Random Life Stories and Unpredictable Moments

I was supposed to graduate law school and take the bar this year but I failed my first and only subject with this terror professor. I was the only one who failed their class and I felt that it was a bit unfair. While they're a terror professor, they are admired by a lot of people in that subject field in law and they were called the gatekeeper (meaning they would really fail you if they think you are not ready for the bar).

Why do I feel it was unfair? Well, my batchmates who graduated and took the bar had two failing subjects (not the same subject as the one I failed) but they were allowed to have to take an exam to pass it. This professor didn't want to talk to me and deferred me to the Dean, and again, with their reputation as the all-knowing person in that subject, they didn't give me a chance. It was a really hard year for me as I was already preparing for the bar and I had to hide the truth for quite some time with my family as, again, this is my first ever failure. It didn't really help that a certain student also had similar grades with me but I was the one that had to get cut-off. I couldn't really continue to vent to my boyfriend (who is also a student and passed his subject - apparently he is this prof's favorite) and we had an argument about how I am not really blaming him for failing the subject but it kinda feels like it is because I am just so frustrated with myself.

I already retook the subject (with a different professor because they weren't available to teach it) and passed but now, they are saying that this terror prof might be my professory again next semester. We don't have any other sections as our law school is cutthroat so there really isn't a choice for me to do anything but take the subject. But I don't know how to cope. This person literally crushed my dream as there was no effort for them to give me a chance and I couldn't really move on as I only had a week before the start of the second semester and during summer, I had to help my friends who were taking the bar. It hurt, I felt deeply hurt. I don't know what to do.

So one time I had been with my parents and younger brother on a trip to see my cousins. On the way, we stopped by our grandparents to relax. We were downstairs in the basement, me, my parents, brother and grandparents. I accidentally hurt my brother by tripping him when I was on the couch and he walked on my foot. He fell hit his head and I came down to see if he was ok. Then my mother ran down, got on her knees and held him like he was about to die. Meanwhile, I have never had something like that happen to me. Then, as I tried to apologize to him, my mother said and I quote, “no one wants to hear your fake apologizes” I was stunned. I sat there for a good minute, and tried to correct myself saying” I didn’t mean to sound that way, I-“ and she interrupted me saying “Don’t make excuses, you know your in the wrong”. I was shocked, I stared at her and I glanced at my brother, who even looked at me and then at her, with a look that said “you took this too far”. Behind me was the rest of my family and grandparents, who saw everything, and I started to hold back tears. The last thing she said to me was “You don’t deserve to cry”. I looked at my dad, knowing this wasn’t the only time he sat and watched they way my mother talked to me and traumatized me. I told them “I don’t fell like playing anymore, have fun” trying to sound okay, and went upstairs. I stayed in the bathroom, all alone, hearing my mother babying my Brother in a way she doesn’t do for me or did to me when I was his age. I stayed there, shocked for hours and didn’t want to leave. No one checked on me, no one cared, and the hours later they called for me. Reluctant, I went downstairs and they acted like nothing happend. My brother was the only one who came up to me and said “I know you weren’t being mean and you did try to apologize. I’m sorry mom did that” I tried to hold back tears when I hugged him, knowing he was the only one who saw what she did was wrong. To this day if my mom says “I know your probably going to say j favorite your younger brother but I don’t” and this is the first thing of many that come to mind. I just wanted to get this story off my chest, your knot alone in the bias. Let me know if I’m just being stuck up and this is blown out of proportion. Thank you for listening.

Me and virgo have been friends for 4 some months and bit more. It's not news to me that this is a purely plain friendship, with no scope for anything else. But somehow I failed. This person has been a great great friend to me all these months, helped me in every way the could, been there for me, been sensible. Its just that I feel we 'll never be able to get on the same page ever. The equation between us is no more the same. It's just simple from that side, whereas it's quite complicated on my end now. I kept denying to myself and them the turmoil I felt within me everytime. It was not simple jealousy. It was much more. Me telling them every little thing in my daily life, every ups and downs, frustrations and joys, lead me here today. Obviously, what did I think. I would be able to maintain a simple friendship after involving them so much in my life? I should have listened to myself that I wouldn't be able to do this.

Today I am finding myself in a place to blame myself and no one else, even they might say it's all my fault, because truly it's mine only. They seem to be quite outgoing and chill with their girl buddies the same way they are with their guy buddies. They made that space for themselves where they can freely go out with whichever friend whenever. They are more open with their friends than their family. I am the opposite here. Another thing, they see every other friend the same way (atleast that's what they say), they love to travel, and take their friends out to travel. Travelling is their one true love. This person dropped the girl buddy to the railway station late at night (mind you, they are friends since long). They also took her out for her birthday and came home late at night (almost one half day of travelling). They are now planning a trip to rishikesh. Wow. They missed out on clearing that it's with this girl not a guy friend. And that's what really shattered me for good this time. I know this time it's irreparable. This person is so damn excited for a 2 day trip, looking to see if it's safe for girls. Also note that they've been going out a bit too often these days. Obviously they are kinda nearby to meet. Unlike me who stays states apart. I am well aware of the fact that I do sound extremely jealous, but I am also hurt. The reason being me myself. I can't do this simple friendship with anyone, or have a good friendship only with such a person after involving them so much into my life. I do get attached eventually. This is me. I really can't do anything about this. I admit this a weak side of me, which is bad. I really don't feel these ppl might end up being more than friends, given that they get to meet a lot, go on trips together and they love going out. Like wow. Ok he didn't want to go on a trip with his guy friends. But for her he quickly said yes, thats already a plan in making.

1. Stop involving them so much in ur life

2. It's not going to look nice admittedly

3. Someday actually open up to them, and settle things.

4. Do not care where it goes. Whatever will happen will happen for the best.

5. This is God clearing your path for your future.

Context: I was with my ex-boyfriend for a little over 2 years. It was definitely rocky, especially toward the end, but the break up hurt. It hurt so bad because it was abrupt, and it was like right when I started liking him again. I became the desperate ex for like a little just trying to get back with him or at the least stay friends. It didnt work after he asked me for advice on how to date a new girl like 3 days. I blew up on him for being an asshole and he blocked me.

Fast forward about 3 months later and I started dating again. I accidently got into a serious relationship while in retrospect, defintelly still having feelings for my ex. I declined my feelings and moved forward with the new guy. Fast forward to this past summer and I cannot stop thinking about my ex. I wasnt happy in my current relationship so I didnt care to hide it. I told my current bf and said I need to reach out to him. He allowed it and things did not go well with my ex. I end up blocking him. Fast forward about 6 months and again he consumes my mind. I dont reach out as I know theres no point but I still want to.

I want so badly to be as connected as we were. He was funny, playful, cocky, but most of all real (or atleast it felt like it). Ive come to understand that I dont like him, but l miss the way I felt.

Today, I feel so empty. My current boyfriend just makes me anxious and judged. I dont love him but I want to because he is a good guy.

Yesterday I asked him, if I dissapeared, do you think I've made an impact on you. He said no. Hes told me he doesnt think I'm funny, he doesnt think Im smart, he just does not like me.

I want so badly to leave him. With college coming up, I told him I want to break up and he said no. I tried to pushback but it was still no. With me being such a coward I took his answer. I should stand on my ground but I dont.

Ive put myself in this situation and I just want advice.

I feel like I havent explained my situation the best I could and definitely left some things out. But, how do I get the ex off my mind. How do I salvage or break off this relationship.

The celebration of Canadian Thanksgiving is quite a tradition in our home in the United States, owing largely to my stepmom's Canadian heritage. Every year, her mother travels from British Columbia to host a grand Thanksgiving feast for our mostly American family. But, truth be told, my step-grandmother, whom I affectionately refer to as my “step-grandma,” lacks a certain finesse in the kitchen. More so, her personality brims with passive-aggressiveness, especially during our festivities. Each year, without fail, she magnifies her culinary efforts, expecting endless adulation for her rather unsavory dishes.

Every Canadian Thanksgiving, my husband and I find ourselves designated as the dishwashers, a task we’ve reluctantly accepted. While I don’t inherently mind washing dishes, being the sole helpers when we are guests starts to feel more like an imposition. Originally, it seemed logical since we were the youngest adults, but over the last few years, even as my stepmom’s younger relatives joined, they’d quickly retreat to luxuries like the hot tub, leaving us to labor alone. It’s particularly frustrating when I'm interrupted during rare moments spent playing with my nephew I barely see, only to hear my step-grandma's loud hints about needing help in the kitchen, followed by my dad enlisting us yet again.

The previous year marked our move to a different city. When the annual celebration rolled around, they inquired if I would attend. Initially, I hesitated and eventually declined, citing uncertain reasons before outright refusing even their offer to cover our travel costs. Truthfully, it wasn’t about not being able to go; I was simply tired of the unfair expectation that we, alone, should contribute through chores while others socialized or relaxed.

Discussing this with my two older brothers brought mixed reactions. One brother sympathized, understanding my frustration, while the other dismissed it as a trivial issue. This leaves me questioning: am I being unreasonable here?

Imagine if this scenario unfolded on a reality show. Cameras rolling, capturing every whisper and conspicuous glance, the tension and the drama heightened for viewers at home. How would the audience react to seeing one family member consistently laden with tasks, their genuine annoyance veiled under polite compliance? The dynamics of sympathy versus judgment from the public could swing widely, possibly siding with me for feeling singled out or against me for making a 'big deal' out of family help.

Given this context, I wonder if my frustration is justified or if I should just accept these family roles silently.

Hello everyone, I don't vent usually but I need to share my feelings. I have been in a relationship for 8 years. Lets call him A, we have been on and off, because we fell out for a few years but this is a new story. He reached out to me to reconnect and start dating after a long period of no contact. We were going strong happy we would work it out if we had conflicts. I believed that love can be worked out and he did too we both agreed on most things but we did have a conversation about having kids. I didn't mind if they're adopted, ivf surrogate or even biological. I am a trans man so at first I had to think about it but I wanted kids with him I wanted our future together. He knows I'm trans but I wanted to let him know what if I couldn't have them? I don't think I couldn't but I just wanted to see his reaction well he just went to you don't want kids then. That wasn't true but we seemed to figure it out ever since then I felt like he didn't feel the same way before but he assured me everything is fine I'm just over thinking. Fast forward to now, were long distance we live 8000 plus miles apart we both are focused on visiting each other, he was going to see me but he said something happened where his work won't let him get PTO. I've met him multiple times younger so I made the choice to visit him in his country although its not the most supportive of trans people anyways I tell him hey I'm going to come then he buys a house. A house there lol to visit me. In return that made him tell me to wait I got really upset because it felt like he made plans to stay there for now even though I've been trying to work for a future with him. He hits me with, do you really want kids? I said yeah I do and then he says even to breast feed? I'm like wait no what I'm trying to get top surgery. Its my body and I feel like bottle feeding is better. Anyway that was so shocking to him he almost crashed his car. This made him feel like he lost the fire and it was so important that he said its not going to work. I told him I'm okay I'll compromise but he said he will never see a future with me and he's afraid of me being in the future “my kid my choice” to him a kid is a final thing and he's scared of what I might do. I feel offended but sad I wanted to reconcile he said he loves me so much, but I changed the whole core of our relationship. He says I pushed him to making it forever cause I said well if you see no future that means we can't be in each others life and he said that's fine but he loves me anyway. He wishes that I'd be forever there but no future :(.

I don’t even know why I do it. Like, every time someone actually tries to be my friend, I just… ruin it. It’s not like I want to be alone, but for some reason, I always end up pushing people away. At first, things are fine, we talk, we laugh, they seem cool, and then my brain starts freaking out. What if they don’t actually like me? What if I say something stupid? What if I annoy them and they just pretend to be nice? And then, instead of just going with it like a normal person, I start acting distant, stop replying to texts, avoid them in class, and before I know it, they move on. And I pretend like I don’t care, but deep down, it sucks. It’s like I’m stuck in this loop where I want friends but also push them away the second they get too close.

It’s not even like people are mean to me or anything. I see them hanging out in groups, making plans, posting about it online, and I wonder what that even feels like. To just be able to connect with people without overthinking every little thing. When someone sits next to me in class and actually starts a conversation, I panic. My brain starts screaming say something normal!! don’t be weird!! and then I either go completely silent or just say something so awkward that the conversation dies right there. And then I feel even worse. It’s like, I could be making friends, I should be, but something in me won’t let it happen. Like I don’t deserve it or something.

And then when I actually do let someone in, I mess it up in a different way. I start testing them without even realizing it. Ignoring texts to see if they’ll double text. Cancelling plans just to see if they really wanna hang out. Being all moody and distant to see if they’ll put in the effort to ask what’s wrong. And if they don’t? Then I tell myself see? they don’t actually care. But like, why would they? Why would anyone wanna keep trying with someone who keeps shutting them out? It’s not fair to them. And it’s definitely not fair to me, because in the end, I’m the one who ends up alone.

I keep thinking maybe it’s just safer this way. Like, if I don’t let people in, they can’t hurt me. I don’t have to deal with the drama, the fights, the feeling of someone just getting bored of me and leaving. But then I look around and see everyone else with their inside jokes, their sleepovers, their dumb little traditions, and I realize I’m missing out. Even when I’m in a crowded room, I feel like I don’t belong anywhere. And I hate that feeling. I hate watching from the sidelines, pretending like I don’t care when I really do. But at the same time, I don’t know how to stop being like this.

So yeah, why do I push people away? I wish I knew the answer. Maybe I’m scared of rejection, maybe I just don’t trust people, maybe I’ve just been alone for so long that I don’t even know how to let someone in anymore. But whatever the reason, I’m tired of it. I don’t wanna wake up one day and realize I spent my whole life shutting people out just because I was scared of getting hurt. I wanna be better. I just don’t know where to start.

In our high school circle, there's a girl named Melanie who’s deeply entrenched in her Christian faith. Melanie is a devout follower and attends a local Baptist church every Sunday without fail. This personal devotion has never been an issue for us; in fact, it’s always been inspiring to see someone derive so much happiness from their faith.

Initially, Melanie’s religious expressions were subtle and respectful. She’d wear her cross pendant and occasionally share Bible verses on her social media platforms. However, over time, her approach began to change, becoming more overt and, frankly, overwhelming. It reached a point where she would arrive at our school lunch table with a Bible in hand, frequently interjecting our conversations with phrases like “God is amazing!” and persistently sharing her religious views.

Her approach intensified when she started a separate Instagram account to advocate for living a holy life according to scripture. She even attempted to launch a Christian podcast. The tipping point for us came one day over lunch when Melanie ranted about how "disrespectful" it was for people to wear cross necklaces if they weren't devout Christians. She also criticized "Jesus Christ Superstar"—a musical I hold dear—claiming it was blasphemous.

I felt compelled to address her that day. While I acknowledged her right to her beliefs, I expressed that her constant integration of religious commentary into every aspect of her interaction was becoming exhausting for everyone. I also explained that artistic interpretations like the musical were valid explorations of Jesus as a historical figure.

Melanie snapped back, questioning, "Are you implying you’re better than Jesus?" Frustrated, I retorted, maybe too harshly, "Look, Jesus loves you, but even he would appreciate it if you toned it down a bit."

This escalated to me criticizing her for letting her religion overshadow her personality and subtly implying she was superior because of her devoutness. Melanie hasn't spoken to us since that confrontation. Though my friends support my stance, claiming Melanie was being hypocritical and overbearing, I’m left questioning if I was too harsh.

The sarcasm and choice of words, in hindsight, might have been unnecessary. Reflecting on this, I can't help but wonder what the immediate reaction would be if this confrontation occurred in the setting of a reality show. Likely, it would have been sensationalized, with dramatic music and close-ups, possibly swaying public sympathy towards Melanie for being 'attacked' over her faith, or alternatively, it could have painted me as a protagonist standing up to religious zealotry, depending on the audience's prevailing attitudes.

How wrong is it to want to write a book about your family without making it obvious?

I’m 13, female. I often come online like anybody else, I don’t have social media other than Snapchat and YouTube if you’d even consider that social media. Because of this sometimes I feel a bit of a disconnect. A lot of my peers have apps like discord or instagram. While it’s not a big deal because I never feel out of the loop with my friends sometimes it just makes me feel like I’m not where I should be. Like I’m out of the circle of all the people in my grade, I don’t know the latest things or anything. I don’t have a whole lot of friends too, 1 best friend which I love, a small circle of friends (around 5) and a few acquaintances that I feel too awkward to really be myself around. So sometimes I get lonely or just want to experience something outside of that. Hence I try to go online through websites like this. I have my struggles, that’s why when I feel I have no one to talk to I go online and write them here to get them out. I know I can’t know everything in the world, I haven’t lived long enough. But I find that a lot of people treat me like I know nothing just because I’m young. I’ll vent about something personal on here and I’ve gotten responses that basically say that it’s “not that bad” and “that’s just life”. I know that! I know I can’t have it so much worse! I know that struggles come with life! That’s why I’m so grateful for the things I have but sometimes I just need to get it out! I know how horrible life can be, I know it has twists and tricks, I know what I have is not nearly as bad as someone who doesn’t have a home, or who’s starving or living in a country at war. I’m so happy and grateful for the life I have. I think a lot of people don’t really see kids as mature enough to really think deeply or they don’t know anything. It’s really not true. I know it sounds like I’m just being bratty but I hate it when people think less of me because of age. I don’t know everything but neither does anybody. You who’s reading this doesn’t, if anybody even does read this that is. I hate that quote “you don’t know everything”, I get told that a lot because I’m a child. Because I’m not “old enough” to understand and know. But nobody is. Nobody knows everything. I’m capable of having really mature and deep thoughts but I feel like no one can see that. My friends can but can adults? I don’t think so because every time they seem to think I don’t know anything.

(T.w.: Mentions of Self Harm)

Alright! I had a history of self harm when I was younger, but stopped after a couple of years, but then a couple of months ago I was feeling upset with myself and insane guilt especially when it came to my studying, so I thought of ways I could " punish" myself when i didnt study so that I relieve myself of the intense guilt, like basically consequences for my actions, and my brain was like why not self harm? So I went back to it. It felt so good?,after I finish and sit with the pain I would be reminded that I paid of my dues and thus there is no reason to feel guilty, then I would go study and the pain would be a very nice reminder.

I was always careful, just cutting enough to bleed but not a huge scar, i didnt want anyone to know and think im asking for attention..

BUT one day, same thing happened, I didn't study so I went to self harm then planned to start studying immediately, but I dont know what I did differently that time? I cut myself and suddenly I'm seeing the pink of the dermis and a pretty long cut with lots of blood.. long story short, I needed stitches, had to tell my parents a very odd story of me somehow falling on glass? and went to the doctor.. I didnt even end up getting stitches, because I waited for 3 days before I fessed up and it was too late, but it was infected and so I was put on antibiotics. Very likely I'll scar for life. It felt like I was being branded for my mistakes and the control was taken away from me. I didn't allow myself to think about it for the next 2 weeks... and I couldnt for the life of me get myself to study eventhough I had a very large exam. I hated how it was gapping, how it opened when I moved, I didn't want to see it or feel it. If I try to get myself to get over it I would get these intrusive thoughts of putting a knife into it till I reached the bone. ( I would never ever do that) I didn't care about the wound itself, infact if I got it by an accident or so I wouldnt have been that bothered by it, but the fact that I caused harm, even to my own body this way was so ? Jarring ?? I know its pretty late in the story to mention this, but I am a medical student. It felt like... I didn't deserve to be a doctor, that I can't possibly be.. Eventhough I put so much effort to get in. Anyway back to the story, even when I procrastinated in the past I never lost control as much as I felt this time, and despite the exam looming close I never could get myself to study properly.. so I sorta didn't. Eventhough I wouldve never studied this way in the past, no matter where I was I would always put in enough effort atleast. The worst exam ive ever given in my life. And I can't even get myself to think about it. I don't know how will I ever forgive myself for all this, it just feels like the self hatred is building and I dont know where I stand. Marks are very important where I am in life right now, imagining that I would ruin my future because of this mistake is like?

Eventhough deep down i dont believe in this, I completely believe everything happens for a reason and for a good one, but I just can't for the life of me stomach the haterd, guilt and blaming I feel for myself.

How do I forgive myself for all this? Can I ever be a good doctor the way i am? How will I ever regain control? I lost it, over my body, over my studying... i have no trust in myself anymore.

My university buddy recently got hitched, and I was supposed to stand by her side as a bridesmaid. We last met at her engagement celebration about a year ago. Regrettably, since then, she's been a pretty terrible companion, fully engrossed in her wedding plans and consistently neglecting our friendship. Even though initially we chatted about her wedding, she soon started ignoring my messages. Whenever I tried opening up about my own struggles, she responded cruelly and was overwhelmingly obsessed with her role as the bride. As a result of her behavior and me facing ongoing health issues, I grew distant and decided against maintaining the friendship after the wedding festivities concluded.

When our interactions resumed, it was purely for bridesmaid duties. Still dealing with health troubles, I hadn't yet bought my dress due to potential changes in my weight from new medications. Her reply was blunt, stressing the necessity to have it altered by June. Close to the wedding date, she suddenly demanded $200 for hair and makeup costs—expenses she hadn't previously discussed nor sought agreement on from any of us bridesmaids.

Feeling cornered and reconsidering the strained relationship, I decided against attending the wedding, blaming it on my health complications. She reacted selfishly, making the issue about herself and showing no concern for my well-being. Later, she demanded I pay the $200 for the services she booked without my consent. After a heated exchange, I agreed to settle the amount, even including an extra $150 for the venue costs she mentioned, hoping to end all communication thereafter.

Following five weeks of silence, she messaged me to inquire about my health. But soon, her tone shifted to expressing how hurt she was that I hadn't reached out during or after her wedding. I was stunned by her audacity. My grandmother advised ignoring her message, aligning with my intention to dissolve the friendship altogether.

Imagine if this situation unfolded on a reality show, the dramatic tension would be palpable! With cameras rolling, viewers would likely be split—some sympathizing with my health struggles and recognizing the bride's self-centered nature, while others might view my withdrawal from the wedding as a betrayal, sparking controversy and debates across social media platforms.

Am I wrong for wanting to end this friendship?

In our home, we have a total of three bathrooms. The primary one is situated just outside our living area, another is linked to our master bedroom, and a small one is located in the utility hallway. Consistently, my husband chooses to use the main bathroom for his post-dinner bathroom time, typically when the house is bustling with activity. This bathroom is not just close to the living area, but it’s also equipped with the only bathtub in our home which we need to use for the kids’ baths right after dinner.

The issue here is not just that I can sometimes hear the sounds of him using the bathroom, but also the lingering odor that fills the space where the children are to be bathed right afterward. Considering we have two additional bathrooms he could use, this has become a point of contention.

Before moving into this house, the smaller bathroom in the utility hallway had been designated as the "poop bathroom" at his previous residence, complete with a special stool just for that purpose. Despite this arrangement carrying over, he now opts for the children's footstool in the main bathroom instead. Despite my numerous pleas for him to change his bathroom of choice, he brushes off my concerns, believing I am making a big deal out of nothing. He insists on the freedom to choose any bathroom, regardless of the timing or the practicality of such an action.

I find it quite inconsiderate to occupy the main bathroom right when it’s nearly time for the kids’ baths and bedtime routine. Who really wants to brush their teeth and bathe in a bathroom that’s just been used for such purposes?

Considering how he shrugs off my requests, am I wrong for continually bringing up this issue and pressing him to use one of the other bathrooms?

Imagining this scenario being discussed on a reality TV show, envision the drama and audience reaction! Viewers would likely be split, with some empathizing with my desire for cleanliness and order, while others might chuckle at what they would see as a trivial marital spat blown out of proportion. Hosts and fellow contestants might weigh in, drawing from their own experiences, making it a memorable and relatable discussion point for an episode.

Should I keep asking my husband to change bathrooms?

Yesterday at work, I happened to catch a bit of conversation between two coworkers, Amy and Jessica, about Amy's persistent struggle with her banana bread recipe turning out overly dry. Eavesdropping a bit, I chimed in and suggested she might try adding sour cream to her mixture to help maintain moisture.

Amy seemed keen on the idea and asked me to send her the recipe via email. However, I explained that I'm more of an intuitive baker who rarely measures anything precisely. Intrigued, she proposed visiting my place to watch the process firsthand. Initially, it sounded as though she wasn't fully serious, but I invited her over regardless, and to my surprise, she accepted.

She arrived at my house on Saturday armed with a note card and pencil, prepared to jot down each step. My cat, Mr. Whiskers, who suffers from paralysis and usually wears a special suit to help him move around and protect my floors, was scurrying about curiously, which seemed to unsettle Amy a bit. I offered to seclude Mr. Whiskers during her visit, but she insisted it was fine.

As we got to baking, I began combining the ingredients loosely while Amy took notes. During this process, I noticed Mr. Whiskers had an accident. I excused myself briefly to tend to him, then thoroughly washed my hands before returning to the kitchen.

However, Amy appeared quite distressed, expressing discomfort with me resuming the baking after handling the cat. Despite my assurances that I had not directly touched any waste and had washed my hands well, she remained unconvinced. Her anxiety escalated when she asserted that she would never have come had she known my "secret ingredient was cat shit."

It's worth mentioning that Amy often brings her toddler to the office, who, like all small children, is no stranger to creating his share of messes. This made me point out the parallel between changing my cat’s suit and her changing her child's diaper. This comparison offended her greatly, prompting her to abruptly leave, marking a rather dramatic end to our baking session.

Considering her visceral reaction, I reflect on whether drawing parallels between caring for pets and children might have been insensitive, although I still find her response somewhat disproportionate. If this outburst had unfolded on a reality television show, one can only imagine the intensified drama and possible public split in viewer opinions. Would the audience side with empathy towards everyday pet care challenges or critique the comparison of a pet to a child? Reality TV thrives on these moments of conflict, possibly blowing them out of proportion for entertainment.

This typing might not make sense I just heads up.

Hi I'm fake name Melody I'm 13 years old I'm a girl and I'm in an agency and this is my first year they do this thing called arts under this international blah blah blah blah blah I don't know called and I'm doing so many things the voice acting improv film scene photography singing dancing in voice acting and I just I'm making my own dance I don't know how I've never done it before I'm sick 2 weeks before we go out and I just feel like everything is against me I can't practice my singing I can't practice my scripts and I'm forcing myself to keep choreographing but I am a gymnast so there's a lot of tumbling and flipping and so I have to go to the football field to do it and I haven't been able to go because I'm sick and so I'm making myself go but I'm not always to drive so I have to take my brother and I'm just so constantly stressed every single time I try to cry about it because I feel like there's an elephant sitting my chest my mom and dad step dad and stepmom all said this can be fixed there's nothing to cry about there's nothing to cry about if it can be fixed don't cry blah blah blah and I feel like I can't cry and I just got done with breakdown I couldn't breathe and I just what it cry but I can't because I don't I feel guilty every single time I do and even when I'm sleepy I can't sleep anymore I just can't do this I'm just so tired and I'm not going to do nothing extreme but I just want to feel like me again and I've been doing things I shouldn't be doing like I'll make myself throw up or cut my calories how much I'm eating I know I shouldn't be but I feel guilty whatever I eat too much I've had comments on my body my entire life from wow you have really muscular legs or muscular arms or you know you have a nice ass or you have a nice butt or big I don't know anymore and I just I just want to lose it I don't want to be seen for that anymore I feel so insecure in my own body and I got my period really early so my body's really developed and I don't have a big chest but I have curves to say I just I don't know how to say my feelings so if this isn't good I'm sorry it just if you read this can you just please give me something I just make me feel human and if you can at least try. (This is typed using voice typing so if it's not the best that's why but my hands are shaking and I can't type right now)

Sincerely,

Melody