Random Life Stories and Unpredictable Moments

There are different type of people. "My parents are divorced", "My parents are happily married". My parents SHOULD be divorced. I don't want them to get divorced, but at the same time, they're clearly not healthy for each other. They argue every day and their personalities don't match at all. Twenty five years of marriage, and they've never really loved each other. I think they both could be been happier in anther world, where they never met each other. My mum met someone she loved and married him in that universe. My dad never settled down and traveled the world. I was never born in that universe, but they're both happy that way. I love both of my parents and I want them to be happy. They bring out the worst in each other, and it's painful. I feel so afraid, because their moods become sour. If I mess up, my mum gets angry. If I get upset over her arguing, she tells me to not make it about myself. I'm not blaming her, because I know this could have been avoided if my mum was with someone else. I know they're only staying together "for the kids" (aka me and my siblings), but even their children can see how unhealthy this is. I can't tell them to divorce, neither can I mend their relationship. So I just have to live through it for a few more years. But I don't know how much more I can take.

(this was originally going to be a message to an ex-friend, however I changed my mind.)

Hey there. I know it's been a while since we really talked as friends, but I just can't help seeing how you're doing. Are you doing alright? I'm not exactly there to see for myself whether you are or not. I don't know why you started ignoring me, but just know that I don't really mind anymore. I have new friends. I'm not alone anymore. Soon, I won't have any ties with you at all, and no reason to remember you. And strangely, it doesn't bother me. I'm realizing that I don't need you, never needed you, and won't need you in the future, and you know what? I don't miss you. And I don't mean that in a mean way; I'm just letting you know in my own way that I've moved on. It hurt for a while, yes, but now? It doesn't hurt anymore. Keep being you, Amy. I loved you and loved being your friend while it lasted.

Cym

I have a friend and at first, we had fun together, vent to me, and , trusted me with secrets. but recently, I noticed that she can just go a full day (in our school) without even saying hi to me, talk to me, takes super long to reply but can reply fast in our circle of friends gc. I was with our friend earlier and she only greeted and even hugged her excitedly asking how was the theatre play we watched like I wasn't there but she only noticed me when she was asking about where am I gonna wait. I feel like she just used me from the beggining cause I was always left alone in school and can be seen as very vulnerable. she said that she wants to protect someone who's vulnerable but she only cares about what person she sees and not like remember the other people. she also said to me that she got used by having the personality of happy go people though. this more happened when she got closed again to her crush who repeatedly hurt her by ignoring the chats and not responding to them. she even reposted posts about being left outland forgotten but I always see her with someone else, other people that always find her, and her that is willingly talking to them. she even left out us for our other friend. she just confuses me idk if she really cares about me. I'm a sensitive person and I can't help to notice and deeply care about what I noticed and what I feel so idk if I'm just being overly sensitive..

Not exactly a bridezilla story, but close :)

Recently, I got invited to a relatively small wedding, about a two-hour drive from where I live, requiring overnight stays which meant booking a hotel room. Considering the size of the wedding, about 60 people including the bridal party, I wasn't provided a plus-one option, which was totally fine by me given the circumstances.

When it came time to book my hotel room, I realized the available rooms were quite large — designed for families or couples with either multiple beds or a king-sized option. Given these circumstances, I thought it would make sense to bring my boyfriend, Tom, along. This way, we could share the driving and the cost of the room. We planned it so we'd arrive the day before the wedding, enjoy a dinner out in a new place, and he would spend the day of the wedding relaxing at the hotel while I attended the ceremony and reception.

The wedding itself was a beautiful event and went off without a hitch. After the festivities, as I was heading back to my hotel room with Sarah, the maid of honor and someone I'm much closer to than the bride, I simply knocked on the door which Tom opened. Sarah greeted him briefly and then continued on her way.

However, a few days after the event, Sarah contacted me expressing how awkward and uncomfortable my decision to bring Tom had made everyone feel. She said that having him there made it seem like he was just waiting around for the wedding to end, which was not the case. We were genuinely surprised by this feedback as it was intended to be a practical arrangement, nothing more.

Furthermore, Tom was never around the wedding venue and only met the bride and groom on a few occasions, so he neither expected nor desired to attend the wedding itself. I hadn't thought to clear bringing him since he wouldn't be participating in or attending any of the wedding events.

Looking back, I wonder how this whole situation would have played out if it were part of a reality show. Would the viewers take my side, seeing the practicality of my decision, or would they sympathize with the bridal party's perspective, viewing my actions as a faux pas? Reality shows thrive on drama, and this misunderstanding could have been blown into a major conflict, potentially putting me in the hot seat with audiences picking sides.

I haven't spoken to the bride about this as she is on her honeymoon and I prefer not to stir any potential drama. Was bringing him along such a big deal?

Hello,

I am a young man.

I am 19 years old and I live in Afghanistan.

This is my second letter on this site.

In my previous letter, I asked for financial help. Some kind people suggested solutions such as scholarships and remote online work.

First of all, please forgive me if this letter makes you feel sad. I know this site is mainly created for expressing emotions, but please understand that I am in very difficult circumstances, which is why I came here to share my story. I truly have no other option. In the place where I live, access to local or international aid is very limited.

Let me tell my story from the beginning.

Since childhood, I have struggled with depression and mental health problems because my parents were constantly fighting. My father had a very controlling and dictatorial role in our home. I managed to finish school with great difficulty and hardship.

Now my father is suffering from heart diseases and is no longer able to work. As you may already know, job conditions in Afghanistan are extremely poor and worrying. More than 90% of people here live below the poverty line.

Continuing my education is very important to me. If circumstances allow, I want to continue studying and become a good artist. I am deeply interested in literature and sometimes I write poetry as well. However, my family’s severe financial situation has pushed me far away from all my dreams.

I know that relying on others is not the right thing to do, but I am truly forced to do this out of necessity. Please, if you are able, do not forget me in your help. By helping me, you will not only make me happy but will also bring relief and happiness to my entire family.

I read your comments carefully, and if you are willing to cooperate or help, please send me a message on the following WhatsApp number:

+93792262890

Long live humanity and kindness.

In college, I’m part of a friend group that shares some common acquaintances with another group, which includes a girl we'll call Lisa. Recently, several mutual friends proposed a trip to explore a nearby city, a place I’d never visited before. Although there's a slight friction between our friend circles, I was keen on the trip and decided to join, despite my friends opting out.

Upon reaching the city, our group tossed around ideas for activities, and someone suggested visiting the largest zoo in the country. We agreed but just as we were about to buy tickets, Lisa announced, "Guys, I'm sorry, I don't support zoos,” opting to wait outside instead. Frustrations bubbled as the group wished she had shared this earlier, which could have helped plan activities inclusive for everyone. Consequently, we skipped the zoo and headed to the local shopping district.

Our shopping excursion faced similar setbacks. Standing outside a popular clothing store, Zara, Lisa declared she wouldn't shop there due to its fast fashion practices, which she believed were harmful to the environment. This pattern repeated at several other stores, with Lisa citing environmental concerns each time. Though trying to be understanding, the repetition began grating on everyone's nerves.

The final straw came during lunch. As university students on a budget, we looked for affordable fast-food options. Lisa objected again, this time due to her vegetarianism and environmental reasons against fast food chains. Although I’m also vegetarian and tried to point out that this place offered vegetarian options, it wasn’t enough for Lisa. My patience wore thin, and I snapped, asking her to stop moralizing every choice we made.

Lisa walked away, likely upset, as my outburst didn't sit well with the others either. They criticized my reaction, not bothered as much by Lisa’s repetitive environmental advocacy. Reflecting on it, I can appreciate her intentions, but I was just trying to enjoy the day without constant criticisms of our environmental impact.

Had this scenario unfolded on a reality TV show, the reaction could have been dramatic and widely discussed. Would the audience side with me for seeking a day free from guilt, or would they applaud Lisa’s steadfast commitment to her principles? Reality shows thrive on such conflicts, and the viewers' votes or social media feedback could sway significantly based on their personal views on environmentalism and social etiquette.

Am I wrong here?

I joined a new friend group about a year ago. I got really close to one guy when I lost someone close to me. The group got together and decided to remove him from our discord and several of them blocked him. Turns out he had been sending many of the women in the group dick pics and steering conversations sexual even after being asked to stop many times.

When he heard I still talk to the group he got angry at me. I shouldn't spend time with people who kicked him out for "no reason". I want to block him too now but the one person I know is still on his side let me live with her. I told her what was going on but she likes the sexual talk and the dick pics so she doesn't care that he's been outright sexually harassing every woman in our group.

I know it'll stir shit up between us and without her I have nowhere else to go.

Recently, a coworker from my office, whom I wouldn't consider a close friend but more of an acquaintance, invited me to a celebration for his new home purchase. It was an impressive property, complete with a sprawling backyard, a swimming pool, and even a decorative waterfall cascading into the pool. Although we mostly exchanges pleasantries at work and don't spend time together otherwise, he generously asked me to bring along my girlfriend.

The gathering was quite large; close to forty guests were there, and I only knew a handful of them. As the evening unfolded, my girlfriend started airing her grievances about the party in Hunsrik, a Germanic dialect spoken in our region of Southern Brazil. She criticized everything from the food selections, which she claimed did not cater to her dietary needs, to the host's choice of decor and playlist. Assuming no one else at the party would understand, she didn't hold back on her harsh remarks.

However, unbeknownst to her, my coworker approached and responded in fluent German, offering sympathy for the dietary incompatibility and even suggested a nearby store where she could find suitable food. He also invited her to choose some music if she wasn't enjoying what was played. The look of disbelief on her face was unmistakable, and a few snickers from other guests didn't help the situation.

Flustered, she retorted in Portuguese, questioning how they understood German. My coworker explained that he and a few others at the party had spent time working in Germany. Feeling utterly embarrassed, she urged me to leave, but I was enjoying myself and suggested we stay longer. Reluctantly, she agreed but kept to herself for most of the night. The ride home was tense, filled with arguments about whether I should have supported her or not. She blamed me for not disclosing my coworker’s fluency in German, although it was something I hadn't truly appreciated myself.

Imagine if this whole debacle unfolded on a reality TV show—no doubt it would've made for some cringe-worthy yet highly engaging television. The cameras would've captured every awkward expression and sharply whispered aside, amplifying the drama and, perhaps, adding a provocative twist to explore cultural assumptions and mishaps in social etiquette further.

In my country there are different kinds of curriculum that you study at school, so I studied the full English syllabus. One of my professors got to know about this a few days ago and from that day he started to act weird. He randomly asked me in a mocking tone if I knew about a specific topic ( our syllabus literally covered more than whatever he is teaching ) then at lab he lashed out on me by saying “didn’t you study english curriculum, then why the hell is your english like this”, basically I’m new to the whole lab report thing so I’m still figuring it out by myself as there was no guidance so I mistakenly wrote it in present tense instead of past tense.

He said this in front of the entire class, in front of everyone. Obviously I’m going to give my all and improve but there were many other people who did similar mistakes or got lower marks but he didn’t say anything to them.

I don’t know, like scold me for my mistakes I’ll understand but continuously mocking me/insulting me because I studied a different curriculum is just…….. bad. I am probably overreacting and overthinking about this.

I just can't do this anymore. All my friends are pissed at me for things I don't remember. My parents are disappointed in me for absolutely EVERYTHING: my grades, the people I'm friends with, the fact I'm genderfluid, everything. I don't care if people will miss me or not. I need to get out of here.

(nobody mentioned below is on this website as far as I know, I just need to get this out.)

Sam, I'm so sorry. You told me to stay strong but since I can't talk to you anymore, I got weak. I knew I couldn't survive without you, but I was stupid and didn't try to find a way for us to keep talking. If I can live through this, I will find a way for us to connect.

Bowie, you're welcome. I'll finally be out of your life, just like you wanted. You wanted that, right? Of course you did.

Emma, my love, I'm so, so sorry. But I can't go on like this anymore. I love you, but I gotta go.

To my parents: I was the child you didn't want, right? Well, now you don't have to have me anymore. See ya.

Yesterday marked another year for my dad, and the family gathering was quite something to behold. Present were my sister Laura, our other sister Jane, our aunt and uncle, along with our three cousins. Among them, our cousin Olivia, who recently had her daughter raise some commiserations over a broken ankle requiring crutches. At the party, Laura's son, Nathan, 13, and Olivia's daughter, Emma, 12, were the juniors present.

The children spent their time in the living room while the adults busied themselves in the kitchen. We paid little mind to the youngsters, believing them mature enough to steer clear of any real mischief. However, a loud crash followed by a burst of yelling abruptly drew us all to the scene. Rushing in, we found Nathan and Emma in a tangle over a crutch. Emma was seated, struggling to maintain her balance, and Nathan was behind her, evidently the instigator in the scuffle. The confrontation ended with Emma toppling backward off the couch, crying.

It emerged that Nathan, in a bizarre act, had hurled one of Emma’s crutches down the basement stairs and was in the process of doing the same with the other. After confirming Emma wasn’t gravely injured, her mother Olivia began interrogating Nathan with a mix of concern and frustration, raising her voice but not exactly shouting. Several others chimed in, but Laura swiftly defended her son, asserting “He’s just a kid; no one’s hurt.”

This rationale seemed flimsy to me because, first, Emma could have been seriously injured, and second, Nathan is 13—an age at which such recklessness should be more controlled. I voiced my opinion that “just a kid” might apply to those under 11, but certainly not a teenager.

Laura was noticeably upset by the reactions, particularly mine. I truly don’t understand why Nathan acted so carelessly. Perhaps he thought it was funny? Laura’s irritation makes me wonder if I overstepped, but honestly, what was that about?

Imagining this incident featured on a reality show, would the public take my side, seeing Nathan’s actions as flat-out dangerous, or would they sympathize with Laura, viewing the backlash as an overreaction? The drama and debates that follow such a scene could be endless, heightening tensions or perhaps even drawing a clear line on parenting views under public scrutiny.

If this were a scenario on a reality show, how might the audience react?

I'm in the year before university and it's clearly the most important year. I'm not doing extremely badly, but it's exam week and I'm under so much stress that I just want to cry and not even study.

[Translated from Spanish. Reminder: IIWIARS is English only]

I feel like no one is there for me—to listen, to read me, to write to me, or even to be open to talking with me. I feel like, in my environment, I’m just an extra burden. And if that’s the case, then I feel completely pushed aside by everyone. How could I not want to look for another place? I have to face it: I don’t belong here. That’s it. I need to find somewhere else. Period.

I’m tired of my environment refusing to admit it. We’re not compatible—and we never will be. We’ve only lived causing each other headaches, acting out power struggles to avoid admitting it, but all that’s brought is war after war. It’s time for me to leave. Maybe not physically, but mentally, emotionally. I can’t take these useless conflicts anymore—they’re destroying our ability to coexist. My presence here, their acknowledgment of me, has only made life more fearful.

It’s time to go, once and for all. I feel like I have the chance, and I’m going to take it. We’ll all be safer this way. Maybe there will be a time of imbalance, but it’s either that or keep living in fear. Those who manage to get through it will be okay—and those who don’t, well... at least everyone will have searched for peace. That’s what matters most to me now—finding peace, no matter what.

There are things we have to leave behind, and ironically, that includes the place we were born. I have nothing left here—absolutely nothing. All I see is destruction and more destruction. Why keep denying it? I don’t want to be part of this anymore. I feel like I’m encouraging my relatives to become something like criminals—just as they do to each other. Luckily, we haven’t crossed the line that would get anyone arrested or reported, but we’re getting close. And that’s not the goal. I have to face it: my presence here—someone not suited to this environment—is just harmful. I can’t deny that anymore.

There’s nothing more painful for me than realizing I’ve been a source of harm and pain. And the worst part is, I couldn’t do anything before—but now I feel like I can. And I’m proud of that. I can give everyone a calmer life. Yes, let’s admit it—they’ll be better off without me here. I’ll be better off leaving, because in doing so, I’ll have truly supported them. I’ll be repaying everything they’ve done for me. It’s the greatest thank-you I can offer—the most meaningful one. What good are gifts or fake kindness? They don’t help anymore. People feel it, even if they don’t realize it.

I feel like I’m fulfilling a moral obligation, in the end. A civic duty, even—one that supports a healthier society, whether that means staying or stepping away. It’s what I have to do.

What hurts, though, is realizing that the solution to my problems with this environment isn’t in the environment itself—it’s somewhere else. I wish it were here, so I could embrace that resolution and feel proud of it. But the truth is, it never was. Trying to force that belief only led to disaster. It’s what brought us to this point—where we hate each other, deeply. All because we tried to stay. We have to face it: this environment is filled with disconnected people who pretend to bond just to deny the truth. There’s nothing between us. There never was—barely even between parents and children.

I wish it had been different. I always believed that teamwork was the answer. But the problem is... there’s no team. You can’t count on something that doesn’t exist.

Why did this life have to be mine? Why couldn’t this have happened to someone else? Why live with this discouragement? Why does this transition have to be like this? Why do I have to leave this environment just like that? And yet—it feels like inertia. My mind just goes there... because there’s more calm. That’s it. I think deep down, that’s what we’re all searching for—peace and calm. And in a way, my own environment has pushed me toward it. It’s something that’s just out of everyone’s hands.

Then come the questions:

What will I live in that new environment? Will they try to change me? Will I become someone else? Will I forget the place I came from? What will happen to them once I’m gone?

There’s so much I can’t control. I just know this: I’m in transition—and I never thought it would be like this.

Soo.. I'm gonna be on my last yeah of hs this year. And the pressure is high.

So growing up i've been getting average and sometimes higher than average grades. In my country although 75 is considered passing in special science schools 85 is the passing grade, with 90 being the average and therefore the grade every student sought after including myself.

90-93 has been my consistent grades throughout elementary, my mother didn't really push me to study because as she said I was smart enough that I only need to listen to the lesson and be good to go. And it worked at first.

Entering Highschool I didn't really have to learn to study because well it was online and I just searched up the answers. By 9th grade when we had our first face2face I barely got 90. It didn't serve as a wakeup call, nore did 10 grade when I graduated with 91%. At senior high, in the first semester midterms, they gave us the grades we got. i got 88%.

Still passing I know, but my parents, my mother especially, started this whole thing.

For context my sister is in college, tuition is barley covered and my dad works his own business that isn't getting much customers. Although my sister got a scholarship that gives her free tuition, the school was too far my sister would have to live with my grandma. Which made my dad worry about her health, i don't really get the reason.

So now it's my responsibility to get a good scholarship. My parents are ok with sending me to that same school they didn't want my sister to go to because 'I can handle myself'. But still since my 88% I've been pressured to get better grades. After a shit ton of studying I got 92%in my first sem grade. With my second sem being 96%, mostly with the help of joining a contest which the training lasted the whole first half of the second semester's midterm, then a big dance contest against other schools that got me pulled out of class and me and the other dancers got a grade no lesser than the previous. So because I got 96 in my previous I also got 96 if you got what I mean.

Anyways I understand why my parents are stressing over college, sending two daughters would not be possible with my dad's income. But I kinda blame my dad for not sending my sister there.

Idk, im already looking through scholarships on different school, started studying now too. But i also dont like that I'm reminded everyday that if I dont get a good scholarship one of us would not be able to go to college at all. Suddenly I want to go to school agshahahhahah

At 26, I found myself yet again embroiled in a heated debate with my 80-year-old grandmother during our recent vacation together. Despite the overall joy of our holiday, she couldn't stop lamenting about the difficulties my mother imposes on her life. My grandmother fully supports my mother financially, feeling a duty-bound obligation as she is her daughter. After my ties with my mom weakened at 15, she'd likely be homeless now if not for my grandmother, mainly because she doesn't work and spends her time with questionable acquaintances who lead her to frequent evictions arranged by my grandmother. Every time my grandmother shares her latest troubles, I suggest letting my mom face her own consequences, a sentiment echoed by the rest of the family, yet she never complies.

Exhausted by the repetitive nature of her complaints, I asked her to change the subject, as I have no control over my mother and discussing it only brings me down. She reluctantly agreed and ceased mentioning it - for a while.

The death of my father less than two years ago still weighs heavily on me, yet my grandmother recently repeated a story from 2013—an agreement my father had with my grandparents to partially pay their mortgage, which she claimed disastrously impacted her life. I was only 13 at the time and powerless to influence the situation, nor can I change anything now, especially with my father gone. I urged her to stop rehashing my family's past issues during our time together as it's unchangeable and only reopens old wounds. She stubbornly persisted, labeling it "family history" and "just stating facts."

Frustrated and seeking a different narrative, I asked about my uncle's divorce, a subject she never discussed. She claimed ignorance, which I found hard to believe given her close relationship with him. Accusing her of lying in my aggravation, I tried to disengage from the conversation about my late father, but she persisted.

Afterward, she texted me, restless and upset, criticizing my supposed attack on my uncle, to which I responded that I’d merely sought information on an unfamiliar topic, rather than the same old grievances. I expressed my disappointment in her for speaking ill of my late father and demanded an apology. Unyielding, she bombarded me with texts recounting her maternal sacrifices. Upon her refusal to apologize, I blocked her.

Now, suppose this whole debacle unfolded on a reality TV show. How would the audience react to such a family drama? It might be captivating for viewers to see the raw and real emotional exchanges, but likely many would sympathize with the frustration of dealing with repeated family grievances. Some might argue that private issues should stay private and not be aired publicly, while others might appreciate the authenticity of the conflict.

Am I being too brutal on my grandmother?