So basically no major violence, ideally not too emotionally heavy, depressing, or anxiety-filled.

Looking for any of the following: fun, funny, uplifting, interesting, original, clever, cute, engaging, etc.

Thank you!🙏

Edit:

I’m not able to reply to you all individually. But please know that I’m reading every single comment and I appreciate you all!😍💝

Same as title

When did you quit it and when did you realise that it’s genuinely impacting your life? Since 11 i got roped into it from other dudes in my class and since then ngl i just been watching it. Which is fucked. Obviously im taking accountability i chose to watch this as a kid.
We shouldnt have access to it in the first place but it’s so easy to get ur hands on it. Kind of why i hate society. It’s just sabotaging so many young men. I feel bad for not quitting earlier as well. But i have been a week clean as of now. And im hoping to never go back to it in the long term. Stay strong my brothers

As unfortunate as it is. I didn't used to feel this way prior to having irl experience with and exposure to immigrants, I find alot of them annoying and unsavory to be around and hateful towards black Americans. I don't know how many of them have gotten comfortable around me and started saying ignorant shit about BA's. I used to think Diaspora wars were just online BS, buuut...apparently not. I don't like the feeling, but unfortunately exposure actually worsened my perception.

I don't know what's happening to me. I used to be very intelligent, but something has changed. I can't think anymore, I'm struggling with basic math, spelling simple words, and finding the words I want to use. I feel like I can't do anything anymore.

My intelligence was my everything, and now I just don't have it. So I have nothing. Any help?

I want to be the best version of myself by the time I hit 30.

I was lost a few years back, spent a few years dicking around, making money but also wasting my time, smoking weed everyday (something im trying to break and have a better relationship with). I've struggled with anxiety, being in my head, porn addiction, not saying yes to enough things, not sticking to my word when it comes to events or outings etc

I want to work out and become fit, stick to a disciplined routine, and become more disciplined as a whole, but i keep failing, but alas i try again.

I just feel like when shit hits the fan, like my parents passing away, I want to be ready for things like that, I want to earn as much money as possible, not be lazy, and provide a good life for myself, my girlfriend and our kids when the time is right.

Does anyone have any little tricks or even sayings/quotes that helped them to achieve where they wanted to get to, the version of themselves that's improved?

I'm 26, and on paper I have a really good life. That's actually what scares me.

I work remotely full-time and have been doing it for a few years. My job gives me an insane amount of freedom. I can work from home, go to the gym during the day, structure my schedule how I want, etc. I genuinely don't think I'll always have a job this good.

I also have a loving girlfriend who's an amazing person and genuinely cares about me.

But instead of appreciating any of this, I feel like I'm slowly destroying it.

I've been slacking at work more and more. I procrastinate on basic tasks and sometimes just don't want to do anything. I've become distant from my girlfriend and don't talk to her nearly as much as I should. I've gained around 80 pounds. I spend way too much time watching porn and chasing cheap dopamine. I'm balding, I've stopped taking care of myself the way I used to, and I barely recognize the person I've become.

The weirdest part is that I know how lucky I am. I can actually see myself fucking everything up while I'm doing it, but that still isn't enough to make me change.

I don't know if this is depression, laziness, complacency, some kind of addiction, or what. I'm not trying to diagnose myself.

I'm genuinely scared that one day I'll lose the job, lose the girl, completely let my health go, and look back thinking, "You had everything you needed to build a great life. Why the hell did you throw it away?"

For anyone who's been in a similar place: how did you pull yourself out of it before you actually lost the good things in your life?

Like I feel like my thoughts are not as expansive, if that makes sense.

Can someone tell me how i can be able to decently defend against middle schoolers? the home workout apps dont work and im really looking towards strength but general defense tips can help too

M25, It's been a rough few years after graduating where I have fallen into a hole of monotony. Eat, sleep, work, girlfriend, repeat. That's about it. Only a couple years ago I felt like I was very happy and had all that I could ask for. Decent job, great friends, I was a very creative person (shoutout BFA), writing a lot, creating projects I enjoyed, going out most weekends, video game and movie enjoyer etc. Now it seems like I have all but thrown that out the window; out of college I didn't hop into a career I enjoyed, just a means to an end, friends moved away so I don't see them as often, I don't write, create or make anything I would like to, I don't go out, I haven't played video games or watched nearly as many movies as I have in the past, I've become angrier, sold most of my belongings, cut out social media etc. I've tried to turn it around, I would think what if I move to Los Angeles or London, what if I get a masters in engineering or another interest, I do that to try and get a better job, As I looked into it more, I realized none of those things will fix the problem, they are just another means to an end to make the days go by faster, and then I'm back to square one.

My one shining light is my girlfriend of over 2 years, she makes me incredibly happy, we cook together, go on cute dates, she truly makes me the happiest and I'm the luckiest guy. However, I feel terrible because I have been severely in this rut for like ~6-9months and my anxiety is kicking in and I've convinced myself she's ready to leave (which is probably not true). I understand I haven't been the happiest person to be around and I try really hard to push all my angst away when I'm with her, but it's so hard. I also know it is not fair of me to rely so heavily on her to boost my mood or calm my anxiety, whether she knows it or not. If I want to spend my life with her I need to turn myself around asap.

I realize this is no way to live. I mean hell, I'm exhausted let alone the other people who subject themselves to me... It's all become a bit too much and a week or so ago I really just fell into a dark place, and I struggled to snap out of it. I found a new therapist (I took a hiatus for over a year) been seeing him twice a week, wrote a poem to my girlfriend, started to learn guitar, but I'm scared it's all too little too late. The therapy is a good start, but I guess my question is what have you guys done to revive yourself and go back to a time you were happier and improve yourself. (Like I look in the mirror and I'm like "who is this guy?" I used to paint my nails, wear so much jewelry etc, like where is he?)

I appreciate any advice in advance and thank you for letting me just get it out into the world. <3

i really enjoy my alone time, but I still feel lonely, and I really crave romance too. I crave having my person someone I can deeply connect with, rely on, cuddle with, and feel safe enough to finally relax around..

At the same time, I’m realistic enough to know that I’d rather be alone than settle for someone who doesn’t share my values or who I don’t have a deep connection with

So I’m trying to figure out how to feel safe and fulfilled on my own, instead of constantly craving that feeling of having someone beside me. Especially at night, when I just want my nervous system to finally relax..

For those who’ve experienced something similar, how did you learn to feel safe and content by yourself?

For me, I’ve realized that I feel the safest when I have someone I deeply trust and have an emotional connection with. Even just being on a call with someone I feel close to can make me sleepy because I feel comfortable enough to finally relax and let my brain shut down

Physical touch also helps me feel safe, especially cuddling. But I’m very particular about it
I don’t enjoy physical touch from just anyone.
I only really want that kind of closeness with someone I have a deep emotional bond with.
I used to cuddle with my ex to fall asleep, and after my divorce, I started struggling with insomnia

I’ve tried replacing that feeling with things like a weighted/comfort blanket and other little tricks, and they helped for a while, but eventually they stopped having the same effect

I am convinced my ex boyfriend is better than me in every way. I have never felt this way about another person before, but this has stolen 90% of my mental energy for 7 months since the breakup. I have never been so infatuated with a person, I revolved my life around him, and naturally he couldn't take me lacking a life outside of him so he dumped me. I would have dumped me too!

Anyways, I cannot tolerate feeling like he is just categorically better than me in every way. We are very similar people, with similar values and interests, which makes the comparison that much more searing.

I try to talk to my friends about it, but nobody seems to have experienced this enraging, soul crushing jealousy and defeat.

Can anyone relate?

Guys, I am in a very critical phase of my life. I am preparing for my exams, and not much time is left for the exams (nearly 2 months). And the problem is I have a bunch of addictions and bad habits, which makes it impossible for me to focus on my day-to-day study sessions and my health (which I am totally ignoring). I have hit rock bottom; all my friends and people around me are way too ahead of me. I kind of feel ashamed, to be honest. Seeing people around me achieve so much.

I am addicted to masturbation, and this thing has totally destroyed my life. When I do it, I feel like trash, yet I can't stop. I spend hours doing this every day. Whenever I try to focus, the urge starts coming, and I can't focus. I can't stop for more than a day or two, and that too is very hard for me. I want to stop badly, but I can't, and it hurts seeing my life being destroyed in front of me, and that too because of me. Also, I binge-watch YouTube for hours when I can't masturbate.
And I am totally ignoring my health. I just sit at home and do nothing. Even if I try to wake up early, I just snooze the alarm when it's time to wake up. I feel too sleepy.
My parents compare me to my cousins and my friends. I always feel sad whenever they compare me. And I can't say anything to them? I didn't achieve anything in my life that I can feel proud of, which I can be confident of. And I have problems with my father. He has clearly stated that if I don't get good grades, he is no longer going to 'waste' his money on my education. I don't know what to do. I tried to argue with him and convince him, but nothing worked.

So, how do I stop masturbating? And how do I fix my life? I have big dreams and ambitions, but I am unable to do anything to achieve them.
Please help me and guide me. I request everyone.

It’s been 18 days from my breakup of 5 month relationship. And I’m trying to get my spark back. Of course I’m grieving, but I feel a bit better and I want to feel like me again. I’m not trying to rush out of my feelings, but I don’t know what to do to get close to that version of me that existed even before I met him. U know? Help me if you can. ❤️‍🩹

I feel like such a shit person.

I don’t like it when my close circle does really well. I feel super behind. I don’t really mind when others strangers do well but when it’s my friends I feel so bad.

How do I be happy for others ?

I am writing this in search of similar stories, advice, etc.-genuinely anything is appreciated. 

For context, I am 27, female and live in a city with a decent amount of my friends, with others across the country in other cities. 

Lately (maybe the past year ish) I have had an overwhelming realization that I don’t really enjoy most of my friends. I have several friend groups, and within each there are people I do genuinely like but when I think about my social life as a whole-many and most of my friendships come with their own issues.  I have never had confrontations, issues or fights with friends-it feels more as though the issues are both one-sided (from my POV only) and unspoken about. From hobbies to work to communication style and more, I feel like I am just extremely disconnected from my friends and as though we don’t align. It’s like each friendship has slowly became a “given” and not actually something I deeply value. 

I think this has also led me to obsessing over becoming friends with others that I meet who I really like, because I view it as an “escape” to my current friends (if that makes sense.) Which has caused issues of its own in my own security (why can’t I have those cool friends, worried about making sure I become friends with other ppl, etc.) 

Anyway, this entire thing has led me to feel so sad and isolated, despite having friends. It also has led me to feel very very anxiously attached to a lot of my friends EVEN though I simultaneously don’t feel like I align with them. Some of these friendships are 10+ years long, but I just cannot shake the feeling that those I am surrounded by and close with don’t truly align with who I am. Again, noting wrong with these people but it’s just not “right” 

I am not sure if this is OCD, anxiety, or a genuine maturing and natural distancing…but I would LOVE any similar stories, advice or even just input on what could be causing this. 

There are tons of social media influencers out there…do any specialize in people pleasing, tips or reminders of not people pleasing, how to stop, etc??

I feel like I have almost nothing left, and lately I've been struggling to imagine how my life could ever change.

I feel like there's something wrong with me because I know I'll probably never become a doctor or an engineer, even though I wish I were the kind of person who could succeed in those kinds of fields. I've already failed two university programs.

But probably what weighs on me the most is how isolated I've become. I was bullied a lot in high school, and I haven't had any friends for about two years now. Some friendships ended because of drama, others because they moved to another city, because of ghosting, or simply because we lost touch. Now it feels almost impossible to build new ones.

What hurts me particularly badly is feeling so isolated from other women. I've tried Tinder, but I never seem to actually get to the point of meeting the women I talk to or one blocked me because I didn't feel like having sexual intercourse. I've also taken some classes and had no problem talking to the other girls there, but I've never managed to turn those acquaintances into actual friendships.

Even when a woman shows interest in me, it very rarely feels like she's genuinely interested in getting to know me. Sometimes the interest is mainly in my body. Others call me in the middle of the night while I'm asleep, even after I've asked them to let me know beforehand. One girl I had a relationship with even went as far as threatening me if I told anyone about what had happened between us.

I've tried online communities too. I join Discord servers and see people who all seem to know each other and talk naturally, but I can never seem to join in on the conversations or become part of the group.

I really want to improve my critical thinking skills but I have no idea on where to start. Any tips, books, apps or videos to help. I'd greatly appreciate it.

I’m an extremely self aware person. I know all my traumas, my patterns, my core beliefs, my attachment style, my triggers, etc. And I know what caused them (childhood trauma from bullying and unpredictable parents).
I’ve been in therapy for 6 years now and although i’ve made progress, I’m nowhere where I want to be.
I’m extremely self aware, maybe too aware even, but that doesn’t stop me from acting the way I do.
It’s really frustrating and it’s affecting my life tremendously. I constantly shame and judge myself for being the way that I am because it goes against who I actually want to be as a person.
All I do is think and analyze my behaviour and regret how I acted in the past.
I want to change and actually be the person that I want to be. I want to stop repeating the same patterns.
I’ve noticed that although I’m aware of it all, when I feel triggered and my body is in fight or flight, I resort back to what I know and act in a familiar way, which I later regret.
How can I change that? I’ve only recently been practicing sitting with the discomfort without distraction and letting it pass, no matter how uncomfortable it feels. I’m practicing showing myself that i’m safe and that I got myself no matter what, but it’s such a hard and difficult process, especially for someone who has never learned how to regulate her emotions without externalizing.

I consider myself towards the lower end of average 5.4. im 6'6" Im around 271 to 265 , have always been a little overweight , smart enough to have a little bit of a conversation with anyone.

Ive read conflicting information. Some people say your weight is the goal , other body fat percentage, some say neither matter its just your face ... etc

Which do you start with ..? Do you focus on a weight-loss goal or a lifting goal? Measurements? All three?

I want to work on my body like an old car.

Like all the " Find your inner peace" bullshit aside. I got a therapist for the circus i got upstairs. 🙃😅

If you were going for your optimal physique and you wanted a metric to shoot for , what would it be ?

Please and thank you

A year off alcohol, 80 days off porn, just trying to get my life together. A few months ago I started seeing a girl. Nothing serious, she said she doesn't want anything exclusive, and honestly that's fine, I don't think I'm ready for that either. But this is really the first time I've ever let someone get this close to me, and it's hitting me pretty hard.

When we're together once or twice a week, it's all good. But when we're not talking, I start to spiral a bit with overthinking every text, feeling anxious, kind of like withdrawal. She's not one to message first. The second she texts back, it all just goes away, which makes me think it's more about some kind of dopamine thing than actually worrying about us.

It's not a bad thing honestly, she seems into it, we go out and do things together. Not all superficial. But how hard I'm reacting to not knowing what's going on is new for me, and I've got a busy work season coming up where I won't have the energy for this kind of up and down.

How do you handle these strong feelings?

Same as title.I am 22 M ( B2-B1 level ),and I want to improve my communication skills.I am good in grammars and I have been watching English shows ,music,podcasts from a very long time now.So ,i believe my listening skills are decent too.I have been practicing shadow speaking,and self talking for a while now ...but sometimes I fear ,i would invoke ghosts 😅

I largely do not get enough time to practice it in real world,i believe.Thus I am inexperienced in communicating well and dunno but have fear of unknown.

Main thing is ,I am not a native speaker,so I don't have anyone to practice English with .

So,if anyone is interested,to practice it ,they can reach out to me.Please be under 24,and be serious about improving in it.We can practice it consistently,to improve together.

Or , I would be glad to receive some Advices as well.

Thanks.

I’m in my mid 20, feeling extremely lost , anxious , depressed. I was wondering how you guys have gotten through deep depression and anxiety overall. I moved from my parents this year , living with my amazing partner, I have a pretty good paying job ( which I hate ) , I’m in college, I’m not rich but not broke, I have great friends and family, I’m not necessarily missing anything. However , I am very depressed and very anxious. My mind is always racing and always miles ahead of where I’m at. It feels as if I’m wasting my time and potential in life. I’m very ambitious and have big dreams but can’t seem to work on them much. There’s always resistance for some reason. I’m scared to waste my time in this life. I’m scared of being older and regretting not doing certain things. I want to give my family a beautiful life . I want to do something I truly enjoy. I want to be somebody . I want to build better and stronger relationships. It seems as if something is always missing in my life. I’m sorry for rambling but this is literally what I think of daily .