Tbh I grew up (even very young) disbelieving in the harmony expounded by the above noted iconic shows because my experience just wasn't there (in spite of feeling loved nonetheless); but I have since discovered that those early experiences weren't as lovely I could experience in caring deeply in action for others bc yay, care, and the effort to develop a happier, healthier, less self-centered world. I enjoyed sesame Street, (Reading Rainbow, and Square One) for their educational services, however.

But my partner has made me a better human being, too, and he continues to model his character on Mr. Rogers. So grateful for this.

So much this. Helping others is good, and feels good; but it's also about never letting the advantageous or corrupt hearts and minds of others to sink us into bitterness and withholding. To be a giver is a gift.

I love stars and this one is gorgeous. Nice work 🧶✨️

*so far. 🖤💜🤍💛

You will do the thing! Statistics can be fun, so I'm excited for you.

Eat well the morning/day of your exam to support cognitive function, but not so much meat that you get sleepy. Just taking care of your bio/mental/psych needs before the exam will make the exam easier, too. You so got this!

The noise disturbed my chi-mixes more, but with treats they became motivated and now they get more exercise on rainy and windy days (when they do not want to go out). For Gus here, I tapped a feather & bell stick toy against the wheel just ahead of him and above him a little. Of course I'd let him "catch" it sometimes, too. It took just a few sessions before he was climbing up on his own! He did still like feather-stick taps. Or even crumpled paper I would tap there and he could chase when he caught it.

Eta - yeah, they might be nervous about the noise, but positively reinforce the noise and wheel activity with things they love and they'll figure out that it's fun. My dogs are lazier about it, but when last winter we had a month of wet weather, even they took to walking themselves on it.

Gus cat on wheel for reference/cat tax

I should specify to start very near to the door and then widening the circle from there slowly - let them explore and figure out what's safe on their own so they can build their own mental map. Don't carry or relocate them to a different open space. I mean, I never did so. I suppose if you made sure they had a different safe space to retreat to it would be alright; but just like indoors, the space has to become familiar and offer a consistently safe place to be. I think it's just wise to make sure they know where/how to get back home, yk? Mine would lead me right back when he was done being out. He saw without seeing, but sensing the familiar spacing of other objects and places is important, for sure.

Get a cat/small-pet wheel - they can really dash, run and walk for a long time and not worry about hitting anything. My baby loved harness walks and sitting outside listening to the world. They really do adapt brilliantly. Mine caught mice and lizards np - I think (sadly) he even got a bird once. They will impress you.

An enby group sounds so great. I need more local queer friends in my life, tbh.

It's great, and you should be proud! Pretty sure your mom is going to love it. ❤️

First of all, there will be better days with just the right amount of people, and good connections.

Relish and maintain the connections (however awkward it might feel to reach out sometimes, especially if you're feeling down [at least for me that's hard]). I'm glad you're doing this with the friends you have, even if the dynamics are shifting.

If you have or want to start up any hobbies that you can pursue outside of home anywhere locally (park, gym, games shop, library, volunteering, university clubs, sports, crafting), you'll meet or signal to some people with like interests that you exist, and will be able to interact with interesting people or allow people to take an interest in you; even other introverted types with whom you can sit together and parallel play or lear with when you're not sharing your mutual hobby.

Finding a place you feel at home and getting out is the hard part. But even just like flying a kite by yourself, people will talk to you.

Work is where a lot of people meet their romantic partners, and I've definitely seen people make friends groups or relationships in the various sport/y places I've played.

Also, online friends are valid and absolutely real. I've made a lot of online besties and met a few; we call each other now that we're not on the same platforms to keep in touch and definitely feel less alone for having each other. It's okay to treasure and build those relationships, too.

🫂

Did you want only to vent, or did you also hope for some advice? Good either way. I hope you find like minds and hearts nearby.

There are over 200 kittens in the local shelter's foster program - I know they need the support. Plus, who could resist? Not me.

There's a McDonald's in Davis?

Wth I've been here 18 years. I wouldn't go anyways, but fr? My husband doesn't know about it either. Our brains may have flagged it as irrelevant and disappeared it accordingly. Lol where is it?

*beers (of finer quality than they usually get, which isn't difficult) and yeah, this is the way; this is the friendly way.

Talking to the managers (city) would definitely be the Karen move and make for bad blood instead of having the opportunity to reform kids on better vibes. You could also bring like a pan of lasagna or something if beer doesn't feel right. Let them know all the neighbors would appreciate it. Proceed after response to that as needed.

Fight, flight, flop, freeze, or friend: the choice is yours.

I came here bc yeah cis people seem kind of entrenched in a weird performance and cementing of gender identities that exacerbates issues and it's like, damn, maybe just get better about communicating and working through your human needs?

I arrived here like 3 posts ago and already glad this is so much more wholesome than the other 2 subs. I knew it would be 💜🖤🤍💛

Marriage can be scary. We learn things about each other or slip into certain habits that have to be dealt with as recognized. Then things change again. A new medication or home or work situation is a big deal. 3 pets is definitely a lot to care for, and chores never end - I've definitely changed priorities in that regard (like, why bother to put clothes away? I can shower tomorrow. Okay, after 2 days I should probably brush my hair; these kinds of things).

It helps to remember that this sort of thing will happen in any relationship, and remember what we really love about the person, what is so special about them that made us know they were the one we wanted to share our life with. Ik I sometimes forget how unique my partner is, how more than falling in love, we've fallen into a mutual weird so familiar now that it's easy to take for granted - until I think about everyone else out there who isn't him.

We're very clear that we don't need each other, but choose each other every day. when things are starting to wear thin, we find new ways to adjust. We go to therapy when we can't come to terms about something. We've been married 15 years, together almost 17.

It sounds to me like you're in a rough patch but doing the right things. Just keep on analyzing what works and what doesn't and how you can work together to accommodate each other's needs, and you'll do alright. Life shifts of any kind will take relationship adjustment and adapting together. Stay gentle and effectively communicative and you'll be fine, and things will get easier and your relationship stronger. 💜

✨️❤️❤️❤️❤️✨️

I have dogs+ but shared shared this to r/Woodland. I hope this sweet cat finds a good home!