Random Life Stories and Unpredictable Moments

Ok, first off the religious group I will not mention by name as it is not the point of this post. However, I will say I do believe they are a cult because they recruit people, force them to give the "council" all the money they make, and by around 60 when they are old they throw them out of their housing facilities that they own. They cut people's connections with all family and friends no exceptions. If you can't make money they don't want you. They are not small I'll tell you that much. We were learning about different groups in American history. We were in about 6 small groups all discussing about the groups. When I saw the one about the "religion" that's when I said to my group they were like a cult. This group is still a thing today.

Anyway, in english class my group was discussing about the group and I said, "oh they're like a cult" then the teacher chimed in.

T: "That's a strong word"

Me: "Well that's basically what they are"

T: "how"

Me: "Well they make these cartoons that..."

T: "Well many people make cartoons that doesn't mean they are a cult"

Me: "well the cartoon...."

T: "I'm just telling you you shouldn't call them a cult and it's wrong"

Me: "ok fine"

She kept cutting me off before I could even explain my reasoning. But should I not refer to them as a "cult"? Am I an asshole for referring to a religious group as a cult? If you have any questions about the group I'm talking about I'll try to explain it in a way not to call them out. I do believe they are a cult.

Imagine if I was in a reality show and brought up this topic. Would people side with me or would they think I'm just being rude? How do you think the audience would react if I explained my reasons on camera? Would they understand or think I'm out of line?

I have two kids with my wife. When they were young, my parents generously set up education funds for both of them.

My wife and I always expected our kids to go to college and then grad school, just like we did. I have a PhD and my wife has a master’s degree. Because of this, we decided not to use the funds for their undergrad degrees and didn’t tell them about the money.

My daughter has always been into liberal arts, while my son is more of a STEM guy. We worried about her job prospects, but she insisted on studying music and film in college. She got into some top schools and chose an expensive one, but she had scholarships covering almost all tuition. Everything else, plus living expenses, was her responsibility. She lived in a tiny apartment shared with friends in a rough area far from campus, but she managed and learned to budget effectively. After graduating, she found a job she enjoys, though it doesn’t pay much, and gave up on grad school.

My son decided on engineering and also didn’t want to go to grad school. We were disappointed but accepted it since he’s lined up for a great job after school. He didn’t get as many scholarships as his sister, so we used his education fund for his tuition and living expenses. He got a large, nice apartment close to school, which is important given his demanding classes.

My daughter was confused about how he could afford this and he told her about the education fund. She called us, upset, asking why she didn’t get one. We told her she did, but we saved it hoping she’d go to grad school. She seemed hurt and asked if she could have the money now. We explained there’d be a fee to withdraw the money for non-education uses, and if we did that, it would go back to her grandparents for their use. Since then, she’s been short in her texts and hasn’t answered our calls. I know it seems unfair to her, but it’s not really her money and she’s not in college anymore. Her brother got it for educational purposes only. Am I wrong?

How would people react if this situation was on a reality show? Would viewers side with my daughter or understand my perspective and the importance of using the funds as intended?

The world moves in patterns. Some call it fate, others call it coincidence. But she? She calls it cruel.

She didn’t mean to notice him. She didn’t mean to find comfort in his presence, in the way he existed so effortlessly while she felt like she was constantly trying to prove she belonged. But the universe, with all its twisted humor, the way the way it seemed to thread him into her life without permission. It kept bringing them together—always almost, never quite. It was infuriating. It was ridiculous. It was… comforting.

And maybe, just maybe, that was the scariest part.

Maybe it was a test. Maybe it was a lesson. Or maybe it was nothing at all, and she was just a fool searching for meaning where there was none.

But if that were true… why did it hurt?

We dated for so long and i loved him so much and he loved me and we were absolutely perfect together he told me he’ll love me forever then decides to break up with me and it hurts so much watching him move on and love someone else and forget about me like what about me what about what we had was i not special to you how could you do this to me i just want you

i’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it means to cut off contact with your own parents. it’s not a decision you make lightly, it’s not something you wake up one morning and decide “oh, i’m done with them now,” and it’s definitely not a thing you can explain to people without sounding like the villain. but the truth is, it wasn’t just one big fight, or a betrayal that led me here. it was more like a million little paper cuts that eventually made me bleed out. each conversation, each snide comment, each cold shoulder... they stacked up like bricks around my chest until breathing became a chore. and now, i’m at a point where silence feels safer than words ever did.

there’s this misconception that going no contact is an impulsive act, a dramatic outburst, but let me tell you – it’s calculated, it’s weighed, and it’s born from years of exhaustion. for me, it wasn’t about punishing them; it was about protecting myself. there’s a sort of peace in not waiting for a call that won’t come, in not bracing for the disappointment that hits you when you realize the people who were supposed to love you unconditionally... just didn’t know how. i still remember the last time i tried to explain my feelings to them, how i said, “i just need space,” and they responded with guilt-tripping and accusations like i was betraying the family code. maybe you’ve felt that too, the subtle manipulation, the expectation that no matter what, you’ll bend because “they’re your parents” – but at what cost?

cutting ties isn’t about hate, it’s about survival. sometimes you’ve got to ask yourself, “how much more of myself do i have to lose before i finally put up a boundary?” i used to sit in my room after those long, draining phone calls, wondering if i was being too sensitive, too dramatic, too harsh. but with time, i realized i was just human, and there’s only so much hurt you can endure before you have to step away for your own sanity. and yes, the guilt still gnaws at me, especially on holidays or when i hear from relatives asking why i’ve become so distant. but i remind myself that self-preservation isn’t selfishness; it’s necessary.

so, i sit here now, scrolling through old photos, thinking about what could have been if they had just tried a little harder, listened a little closer, or loved a little better. but i can’t change them, and i can’t keep sacrificing my peace to maintain a relationship that only drains me. i’m learning to accept that some doors are meant to stay closed, that not every story gets a happy ending, and that’s okay. sure, there’s a lingering sadness, an ache for what i wish i had, but there’s also relief in knowing i’ve chosen myself, finally. and maybe that’s the real takeaway here – that sometimes the healthiest love is the one you give yourself, even when it means walking away from those who were supposed to give it to you first.

does it ever get easier? i don’t know. maybe it’s just one of those things you learn to live with, like a scar that reminds you of a wound that’s healed but still aches when it rains. and when people ask me if i’ll ever reconnect, i just shrug and say, “maybe one day,” because who really knows? but for now, i’m okay with the quiet, with the space i’ve carved out for myself, and with the understanding that no contact doesn’t mean no love – it just means love from a distance. and maybe that’s enough; maybe that’s all i can give.

Soo from how u have lived. What do you think a 16 yr old should know? Or in the process of knowing?? Or like matured from??

I find myself in a unique position that I can't quite put my finger on. At 23, I feel like I should have a better grasp on what my relationships are supposed to look like, yet here I am, questioning whether I’m in a queerplatonic relationship or something that defies categorization altogether. It’s complicated when the emotional bonds of friendship start feeling very much like partnership, yet the labels we’ve been given don’t seem to fit. You know that feeling when you have a deep connection with someone, where the lines between friendship and romance are so blurred that you’re left wondering if you should just throw caution to the wind and embrace whatever this is or if you need to examine it more critically?

I mean, we spend nearly all of our time together—cooking dinners, binge-watching shows, even having those deep midnight conversations that last for hours. There's a comfort level that’s reminiscent of a long-term romantic relationship, but we never actually call ourselves a couple. We’ve both made it clear that we don’t want to label our relationship in typical terms, but the nature of our bond seems to challenge the boundary between friendship and a queerplatonic relationship. At times, it feels like we’re almost like partners in crime; the way we support each other emotionally feels heavy with significance. But when I look for definitions to cling to, I often question if what we have is actually queerplatonic. Does it have to fit into a convenient box, or can it simply exist outside of labels?

When we’re navigating the world together, I notice how we interact with other people. Friends often ask if we’re a couple because we do share physical affection, like holding hands or hugging, which typically imply romance. They exchange glances that seem to suggest I should either embrace this label or clarify my feelings. In these moments, I can’t help but feel a bit anxious. Are we doing something wrong by not defining ourselves as a couple? Or is there a possibility that this unusual connection is valid just on its own, and it doesn’t need to conform to societal expectations? There's so much unexpected joy in our relationship that questions whether I should just lean into the ambiguity; I often vacillate between wanting to clarify and remaining in this emotionally rich, undefined space.

Navigating these waters becomes even murkier when it comes to communicating about our feelings. We touch upon it sometimes, but genuine discussions about what we’re feeling and whether we want to label our relationship always seem to get sidestepped. I’m left wondering if it’s fear that holds us back, perhaps a fear of disrupting the beautiful rhythm we have established. Or maybe it's the excitement of being in something unique that keeps us from placing a set name on it, feeling that labeling it could somehow dilute what’s special. So, I ask you: when it comes to relationships that are this complicated—where do you draw the line? Are we too hesitant to discuss the nature of our bond, or is there wisdom in letting it float in this undefined space where love, affection, and friendship coexist harmoniously? I’m truly curious to hear what others think about my situation;

So like, my ex has been acting weird lately and I don’t know if I’m reading too much into it or if he’s lowkey trying to come back. We broke up three months ago, wasn’t even that messy but we both kinda agreed it wasn’t working. But now he’s liking my posts again, watching all my stories the second I post them, and even replied “lol” to one like bro what’s funny? He NEVER used to watch my stories before unless I made him. And suddenly he cares now? Idk if it’s guilt or he’s being nosy or if he actually misses me. One of my friends said he asked if I’m seeing anyone now and I’m like—why the hell would he care? We not together anymore, you don’t get to ask those questions.

Then this one time, I was walking by his group at school and he literally went silent, stared, and did that half-smile like he didn’t know if he should say hi. Didn’t say shit though. I’m not saying he’s obsessed or anything but if you don’t want to talk, then don’t stare. Just turn around or keep walking. Like stop being a coward. Another day, he texted me “hey” out of nowhere at midnight. I didn’t reply. What was I supposed to say? Hey back and pretend like nothing happened? He dumped me because he said he “needed space” and now he’s crawling back with one dumb word? Get the f*ck outta here with that. Boys are so confusing, they want you until they have you, then when they don’t, they suddenly remember how good they had it.

I swear, it’s giving “I miss you but I’m too scared to say it.” But then again, I could just be imagining all this and he’s just bored or playing around. Maybe he wants attention, maybe he regrets stuff, maybe he just likes messing with my head. I don’t even know what I’d do if he said he wanted to get back together. Part of me would wanna slap him and the other part would probably melt; and yeah I know that sounds pathetic but whatever. At the end of the day I’m human. Do I still have feelings for him? Not really, but also maybe a little bit. Sometimes I do miss the way things were when it was good. Not the drama though. Never that again.

Anyway, what do y’all think? Are those signs or am I just being dumb? Would you say anything if your ex started acting like that? I feel like I’m going crazy trying to figure him out. Should I just ignore it and move on or call him out and be like “wtf do you want?” I don’t need games, I just want peace. If he’s trying to get back together, he needs to say it with his chest. I’m not gonna sit here and guess feelings like I’m on some reality TV show. I just hate this limbo sh*t. Tell me what’s up or go away. Simple.

After my sister, Laura, and her two children were evicted from their home, they had no choice but to move in with my wife and me. Initially, we were more than willing to help, but Laura's dependency on us has become overwhelming. We've had to constantly set boundaries, reminding her that just because we provided shelter, it doesn’t mean we are available to babysit her kids at all times.

Laura has also struggled with jealousy towards my wife, especially when she notices us enjoying our lifestyle. She has made several uncomfortable remarks whenever my wife purchases something new for herself, making snide comments like, "That must be nice." Regardless of how many times we've addressed this behavior, she doesn't seem to understand how inappropriate she’s being.

Things reached a boiling point last night. My wife and I returned home late from a date night, and Laura was up waiting for us. She confronted us angrily for not bringing back anything for her and the kids, accusing us of flaunting our lifestyle. It was one in the morning; her children were asleep, and yet, she insisted that they were being neglected and that she deserved to be treated occasionally.

That was the last straw for my wife. She told Laura that she needed to find another place to live as soon as possible because she could no longer tolerate the toxicity she brought into our home. She even warned that if Laura didn’t leave within 30 days, she would seek legal assistance to ensure it happened. Laura seemed shocked, thinking I would defend her. Instead, I supported my wife, telling Laura that she had indeed made herself unwelcome with her actions and attitude.

Although Laura tried to make amends the following morning by preparing breakfast, my wife was not appease. She discarded the breakfast and reiterated that Laura had 29 days left. My wife even left to consult with a cousin who is a lawyer to start the legal process.

In front of her children, Laura tried to play the innocent victim, but it was clear they sensed the tension. She later attempted to apologize to me, but I felt it was too little, too late. My wife was already making arrangements to legally ensure Laura's departure.

Imagine if all of this drama were unfolding on a reality TV show. The audience would likely be split. Some might sympathize with Laura due to her difficult situation, while others could resonate with my wife and me, understanding our need to reclaim our peace at home. The dynamic between helping family and setting boundaries is a common theme that could captivate a lot of viewers, creating plenty of buzz and speculation on social media about who's right or wrong in such a complicated family matter.

Are we on the wrong side here?

Why do i feel attached to people who hurt me? So like, i have this friend, whom i considered one of my few close friend, i told him i was bi, he was fine with it, but after a yew years he suddenly just texted me smth like "i hate people who's being special on purpose" "if you weren't bi you would be more special" "instead of posting art why not focus on getting a scholarship", honestly this hurts me a lot, i blocked him but for some reason a part of me wants to unblock him and still text him- like i miss him but i hate him idkkkkk- i also made friends with someone, i liked them a lot even tho they told me how to hrm myslf and took pictures of me even tho i told them dont, which made me uncomfortable, so why did i feel so sad and lonely when they were gone?

Just close your eyes, the sun is going down. You'll be alright, no one can hurt you now. Come morning light, you and I'll be safe and sound.

(song: Safe & Sound by Taylore Swift, it's the only song i like by her, go listen to it if you need comfort :3)

Last Friday evening, during our family dinner, my ten-year-old daughter, whom we'll call Emily, shared a troubling issue about her school environment. We were casually chatting about her science class and some projects she was excited about when she mentioned that her teacher's daughter, whom we'll name Beth, was also a student in her class. Instantly, alarm bells went off in my head because this situation seemed like a textbook example of a conflict of interest, and I nearly spit out my dinner.

Trying to maintain my composure, I inquired whether there was a special grading system in place for Beth to prevent any bias. Emily, looking puzzled by my concern, informed me that there was no assistant in the class and that Beth's mom treated her just like the rest of the students. I remember thinking back to my own naive school days and reassured her with a smile, patting her shoulder before she left the table. Later, when my husband got home, I explained the situation and my plan of action. I argued that it was obvious Beth could have access to the school material beforehand, and even if she didn't, her mom was likely to score her assignments leniently to boost her grades. That’s a typical parental instinct in such scenarios.

However, my husband suggested I was jumping to conclusions and might not have all the facts. His reaction surprised me. I’m usually not one to judge, but I felt like my husband and Emily were being extremely naive. I had a restless night, and first thing in the morning, I emailed the fifth-grade team leader demanding clarity on this issue. I didn't hold back in expressing my readiness to take this up with the principal if the suspected nepotism wasn't addressed. It’s disheartening to see our schools potentially compromising fairness, and it's frustrating that our tax dollars might be supporting this.

After seeing my email, my husband advised me to think it over and possibly retract my complaint, citing potential embarrassment to ourselves and Emily. I left the room, shocked at his indifference. Communication between us has been minimal since, and I’m struggling to understand his reluctance to support what I believe is right for OUR daughter. Certainly, the school must have another teacher or an aide who could handle Beth’s grading to prevent any bias.

What has left me even more disturbed is my family’s reaction to my concerns; they almost make me feel delusional. But, am I really in the wrong here?

If this were a reality show, I wonder how the public would perceive my actions. Would they see me as a concerned parent fighting for justice, or as someone overreacting to a non-issue? The drama and confrontation might actually make for good television, highlighting how ordinary family conflicts can escalate and the lengths to which a parent might go for what they believe protects their child's interests.

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?

Around seven years ago, my relationship with my ex, Jenna, sadly came to an end. We share two teenage children, and since I was more financially secure, Jenna proposed I take full custody following our split. I've been raising them full-time since then, with Jenna having the option of visitation. However, she seldom exercised this right. Shortly after we went our separate ways, Jenna moved on with a wealthy man from abroad, quickly becoming pregnant with his child. The man, however, was not interested in taking care of children who were not his own, leading Jenna to relocate three hours away, distancing herself further from our kids. For nearly two years, she vanished from their lives.

The wealth of Jenna’s partner was contingent on his family’s support, and after discovering her situation, they withdrew their financial backing. Complicating matters, their young child faced developmental challenges. Jenna was expecting another child when her boyfriend decided to return to his home country, leaving her alone, pregnant, jobless, and caring for their special needs son.

Last week, Jenna reached out in desperation, her circumstances dire. She and her son were living in a motel, and their financial resources were dwindling. She asked if they could stay at my lake house nearby, or alternatively, if I could provide some financial support. I declined both requests, leading to heated exchanges where she accused me of neglecting my extended "family" despite having the means to assist her. I maintained that, biologically speaking, her current predicaments do not obligate me to intervene.

In a scenario where my life was part of a reality show, the reaction from the audience could be intensely divided. Viewers might sympathize with the tough stance I’ve taken, arguing that my responsibility is primarily towards my own household and the children we share. Others might harshly critique my decision, seeing it as lacking compassion towards my ex who is clearly struggling and my indirect connection to her current children. The intensity of reality show fans could turn this domestic drama into a broader debate on responsibilities and moral obligations ex-partners owe to each other, especially when children are involved.

Now, reflecting on my story as part of an online community seeking advice or shared experiences, I’m curious to get your points of view...

My eleven-month-old son is quite the towering toddler, already measuring in at 36 inches tall, which is roughly the height of a typical two-and-a-half-year-old, and he's comfortably filling out 3T sized clothes. Despite his impressive stature, he's still very much a baby whose primary source of nourishment is breastmilk.

This Fourth of July, we had a sizeable family barbecue, and my brother decided to bring his girlfriend along. I currently live out of state and planned an extended stay back home; my brother and his girlfriend have chosen to stick around for a bit too.

As expected, everyone in my family understands that my son is still a little one, just that he looks older. However, this concept seemed to shock my brother's girlfriend when she noticed him acting his age. We tried to make it clear that he is genuinely just a baby exploring his environment, yet she continued to seem uneasy about it.

The situation has been quite tense over these past few days. Yesterday evening reached a breaking point. While I was trying to feed my son—I often use an armchair for support as he’s too large for other spots—she was seated there. I requested she move, which she did begrudgingly. About an hour later, she blew up, demanding that my brother pay for her hotel stay because she found it too challenging to be around my son and me.

She accused me of feeding him in public on purpose to make her uncomfortable and insisted he should be eating solid foods due to his size. That upset me significantly, and I admittedly lost my poise, chiding her for not understanding anything about parenting or my circumstances.

Our debate continued, and once my son woke up from his nap, I had to attend to him, but she stormed out, proclaiming she needed to "protect her peace," which sounded quite dramatic.

My brother then accused me of immaturity before he left with her. Though my dad supported me, he suggested I should have handled it better since I'm older by three years. Meanwhile, my mom tried to stay neutral but ended up paying for their hotel to get my brother to return home, believing I could've been more sympathetic.

Reflecting on this, if this confrontation occurred on a reality show, the explosive mix of family tension and miscommunication might have been sensationalized for dramatic effect. Cameras would zoom in on our heated exchange, possibly painting me as the villain before cutting to a confessional where I’d express my frustrations and challenges as a mom misunderstood by someone with no experience in parenting.

Did I really handle that situation so poorly?