Random Life Stories and Unpredictable Moments

My dad is constantly urging me to cover the vacation expenses for my sister since she's swamped with debt, while I'm in a better financial place. I've always been there to support her and pitch in with family finances, yet it feels overwhelming to be seen as the family's financial pillar since my income is significantly higher than most of my relatives.

My wife and I often enjoy trips to Disneyland and need to travel for both business purposes and family events, which seems to stir up some envy. To add to this, my parents have recently gained a substantial amount of money from a property sale they executed a while ago. I'm worried that they're mishandling this fortune and might end up with nothing.

A family wedding was announced recently, and just as we were planning to go, my father suggested that my wife and I should join their short vacation which happens to be just three days long. I tried explaining that it's a particularly busy period at work since my job is seasonal, but this only led to him being upset. He then insisted I handle the vacation expenses for my sister for an upcoming getaway, despite the fact that last year when I paid for her trip, she canceled at the last moment. I'm reluctant to do the same again.

The insistence on everyone being present for the whole trip disregards the reality that my sister and I have pressing work commitments. The focus of our travels should really be the wedding, not extra holiday activities that would detract from the important event.

Frustrated, he demanded that I should cancel our flights, which were costly due to the lengthy travel and destination being pricey, almost $1.3k for both me and my wife. He even pushed for canceling our Disneyland plans to accommodate his vacation agenda. This felt unfair, leading to my decision to unfriend him and another close relative from Facebook who echoed his unreasonable demands.

Canceling the flights would also mean a significant loss financially as getting a refund would be unlikely.

Considering this, if this were a scenario in a reality TV show, it’s likely that the drama and financial tensions would be heightened. Viewers might be intrigued by the family dynamics and the pressure placed on one member to shoulder financial responsibilities. The tension between maintaining personal boundaries and familial obligations could make for engaging television, possibly polarizing the audience in their sympathies and reactions.

Am I being unreasonable?

so, I'm sixteen and I've spent most of my life following the teachings of my very religious family and church. they've always been super strict about what they call "the righteous path", and honestly, it's been drilled into my head that straying too far might be bad. but lately, I've found myself really intrigued by tattoos. it's not like I want a ton of them, just maybe something small and personal. a part of me is whispering that it's a chance to express myself in a way I never have before. but, is that a sin? Leviticus 19:28 flashes in my mind, where it mentions not making cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you. does this mean I'm stepping off the approved path by even considering it?

the tricky part is balancing my beliefs and this kind of rebellious curiosity. my family would probably hit the roof if they even caught wind of my interest in tattoos. they might think I’m trying to turn my back on everything they've taught me. the fact that tattoos are often seen as taboo in religious circles only makes it harder to figure out what I should do. I've heard it said that "our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit", so does altering them with ink disrespect that? or is it more about the intention behind why someone gets a tattoo that's right or wrong? it's confusing, and I'm torn between the urge to express individuality and the fear of straying from my faith's teachings.

ultimately, I'm just trying to find a middle ground where I can respect my upbringing while also exploring new interests. being a teenager, I guess it's part of growing up to question things and seek out what feels true for me personally. maybe tattoos are one of those many ways people try to express themselves, but are they worth potentially going against the norm I've grown up with? is this just a phase or an actual part of who I am? 🤔 I haven't made any decisions yet, still mulling it over. but I wonder if anyone else has been in a similar spot? questioning the role of tattoos in the world of faith is tough, no clear answer in sight...

I’m 27 years old

I wish I could feel love again

The feeling of love is so beautiful

But sadly I no longer feel anything for anyone

I need to live a legendary love story that brings back my passion for life

What should I do

Especially that I don’t go out much

Being a mom is the most rewarding and terrifying thing I’ve ever done. My little girl is only two years old, but every single day, I find myself wondering: am I doing enough? How to be a good mother when it feels like there’s so much to figure out?

Some days, I feel like I’m nailing it. We play together, she laughs at my silly songs, and I can see how happy she is. But then there are moments when I feel like I’m completely failing. Like yesterday, when I lost my temper because she spilled juice on the carpet after I told her three times not to run around with her cup. She cried, and it broke my heart because all I could think about was, “What kind of mom yells at a two-year-old over juice?”

I read parenting blogs and watch videos on how to raise happy, confident kids, but it’s overwhelming. There’s so much advice out there, and half of it feels contradictory. Be strict, but not too strict. Let them explore, but set boundaries. Make healthy meals, but don’t stress if they eat nuggets and fries once in a while. I’m trying to do it all, but is that even possible?

I see other moms who seem to have it all together—perfectly dressed kids, Pinterest-worthy lunches, and spotless homes. Meanwhile, I’m just proud if I can get her to daycare on time with matching socks. Sometimes, I wonder if they’re struggling too and just hiding it better.

I love my daughter more than anything, and I want her to grow up feeling loved, supported, and safe. But how do I know if I’m doing it right? Is there some magic formula on how to be a good mother, or is it just about showing up every day and doing your best?

If anyone has advice or has felt this way too, I’d love to hear it. I’m trying so hard, but some days it feels like I’m just fumbling through.

This is probably going to be my final post anyway let me get into it.( for my context check my last post) Currently I’m just in the idgaf stage Ive truly lost pretty much lost a lot of hope almost all of it. I’m also just at the point where I don’t care to get better, I don’t want to get better, and I don’t want better for myself. I’m considering distancing myself from everyone(including friends,family, even teachers) and potentially cut off people as a whole. I’m also going to refrain from making new friends and telling people how I feel period it’s no one’s business. Honestly my plan going forward Is to just turn myself in and do my time and then after I finish my time I’ll kill myself. And my goal for being an astronomer is most likely dead at this point I’ll probably be dead before then and not do I really want to put in the effort to achieve it and improve my math skills so basically I’ve given up on it and to be honest it’s upsetting to think about. I’m also pretty apathetic and resistant to the idea of therapy now I’ve accepted that I don’t want to get better and it would be a waste of money for my family members to even pay for it because I wouldn’t cooperate and I would be hard to work with and it would also be a waste of time for the therapist. Anyway that’s all I wanted to say and I appreciate those who gave me support on my last post.

Growing up, my life was shaped significantly by my parents' decision to become foster parents. At 34, I can recognize the admiration such a path deserves—they sought to provide a lifeline for children who desperately needed support and a stable home. Yet, through their benevolence toward others, I often found myself sidelined. They branded me as self-sufficient, someone who didn't require as much attention, which in reality meant that I often went unnoticed.

This sense of neglect extended to the smaller joys of childhood, such as gifts. Presents meant for me from my grandparents quickly became communal assets within our bustling foster home. However, my grandparents noticed this imbalance and shifted their approach by giving me experiences instead of tangible gifts. I have fond memories of trips to Disneyland with my paternal grandparents and exciting visits to New York City thanks to my maternal grandparents.

When presented with this solution, my parents attempted to redirect the funds set aside for these trips to household expenses, but I pleaded with my grandparents to keep things as they were. This was one of the few areas of my life where I felt I could retain some sense of personal priority.

By the age of 17, I had already moved out. I completed high school early and entered a trade—thanks to some help from my grandfather, a union member. It's been 17 years since then, and I've constructed a stable life for myself.

My parents, on the other hand, continue to struggle. The physical, emotional, and financial toll of caregiving for foster children has left them worn and in dire straits, despite the subsidies they receive. Recently, they reached out to me for financial help. However, I declined, knowing any assistance might likely be funneled towards the foster children still in their care rather than addressing their own needs.

In response, my mom expressed profound disappointment, lamenting that she expected more from me considering how they raised me. I couldn’t help but retort that from an early age, I largely had to fend for myself. Even my grandparents, who have always been supportive, now find themselves financially drained, partly due to loans given to my parents over the years.

My wife sympathizes with my standpoint but believes that my refusal may be too harsh. Meanwhile, my mom accuses me of harboring childhood resentments, and I’ve ceased communication with my dad, presuming he continues his old habits of repurposing my belongings for the foster kids.

In a hypothetical scenario on a reality show, this dynamic would likely stir a range of reactions from the audience. Some might sympathize with my decision to safeguard my financial stability and recognize my need for independence from a family dynamic that often overlooked my needs. Others might view my actions as vindictive or overly harsh, suggesting that family should support one another regardless of past grievances.

i know its dumb, because if he really loved me he wouldnt of hurt me so bad in the first place. but he would read me to sleep every night, comfort me after all the pain, accepted my identity and everything i did and loved me for me. he never used me, hes the closest to love ive ever felt and i dont understand why i feel like no one can give me that treatmeng without hurting me you know? it just makes me so fucking sad. 5 months into no contact after severe co dependency for 2 years and its just so fucking difficult. i feel horrible for mourning the "love" and i feel like no one understands that no, i dont miss him. i miss his love

You might be gay for commenting sht on my posts

2024, it was at the time when school was ending. I put on my school uniform: Socks, t-shirt, skirt and a bright red cardigan before brushing my hair in the mirror. I hated how I looked, it was hideous, but at least the school year was about to end! I walk into my classroom there wasn't much to do since all of our lessons are basically over I would go over to my two friends, I wasn't so fond of the other. Actually I hated her, she bullied me for 4 years and expects me to be her friend? The other is the one I absolutely adore they're just so perfect! I sit down with them but I can feel the one I hate (nickname: CM) hand go down to touch my thigh, it was a light touch but I thought nothing of it. But soon the thigh touching would get more and more aggressive, frequent and more up my thigh. I thought I was free from that uncomfortableness when the school holidays hit but once we got back into school things escalated more and at break CM said to me "Let me touch your b00bs 5 times and I'll give you my blade" CM knew about my self harm and used it to bribe me, I said no at first but soon enough she persuaded me to do it and then. It became a daily thing, she would touch my breasts and even pinch my nipple's, at first I said "No! Stop" to her but she wouldn't listen and it got to the point where I had to forcefully try to get her off me. Then it turned into putting her hands in my v@gina and I told her to stop, I almost felt my insides getting ripped apart, I almost cried. CM would do this on daily basis but then soon I lost hope, I started to not retailate or saying "no" I sat there and let it happen. I just dissociated...

Fast forward now CM isn't allowed to interact with me but yet I can still feel her hands on me, I have constant nightmares about it and I can't look at my school uniform without crying.

I want to report it to the police but my friend says not to because we are underage and they won't take us seriously, also if we wait until we're over 18 then we can get her a proper sentence. My only problem is that I'm not going to be making it to 18, definitely not. I don't know what to do anymore, I feel hopeless. What should I do?

You know, my friends, I have a hard time feeling comfortable around people. My biggest problem is that they have an extremely limited view of how to treat me, at least with those I've encountered. While I maintain a very sophisticated one with them, due to the fact that I'm always trying to give a response that, first, fits the person and, second, is foreign to their customs and those I'm used to. In itself, it unbalances me when I socialize, and that's what makes me feel the need to be alone.

I'm not interested in maintaining a language specific to a specific group, but rather, I'm interested in a language that allows me to be universal with all groups. I feel it's an interesting challenge because if I stay within a certain language, I'm not aware of what's happening in the group, given that language is there to be embedded and what it entails not distancing oneself in a way that schematizes circumstances. Furthermore, I prejudice what is external and not maintained by a norm among most groups, precisely to protect the stability of my group. Dear all, I feel that solitude precisely allows for openness to all groups, since it allows for observation and the development of responses to the development of boundaries that allow for coexistence between them and oneself. Those who are alone are considered to lack boundaries, and being alone in itself expresses that you lack the tools to socialize for this group, and that they are specifically for this group. For this reason, while there are several groups of this nature, and I haven't encountered any others, there is a diversity of language, and one must respond to it in a way that establishes consequences within the language used for a particular group if it is breached, thereby maintaining the identity of the group for me, as well as for the rest, as well as mine.

There are many people who possess this spirit, given that they insert themselves into such groups and, of course, base their actions on achieving the integration of the individual on an essence of victimhood if they fail, an issue for which one must be prepared. Indeed, then, loneliness itself, as we can see, is problematic for this social instance, and not because of loneliness itself, but because of the consideration of these groups. Loneliness, we can say, explores the thoughts that are generated within the same concrete routes of exploration of the world, precisely to give us ways to continue with this development of ideas, which in itself, I insist, is systematic, given that there is no group that holds ideas that are not such and that are assumed even as dogmas.

I have to say it: Loneliness, in today's world, is undervalued precisely because we have not been taught the ways to manage it. In itself, it has all consisted of remaining at the mercy of a group for the security that this implies, or the prejudice it entails. There is no longer concern for the context, which is what allows for non-violent behavior, and its failure to do so in itself concretizes the oft-discussed distrust among people that we all maintain when we are from different groups. In fact, I've come to view those solitary entities as a simulation of being solitary when in reality they are governed by the rules of a group, which in itself makes them belonging. Indeed, it must be said that we are part of a group when we abide by its rules, not by physical proximity, which doesn't explain those who appear alienated from the group to which they are considered to belong despite joining groups.

I believe that today it is necessary to discuss when we are part of a group, when we are inserted into the dynamics of a group, as well as the awareness of such elements precisely for mobilization among them or precisely their limitation given our ideology, which in itself is difficult, if not impossible, to result in a destructive outcome since it deprives us of support. I do not personally understand this fear conspired in such a way although I believe that it is the result of experiences in which the individual in question and others have not known what to do, which is why they resort to talking about a rough and impossible path to pass when the morphology of said path itself is expressed by the absence of tuned praxis and that precisely determine dark and impassable dimensions, being able to point out, right now that I speak of it, why the journey through such paths represent a terrain of uniqueness for when such characteristics are present in other aspects of life such as nature itself in the absence of human agents as well as certain mythologies, however, this is only to highlight, although I do not seek certainty but the development of ideas, which, its help is always felt, and its denial, it is complicated to help then will always be welcome in any way.

It’s the weirdest thing, waking up from a dream that felt more vivid than real life. Like, for a few seconds, you don’t even know where you are. Your brain’s stuck in that space between dream and reality, and everything around you just feels… off. That happened to me last night, actually. I had this dream that I was back in my old house, the one we lived in when I was little. The walls were the same faded green, the stairs still creaked on the third step, and my childhood dog, Max—who passed away years ago—was there, wagging his tail like he never left. I could smell the popcorn my mom used to make on Sundays, feel the soft carpet under my feet. Everything was so clear. And when I woke up, I felt this ache in my chest. Like I'd just been yanked out of a better version of reality, one where things made sense, where the past still existed in full color.

And it’s not just the places. Sometimes, it’s the people. You see someone you haven’t thought about in years—an old friend, a grandparent who passed, or even someone you’ve never met—and they talk to you like you’ve known each other forever. They touch your hand, look into your eyes, laugh with you. And in that moment, it feels real. Not just visually, but emotionally. It’s like your brain recreates every tiny detail, every feeling, every piece of memory, and weaves it into this beautiful (or sometimes terrifying) story while you're asleep. I’ve had dreams that were better than reality, dreams that gave me closure, and dreams that left me shaken for the rest of the day. How does the mind do that? How does it trick us into feeling something so strong that it lingers hours—even days—after we wake up?

I’ve read somewhere that dreams are just the brain’s way of processing things, like emotions we haven’t dealt with or thoughts we’re trying to push away. That kinda makes sense. I’ve had dreams about people I haven’t talked to in ages, and the next day, I’m thinking about them non-stop. Or I’ll have a super emotional dream, and when I wake up, I’ll actually be mad or sad about what happened, even tho it didn’t actually happen. One time, I dreamt my best friend betrayed me and I couldn’t even look her in the eye the next day. Of course I got over it (lol), but still, for a while I had to remind myself, “Hey, that wasn’t real.” And that’s what’s so crazy about dreams—they can influence your mood, your thoughts, sometimes even your decisions. Like your mind’s still stuck in that made-up world and hasn’t caught up with reality yet.

I guess part of why dreams feel so real is cuz when we’re dreaming, we’re not questioning anything. Our brains just go with it. You could be flying, or talking to a giant talking cat, or seeing someone who passed away, and none of it seems weird in the moment. You’re just there, experiencing it like it’s normal. It’s only when you wake up that you’re like, “Wait, what?” But when you’re in it, it’s your world. Your brain fills in all the blanks—how things smell, how people sound, how you feel—and you believe it. It’s wild how powerful the mind can be. I still don’t fully understand it, and I probably never will. But I do know this—sometimes, those dreams, the ones that feel so painfully real, can remind us of what we miss, what we love, what we’re afraid of, and even who we want to be. And maybe that’s why they stick with us. Maybe that’s why they feel so real. Because somewhere, deep down, a part of us wants them to be.

I feel like shit. I just took my first exam of this semester and I don't feel like I did well. For some background I am currently in the highest level accounting course in my school and opted to take a 7 week course while also working full time. The class started 10 days ago and I ended up getting a 76% on this exam. I am beating myself up and berating myself because I feel like I should have done better and I want some chocolate or something to bring my mood up but I feel like I can't let myself try to feel better because I'm subconsciously telling myself that it's okay to get Cs on exams. And I know I shouldn't be so hard on myself. I work 40 hours a week and accounting courses can be hard and 10 days isn't a lot of time to learn a bunch of material. But this isn't a STEM major (I'm an accounting major) and I didn't use my time well. I should have reviewed more of the material and gone over the reading more before taking the exam. I just can't justify letting myself be comforted about my performance on this exam. I don't know what to do. I can't just give up, this is my last accounting course. How do I move past this feeling?

Honestly, I've never been much of a sports enthusiast. I don't engage in watching sports, I don't participate in them, and I certainly don't follow sports news. It's not that I'm lazy or anything—I regularly indulge in activities like walking, yoga, and hitting the gym. It's just that structured sports have never really captured my interest. There was a period when I tried out jujitsu classes, but I soon found myself losing interest, mainly because my dad was overly enthusiastic, pushing me too hard, which ultimately sucked the joy out of the experience for me. When I shared these feelings with my mom, she took it as an opportunity to criticize me for giving up too easily. According to her, I was just avoiding proper activities to waste time scrolling through my phone.

Both of my parents have always been keen on me participating in sports, and over time, this pressure left me feeling utterly drained. My mom even went as far as to call me "nothing but wasted potential," expressing how she felt slightly ashamed of my aversions. Despite being active in speech and debate and participating in the gardening club, my mom still harps on about how inactive she perceives me to be.

My friends suggest that I should just cave in and pick up a sport—perhaps track or bowling—to keep the peace at home. They think I'm being unreasonable for not trying to appease my parents. Honestly, I'm considering joining the track team, even though I hold no real passion for it. But, am I really being unreasonable here?

Imagine if my situation was showcased on a reality TV show, what would the public reaction be? Likely, viewers would be split. Some might sympathize with my lack of interest and support my right to choose my own activities, while others might side with my parents, critiquing my decisions and pushing the narrative that I should be more open to traditional sports engagements.

So, what do you guys think? Am I the one being unreasonable in this scenario, or should I be allowed to pursue only what genuinely interests me without this cloud of disappointment hanging over me from my parents?

Greetings everyone,

I’m a 31-year-old male, and my wife, who is 30, recently settled into the idea of starting our own family after securing stable jobs and purchasing our first home together. As part of this new chapter, I suggested my wife should get her driving license, which she previously did not need while living in Boston. To support her, I provided an old car for practice and arranged lessons with a certified driving instructor. She successfully passed her driving test!

Although she was quite content with the car I first gave her, I wanted to surprise her with something special. Until then, I had been driving a 2011 Civic, and neither of us had ever owned a brand new car. Drawing from some savings, I decided to buy her a shiny new Mercedes A220, which she absolutely adored.

Now, this is where the main event unfolds.

Approximately a month after the Mercedes arrived, my old Civic unexpectedly broke down. The mechanic informed me it suffered from multiple issues, primarily electrical wiring faults that affected the engine power. My wife generously offered her Mercedes for me to use for work while we figured out what to do with the Civic.

Upon arriving at work, a colleague of mine (let's call him Chad), noticed the shiny Mercedes and approached me for a chat. He inquired about its price and where my usual Honda was. Just as I began to explain the situation with my Civic, he abruptly interrupted and asked if he could take the Mercedes for a spin. I politely declined, explaining that it was my wife’s car and I wanted to keep it in perfect condition for her. Chad seemed annoyed by this and briskly walked off.

As I continued towards the office, I sensed a few unusual stares from other colleagues. Later, while settling into my desk, a close work friend leaned over and mentioned that Chad had spread the word that I had become a snob with the new car, and even called me an asshole for not letting him drive it.

I’m puzzled about what I could have done differently. Was declining his request really that unreasonable? Any insight would be helpful.

If this were a scenario on a reality TV show, I wonder if the reaction would have been amplified for dramatic effect. Perhaps the cameras would have focused on Chad's reaction and the gossip throughout the office, turning a simple misunderstanding into a major plot twist. How do you think the audience would have reacted to this situation?

I have a daughter named Lucy who was really eager to be a bridesmaid at her sister Alice’s upcoming wedding. Initially, Alice hadn’t planned to include Lucy in the bridal party, but given Lucy's enthusiasm and desire to be a part of it, she relented even though it involved additional expense and planning.

The costs for Lucy’s bridesmaid outfit, inclusive of the gown, shoes, and alterations, summed up to around $1000, which we agreed to cover since Lucy didn't have the means to pay for it herself. However, with the wedding just a month away, Lucy suddenly decided she no longer wanted to be a bridesmaid. She complained that the dress was unattractive and unflattering, criticisms she hadn’t voiced earlier. Moreover, she felt out of place among the other bridesmaids and ultimately chose to withdraw her participation.

Now, we’re left with a pricey dress that’s non-refundable. I reminded Lucy that it was her insistence that swayed our decision to let her join the bridal party. Given this context, I told her she needs to reimburse us for the cost of the dress. I suggested she could either get a part-time job or set up a payment plan from her future gift money. Lucy feels this solution is unfair and views it as a punishment for stepping back from a situation where she felt uncomfortable.

Some of our relatives think I’m being too strict. What’s you're take on this?

Imagine if this scenario played out on a reality show — the drama and the divided opinions among viewers would be intense! Cameras zooming in as Lucy expresses her dissatisfaction with the dress, the tense family discussions about finances, and the heated debates among viewers online and perhaps even a live audience voting on whether my decision was too harsh or justified!