So my partner (28) and I (31) recently got engayged!! Which has been super exciting. I love her so much; I love my ring. She makes me feel like the most beautiful girl in the world. 10/10, so excited to marry her.
So we've been kinda talking about marriage things for a bit now and so now that we are engayged we've been discussing details more in earnest, even though it's still very early. We haven't hammered anything down yet but we're just starting to construct a vision together for what our wedding will look like. And I think our wants are aligned on a great many things.
There is one thing that's getting to me though (and I recognize this was inevitable): the fact that most of my family won't be there.
See, my fiancée's family is very queer positive, largely, and they are super supportive of me and us. She has one deeply homophobic and transphobic grandmother who literally acts like I'm not there when we are around her (won't look at me, speak to me, respond to me speaking to her, etc), but aside from her, most everyone in my fiancée's family loves me and loves us.
With my family, I wasn't so lucky.
I'm a middle child between two brothers. I don't speak to my mother, as she is violent and abusive and dangerous. And my dad, stepmother, and older brother all disowned/don't speak to ME and haven't since seven years ago when I came out as trans. The night I came out to my parents is still burned into my mind. The absolute hatred and vitriol my dad threw at me that night is something I'll never forget.
I've grieved my lack of family a lot over the past several years. It comes in cycles. And obviously, it's not like I ever thought they'd come around by the time I got married. But now that I'm engaged and actually planning a wedding, it's hitting me pretty hard. Especially because I have to plan things around their absence.
For instance my fiancée is going to do a father-daughter dance with her dad, and I totally support that. She really wants that. She offered to have us not do that because she didn't want me to feel left out, but I insisted she do it if she wants it. It's her wedding day too and it would make me feel worse if she denied herself traditions because of what my family did to me.
Thing is, I want that experience too. I also want someone to walk me down the aisle and give me away at the altar. I'm thinking of asking my younger brother, who I do still have a good relationship with, to do those things for me (is the idea of a brother-sister dance weird?) but I don't know how he'd feel about that. He was also in an accident about six months ago that severely broke both his feet. He's able to walk now and is in active physical therapy, but depending on how he heals, a dance might be a bit beyond the realm of possibility for him.
But also, beyond all that I'm just really sad. Sad 90% of the guest list will be my fiancée's family because I have very little family.
I don't know what I'm asking for here. Support? Ideas? Have you ever had to deal with lost family in wedding planning? How did you deal?

Skewing some details to ensure our privacy.
I’ve (M, 29) have been in a very VERY private relationship with my partner (M, 36) who is an illegal immigrant to the US. When I say private, I mean literally no one else knows. I came out super early (around 11 y/o), so everyone in my orbit knows I’m gay, but no one knows about him. I was born here in the US, he was not.
As I’ve said, for our own reasons, we’ve been very private about our relationship. We’ve been together long enough where we’ve discussed getting married as a hypothetical, but I’ve honestly always pushed him away. Not because I don’t want it, but because I’m an overthinker who’s genuinely afraid of consequences that could come from it. Specifically when it comes to him applying for citizenship.
Let me explain. Everything in me wants to marry him. However, after we (hypothetically) get married, naturally the next steps would be for him to apply for citizenship. I know that it might seem silly, but him being an illegal immigrant is something that he’s always been very insecure about; I won’t unpack that on his behalf, but those who understand will get it.
He’s told me lots of stories about the process. It’s very intense and I’m genuinely afraid that whoever “checks” to see if we’re a “legit” marriage won’t understand our context - specially because 1) we’re queers in system who won’t “get” us and 2) we haven’t really documented our lives together in a traditional way that they’d “look” for. We’re genuinely just two gay men in love with each other, but don’t feel the need to be public about it. We like what we have - we don’t want to change what we’re doing. We just want to be married while keeping it to ourselves. I know how it sounds, but we’re happy. (Please dont offer any advice for “coming out” or labels of internalized homophobia - believe me, I know how it comes across. Those comments won’t be helpful.)
From what I’ve heard, I’m genuinely afraid they’ll think we’re just trying to scam the system because we don’t have a “trail” to prove ourselves or anything along those lines. I’m afraid they’ll end up deporting him. Deep down I know our love is real, but I’m honestly so afraid they won’t understand our situation and accuse us of something that could jeopardize everything we have.
It’s a really big deal for me and I’ve looked everywhere online and can’t find helpful advice.
I’m desperate. I don’t know what to do. Please help.

I’ve been debating this for months now, at the start he came across as a lovely family guy that has good morals, just for me to begin realising that he lied/wasn’t honest about his past, that he’s divorced and constantly blamed others for his problems. Thought I could build trust but other toxic traits of his have somewhat led me astray.
Lately I’ve caught onto his victim mentality, and he even does it with me. If I address an issue with him he doesn’t see it as an issue, he can’t step into my shoes and understand the way that IM feeling. Instead his ego and arrogance takes over “I’m not like this, im not like that”. It’s like you don’t get anywhere and for months I’ve been dragging my feet hoping he will see some of the damage he’s done to me. Instead of showing empathy/sympathy he internalises things and makes it about himself “oh it’s not been easy living ALONE all these years”. Majority of the time he’s shifting the blame and not taking accountability unless he’s cornered to do so.
On the plus side, he is there to support me physically, takes me out and always does things for me. Which I greatly appreciate but I also reciprocate that to him with gestures. He spends every spare moment with me and doesn’t want to leave my side. I am always supportive of him and try to help him mature and grow in a positive way even when 90% of things he paints out in a negative light. He holds the things he does for me physically against me. Shouldn’t communication be the biggest factor in a long lasting marriage? I want to feel whole on the inside by him comforting and reassuring me just like I do him.
I got so fed up of constantly saying how he pushes my boundaries when I don’t want to sleep with him he thinks of a way to get me into bed. He doesn’t even think that it makes me uncomfortable.
This is not the way I like to communicate, I told him that and he starts saying “yeah who wants to be with me long term anyway”. I seriously don’t know what to respond to that because the convo doesn’t go anywhere!!. It’s so dysfunctional and ridiculous, I feel like you shouldn’t have to teach people empathy because they learnt it from you, they don’t feel bad for you.
Not to triangulate, but I have a male best friend who communicates so well with me in a healthy manner that makes me feel heard and cared for. I understand that no relationship is perfect and that not many people are as emotionally intelligent or as deep as me but when you feel that harmony with those who care and understand you it’s an amazing feeling and that’s what I’m missing from my relationship, I don’t know if this is worth holding onto no matter how much I care about him and how much he says he cares for me.
TL;DR: bf struggles to take accountability, lacks empathy and understanding of a situation and I feel unheard in our relationship.

Navigating the fizzy landscape of carbonated beverages can often feel like a daunting task, especially when you're trying to distinguish between soda water and sparkling water. With a plethora of options available on the market, it's crucial to understand what sets these two popular choices apart. At the heart of the debate lies a simple yet significant difference: the presence of added ingredients. While both may tickle your taste buds with their effervescence, knowing what's in your bottle could enhance your hydration experience.
In South Africa, where the appreciation for quality and natural ingredients is ever-growing, the distinction becomes even more pertinent. Whether you're reaching for a refreshing drink on a hot day or seeking the perfect mixer for your sundowner, the choice between soda and sparkling water is not just about taste but also about health and lifestyle preferences. Let's dive into the bubbles and uncover what truly differentiates these carbonated contenders.

Key Takeaways

• Soda Water vs Sparkling Water: The primary distinction lies in their content and production; soda water often has added minerals and is artificially carbonated, while sparkling water, especially types like sparkling mineral water, is naturally carbonated and contains minerals absorbed as it passes through underground rocks.
• Health Benefits: Opting for naturally sourced sparkling water can offer higher concentrations of beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium, which support bone health and regulate muscle function, over soda water which may not provide the same level of natural health benefits.
• Environmental Impact: Choosing sparkling water, particularly brands that source water naturally and use recyclable packaging, can significantly reduce carbon footprints and promote environmental sustainability compared to the more industrially produced soda water.
• Culinary Practices: In South Africa's culinary scene, soda water is utilised as a leavening agent and to add lightness to batters, while sparkling water is preferred for its natural purity and enhancing qualities in drinks and as a palate cleanser, reflecting the country’s health-conscious trends and rich biodiversity in food preparation.
• Personal Preference and Lifestyle: The choice between soda water and sparkling water ultimately boils down to personal preference, driven by taste, health considerations, and environmental awareness, encouraging consumers to make informed decisions that align with their lifestyle goals.

Understanding Soda Water

In the context of the ongoing debate on soda water vs sparkling water, especially within South Africa, it's essential to clarify what sets soda water apart. Commonly known as soda water or carbonated water, this beverage sees its origins in a straightforward manufacturing process where carbon dioxide gas is dissolved under pressure in plain water. This procedure introduces the fizz and bubbles characteristic of soda water, offering a refreshing sensation that distinguishes it from its still counterparts.
Soda water sometimes contains added minerals, such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, or potassium sulfate, to enhance its flavor profile. In South Africa, a region acclaimed for its appreciation of natural and quality ingredients, this aspect of soda water manufacturing garners particular attention. Consumers are becoming increasingly discerning, opting for soda water brands that prioritize not just the effervescence but also the mineral content that can contribute to the overall taste and potential health benefits of the water.
When comparing soda water vs sparkling water, it's crucial to note that while both are carbonated, they differ mainly in their source and treatment. Sparkling water, often derived from natural springs or wells, inherently contains minerals and is carbonated either naturally from the source or artificially. In contrast, soda water is more of a creation, designed to mimic the effervescent quality of naturally carbonated waters but with a more controlled and consistent mineral content.
In South Africa's evolving beverage market, where there's a growing trend towards health-conscious consumption, the choice between soda and sparkling water isn't just about quenching thirst. It's about choosing a drink that aligns with lifestyle preferences, whether it's for hydration, cocktail mixing, or simply enjoying a refreshing, bubbly beverage without added sugars or artificial flavors.
Understanding the difference between soda water and sparkling water, including their formulation processes and the inclusion of minerals, can significantly enhance your beverage experience. It allows you to make informed choices based on your personal health goals and taste preferences, fostering a deeper appreciation for the variety and quality of carbonated waters available in the market.

Exploring Sparkling Mineral Water

In your journey to differentiate between soda water and sparkling water, understanding sparkling mineral water is crucial. Unlike soda water, which often involves the addition of carbon dioxide and minerals in a manufacturing setting, sparkling mineral water comes from natural springs or wells, boasting a unique set of minerals that it acquires as it passes through underground rocks.
Sparkling mineral water, particularly in the South African market, is cherished not only for its refreshing effervescence but also for the natural minerals it contains. These minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, can contribute to your daily nutritional intake. The appeal of sparkling mineral water in South Africa lies in its blend of natural purity with the invigorating experience of carbonation, a trait that sets it apart from soda water.
When examining what's the difference between soda water and sparkling water, one notices that the latter's carbonation can be naturally occurring or added during bottling to match the naturally carbonated level found in the source. This distinction is significant for those who appreciate the subtleties in taste that come from the water's origin. South African brands like Mountain Falls embody this by offering sparkling water directly sourced from mountain springs, allowing you to enjoy the crisp taste of nature with every sip.
As you navigate the soda water vs sparkling water debate, remember that the choice often boils down to personal preference. If you lean towards natural products, sparkling mineral water might align more closely with your lifestyle preferences and health goals. Its naturally derived minerals and carbonation offer a unique taste experience that manufactured soda water might not replicate.
In essence, whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply seeking hydration, sparkling mineral water provides an elegant and health-conscious option. With its roots in nature and a taste that's both refined and refreshing, it's a staple in the South African beverage landscape that caters to a discerning palate.

Health Benefits

When comparing soda water vs sparkling water, particularly in a South African context, it's essential to delve into the health benefits that each offers, helping you make an informed choice for your well-being. Sparkling water, especially when sourced naturally from springs, stands out for its health advantages. Products like those from Mountain Falls exemplify the benefits of choosing natural sparkling water, drawing directly from mountain springs in South Africa, which imbues the water with unique minerals.
Minerals such as calcium and magnesium are found in higher concentrations in naturally sourced sparkling water. Calcium supports bone health, while magnesium aids in regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. These naturally occurring minerals make sparkling water a beneficial choice for hydration and overall health.
In contrast, soda water, despite being artificially carbonated and sometimes enhanced with added minerals, may not always offer the same health benefits. It's important to note that while both soda water and sparkling water aid in hydration, the latter's natural mineral content can contribute more significantly to your daily nutritional intake.
It’s crucial to consider the source of your sparkling water. Brands that provide naturally sourced sparkling water, such as Mountain Falls, ensure that you're not only enjoying the effervescent taste but also gaining the health benefits of the minerals that are naturally filtered and imbued within the water during its journey through underground aquifers.
While hydration is key to maintaining health, the choice between soda water and natural sparkling water can impact your overall nutrient intake. Opting for sparkling water, originating from natural springs, enriches your diet with essential minerals, making it a preferred option for those mindful of health benefits without compromising on taste.
Incorporating naturally sourced sparkling water into your daily routine offers a refreshing way to stay hydrated and supports a lifestyle focused on health and wellness. Make an informed choice, understanding the difference between soda water and sparkling water, to enhance your hydration practices with the added benefit of natural minerals.

Environmental Impact

When considering the environmental impact of soda water vs sparkling water, it's crucial to acknowledge your role in promoting sustainability. Opting for sparkling water, especially those sourced from natural springs in South Africa, like Mountain Falls, heavily influences the reduction of carbon footprints associated with artificial carbonation processes. The process of naturally sourcing sparkling water does not require the artificial injection of CO2, unlike soda water, thereby decreasing energy usage and emissions.
Moreover, the packaging plays a significant role in environmental consequences. Sparkling water companies that focus on sustainability, often use recyclable packaging, reducing waste and further encouraging environmental stewardship. On the other hand, soda water, frequently marketed for mass consumption, might not always prioritise eco-friendly packaging, leading to higher plastic and waste output.
Transportation is another aspect where sparkling water distinctly benefits the environment, particularly when choosing local brands like Mountain Falls. Sourcing sparkling water from local springs limits the need for long-distance transportation, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to soda water, which may be shipped from far-off manufacturing plants.
Additionally, supporting local businesses that source sparkling water naturally can also contribute to the conservation of natural habitats. These businesses often have a vested interest in maintaining the pristine condition of their water sources, which can include efforts to preserve surrounding environments. In contrast, the industrial production of soda water typically lacks this element of natural preservation.
By choosing sparkling water over soda water, you're not only opting for a healthier hydration option but also contributing positively to environmental sustainability. Your choices can help foster a market that values eco-friendly practices, leading to a greater impact on the preservation of natural resources and reduction of pollution.

Usage in Culinary Practices

In South Africa's vibrant culinary scene, the nuanced differences between soda water and sparkling water come to the fore, particularly in how these beverages are incorporated into culinary practices. Soda water, with its addition of sodium bicarbonate, finds its place in both traditional and modern South African kitchens, not just as a thirst quencher but as a versatile culinary ingredient.
When it comes to baking, soda water serves as a leavening agent, making doughs and batters lighter and more digestible. In contrast, sparkling water, often preferred for its natural sourcing and mineral content, like the varieties provided by Mountain Falls, enhances the dining experience when used as a base for mocktails or as a palate cleanser between dishes. The effervescence of sparkling water adds a refreshing dimension to beverages without the added sodium, aligning with the health-conscious trends prevalent in the country.
Restaurants and home cooks alike utilise soda water to add lightness to tempura or pancake batters, taking advantage of its carbonation to create a crispier texture. Meanwhile, sparkling water, with its fine bubbles and balanced mineral content, elevates the sensory qualities of cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks, integrating seamlessly with the natural flavours of fruits and herbs indigenous to South Africa's rich biodiversity.
The choice between soda water and sparkling water extends into the realm of mixology, where the former's slight alkalinity can neutralize the acidity in certain cocktails, while the latter's subtle mineral notes can complement and enhance the overall flavour profile of a drink. From a whiskey and soda to a refreshing mocktail garnished with Cape gooseberries or spekboom, the decision between soda water and sparkling water impacts the taste, texture, and aroma of each concoction.
Both soda water and sparkling water play integral roles in South African culinary practices, each offering unique benefits that cater to the diverse preference of the country's gastronomy aficionados. Whether one is crafting a delicate batter or curating a sophisticated beverage menu, the selection between soda water and sparkling water is crucial, highlighting the evolving dynamics of culinary excellence within the South African context.

Conclusion

Choosing between soda water and sparkling water boils down to your preferences and needs. If you're leaning towards enhancing your culinary creations with a versatile ingredient, soda water's your go-to. However, if you're aiming for a natural touch with added health benefits, sparkling water, especially brands like Mountain Falls, will not disappoint. Both options offer unique advantages, from improving hydration with essential minerals to elevating the taste and texture of your dishes. As South Africa's culinary scene continues to evolve, incorporating these waters into your kitchen can reflect a commitment to quality and innovation. Remember, the right choice can significantly impact your dining experience, making every sip and bite a testament to your culinary prowess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is soda water and sparkling water the same?

No, soda water and sparkling water are not the same. The key difference is that soda water usually contains bicarbonate soda in addition to being carbonated, whereas sparkling water is simply carbonated without added bicarbonates.

Why do people drink soda water?

People often drink soda water for its refreshing carbonated texture, which offers a similar sensation to soft drinks without the unhealthy ingredients. It can also help satisfy soda cravings in a healthier way.

What is healthier, soda water or sparkling water?

Generally, sparkling water is healthier, particularly if it is unflavored and unsweetened. Sweetened sparkling waters can add unnecessary sugars to your diet, potentially leading to tooth decay. However, plain sparkling water has minimal effects on dental health, unlike sugary sodas.

Is it okay to drink soda water every day?

Yes, it's okay for most people to drink seltzer water daily as a fun hydration method. However, those with gastrointestinal conditions, sensitive teeth, or a low appetite should monitor their intake and adjust if necessary.

Is it good to replace soda with sparkling water?

Replacing soda with sparkling water is a healthier choice as it provides hydration without the adverse effects of regular or diet sodas. Hydrating adequately is crucial, and sparkling water can help meet those needs while reducing hunger often mistaken for thirst.

Not a big deal at all if not but I’m just checking to see if there is a way to create custom movie categories where you combine more than one playlist. I know there is in My List but I wanted to know if you can create more than one, similar to how we can currently create custom groups in live (which I think is a really cool feature).

A couple of years ago the Bank of Italia created a demo project on Algorand showing how bonds could be settled. See this old post
Since then Piero Cipollone has moved to the European Central Bank and is part of the group looking into an ECB CBDC for 'The Digital Euro' project.
Silvio and Piero attended events each other were speaking at too.
'Algorand Labs' has opened an office in Rome too. This is useful as the ECB 'Will only use European companies as suppliers for the Digital Euro Project'. By having these offices Algorand qualifies.
The Digital Euro Project is running 3 trials. 2 are hyperledger based and the Bank of Italia one is suspected to be running on Algorand though they have not definitely confirmed that (or I cannot find them confirming that).
However the ECB have announced that work on the trials will be between 13th May -29th November 2024.
I checked the accounts on testnet that were used in the original proof of concept and sure enough one of them is active on mainnet now. See here. I think this is a fairly strong indicator that the trial on Algorand has begun.

Back story, I had recently moved into a co-op house with my man ( who had been living in said co-op for about 10 yrs). An opening came about and we moved in , there is this stop sign at a 3 way in the intersection with a house on the 4th side. Because this is a private community the roads are empty all the time so no one does a full stop at the stop sign . This Karen was living at said house. Also need to add there are speed bumps like every so many feet so you can't really go more than 20-30 km while driving. So I'm coming home from work one day and as I enter the co-op I see 2 kids riding their bikes. They are well behaved and see a car coming. The older boy tells his younger sister to come to the side of the road until I go by ( the opposite side than what I'm driving on, which is the top of a small hill from the stop sign. The little girl is standing on the grass off her bike and the boy is at the curb with one foot on the grass waiting for me to pass. I proceed past them to the stop sign , do a rolling stop as there is no one on the road and proceed to my driveway a few houses down. This Karen flies off her porch and runs up to my vehicle , I get out and ask if she needs something, as I'm very confused why she ran up to me. She then takes a picture of my license and proceeds to yell that she wants to know where I'm going and why I think it's okay to run kids off the road ( she is drunk and where her porch is there is no sight line to where her kids were when I past them) I told her I didn't hit her kids and that they were at the side of the road and she proceeds to scream at the top of her lungs that I'm a child killer and trying to run everyone's kids off the road and yelling my license plate over and over. I tell she's a crazy bitch and needs to go back home. She doesn't obviously so after screaming back and forth with her for a couple minutes I go inside and tell my man about it. He comes out and she for some reason doesn't realize he came out of the same house as me and starts acting all sweet and telling him she's so scared for the children and that she saw me try and run her kids off the road and she's never seen me in here before ( I should mention I love kids and have been very nice to all them in this neighborhood and I had been living here for months) at this point my bitch side really comes out and I go off on her cause now all my neighbors are out and she's telling everyone to watch their kids around me , her husband has to come drag her back to her house, the whole time she's screaming my license plate and calling me a child killer....The incident ended up costing all the kids my nicities. As I would give lots of candy for Halloween and let them play with my hedgehogs and just me being friendly to them in general because she must have continued to bad mouthing me to her kids who went and badmouthed me to their friends and they all started calling me a child killer. I go on to email the manager of the co-op in case anything further came of it, to find out I'm not the first person she's done that too for not making a full stop at the stop sign and that she had been warned already numerous times...needless to say she got kicked out of the co-op. Also I want to add that co-op houses are about half the cost to rent and since 2020 their is a huge wait list to get into any co-op in my town or surrounding towns. 3bedrooms are about 1200 Inclusive compared to 3000 plus utilities anywhere else. My street has been much quieter since.

It has been more than a year since this happened. This maybe a long post but it is quite personal, so please read the entire thing before jumping to conclusions.
I am a college student. About a year ago I was forced to leave the hostel of the campus due to some stuff, so I moved into a PG. I did not have any friends there. I used to study all day and spend my time alone there. I was working hard, but due to the lack of friends I was quite lonely.
One day I was sitting on the terrace and singing and this guy approached me saying he liked my singing. He talked to me for a while. I assumed he is straight so I talked to him normally, bro to bro. Eventually we delved into other topics and I told him about my depression. He told me about his depression. We related quite a bit. He used to brag about the girls he has been with etc.
He became friends with me and started inviting me to walk with him every night. He's a cool guy so I went with him. We talked about all sorts of things. And it was helpful for my loneliness as well. Good times.
Now one random day, we were walking in the evening and he said "I need to tell you something important", I was like sure go ahead. He said "I am bisexual". I was like oh cool. He said "I thought you won't accept me", I was like "Pagal hai kya bhai tu dost hai mera". I was actually quite happy he trusted me with his secret. And I was happy for him as well.
This is where things started to change.
After he told me he was "bisexual" (he is straight up gay, bisexual probably softens the blow lol), he started to bring it up more often in conversations. He would point at some guy and say "He's really hot", and I didn't mind. I'd even tease him and shit.
But then it started happening a lot more. I do not know if this is internalized homophobia or whatever they call it, I simply CANNOT hear in graphic detail about gay sex. I do not like to see photos of gay men kissing and having sex. I am repulsed by it. I do not have a problem with people who are gay, but I can't be expected to sit and watch gay porn with him.
This guy started to bring up all of his exes, started showing me photos of him with other dudes in bed. Started telling me in graphic fooking detail about his nightly encounters. I did not want to know what he is doing with another man. Maybe he was compensating in some way, or seeing how I react. I already told him multiple times I do not have problems with him being gay.
We were still doing those night walks and right after he told me he was gay, it was still the same. He was still my friend, I still enjoyed his company. But something became weird from his side. He would ask me to go to really dark places. I remember once he was standing and making eye contact with me as if he wanted to kiss me. I felt so creeped out.
I started suspecting that he has a crush on me or something. But I gave him the benefit of doubt, thinking it was probably some homophobia in some corner of my heart. I was assuming a gay man is in love with me because he is gay. Which is not fair.
After a few days we were talking about something and he asked me "are you straight?" I said yes 100%. Then he started saying that nobody is ever truly straight. That all people are gay in some way. That sounded really wrong to me, like he was trying to say I think you are gay.
When we came back from walking that day, he playfully punched me. I punched him back. Then after a little back and forth, out of literally nowhere, he grabbed my ass.
This was the breaking point. I did not shout at him, I was super pissed. All I said was "That wasn't cool bro" and he just smirked at me, like he had some sort of victory.
I stopped talking to him after that.

As the sun sets over the historic streets of Woburn, Massachusetts, a sense of anticipation fills the air. For those considering a move to this charming town, there’s much to discover and explore. Picture yourself strolling through tree-lined avenues, chatting with friendly neighbors, and immersing yourself in the rich history and culture that Woburn has to offer. But before you take the leap and make Woburn your new home, there are a few things you should know.

Things to Know Before Moving to Woburn, MA:

1. Rich History and Vibrant Culture:

Woburn is steeped in history, with roots dating back to the 17th century. From its picturesque downtown area to its historic landmarks, such as the Baldwin House and Woburn Public Library, the town is a treasure trove of cultural heritage.

2. Thriving Economy:

With a diverse mix of industries, including healthcare, technology, and manufacturing, Woburn boasts a strong and stable economy. The town offers ample employment opportunities for professionals in various fields, making it an attractive destination for career-minded individuals.

3. Excellent Schools and Education:

Families moving to Woburn can rest assured knowing that their children will receive a top-notch education. The town is home to several highly-rated public schools, as well as private institutions, providing students with access to quality education at every level.

4. Beautiful Parks and Recreation:

Nature lovers will feel right at home in Woburn, thanks to its abundance of parks, trails, and outdoor recreational areas. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, or simply taking a leisurely stroll through the park, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Woburn’s great outdoors.

5. Convenient Location:

Situated just a short drive from Boston, Woburn offers the perfect balance of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. Residents enjoy easy access to the city’s cultural attractions, world-class dining, and vibrant nightlife, all while enjoying the peace and quiet of small-town living.

6. Affordable Housing Options:

Compared to neighboring towns and cities, housing in Woburn is relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for homebuyers and renters alike. Whether you’re looking for a cozy apartment in the heart of downtown or a spacious single-family home in a quiet suburban neighborhood, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your needs and budget.
Also, don’t forget to check it out: Discover Things to Do in Woburn, MA

Conclusion:

In conclusion, moving to Woburn, MA, offers a wealth of opportunities for individuals and families alike. From its rich history and vibrant culture to its thriving economy and excellent schools, the town has much to offer its residents. And with the help of Premium Q Moving and Storage, transitioning to your new home in Woburn has never been easier. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive moving and storage services, because at Premium Q Moving and Storage, We Move Lives, Not Things.
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Should I go back in the closet and marry a “beard” so I don’t have to deal with judgment anymore?
I’ve been out as gay to my family for fifteen years; half my life, actually. From the get go my family has been supportive, as have my friends. I’ve been in a relationship with a great man for four years now.
What I don’t like tho is that it seems that no matter how hard I try, there are some people for whom I will never have their approval. No matter how nice I am, no matter how understanding I try to be, some people just end up disliking me or treating me poorly because I’m gay. I remember one time I tried for years to establish a dialogue with a former college classmate who openly disliked gay people. I tried and I tried so hard to get him to like me, but the very last interaction we had, he told me he hopes I die of AIDS. This happened five years ago and it still weighs heavily on me like it happened yesterday. No matter what, some people are hellbent on being disrespectful to me.
That’s why I’m considering going back in the closet and finding a “beard,” because then I wouldn’t have to deal with those kinds of people ever again. If I decide to pretend to be straight, I’m not gonna have to worry about other people judging me, I’m not gonna have to worry about being harassed, I’m not gonna have to worry about my safety ever again.
I told this to my mother and she’s STRONGLY against the idea. She loves my partner and she told me my issues are deeper than this, that this isn’t the solution. So what is? I just want to live a life completely free of judgment and hate. You never see people nastily pick apart straight couples and saying they shouldn’t be allowed to be together, you never see people harshly judging straight couples.
So how do I escape judgment? How do I get to a place where I never have to worry about my safety again?

TL;DR at the bottom. This happened about 10 years ago. I lived in the garden unit of a three floor walk-up. The front door was a sliding door like you’d see in a walkout basement. The rent was dirt cheap and the neighborhood wasn’t the greatest. I lived with two roommates and we had one cat. The third floor neighbors had a dog they would leave unattended outside in the shared backyard. This was a big safety issue to me not only because we were right next to a dangerous neighborhood, but also because my roommates told me the apartment had been broken into a year or two prior.
When it first started, I think I may not have been paying much attention to the yard and if anyone or anything was in it when I’d notice the back door to the building being left open from inside our apartment, I’d just quickly lock it and go back inside. It was a big yard for a big city and the dog wasn’t loud at all or zooming around the entire time. (Our back door had a decent amount of space between it and the floor so it was pretty easy to tell if the building’s door was open or not.)
After a few times of this, I got a text from an unknown number. My neighbor must have gotten my number from our landlord. She said she noticed I’ve been closing the back door to the building and said she lets her dog out there. Could I please stop locking her dog out? I apologized and said I didn’t realize that and yes, no problem. Fast forward a little bit and it keeps happening, only now I realize the dog is being left out alone in the yard. I text her asking if she can stop leaving the back door open when she lets him out in the yard alone and she says sure, she can. After a few days, it’s clear she just said that to placate me, as it kept happening. I’m annoyed so I email the landlord and tell him what’s going on, asking if he can talk to my neighbor. He refuses. Apparently this is an issue between the two of us that we need to resolve ourselves. He wasn’t a great landlord, he was a little shady, so I wasn’t confident he’d help, but I had to try.
Then one day, I open my apartment’s back door to go to the laundry room and the dog is right outside of our door. I was not expecting this. He stays for only a moment before noticing my roommate’s cat and immediately darts inside our apartment and starts chasing it around. I scream and don’t know what to do. This must’ve scared the dog or he changed his mind and decided to stop chasing our cat and go outside in the yard instead. I’m livid at this point and determined to make it stop happening. This dog could’ve torn my roommate’s cat to pieces! He was a big dog.
Now, being a conflict avoidant person and in my early 20s, I dread having to go upstairs and talk to my neighbor, whom I’d never met in person, but I’m so mad, I muster up the courage to talk to her. I was still coming down from the adrenaline rush of the chase and my hear is pounding, I’m trying to stop myself from shaking. I go upstairs and knock on her back door. (Since we had our own separate entrance, we didn’t have access to her front door.) She has to hold her dog back by his collar to prevent him from getting out when he realizes the door is open.
The conversation is quick, maybe a minute or two. I tell her I’ve noticed the door is still being left open with the dog alone in the yard and can she please stop? Her dog had just bolted into our apartment and chased our cat around. I try adding that it’s not only dangerous to us, but her dog too cause he could get stolen to help bolster my argument. (The fences were too big for him to jump out and run away.) She says that’s why she leaves the door open, so she can hear him. She claims that she doesn’t want to have to walk down three flights of stairs to get her dog when he can just come up himself when called. She wants to enjoy her home how she wants to enjoy it.
I say I understand that, but it’s a shared building with other tenants that need to be considered and as the garden floor renters, we’re the most at risk in the event of a break-in. She’s irritated by this valid point and apologizes for her dog getting into our home and reluctantly says she’ll try to be better about it.
Another little while passes, nothing changes. Cue petty revenge! I start locking the building’s back door any time I notice it’s open. I don’t care if the dog’s out there. My neighbor is being lazy, irresponsible, and putting us in harm’s way for own selfish desire. She’s mad now too, obviously, and I get an email from my landlord a day or two later asking to stop locking her dog out. I respectfully tell him no, her dog endangered our cat and she needs to stop leaving him outside by himself. No response from my landlord. She then texts me asking if we can talk on the phone, I accept.
She calls me while I’m out at the bar after work with friends. I step outside to talk to her and the conversation starts off cordially, but quickly becomes heated. She says she’s not going to lock the door behind her dog and demands I stop locking him out, claiming I wasn’t woman enough to even talk to her about it beforehand. I remind her we spoke in person and she lied when she said she’d be more careful, this is the consequence of her actions, and I’m not going to stop. She says she’s going to get the landlord to make me, I say good luck with that, he refused to get involved when I reached out to him about her. The call ends.
A couple days later, I notice the back door is still being left open, only now her boyfriend is out in the yard with the dog. Great! I don’t mind if it’s open as long as someone is there. I would’ve been fine with that from the beginning. I remain vigilant about checking to see if the boyfriend is outside with the dog any time I notice the door is open. A few times in the beginning, he’s not always there with the dog, but he is shortly after they realize I’m not going to stop.
He seemed like an easygoing guy. I apologized to him the first time I saw him out there and he said he understood. He was always nice when I’d check to see if the dog was alone. The back door wasn’t left open without anyone there with the dog again after that and they moved out about six or nine months later when their lease expired. It would’ve been sweeter petty revenge if she were single because then she’d have had to stay downstairs with the dog herself instead of making her boyfriend do it. But I was satisfied in the end.
TL;DR - Neighbor wouldn’t stop leaving her dog alone outside in the shared backyard while leaving the back door open so I started locking her dog out and her boyfriend started staying outside in the yard with the dog with the door open.

I have a dog that is super friendly to people, though he is occasionally slightly wary of tall men. But there is this one guy we meet on walks, this one single guy, where when he sees him he goes berserk. Literally howls like a wolf (he's a husky cross so he has that in his repertoire but I rarely hear it). It's not even agression, he just sees this guy and freaks. More fear maybe? I feel bad for the dude and although it's not agression, this fellow doesn't know that. Probably thinks this random dog wants to murder him.
So I'd like some advice as to:

1. Why he targets this one guy? He wears a blue suit I don't know if that is somehow the trigger. He also went wild sniffing the ground so maybe it's his aftershave, lol
   
2. How can I dissuade this behaviour?
   

Thanks!

I've been seeing a lot of UNICEF /UNESCO people on roads, pvr, malls literally everywhere trying to sign you up.
The money they collect all go into their salaries and their management. Very sure most of the money you donate isnt reaching the needy.
These people are hired by a few small organization One such is Focus organization which I've seen in coimbatore.
Here is my experience. They once sent me an email for a walk in interview as a business associate in coimbatore.
When i arrived, it was a run down building and on the third floor there was a small room and a dirty, office chair where I saw many of the people working there was taking photos wearing a suit that was passed around.
After the interview they were boasting that they were working with American express, Mercedes etc and you can choose whatever they want.
Then they made us learn a script in Tamil by heart and practice it. Before that they played loud music and made people dance to bring them to ease.
After the script you have to repeat it back to the leaders and they correct you in how to adjust the tone to manipulate and get the sympathy of the people.
Then they make these new hires go with one of their guys into the streets and then started going into shops malls, even colleges and reiterate the script.
Most funny thing was that they were showing a list of names with performers and there was a guy with the last name Bajaj. The owner of this place Dandu Dinesh said that this guy is from the Bajaj family and has a ton of money, but wanted to do his own business so he came to work with their begging scam.
They still lie and hire people with fancy names like business associate and that after 2 years they'll help you start your own business and all.
At the time they were collecting money for SOS organization. But I'm sure a large chunks of the money collected is going into their own pockets as I contacted SOS directly and they confirmed that these guys are taking out huge commissions.
Focus management was the name of this scam organization.
Person acting as HR was Divya
Owner was some Dandu Dinesh.
I quit in the same day and was pissed off. This Dandu even had the nerve to tell me if I'm looking for other jobs, he had contacts with AMEX and all and that he can refer me.
They are scammers. They make money in the name of charity. Nothing less that frauds.
Oh and one more thing. Majority of the staff I saw there were females. I think they're using females to manipulate guys into paying as I myself signed up for this subscription an year later in kerala without knowing it was them. A girl called me and sounded genuine. Said that she was working and is volunteering for the NGO.
I heard that they were looking to expand this thing to every city and later heard that they moved to kerala as well.
From another post in Bengaluru sub, i got to know that it was again Focus organization that is behind this as well.
If you see more two or more approaching you as a group, it means there is a leader in that pack who's training the noobs with him. That's how it goes. They sent out these people under the supervision of an experienced person to make sure that they don't message up their script.
SO BEWARE. AVOID THESE SCAMSTERS. DONATE TO A CHARITY YOU KNOW VERY WELL AND NOT VIA THESE AGENTS.

A friend of mine is organizing a 5K to aid Palestine and has asked us to participate. Personally, I love to help people and ordinarily would participate in something like this in a heartbeat.
My indecision stems from two main factors:

1. Palestine vs Israel is a very heated topic right now, and I think both sides of the discussion in the States are being oversimplified, not to mention combative and, at times, physically confrontational. Overall the situation in the states is being taken way out of context and there’s not much real discussion on how to solve the problem, just us vs them mentality on both sides. I do not see that sort of discussion as productive and do not want to take part in anything that could tie me to people who participate in those discussions, or demonstrations that I view as detrimental to unity.
   
2. I am unable to find much third party information verifying the credibility of the charity organization the event is benefiting (HEAL Palestine), and because charities can sometimes be avenues for malicious actors to gain funding, would want to vet the organization before participating.
   

I am very torn because like I said, my inclination is always to help people in need, but I find it difficult to support those who, in my opinion, are actively making the situation worse. I have no way of knowing how the event will go and whether or not the charity associated with it aligns with my morals.

Hello friends of reddit. My husband (30M) and I (30F) have been married for 6 months and it is not going as expected. In the beginning, he made it clear that due to his religious beliefs that he did not to have sex before marriage. I agreed as I had horrible judgement in men and was not looking to get taken for another ride again.
Background on him: He comes from an extremely religious family (Baptist). Worked his own business with the family since he graduated high school. He has also lived with his parents and has never lived on his own other than a year in his parents other home before his accident (he fell 27ft and had to relearn to walk). No drinking no smoking, only spend time with family and outdoor activities. Background on me: While I come from an abusive traumatic family I am currently 5 years therapy strong working on myself as it is my responsibility not my partners. I went to college and lived on my own until covid lay offs and I had to move back home with my father, which wasnt ideal. I work full time and have my own business; I am very motivated.
As time progressed he changed his mind and we ended up sleeping together. I asked for us to move in together for a lil while before we got married. My parents (divorced) were not okay with that but I did not care. He told me that we would need to sit down and discuss the idea of moving in together with his parents. I said; "Why would we need to ask permission we are 30?" and he said that we would have to in order to save face. I said "I am not comfortable with discussing this with your family as it is not their business." He said we were not to move in together until we do. I told him if he forced me to meet with his parents then I was going to tell his mother that we have already had sex so there was no reason not to move in together. He never set up the meeting. We never moved in together. He is very close to his parents in my opinion to the point it is unhealthy. I watch as his dad undermines, belittles, and ignores his mother with a smile and charming laugh on his face until she is in complete submission. She admitted to me that while she was clipping coupons for the family, he was out spending all the money on machines / equipment that they did not need. She has cried to me in front of my husband about how she still needs to voice her opinion even though it is never listen to or goes the way she suggests. That was a red flag to me.
My now husband of mine and I started to plan out life together. He told me that he owns his own business and has 60 acres of property and wanted to build a life there. He promised me that we were going to work together and build a home that we can make a guest house and eventually build a bigger home. He wants it to be similar to a Lowcountry plantation. I was all for it, finally excited that I had someone I could create a life with that we both wanted and deserved.
That is when things turned. He started to move forward on building a home for us without a permit nor engineer drawings. Before he started, I told him that made me very uncomfortable and I need security to know this home is done correctly since he will be out of town a lot and I will be left alone in a town I know no one. That made him insulted and said this is how his father and family did their home and he just moved forward on building it himself. I begged, cried, and pleaded with him to please let's get the water and septic out there first and work on a budget of plans / permits to break ground. That I was not comfortable living that way, my father was a GC and taught me a lot of what needs to be done for a home to be an asset. He waved me off, told me that my father was just a carpenter. I cried for months over it and almost moved the wedding back a year. His father was behind the scenes telling him and motivating him to continue to do whatever he wanted to do regardless of how I felt. He finally heard me after I threaten to postpone the wedding and stopped construction and told me he would get a permit on the home and drawings before he did anything else.
The closer the wedding got, the difficult it became. I gave him my pay stubs, W2, and showed my assets to him up front. I showed all of my cards and asked to see his in return. He said he would and he never did. When I asked him more than once he would get annoyed with me. I started to get suspicious. I felt as if he was hiding something. So I did my own investigation. It turns out that his father and him own the property together in a way that if one passes the other gets it and he only owns 20% of the business he claimed was his. I was stunned. Everything he told me was half truths. I brought it to his attention many times and he acted like he told me already. I told him I knew the truth and he said it wasn't a big deal and I am making something out of it that it isnt. If his father had more respect for his wife and for women, I would not be this concerned. His father throws trash on the ground and ignores rules and regulations while having a problem with authority at his own home. Now everything he doesnt want at his house is being thrown over to my husband's property (which is his too and he has a right to do what he wants). Being in that type of chaotic environment along with the sense of having someone stomp on my boundaries for me would be extremely triggering and something that I will not be able to do. He is already throwing trash and leaving debris and junk all over the property. I communicated my feelings and got met with resentment, anger, and denial from my husband. He told me that it was not going to be that way. He also called me controlling bc instead of spending 25,000 on permits / our home, he spend it on a brand new truck (he has two other trucks). I was so upset and said how could he spend that much money on a toy when he hasn't even provided a home for our family. He was texting his dad about the truck behind my back and he was motivated to do whatever he wanted to do regardless of what I thought bc I am "controlling".
I told him from day one that I am a career woman, that I am not going to be solely responsible for the household and I am not his mother and I will not pick up after him. I expect things to be 50/50 in finances and in house work until we figure out what works best for us. He said he agreed and was very happy with that. I then told him in order for me to feel comfortable moving out to his 60 acres of land, that it would need to be solely in his name and he would need to get a permit and engineer drawings. He told me as soon as we were married that he would move forward with that.
With all these red flags, I continued to move forward with the wedding as he promised me the world. He kept dragging his feet on the home construction and it was failing to be completed before our wedding. His dad was telling him to take his time it is not that big of a deal. 4 months before our wedding, his family and him expected me to live in an unpermited non CO having shed like house, with no power, water, septic, nor appliances, an empty shell, no sheetrock (his father made his mother live like that). In complete distress I begged my father to do a lease to own with one of his rental properties for me so that my husband and I would have a place to live after we got married since the home was in no condition to live in. My father begrudgingly agreed and then told me to not Marry him. I did always. My family ended up ruining the wedding for me and causing our special day to not be as special.
Fast forward a few months when it was time for us to pay our lease to own payment. He was late every month, got angry at me for asking for his part of the money, I asked him to help with the chores and he would get annoyed with me, he has not mowed the grass once (my father and I have). I can count on my hand the times hes raked the yard and done dishes. He makes double the amount of money I made but I am writing the checks for the bills. I am just asking for his portion and he told me that I am treating him like a roommate not like a husband / wife. I asked him to explain and he couldn't. I finally got fed up and told me to give me 4 checks signed so when he is out of town for work and I need to pay the bills I can. He handed me the checks and they had him and HIS MOTHER on the account. Admitted, I lost my cool. I was overwhelmed with the amount of involvement his parents had in his assets and life. He has made me feel like he has lied to me. I told him as long as my boundaries are disrespected and I have no say in our home and our life that I do not want anything to do with their property. He would get mad and say it was his and id remind him, no it is not. It belongs to him and his father. He said it is his home and he is going to build it the way he wanted.
A few weeks after that argument he completely distant himself from me. He was out till 8pm every night for weeks and I kept asking him where he was. All he said was "working". A few weeks later, I finally go out to the property to see a full blown house. Behind my back he was working on that home putting roofing, plumbing, tile, siding, everything! He told me we were going to work on this together. I was so upset, everything is half ass done. He let me pick out nothing. I called him on it and he denied it. Come to find out him and his father had been working on it behind my back. While I was struggling to pay our bills he was using his money to continue on building on the home without drawings, permits, engineering, nothing. He couldn't give me money for our house hold bills, but he could spend thousands and thousands on something he promised me he was not going to do. Then he proceeded to tell me what "we" were going to give his father a $2,000.00 fish finder for a present. I told him is he out of his mind we can not afford that (mind you he gave me nothing for my birthday though he did bake me a cake and it was sweet). I said you are going to spend that much money on a gift and you didnt even get your wife anything for her birthday? he said "you got an engagement ring, that was expensive enough" I said "so bc you gave me an engagement ring, that means you do not have to purchase anything else for me as a gift?" he just waved me away. I said you never discussed this transaction with me and you are saying "we" are getting it. He said "well when I said 'we' I meant me and my mother."
I just stared at him. He considers WE as him and his parents. Finally got him into marriage counseling and it does not seem to be helping. He has missed 4 sessions already bc he chose work over me. He is pulling away from me completely, no affection, no sex (I did not know he had an issue brushing his teeth so now I cringe in fear of getting dumpster breath anytime we are intimate). This was NOT like this during our dating time.
I feel like I am drowning and I have made a HUGE mistake. Typing this out makes me feel guilty for telling the truth and maybe I am being controlling and overbearing like his parents are saying? This is why I am coming to you people of reddit.
I feel like I am in a polyamorous relationship. I feel like I have escaped the control of my family only to end up in a place where I am controlled by another man that I am not even MARRIED TO. I feel like I am a ship with two anchors that are my parents, when I got married I thought he was going to help captain my ship, not be another anchor on my vessel to weigh me down. All my friends have noticed that I have changed and I am not my normal self.
How can I get my husband self reflect on how he is treating me and be dedicated to me and not his parents?
Am I out of line? is this weird? Am I expecting too much?
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post. I love my husband very much but I am stuck.

I am wondering if I want to work with buyers, can I just create a Facebook group for example and list the properties I find valuable on MLS or on Zillow or whatever on my group without talking to the property owner or their seller agent?
Whenever someone liked one property they will contact me and I will inform them that I can work as a buyer agent with them and go talk to selleseller agent, etc.
Is this a right thing to do? If not, how can I find leads then?
PS: Live and work in CA.

CW: mention of coercion, SA, trauma urges
im not sure if im a bisexual homoromantic or a lesbian with a rlly bad case of comphet + trauma urges for men. I identified as fully bi (sexually and romantically) for the last 7 yrs or so, but recently I realized I am incapable of romantically loving men and cannot see myself in a relationship with one (I have one ex boyfriend from 8 yrs ago lol but I know now that was comphet)- but figuring out my sexual attraction is confusing me.
are there any bisexual homoromantics out there who could share how they knew they weren’t lesbian?
about my physical relationship with men: - The first time I saw a naked man’s body via straight porn was by accident and while I was looking at pictures of titties😭 I remember feeling disgusted and just scrolling away immediately. Growing up I never really had crushes in boys, just “picked” boys that my friends thought were cute but I wasn’t boy crazy or keen on having my first kiss with them/having sex with them until I felt social pressure to do conform (anything to be “normal straight girl”) - the only time i feel like i get pleasure or enjoyment out of hetero sex is only when 1) the man is a strangeloose acquaintance that i met IRL/at a bar; 2) it’s the first night we’re having sex w each other; 3) the man has clout, is conventionally good looking, or is someone that i know straight girls would typically be attracted to. - i ALWAYS develop an aversion to sex (with men i like) when i feel like im getting “too close” to the man, the sex stops feeling “platonic”, or if we seem like we’re “dating” - is this just my fear of intimacy/avoidant attachment or an indication that I’m not attracted to men? - The first time I had sex ever was with a man and it was a violation, so I have a chaotic and self destructive relationship with sex in general - instead of avoiding sex after trauma I became more promiscuous as a trauma response. I think they’re called trauma urges. But I remember the first six months of me having sex (only with men, I didnt know I was queer at the time), I was deadfishing/laying there and did not bother to learn how to participate in sex with a man (how to give blow jobs, how to ride dick, etc it never occurred to me that I should learn how to please a male partner). It was more like “other girls are doing it so I should too” and I was almost always nearly blackout drunk. I dont think I even looked down at the man’s body parts during sex cuz I had no interest/wasn’t compelled to do so, and I wanted it to be in the dark. - All that changed when my ex coerced me into giving him a blow job (I didnt know how to give one, it was my first time), then telling me I did a bad job afterwards. I think I was so triggered/scarred by that comment that something switched in my brain and from that point onward, I started training myself on how to please men sexually and it worsened my hypersexuality/compulsive sex tendencies - but I got enjoyment (it was almost like a “high”) every time I made a man come. So I’ve grown to have hetero sex more “normally” like I imagine a straight girl would, I assumed if I had positive feelings/ego boosts after sex with men, that must mean Im attracted to them. - I dont like when men try to make me come/I don’t like receiving from men sexually, I always feel like I have to be on top or else I wont feel good about it.
and now, ever since i started questioning whether im lesbian, ive been having a hard time truly desiring and enjoying sex w men - like I’m planning a threesome with a straight couple and i start feeling dread about having sex w the man, but then i think maybe its cuz he’s just not hot enough?
does what i described sound like I’m sexually attracted to men? or is it still comphet? thank you for reading so far and sorry for TMI, i dont have anyone to talk to about my trauma and identity crisis irl. I’m not trippin over labels or anything but I would like to be able to tell my trauma urges apart from my true desires. 😔

I want to start by saying that this post will have a lot of hot takes and this is entirely my opinion as a football player. Before ranking the masters I want to make a statement on what I am ranking this masters for. First and foremost I am ranking them from the view of the player, I.e the NEL is not there to be won or to be the best team but simply to show urself to the world and develop as a player. With that stated the list is as following.

1. Julian Loki Now I know a lot of people will be raging but lemme cook. PXG is a team know for its and coming superstars yet Julian Loki does not care for the players neither does he give them enough game time to develop, as he even states he joined the NEL simply for his sake to improve Charles. Players LIke Yuzu or Akira Endoji have not even been given a chance to play and develop, now some people may that He helps his players develop but let's be real, What he says is very obvious I.e improve ur accuracy to shidou when he shot 12 times and missed several times.
   
2. Noel Noa Noel Noa is the definition of a spectator. He is not necessarily coaching the team but those give them hints and tips on how to improve as an overall player if they seek the help. Such as given advice to kunigami, Isagi and showing intrest in Kaiser in the latest chapter even observing the training of Igarashi and Kiyora.
   
3. Marc Snuffy Marc snuffy is a great person and a great coach however he does not really care for his players to personally develop them unless is Barou. Having strategies for each individual and their tactics does not really matter because after the NEL all players will go to different teams therfore those tactics being useless for own player development. Furthermore it is quite funny hoe much of a hypocrite he is seeing that he says what will the players do if football was taken from them and therefore implying he would players a chance. However snuffy didn't give all players chances and did not even bother or care for players such as Tanaka, Shiguma or ishikari.
   
4. Lavinho Lavinho as a coach may not be the best or most appealing to everyone however his philosophy is much deeper than people make it out to be, its not just I won't teach football cause i can't, it's simply I can't teach you how to become the best because you need to find that within yourself by copying others mixing with ur style to become good because what works for a player may not work for another player. Furthermore he is the only coach that i am aware of that brought every single bluelocker to the pitch giving them chances to shine apart from i think sokura. However his self centered nature is what brings him down to the second spot.
   
5. Chris prince Chris prince is simply the best coach, the way he personally makes training programmes for players and gives them lessons on their strengths and weakness to improve the players not just to 1 player but to all, some may say Since Nagi Is having a downfall that, he is a bad coach but not necessarily, he is simply trying to make nagi more confident and make nagi improve although having a downfall. He still gives opportunities to most players and I expect that most of the bluelockers will be on the pitch against FC bachira.
   

This is my list from the views of a player and how a player would view the NEL very controversial. Did I cook?

I’ve been out as gay to my family for fifteen years; half my life, actually. From the get go my family has been supportive, as have my friends. I’ve been in a relationship with a great man for four years now.
What I don’t like tho is that it seems that no matter how hard I try, there are some people for whom I will never have their approval. No matter how nice I am, no matter how understanding I try to be, some people just end up disliking me or treating me poorly because I’m gay. I remember one time I tried for years to establish a dialogue with a former college classmate who openly disliked gay people. I tried and I tried so hard to get him to like me, but the very last interaction we had, he told me he hopes I die of AIDS. This happened five years ago and it still weighs heavily on me like it happened yesterday. No matter what, some people are hellbent on being disrespectful to me.
That’s why I’m considering going back in the closet and finding a “beard,” because then I wouldn’t have to deal with those kinds of people ever again. If I decide to pretend to be straight, I’m not gonna have to worry about other people judging me, I’m not gonna have to worry about being harassed, I’m not gonna have to worry about my safety ever again.
I told this to my mother and she’s STRONGLY against the idea. She loves my partner and she told me my issues are deeper than this, that this isn’t the solution. So what is? I just want to live a life completely free of judgment and hate. You never see people nastily pick apart straight couples and saying they shouldn’t be allowed to be together, you never see people harshly judging straight couples.
So how do I escape judgment? How do I get to a place where I never have to worry about my safety again?