Amanda says
I wish I could be nice and selfless like some of the other commenters and say I will be ok with whatever choice you make, but I can’t. I’m selfish and I miss you guys. Come back!! Is Clara in high school yet? Did you get rid of that last bit of slate blue yet? It feels like it’s been forever : (
Sara says
You are missed!!
TheGoodLife says
Nebraska misses you all!
Vanessa says
Still checking everyday!..hope you’ll be back soon because we certainly miss you guys!
Briel K. says
Just wanted to comment to say I miss you guys! I hope you are having a great break! :)
Alba says
Come back pleeeeeeease!!! I’ve never thought I could miss that much someone I don’t even know but I’ve to admit that I miss you all a lot.
I hope everything is ok in your family
Christina A in Northern VA says
Longtime reader, extremely rare commenter here. In fact, this may be the second or third time I’ve commented ever. Just wanted to drop in and say that I miss you!
Like many here, I never took this blog for anything other than what it was, and in fact, I was thrilled for you when you said you would be posting less frequently earlier this year — both for you guys and your adorable little family, but also because I have had a busy year myself and it was getting hard to stay on top of your blog in my RSS reader… and it made me realize how much you guys were pushing to post regularly. I actually felt bad and long before the fewer-posts message came out I wanted to ping you and say, “Hey! Take care of yourselves guys! This was supposed to be fun, and it seems like you’re making it too much for yourselves! Breathe!”
So, while I’m sorry you’re not currently gracing my RSS reader with your awesomeness, I am very happy you are taking some time for YOU, and I hope that this is not “so long” but “til next time!”
Hug hug hug hug!