Random Life Stories and Unpredictable Moments

Would you be okay with your partner showing expressions to you in a public space?

So I'm introverted and I have a resting serious face when I'm not talking to anyone at events. I was upset with my boyfriend because he was ignoring me so I made a face at him. Nothing elaborate but it was like a glare and eye roll. And we were like on a side and maybe someone could notice but I didn't think so. He didnt like that I made a face because he didn't want other people to notice it and make something of it. Other people includes random people we barely know and other people we do know (not nearby) and one of his cousin and her husband were nearby but again we were off to the side.

I did communicate that I was upset because he was ignoring me (he doesnt think he was). I also said I won't make a face or eye roll in future events because he doesn't like it and I meant it. I'm just curious about other opinions about being expressive to your own partner. We weren't near our close family (i wouldnt do that around our family) and the other people there suck and idc about their opinions tbh. I know he cares about society and stuff so I do/ don't do certain things out of respect but I do think it's annoying to do that for fake people who love to judge and have nothing to do with my life.

Friends with benefits destroyed me.

I know I'll be overly dramatic when I say this, but for me it's darkness. It's an addiction, really is. Addiction to something that's doomed to end.

I really poured my heart into her. I was so passionate with everything I said, crafting each sentence with beautiful care.

An hour ago I was sexting her, sending her my nudes, excited for what we had planned for tomorrow, and just a few minutes ago she said she wants to keep it just a friendship.

A part of my soul ripped from my chest just like that. I can't get my head straight, I am on the verge of tears but those assholes won't come out. My head is spinning, and hurting horrendously due to the lack of sleep caused by texting her late at night.

In an instant I went from being stupidly excited, to feeling my soul bleed. I was robbed of my well-being, and she DOESN'T EVEN REALISE, BY THE WAY... I really don't know what to tell her..

I know I did this to myself, I really shouldn't have cared about her that much given that it wasn't a relationship.. but i couldn't help it..

recently i learnt how lonely i am when so many people have friend groups where they hangout where they can be themself i also wanted that but i have got it but no one tells me any thing recently my entire friend group left our group chat leaving me behind and no one is ready to tell me anything i feel betrayed because i may i have not been active in the friend group that often but i feel so angry i ask me friend about it he said "leave it nothing" it gives me trauma and a feeling that im not part of the friend group anymore the same happens to me often where i want to join a group but every time i join i feel like an outcast or just a person who covers an empty space i dont feel i know it

Me and my ex girlfriend were in a relationship for two and a half years. Until we hit a wall. Wed been camping and her parents loved me and so did she. But unfortunately as she moved off to uni we realised we were in two very different places. I loved that girl with all my heart and wouldve married her given another couple years (were both 19) and i know she loved me but it just wasnt meant to be it seems. It hurts to lay in bed and realise shes not the smiling pretty face next to me anymore and realising ill never be able to give her a long warm hug again. All those nights spent listening to vinyls and slow dancing and chatting and just loving eachother comes flooding back. After she left it felt like my hesrt was torn out and taken with her never to return. Shes moved on and has a boyfriend already but i just cant because id devoted myself to her and to moving in together and getting married and having kids etc. Hell even moving to her home country for a more peaceful life together. Now i just feel so.... empty.

My wife, Eliza, and I recently celebrated our 12th anniversary, and we're blessed with three loving kids. So far, none of them have their own smartphones, and about half a year ago, we gathered them to discuss safety tips, including what they should do if they ever found themselves in a pinch away from us. One vital piece of advice we agreed on was for them to memorize important phone numbers. To make it enjoyable for them, I introduced some flashcards with my number, Eliza's, and those of their grandparents. This memory game was quite effective for the kids.

During this exercise, it came to light that Eliza didn't know my number by heart, which troubled me. In fact, she seemed to have given up on memorizing numbers altogether due to reliance on her phone. When I insisted on the importance of knowing each other's numbers especially for emergencies, Eliza brushed off my concerns, claiming it as needless worrying. She even challenged me if I knew hers, which I did, along with several other family members'.

The importance of this knowledge was underscored a few weeks back. Eliza, who had attended a work function a good hour's drive from home, locked her purse—with her keys and phone inside—in her car. Stranded, she had to lean on a generous coworker who drove her home. We then had the entire family drive back with her to retrieve her locked-in items.

During our drive, the topic of her not knowing my phone number naturally came up. She admitted that if she had it memorized, I could have simply brought her spare keys, avoiding inconvenience for her coworker. The incident made her defensive, likely embarrassed, but I took it as a teaching moment. Reluctantly, Eliza agreed to memorize some numbers.

Given that we already had flashcards, I thought they would aid her as they had helped our children. Unfortunately, frustration ensued as all our kids, including our youngest at five, could easily recite the numbers while Eliza struggled. She proposed instead to pen down the numbers and store them in her purse, which I pointed out was futile if she were to lock it in her car again.

Eliza argued, claiming that memorization was outdated and unnecessary, convinced she could always "figure something out" during emergencies. I emphasized that such an approach was unacceptable for safety's sake. Our disagreement escalated, and she accused me of making a mountain out of a molehill and being overly forceful on the issue.

Had this scenario unfolded in a reality show, the deliberation over the importance of memorizing phone numbers could spiral into a full-blown drama-filled segment, with audiences possibly split. Viewers might engage deeply, debating whether the insistence on memorization is an overreaction or a prudent stand on safety. The emotional stakes would be high, showcasing vulnerability, frustration, and the dynamics of marital support up against technological dependency.

Ever feel like nobody cares about you, especially those who should? Well, welcome to my world. I'm 32, and you know what, I can't say I've had the best mother-daughter relationship. It's like she was born with a manual on how to wreck my self-esteem 😒. She's the epitome of a narcissistic sociopath, and believe it or not, no one wants to be around her. Seriously, try having a mom who thinks the sun rises and sets according to her whims. 🙄 It's infuriating, but I've learned so much from being around someone so self-absorbed. At the end of the day, family's important, but just because someone gives you life doesn’t mean they know how to treat you right. Ya feel me?

I've got a solid degree of patience, but my mom tests it daily. I swear, her tactics are like something out of a psychology textbook, minus the therapy. It's a wild ride because she’ll talk over you, belittle you, and if you dare stand up for yourself, you're the devil incarnate. My family just rolls their eyes at her now, like some kind of unspoken agreement that she's just too much to handle. 😂 It’s like we all know she won't change, but we have each other and a shared understanding that our worth isn’t defined by her nonsense. There's something empowering about knowing that even with all this chaos, I'm able to stand tall and find happiness outside her toxic shadow. Things aren't perfect, but so what? Sometimes life is about making the best with the cards you're dealt, right?

She has this uncanny ability to turn any situation into a dramatic exhibition starring, guess who? Her, of course. 🎭 It's like, 'Hey mom, could you maybe acknowledge someone else's feelings for a change?' But, nah, that's never gonna happen. You know how when people start to say something like, "But she's still your mom," my eyes just glaze over. Why should anyone have to tolerate that crap just because of a biological connection? She's a grown woman who should know better, yet here we are. You can't control other people's actions, but you definitely have a say in how you respond to them. I've learned to tune out the negativity and focus on what makes me happy because, in the end, that's what truly matters. Seriously, who's really got time for that level of drama?

Despite everything, and maybe even because of it, I’ve developed this thick skin. Life isn’t a fairy tale, and people can suck sometimes, but I refuse to let my mom’s reckless, self-serving antics dictate how I feel about myself. 🌟 I've made some personal breakthroughs, learned to set boundaries, and now, instead of feeling like nobody cares about me, I've found this incredible support network of friends who genuinely have my back. Sure, it's not the family I was born into, but it’s the one I’ve chosen and trust. It's like discovering a treasure after digging through a mountain of nonsense and constant disapproval. Maybe you have your own mountain to dig through, too. But trust me, there's always a way to craft your own happiness and live life beyond the boundaries set by people who can't see past their own reflection. Do you really want to let someone else’s messed-up vision define who you are? Nah, you got this. Keep pushing, and always bet on yourself. 💪

Trigger warning: Loss and suicidal thoughts.

Being a 29 year old male, I fucked up my life so far.

I had depression and aniexty from my adolescent years that's been with me to this day. My mental issues has stopped me from finishing my college education, dating and working for most of my adult life. At age 19 I dropped out of college and threw away my close friends to become a gaming recluse. My parents worried for my future but I just just wasted my days away, planning to end my life at age 25.

At 20 I started taking care of my grandma who watched me in my younger years. She was the only reason I stayed alive. I was paid by the state to care for her, so I spent the next 9 years of my life caring for her as I became a hermit. I was with her for 5 days of the week; taking her to appointments, bathing, cleaning, and just checking up with her often. She cared for me back by feeding me, hanging out watching movies, talked, and gave me a grandparents' love.

At age 25 I fought the urge to kill myself. I contemplated a long time if I should still carry out my plan. In the end, I decided not to because of my grandmother. Without me, she wouldn't have help to live her own life. Around this time I reconnected with my friends and life seemed better.

At age 26 I needed better Healthcare insurance, so I started working another job. I was prepared to fail, become a social outcast, and be judged for being a depressed mess. I was wrong. I was more capable than I though; I excelled at my tasks and spoke to both colleagues and clients reasonably well. Sure, I had awkward first interactions and conversations.. But it wasn't all the time.

At 27 I got into a car accident that gave me a concussion. I still suffer side effects from this injury to this day. I'm not as mentally fast, more forgetful, and can't intake information nor speech from others well. My life is still spiraling down from this; with some of the aforementioned effects worsening some days.

At 29 my grandma moved away to live with other family; my dad wanted his siblings to do their part as her kids and care for her too. She passed 3 months after moving away. 4 months after she passed I resigned from my job. My work stress, depression, and aniexty was at a all time high. I was unable to sleep, suffered from chest pains/eratic heartbeats from stress, couldn't socialize with others well, and was not getting any work done.

I regret this decision.

Sure, I feel mentally clear now, but having no income and not able to find a job is worsening my mental again. I tried trading futures recentl6 but I only lost money due to my impatience.

Nowadays, I don't want to wake up. I spend my days lazing around in bed as I apply for jobs, attempt trading but to only lose my meager savings, and try to think of reasons to live. My current reasons are for my family and friends.. I can't imagine what they'll go through if I ever commit.

I hope to find a job by January; that's when my funds will be dried up. Until then, I'll try to start back a routine and care for my physical health again. Maybe I'll try running again.

Thank you for reading.. Oh, and if this story was on TV, would you watch it? Do you think the main character will enjoy life again and find a job? I hope he does, I don't want this story to end soon.

that feeling of burnout. have you ever felt that? that state wherein you are constantly being pushed and pulled away by sadness and happiness. it’s weighing up on me. i don’t think i can make it in the long run :)

Facebook is beyond belief. You can't say anything through it. I was just talking about those feelings that are contradictory to advocating for good ideals, and it itself put it up for review. Such an extremely valuable text, it itself put it up for review. It's a question that I found totally offensive.

How could they do that? I feel like with Facebook, you can't write anything, because in principle, no one knows why it puts things up for review. It doesn't mention anything about what I published; it just leaves you at the mercy of uncertainty. I used to vent on Facebook, but over time, I stopped doing that. Frankly, I don't want to post posts like the one I made in WhatsApp groups, after reflecting, because I find it disruptive, and I like to post a lot.

Putting up with Facebook cutting off a post without explanation is harassing. You expect it to remain a post, even more so when it's barely published and doesn't say anything about it being annoying or anything like that. It takes you by surprise. You want to publish in peace, but you don't know what mistakes you made to sustain that. Besides, in such posts, I express my creativity; I'm not attacking anyone or spreading hate speech or anything like that. They're simply creative posts, nothing more, even pleasant stories, for enjoyment, rich reading, and everything is in groups, where that's what they're for. The platform is pulling my hair out; I mean, I need a space to share what I want to publish calmly, and Facebook isn't providing it, even though it gives the false illusion that it is.

I don't know if Facebook or people are worse. What I publish often seems like an attack on prejudice, a search to break molds, to make people think within intimacies that are not socially undermined, and therefore people, at least those around me, feel incapable of being receptive, even though I've heard good comments about it. Facebook is the one I find most receptive, however, despite these surprises, I didn't find it pleasant. I continue to insist that it's the worst not knowing why your post, unexpectedly once again, is being sent for review, especially after someone put so much effort into such texts, because they wanted them to be pleasant, and also exposed to a general audience. I feel it's a way of harming my creativity, I have to say it this way, of making me feel insecure when it comes to publishing.

When I publish myself, I express myself, I vent, I can't go around with fears, or checking to see if my post was deleted or not. This anxiety is exhaustive, and also unfair. I revise my texts very thoroughly, and I also like that what I write is absolutely divine for the reader, and it helps me with my writing. When Facebook sends it for review, it's like feeling like my effort is completely set aside, that such divine art is spit out after having been arduously worked on. It's feeling like the platform treats what you've done in a completely dehumanizing way. Furthermore, in the groups, it appears that the administrator will review it, and they don't agree. This, well, since they and I are strangers, barely through online contact, only triggers problems; saying that Facebook played a trick sounds like an excuse.

Facebook, more than serving as a benefit for publishing and sharing content, is becoming a completely uncomfortable platform. I'd like to discover better platforms, but I also don't want to just go changing because I've already established my life there, virtually. Besides, this isn't happening because of others, but because of the platform itself. I also feel the helplessness of not being able to do anything about it, that the platform can send what I publish back for review in a completely arbitrary way, as I feel it has done with me up until now.

I've seen more than one person complaining about Facebook censorship. At the same time, I feel a sensitivity on the part of the platform that makes readings of the content extremely superficial. However, here I am considering the potential consequences of the platform's actions, but it's a futile effort. It never ceases to appear, naturally, because I am a human being. Before, I felt safe and secure on this platform, but all I feel like doing is moving to another platform, any one, just to avoid these surprises.

We had an intelligence test at school and the teacher told me I had “musical intelligence”. I’m very proud of it since I love music so much! I love listening to Eve mostly and I’m trying to learn Japanese because of it. Are there any other Eve fans here? I’d like to know if you have any favorite songs (no matter the artist), I want to hear different styles.

so here i am, 28, a freelancer consultant in this big IT company where everybody seems older and way more experienced than me… or at least they think so. 😔 every time i walk into a meeting or even just show up at my little cubicle (which by the way feels like a prison cell), i can sense the vibe. they don’t say anything directly, but it’s all there in the way they look at me, the way they nod without really listening when i suggest something. it’s like i’m just some annoying intern who got in by mistake. i keep trying to show i know my stuff, i read all the documentation, i stay late, i help whenever someone’s stuck. and still, there’s this wall, this invisible thing between me and them. do you ever feel that too? like you’re screaming into a void and no one cares?

sometimes, i even think maybe it’s my age, like they see me as this little kid trying to play in the big league. i mean, yeah, i’m younger, but that doesn’t mean i don’t know what i’m doing. 😤 i’ve had my own projects, worked with clients who were a nightmare and still pulled through, and now i’m here, and it’s like all that doesn’t matter. just because i’m younger and not part of their inner circle, it’s like they decided i don’t deserve to be taken seriously. what’s up with that? does age really decide how much you should respect someone in a workplace? or is it just some old-school mentality that’s still floating around? i can’t tell, but it makes me feel invisible, and no matter how much i try to integrate myself, it’s like i’m hitting a brick wall.

i’ve tried everything to fit in. i laugh at their lame jokes, i bring coffee when no one asks, i stay quiet when they clearly dismiss my ideas just to avoid conflict. i even took up this project no one wanted because i thought maybe it would earn me some respect. nope, same cold shoulders, same fake smiles, same nods. sometimes, i just sit there in meetings, pretending to take notes while my mind’s screaming, “what’s the point?” do you ever feel like that? like you’re stuck in this loop where no matter what you do, you’re always seen as the outsider? it’s not even about wanting to be best friends with these people; i just want a little bit of appreciation, a simple “good job” or even a real conversation where they actually listen.

every time i try to talk to someone, it’s like they’re always too busy, too stressed, or just plain uninterested. i get it, we all have stuff going on, but come on, how hard is it to be a little human? i don’t even expect them to throw me a party or anything; just some basic respect would be nice. it’s funny how i’m the one supposed to coach them, and yet here i am, feeling like a little kid trying to prove i belong. 😂 i know it’s not all about feelings at work, but man, it’s hard to stay motivated when you’re constantly ignored. and it’s not like i can just quit, i need this gig, i need the experience, and i need the paycheck. but every day it’s getting harder to drag myself out of bed knowing i’ll just be another shadow in the office.

so here’s my little rant, not looking for sympathy or advice, just needed to let it out. maybe you’ve been there too, feeling unappreciated and stuck in a place where no one seems to care. maybe you’ve tried everything like me, and still ended up being the outsider. or maybe you’re lucky and you’ve never felt this way. either way, it’s just something i had to get off my chest. because honestly, if i don’t vent here, where else? thanks for reading if you made it this far. guess i’ll just keep pushing through, hoping someday someone will finally see me for who i am and what i bring to the table. 🤷‍♀️

My MIL is an unhappy person who always complains about everybody and everything. It is loke she is trained to dislike and see the worst in everybody. She gives nonstop advice. She gives shallow compliments. But she has health problems too and she just wants to be needed. I love her and am exhausted by her at the same time. I want to tell her that she is alienating everyone with her unhappiness. I wish I could help her see the good in people. It is a losing battle. I am so tired of her denigrating her son and her husband to me- they are good, honest, hard working, and loyal men. They are not the most affectionate or chivalrous but they are reliable and caring. And...after 15 years for me and 55 years for her...it is unlikely that we will be leaving these men anytime soon. Why can't she be happy with what she has? Why does she feel the need to bring me down with her constant complaining?

Growing up, my twin sister Emily and I have always shared a deep bond. Recently, however, that bond was put to the test due to her relationship choices. About a year ago, Emily began dating a guy named Ryan. I never had a good impression of him, though Emily seemed completely enamored, even mentioning marriage. This past summer, while I was shopping, a confrontation at the grocery store left me stunned. A woman approached me, mistaking me for Emily, and accused me of dating her ex and sending her hateful messages. She claimed that Ryan, the father of her three children, had abandoned them. Before I could correct her identity mix-up, she showed me messages that Emily had sent her. I couldn't believe Emily would become involved with someone so irresponsible.

When I confronted my sister, she initially denied it, but eventually she admitted that she had hidden the truth. Emily knew that I disapprove of men who shirk their paternal responsibilities, and she didn't want my judgment. That revelation strained our relationship, making me see her in a different light.

The situation escalated when Emily invited me over to announce her pregnancy with Ryan. I couldn’t hide my displeasure, especially towards Ryan. When he asked what my issue with him was, I openly called him a deadbeat. Following this, as I was leaving, Emily confronted me in tears, pleading for my support during her pregnancy. Despite my anger, I told her I'd try to be present for her, but I warned her that she might regret her decisions.

Now, Emily has texted me, demanding that I apologize to both her and Ryan. She's even threatened to cut ties with me if I refuse. This leaves me wondering, am I really in the wrong here?

If this rift between us played out on a reality show, cameras documenting every emotional outburst and terse exchange, I can only imagine the public's reaction would be divided. Some might side with Emily, viewing her pursuit of love and happiness as justifiable, regardless of Ryan’s past. Others might applaud my stance, resonating with my disapproval of Ryan’s negligence towards his existing responsibilities. The mix of family drama, moral dilemmas, and personal convictions would undoubtedly captivate an audience, adding layers of complexity to each viewer's perception based on their personal values and experiences.

Should I apologize to keep peace in the family?

sometimes i just can’t take it all in. it’s like the lights are too bright, the music too loud, the people too many. the colors and sounds clash in my head until it feels like my brain’s about to fry. i try to breathe, but it’s not enough; i end up snapping at people or shutting down completely, just to get a bit of space. i hate being that person, the one who can’t handle a simple party or a shopping trip without losing my mind. is it really that hard for the world to slow down just a bit??? i get so frustrated with myself, but i can’t control it. it feels like my brain’s running on high-speed internet in a world where everyone else is on dial-up. i get overloaded and then crash like a stupid system error; it’s humiliating and exhausting.

when i try to explain this to anyone, they look at me like i’m some kind of freak. “just relax,” they say, as if i haven’t tried that a million times. but relaxing doesn’t stop the buzzing in my head or the way my skin crawls when there’s too much going on. it’s not about stress, it’s about everything being too much, all at once. crowds, bright lights, loud noises—they all blend together into this horrible mess that i can’t untangle from. i end up hiding in the bathroom, pretending to be busy on my phone, just so i don’t have to feel the sensory overload; it’s pathetic, i know, but it’s the only way i can keep from breaking down. have you ever felt like this?? like the world is attacking you for no reason??

still, i’m trying to stay positive. i tell myself that it’s not weakness to recognize my limits. i’m learning to plan my days better, to take breaks when i need them, and to speak up when things get too overwhelming. i’ve even started carrying earplugs in my bag for those moments when i can’t handle the noise. i know it’s not perfect, and yeah, i still have days when everything feels like too much and i want to scream. but i’m figuring it out, little by little. i’m not giving up on myself. i’ll find ways to make the world a little quieter, a little softer, so i can keep going without feeling like my head’s about to explode. i just wish it didn’t have to be so hard all the time; wouldn’t it be nice if we could all just chill for a minute??? 😤

Every Halloween, my spouse and I offer bags of chips to trick-or-treaters instead of the usual sweets. We think it adds a fun variety to the children's haul for the evening. We usually stock up from Costco, ensuring we have ample supplies. Anything leftover is used for events like barbecues throughout the year, so nothing goes to waste.

However, my neighbor, Jane, isn’t too happy with our choice of treats due to her child's dietary restrictions linked with a disability. She believes we should provide alternative options tailored to her child's needs. I personally find this a bit unreasonable. It strikes me as impolite to demand specific treats from someone giving away items with no expectation of anything in return, during a festive celebration like Halloween.

When Jane’s child comes trick-or-treating at our door, he is treated just like all other kids. I allow each kid to choose their preferred variety of chips from the assortment I offer. In my opinion, this is already quite accommodating. But Jane insists since other neighbors have adjusted their treats to be inclusive of her child’s needs, I should consider doing the same. I am of the older generation where the belief is children should be thankful for what they receive, especially when it’s given freely on an occasion like Halloween, without expecting customized treats.

Suppose I were involved in a reality TV show, the cameras could possibly paint me as the grumpy next-door neighbor adamant about not changing his ways. Audiences might be divided, with some sympathizing with my stance on traditional values and others criticizing me for not being more inclusive and adaptable to the needs of all children in the community, especially those with disabilities.

How would you react if your neighbor asked you to change your Halloween treats?