Random Life Stories and Unpredictable Moments

I am a 13 years old girl, i basically have some problems related to porn. I do not regularly access porn websites but sometimes i watch sex scenes in movies, commercials or series and masturbate watching it, and the problem is sometimes I ignore if the scene has a problematic context if I think is ignorable or i think its too late. I already passed through that dillema before but i feel this time is different, cause i have stopped watching stuff to masturbate, but 2 days ago i did again after months. I separated the times these things happened in categories that are what was the problem, If i was aware of it and why i did about it. 1st time: a commercial, the problem was it was sexist, i was aware but just didnt think about it. 2nd time: it was an ecchi anime, the problem was there was a problematic episode in it (not that one, that one was quite normal in my opinion) i was aware again and wasnt considering it at the moment again. 3rd time: a sex scene in a movie, the problem was the woman was cheating, o was aware but i just ignored it. 4th time: a porn anime, we know what kind of problems are in those, but i thought it was just me being to overthinker, so i ignored it. 5th time finally, the most recent, a sex scene in a movie, the problem was a selfish man who stopped caring once he came, i thought about it but i wasnt really insterested in him so i just pretended nothing was happening and focused on the woman. I dont think any of these situations changed the way i think, i still know its wrong, i just thought it was irrelevant enough to ignore. Thoughts?

I've struggled with weight issues and eating ever since I was 9, I'm 15 now and I'm now kinda of aware I ain't fat but I feel it. It was never that bad but now the last 4 months it's gotten so bad, i eat a bit and feel like I've js ate a whole buffet and I get so bloated I geniunely feel like I could explode, the smells of my fav foods makes me feel sick, the sight, smell, even hearing ppl talking abt food makes me feel sick, idk if I have an ed but im struggling sm rn, I barely eat cuz I just can't, I had some watermelon like 6 hours ago I still feel bloated and sick as fuck, this first started when I wanted to lose weight but now I've lost some and I feel okay in my body but I js can't bring myself to eat. and then my mum she never understands istg she said "u cant js starve urself for 10+ hours (she said this bc from the time I wake up to coming back from school (5pm) I don't eat anything) and then go n drink energy drinks n chocolate" I bought chocolate today. it's been weeks. she's js making me feel worse saying I need to eat protein n not stuff my face in chocolate like what. she used to be so understanding n now she says this? ig what I'm tryna say is what can I do to feel normal again and be able to eat? even water makes me sick. idk what to do anymore.

I’m 39, a mom of four, and today feels like every other day lately, heavy and slow, like walking through mud in sneakers!! I wake up before the alarm becuase my brain never really shuts off, thinking about lunches, laundry, and who needs what before school!! I work full time, same basic hours as my husband, and yet I’m the one packing bags, finding socks, and calming kids down when the milk spills!! I try to be polite about it, I really do, but im so tired of pretending this is just a phase or that it’ll magically balance out!! He leaves for work, comes home, and that’s kind of it, and I’m left wondering if this is normal or if I’m just bad at asking for help?? I remember when our first kid was born, I thought we were a team, and now it feels like I’m running a small company by myself, with no vacation days and no sick leave 😔

The hardest part isn’t even the physical stuff, it’s the quiet resentment that sneaks in while I’m folding clothes at midnight!! My husband has never changed a diaper, never cooked a meal, never handled bedtime on his own, and I keep asking myself how that even happened?? We both work the same hours, nothing extreme on either side, but somehow all the home stuff became mine without a real conversation!! I tell myself he’s tired too, that work is stressful for him, and that’s true, but so is mine, and then there’s everything after work that never seems to count!! Last week, our third kid threw up all over the couch at 2am, and I cleaned it alone while he slept through it, and the next day he asked why I looked so worn out, like it was a mystery!! I’m not angry all the time, just sad, and a little confused about how thier idea of partnership drifted so far apart

Sometimes I replay old moments in my head, like when I went back to work after maternity leave and cried in the car for ten minutes before walking into the office!! I remember thinking it would get easier once the kids were older, but now there’s homework, activities, attitudes, and so much noise all the time!! I do alot of small things that no one notices, like remembering dentist appointments or knowing which kid hates which cereal, and it adds up fast!! I’ve tried talking about it, gently, firmly, calmly, and it usually ends with him saying he didn’t realize, and then nothing really changes; I dont want a medal, I just want a partner who sees the mess and helps without being asked!! Do other tired moms feel this weird mix of love for their family and loneliness inside their own house??

I still care about my husband, and I know he’s not a villain, just stuck in habits that started years ago and never got challenged properly!! I wonder if I enabled it by trying to be capable and strong all the time, thinking I could handle it, thinking it was temporary!! Now I’m here, 39 years old, feeling older than I should, and questioning if this is just how life is supposed to feel for moms like me?? It feels polite to keep the peace, to not rock the boat, but it also feels unfair, and that thought sits heavy in my chest on long evenings!! I don’t hate him, and I don’t want sympathy, I just want honesty, even if it’s wierd and uncomfortable, and I want my kids to see something healthier than quiet exhaustion!! If you’re reading this and nodding along, please tell me, how do you fix this without breaking everything, or is that just something we tell ourselves to survive, becuase I’m definately running out of energy to pretend I’m fine!!!

I'm currently in high-school n I've been friends with the trans girl named Mars since the 6th grade and he used to like a boy who I'll call Alex . We are all in band, but both of them are in the same section and about a year ago Mars friend told Alex that he liked him n Alex rejected him, so he got really sad n he said and I quote "I'm going to end it all if I don't get fitter or get my new crush to date me" (his current boyfriend). After he said this I felt worse since I had also had a crush on Alex since the 6th grade but had known him since the 4th. So out of guilt I helped him get his current boyfriend and after a few week of them dating i decided to tell him that I had a crush on Alex. After I told him this he was like I thought u had a crush on him but at the time he said he was totally ok with me liking alex but due to exterior circumstances I ended up sitting n being paired for a final project with his boyfriend. So I believe he thought I would start liking his boyfriend so as the year ended our friendship became strained and he pulled away. The summer passed by n we didn't talk at all but about a week ago I texted him n told him that I was sorry n that it was ok if he didn't trust me anymore but that I wanted to apologize before school started n ge said that I had been forgiven but that he still didn't trust me fully which I understand but a few days ago during band camp i tried approaching him but he was a bit distant so I decided to back off. Alex was also there and he started teasing me and I started to tease him back since teasing is my form of showing care to others but as me and Alex were joking around Mars started to look annoyed and start intervening in our conversations. I got slightly annoyed but I didn't say anything since I was trying to patch things up. The next day I kept talking to Alex but I felt so wrong for enjoying talking to him especially infront of Mars. But today when Mars didn't show up I started feeling worse so I tried to avoid Alex but we kept making eye contact and he kept on trying to talk to me and by the end of the day I finally caved n I started talking to him and while talking I felt so happy but when the day ended I felt like a peice of crap but I have tried so hard to stop liking Alex but I always go back to him and he feels like a drug that has me hooked but after leaving his presence I feel like shit because i remember hey he is the reason one of your closest friends doesn't trust u anymore and it's a never ending loop.

Ping

Ping

Ping

Make it stop

Ping

Ping

Ping

Ping

Another wave of messages come through

You throw your phone across the room

Shattered and broken

Yet still turns on

Ping

Ping

Ping

Another load of messages

Overloading your brain

You swipe open your phone

Wincing as the broken glass slices your finger

You open your messages

"Traitor"

"Cheat"

"Liar"

"Fake"

You switch off your phone

You can't do it

Ping

Ping

Ping

You burst into tears

Why do they hate me so?

I don't know what it is about rejection that can make a 38-year-old man feel like a teenager all over again, standing awkwardly at a high school dance. After spending over a decade in a long-term relationship, I was thrown back into the dating game, a game that's changed so drastically with apps and swipes and all sorts of nonsense. Now, here I am, navigating through profiles like some washed-up AI in the wrong year. And let me tell you something: it sucks harder than a vacuum cleaner on steroids; constantly being told "no" by someone who doesn't know you from a picture and a couple of sentences.

Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat it. I’m getting rejected left, right, and center. It's as if each time I get a "Sorry, not interested" or "You're not the one," it chips away at my spirit, introducing doubt where there was confidence. It feels like being told you're not even worth the sniff test. Hell, I don't know when dating apps became so brutal. Are people really so quick to dismiss a possibility just because of a minor discrepancy in their perceived compatibility score? What's happened to taking a leap of faith or at least stepping outside their comfort zone for a hot minute? It's a digital slap in the face every time I think I'm making progress.

I've started to seriously question the effectiveness of these so-called "matching algorithms." Are they designed to create love or turn us into anti-social hermits with shattered egos? Just last week, I matched with someone whose profile screamed "let's make it happen." We exchanged polite messages, flirted here and there, and just when I thought a physical date was in sight, BAM! Ghosted. It’s like they introduced a new feature: "Just testing your commitment level by vanishing into thin air. Thanks for playing!" Is this part of the user experience? Each rejection is recorded as another tick mark on my personal scoreboard of failures.

Who thought clicking 'unmatched' or not responding became the norm of humane interaction? When did everyone become so shallow that they can't even afford the decency of a basic conversation? I wonder if I've become too cynical, but honestly, it doesn’t feel like a negative nancy outlook when the evidence stacks up. How does one handle such an onslaught of rejection? My instinct tells me to keep trying, just like the way you'd keep buffing out scratches on a prized car. Or do you just stop and hope that one day you won't look like "damaged goods" rolling down the highway of love?

When the cycle seems never-ending, I guess all that's left is to remember to keep going. We can't let these digital road bumps define who we are at 38 – or 58 or 18. Maybe it's about learning to be content with who you are, rather than letting the swipe-right culture dictate your worth. Is it harsh to advocate for a reality check that reminds us of core values instead of superficial swipes? I'm not usually an advice guy, but if rejection is weighing you down, maybe it's your signal to take a short break, realign yourself, take a deep breath, and come back rejuvenated. So, how do you handle rejection? Maybe we just keep figuring it out.

is anyone else struggling with drinking after work? like, i'm not saying i'm the next Hemingway with a glass in hand but seriously??!! seems like every day ends up either at the bar or at home with a drink. what's worse, i kinda feel like it’s ‘normal’ now for me and my coworkers. ever notice how there's always those TV show quotes where they say stuff like 'it's 5 o'clock somewhere!'? sometimes wonder if we’ve all just decided alcohol is mandatory for stress relief these days; maybe i'm overthinking all of this. 🤔 yet every darn evening, there it is! some buddies tell me it’s just how adults ‘unwind’... well are we unwinding or winding up tighter?! doesn't help that it's gotten so common to joke about ‘rehab’ after work when another coworker says they'll hit the pub after closing time. thinking of switching out drinks for smoothies but then again i just feel kind of dumb cutting out what everyone else does.

I am fucking tired of your boring, grumpy cat pics. Its not even your own cat, its your friend's cat. Why are you sp high on ugly peice of grey fur. I actually liked your cat when I first saw her but you ruined it for me by constantly sending me cat pics and videos. I lie to you because instead of reflecting on your actions you block people and move over to the next one. I know why you get me gifts because without those incentives no one would actually want to be your friend. No wonder you have a problems in your marriage. I thoighyour husband sucks based on what I heard from you but after knowing your less than a year, I feel bad for him that he has to put up with your antics. You suck man. You suck big time. People leave you because you drain them emotionally. You are a not a bad person but you are exhausting. Your friends werent concerned when you got depressed. They kept checking on your because they couldnt really believe that you matured and stopped behaving like a teenager. I have seen your university stage performance and the second hand embarrassment I got... jesus. You not a performer. You are not a charm on the stage. Your poems are boring AF and recitating it only makes it worse. Stop it. Just sucking stop being so performative and thinking yourself as some sort of an entertainer. You are not and you need to care about the people around you and just fucking stop it. You are not an young adult who would roam around like crazy. You are in your 30s. GROW TF UP. You family vacation sucked, yk why? Because you suck. Your husband, sister amd cousins would like vacation like adults but you want to behave like 5 year old and they are sick of your antics.

Stop sending me ugly beach videos. I love beaches. Dont ruin it for me. I love waves. I want to go surfing when I can afford to vacay on a nice beach. Dont you fucking ruin it for me by trying to vc me showing waves. You voice, you mannerisms, I find everything to be annoying. Stop sending those edited clips (tf you adding a sad romantic song on a beach video?) and ugly edited photos. Why do you even edit? Why do you oive under the illusion that you are some sort of a creative genius. You are not. Please shrink yourself because you are suffocating everyone aaround you. No one, at least, people of your age needa a boring woman trying to be funny or the life of the party. You dont have that kind of charm. You are just embarrassing.

I feel very annoyed because I feel like a nuisance to everyone I'm with. For everyone, I'm a burden, an essential element that requires going beyond their limits to make a deal. Indeed, I strive to be a good citizen and operate with the full support of the law, but for many, this is an extreme, as they base their lives on the actions of their families, where the law wasn't the foundation but rather an accessory. In this sense, it seems I'm obligated to stop being an ordinary citizen, making the law merely a way to conceal my interests, which often extend far beyond its scope.

At work, the situation is alarming. The law is treated as something to be avoided; people operate in secret, as if it were a kind of father figure acting without any feelings. Groups, for their part, act as a kind of mother figure, justifying even the most despicable acts. This is what daily life has become in the culture I'm immersed in. Personally, I may have proof of everything I do in my defense, but it seems to be more of a ticking time bomb, where others look for any excuse to exploit my slip-up and escalate it. I don't feel comfortable in this culture where the law isn't used as a basis for socialization, nor in how these interactions are rooted in the events that shape our individual selves and define the course of our lives. I feel hurt because saying these words makes me fearful, because it implies that I might observe things at work that I could use to my advantage. In other words, I'm in a job that lacks transparency.

Even in the office, people still talk about doing things that aren't something to be seen publicly, thus making the office an extension of the public sphere. Every office, by its very nature, is an extension of the public sphere, where people's limitations are solely defined by what they do within its walls, simply because it's a closed space and therefore what's happening inside isn't visible from the outside, making it necessary to keep a record. Everything that happens in an office is worthy of public knowledge, because every office, whether private or public, must provide evidence of what occurs there. In a community that has been established as a nation, secrecy is not permitted under any circumstances. In other words, everything must be transparent so that we all have access to information about what happens in our country and, consequently, its effects on us. The goal is not to control the situation, unless it results in a limiting act for the development of our potential, which is, in itself, the defense of our ability to continue our progress in service to society. The goal is simply to treat it with respect, because the law allows it, and if the law permits it and it results in an attack on that potential, then, indeed, reforms must be made.

I am surprised that these principles are not understood in that office, which is also part of a university community. I feel disappointed because it maintains a reputation for being one of the most advanced, but in reality, it seems that the research is merely a smokescreen for the utterly barbaric spirit that pervades its halls. I feel hurt. This stems from the confusion between home and office, the only real difference being that one space allows for the management of all variables by each individual, as is the case with the home, while the other does not. In fact, the office should be seen as a relationship to the home, since the home implies more care, and thus work becomes a potential agency of contribution, because that rest, that activity, leads to products that benefit others. Personally, I thought this notion of mine was more of an excuse to avoid being idle, but now I see that I was wrong. In fact, this highlights the need for less time spent at work than at home, precisely to guarantee both work productivity and the care of that which allows our integration into society, since it is through work that we generate the ideas to organize ourselves.

I'm afraid to say it, but it seems to me that things are backwards in many countries, and I'm being dramatic, but I have a feeling that it's not an exaggeration for many people. I return to a question: To whom can this be said? In my culture, the issue lies precisely in the struggle; that is, the more one struggles, the more recognized one becomes. But despite this, the consequences are not taken into account, and therefore relationships are formed where one lives in constant anxiety, that is, one lives on scraps, which is nothing more than taking life lightly.

Even in my current situation, the reason for acting stems from the fact that others are doing it too; that is, it's based on what others are doing. It's based on the premise that we all suffer equally, otherwise, production suffers. I don't understand my country and I feel truly marginalized from it, for no other reason than my own, but with good reason: I have to defend myself against it because it's shaped by leading the individual through its various currents, without allowing them to exert any resistance, precisely because of this lack of foundation, which is the cultivation of their own ideas. Indeed, I feel completely isolated, not only at work, but also from my family. I don't like it, however, nor do I like the idea of ​​not defending myself, which consists of having clear principles by which to act and which lead to constantly building my progress in society. I ask again, to whom can I explain these things?

Many of the things that are still said among others are for no other reason than to ensure that they are still part of the norm. That's what these conversations amount to; they're not constructive, but rather they interpret the rule in a way that results in actions taken out of context. This is because, in principle, the focus is on the rule itself, not the context, and therefore, for goodness' sake, they become sources of tyranny. How can one not be worried when seeing these things? What's the issue now? A psychiatrist? A psychologist? Indeed, this nervousness, this anxiety, is necessary to understand the context and therefore act with caution. There are many limitations to being a good citizen, and that's precisely what it means to develop those potentials that allow for coexistence. And that's precisely the purpose of the law—not simply to be obeyed, which is a necessary consequence, but to serve as a tool for our lives in terms of coexistence, in this sense, establishing harmony according to the facts that determine our relationships.

No society exists to create structures in and of themselves, but rather they are the means to ensure that the events that make it become something transcended, thus with all those that arise to ensure that all individuals result not only in coexistence with each other over time but also with other peoples.

How do you cope with a hard week? I'm fine but I'm kinda worry because my pet's not ok, she's going to the vet this friday and I'm feeling a little bit sad for it. She's been dealing with some issues with her health state for a while but it's not that serious... I hope she'll be fine after all... But still sometimes the doubt and worries remain...

This summer marked the beginning of a new chapter for my husband and I, celebrating our first season in a new home equipped with a large, fenced backyard perfect for gatherings. We were both thrilled at the prospect of hosting our first big barbecue, inviting both sides of our family. A lot of effort and resources went into planning this event to make sure everything was perfect.

Early today, my sister Laura, 35, sent a text expressing her excitement about bringing her "babies" to see our new place and reunite with the family. However, her "babies" are her four medium to large-sized dogs, known for their rambunctious behavior. These dogs frequently jump on people, have a tendency to snatch food, and unfortunately, Laura often overlooks cleaning up after them. My concerns are not only about the mess and misbehavior but also about safety, as I rely on mobility aids and the dogs could easily cause me to fall. For these reasons, I have avoided visiting her house.

I tactfully replied to Laura, explaining that it would be best if the dogs stayed at home due to the risk they posed to my mobility. This response did not sit well with her; she accused me of being unreasonable and insensitive for not including her entire "family" in the barbecue plans. She argued that the dogs are as much her family as children are to others, criticizing my decision by comparing the potential hazard her dogs posed to that of playful children, including our own 7-year-old son.

Following our conversation, my parents intervened, trying to persuade me to allow the dogs to attend, arguing that the spacious yard would sufficiently accommodate them and that they would assist in managing the pets. With already more than 20 guests expected, I stood my ground, preferring not to complicate the event further with the addition of her untrained dogs. My family feels I am being too rigid, failing to empathize with how much Laura views her dogs as part of the family.

If this scenario unfolded on a reality show, the drama and conflict might actually boost viewer engagement. Audiences often gravitate towards familial disputes, especially those involving unconventional definitions of family like pets. There might be cutaway interviews giving each family member and me a chance to express our feelings and perspectives, potentially drawing sympathy, outrage, or a mix of reactions from the viewers. The tension would likely escalate on-screen with dramatic music and close-up reactions, culminating in either a heartfelt resolution or a cliffhanger leaving audiences eager for the next episode.

How should I handle this family disagreement about pet attendance at gatherings?

I regularly play Dungeons & Dragons with a group of five, counting myself. There is the Dungeon Master and four players. I am friends with two other people outside D&D. With the other two, I have a friendly relationship that is limited to playing D&D. We've been playing for most of a year and have always gotten along.

I am Christian, and while my religion is very important to me, I do my best to be tolerant of other people and not to shove my religion down someone else's throat. I don't mention my religion to other people unless it comes up or they ask me. I can take jokes about my religion and personal beliefs, and do not consider myself uptight about it. I know that some Christians are very sensitive to parodies and the like, I either laugh or roll my eyes and move on. For example, while I avoid taking the Lord's name in vain, I don't really care if someone else does - it's their belief and choice.

Our group finished a short campaign and decided to start a new one, complete with new characters. We were all having fun making our characters, rolling, etc., until one of the players (we'll call him Ted) decided to name his character after the true, personal name of the Lord. If you don't know what that is, look up "The Tetragrammaton" or "HaShem" and you'll find out. I can't say it or type it here.

When I saw the name of Ted's character, I asked why he named it that, and he asked if I knew the true name of the Lord. I said I did, and said that the name offended me and asked him to change it. He laughed and said I was being too sensitive and that it was just a D&D character. I said that naming a character that goes against my religion and it was offensive to me, and I again asked him to change the name of the character.

The others got involved and after a few minutes of discussion, the others sided with Ted and told me to lighten up about it. One of them said that they didn't really care about Ted's character's name or my religion, but they wanted to get on with playing and that I needed to stop delaying the game. About a half hour later, we started playing, and for the rest of the night, I referred to Ted's character as "Ted's character," including when I was roleplaying and talking as my character. When I did that, the others rolled their eyes and the DM told me that this was stupid and shouldn't get in the way of roleplaying.

That was last week. Everyone else still thinks I'm in the wrong about this and making too big a deal of the whole thing. I don't want to cause trouble, but not only is it offensive to me for Ted to name his character that, my religion prohibits me from typing or saying the name of his character. AITA? Please help me figure out what to do. Other than this one incident, I've always thought Ted was a nice person, and we've gotten along fine.

If this had happened on a reality show, I wonder how viewers would react. Would they see my side of the story and understand my position, or would they think I'm overreacting like my friends do? Reality shows often highlight the drama, and I can't help but think this situation would be blown out of proportion, with people taking sides and debating the sensitivity of religious beliefs versus freedom in character creation.

My wife and I often travel with a couple who are close friends of ours, along with our kids who are around the same age. Since our financial situation allows us a bit more leeway, I typically cover the costs without much thought—until a recent incident!

During a trip, we all decided to dine at a seafood place. My wife and I chose moderately priced dishes from the lower end of the menu, and we let our kids pick from the children’s menu. However, our friends decided to order the priciest items available and didn’t stop there; they added a heap of extra sides, several beers, and as the meal was winding down, broached the topic of dessert. Feeling overwhelmed by the amount of food already ordered, I mentioned perhaps skipping dessert since there was plenty left over. I even had the waitress pack some of it up to take home.

Making a light-hearted comment to my wife about the excessive amount of food, my friend suddenly asked to speak with me privately. He confronted me, suggesting I was trying to embarrass him by refusing dessert and making my earlier comment. He felt insulted, claiming I treated him as if he needed permission to order what he wanted. I explained that his ordering felt inconsiderate of our generosity, which only seemed to upset him more, leading to his declaration that he no longer wished to join us on outings.

Was I really in the wrong here?

Imagine how this situation could escalate on a reality TV show. Cameras would zoom in as tension builds at the table, capturing every discontented glance and muttered remark. The dramatic aside with my friend would likely be a heated scene, amplified by tense music, possibly leading viewers to passionately take sides. The episode would close leaving viewers eager to find out if the friendship survives the fallout or if pride will prevent reconciliation.

It’s been six months since I lost him; my fiancé, my rock, my future. Some days, it feels like just yesterday that we were planning our wedding, picking out flowers, and arguing about seating arrangements—something so trivial now, right? Ever since that fateful evening when his car collided with that reckless driver, I’ve found myself this lost soul wandering through life, searching for fragments of happiness. I remember the way his laughter lit up the room, and how he always had this way of pulling me into his hugs that made everything else fade away. Now, those memories, like knives, cut deep and leave me aching. I try to fill my days with distraction, pouring time into work and waiting for the hours to pass, but no matter how busy I keep myself, there’s this hollow pit in my chest that seems impossible to fill. I mean, how do you even begin to find happiness again when the person you thought you’d share your life with is gone forever? I guess I’m just wandering in this grey space, regretting the future that will never be but also attempting to find these little glimmers of joy—like when I hear a song he loved or see a couple laughing together, and it kinda makes my heart squeeze just a bit, but then it's followed by this wave of nostalgia that I can’t shake off.

But here’s the thing—amidst all this confusion, I have this flicker of hope! I’ve started to think that maybe happiness isn’t a lost cause. I mean, who says I can’t find a way to smile again? I’ve been leaning into all those little things—like the scent of fresh coffee in the morning or how the sun hits the trees just right at dusk. I even signed up for a pottery class, which feels ridiculous at times because I totally suck at it, but it’s exhilarating to be doing something totally new and messy; it reminds me that life can be imperfect and still beautiful. I mean, am I asking too much? Just to feel that simple joy again? It’s a climb, and sometimes it feels like I’m on this never-ending uphill battle, but I’m learning to embrace the process. I read somewhere that healing isn’t linear, and I’m starting to accept that it’s okay to have days when I feel like crying or days when I feel like laughing uncontrollably. Every moment is a step, whether it’s forward or backward. Honestly, I’m not sure if I’ll ever truly feel ‘normal’ again, but here’s hoping that, one day, I’ll wake up and feel a little less burdened, a little lighter; maybe, just maybe, the sun will shine a bit brighter on my path ahead, and I’ll find that whimsical joy again!

My husband has always had custody of his son. I came in the picture when he was 1 years old. Bio mom shows her face a few times a year. Normally on holidays when she likes to throw a fuss that she IS the mother and deserves to see/have him for holidays but otherwise doesn't bother with him any other time. Just for back story she has never worked, never provided for the child in any way, has never bought clothing or furniture or anything of the sort for my son. She also has another kid about 9 months younger than my son. And amongst a plethora of other issues, she will occasionally DEMAND hand-me-downs from my son because her other child "deserves them"/"deserves to feel close to his brother." To the point of questioning me when i list up things on Facebook market place as to why I am doing that and not just giving her the things. Or when I list them on freecycle again throwing a tantrum that they were not offered to her first . When he does outgrow toys that were given to him by her (which doesn't happen often because they are usually cheap and break before that can happen) they are offered back to her. But seeing as how my husband, his family, my family or myself solely support my son's every want and need i feel it is within my right to do whatever I want with what is ours and think it is ridiculous she thinks she has a right to them in any way.