My (29F) husband (40M) wants to sell our family home. What do I do?
Hi Reddit,
I'm in need of some advice regarding my current marital situation and the potential sale of our home. To give you the full picture, I'll start from the beginning. Apologies for the length, but I feel all the details are necessary to understand the context.
I (29F) met my husband (40M) on Tinder four years ago. We dated for about eight months when my family had an opportunity to purchase a property. My then-boyfriend was also looking to be involved in a business deal of that sort, and he was interested in having his name on the property as well. My father supported this, seeing as how my boyfriend was a physician with a good income, and saw this as a way to bring him closer to our family. The opportunity came quickly, and we all signed the contract to purchase the house.
Trouble began shortly after this. My boyfriend requested that only he and I be on the title of the house, removing the rest of my family, as he saw a future with us and envisioned it as our potential family home. My father was very pleased to hear this and supported it, so we obliged. During this time, the property had increased in value, and I requested the other family members be paid off so we could buy out their shares. My boyfriend declined, feeling it was unfair.
To skim over some details, here are the highlights of the construction: My boyfriend paid more for the down payment than we initially realized would be required. Because of this, he paid no further construction costs. The construction proceeded with debt from my family until the construction loans came through. My family paid for the construction, and my father built the house for us without charging for his management services. My father was displeased with my boyfriend’s behavior and required him to pay more money for the construction due to inflation and the COVID shutdown. My boyfriend declined, and my mother and I secretly took out a line of credit to front the construction costs to my father, pretending it was from my boyfriend. Eventually, as we got the construction loans on a rolling basis after meeting construction milestones, my mother’s line of credit was paid off.
During this time, my family and I wondered why my boyfriend had not proposed. I decided that if he hadn't proposed by a certain time, I would leave him. Fortunately, he did propose on Valentine’s Day 2022. By spring of 2022, construction was coming to an end, and it was time for us to settle into the house. My fiancé felt uncomfortable with how much money he had put into the house and was worried I could leave him and make a profit. I promised him I wouldn’t leave him, but it wasn’t enough. He said he would believe me if I had a child with him, otherwise women would leave men if there were no ties. I told him I would have a child with him right when we got married. He suggested I come off birth control, as it takes months for a woman’s cycle to normalize after being on birth control for many years. I promised him I would come off birth control.
Coming off birth control was more stressful than I realized. I was very hormonal, breaking out, and felt unlike myself. This contributed to my fiancé and I fighting more than usual. In one particularly heated fight, I told him I would go back on birth control and even purchased the pills, but he told me he would break up with me if I did because he wanted to get to know the real me. I conceded, and then something switched in me and I became excited at the possibility of having a baby. I started tracking my cycle and figuring out my ovulation days. I shared this with my fiancé, and on one of those days, we got pregnant. I didn’t find out until the end of summer 2022. When I did find out, I told my fiancé and suggested we should probably get married.
My fiancé's first response was that we should wait to see if the baby sticks, and if it does, then we can plan a marriage but he wanted to wait until February 2023. I was very disappointed and angry and yelled at him. I felt alone and overwhelmed by the thought of having an illegitimate child. After discussing potentially getting an abortion, potentially breaking up, and potentially selling the house, I talked my fiancé into keeping the baby and getting married. He also wanted to keep the baby but was afraid of our situation. After many fights about when to have the wedding, we finally decided on December 2022. At that point, I was four months pregnant. During this time, my fiancé and I had major arguments that therapy couldn’t even remedy. We would yell at each other, slam doors, I would cry, and he would hold himself up in a room for hours. We had nice moments too, but they were heavily clouded over by the bad.
Finally, we got married, and things were good for a while. But then we faced some marital problems. My husband kept separate accounts and managed the finances himself. We had a joint credit card where I could pay for expenses without being questioned. He made all of the major investment decisions and major purchases. If I tried to disagree or speak up, he would get upset because this was not the submissive wife I had promised him I would be. I made significantly less money than him but lived a good lifestyle, buying almost anything I wanted within reason. Coming from a traditional family, I was upset that finances were kept separate. And so it continued that my husband would invest tens of thousands of dollars into our house so that his family from out of town would visit. We live in Vancouver, Canada, but his family is from Ottawa. In hopes of luring his youngest sister (of four) to Vancouver, my husband would make any modification to the house that his youngest sister showed the slightest interest in. This included a hot tub on the rooftop, a media system in the basement, a movie projector, and much more. After said sister got married, she made it clear that she would not move to Vancouver. Then a switch happened in my husband, and he suddenly wanted to sell the house.
Meanwhile, during all this time, I had my baby, and my husband and I were still fighting more than ever. I felt no support from him, and he felt drained by his work, our fights, and being away from his family. Recently, for the past three months, he has been consistently pushing for the sale of our house. This is where my dilemma lies. I am afraid to sell this house because my husband has kept finances separate, and the mortgage on this house has been serving as a way for me to feel secure. My husband contributes a monthly amount on a regular basis. He could have forced a sale in the past but didn’t, instead paying into the monthly mortgage on top of other bills. Now, he is considering forcing the sale of our house, but I am upset that he is citing financing as the issue when I have been begging him to save money instead of spending (his response is that $200,000 does not affect a $2M mortgage, and that he now feels burnt out and wants to retire sooner and live passively). If I agree to sell, I feel unstable about moving from our home given that my husband and I fight so frequently, and I am left alone to take care of the child. It is also worth noting that my parents live right across the street and come over frequently to help with the child, or I would go over to seek their help. My husband says that he feels abandoned and uncomfortable frequently because of our proximity to my parents, but I feel it’s only been helpful because there have been times when I felt truly alone, and my parents were my only solace and support. My husband would ignore me for days, especially when I was postpartum and vulnerable. My parents now see my husband as someone who doesn’t put his wife and child first. My husband says that the massive mortgage we have is too stressful for him, and he can’t take that burden. I am sad that my husband will not consider keeping this house for another three years so that I can get comfortable with the idea of selling the house and that potentially I and my family can all move to Ottawa so that we can allow my husband to be closer to his family. My husband says that he’s tired of the mortgage and feeling forced to work and missing out on spending time with our daughter (his job is very high stress).
I don’t know what to do at this point, Reddit. I’m currently on extended maternity leave, but it ends in six months. My husband and I will have to come to an agreement about the house, otherwise, it is likely that he will force the sale of the house even if I’m not ready to move. I’ve consistently felt rushed and overlooked in this relationship. I am tired of being the small voice that does not impact decision-making. My husband is now being nice to me and trying to show me a good time, but I see it as him turning on his charming mode so that I can say yes to the sale of this house. I’m not sure what to do. Our fights and disagreements are so bad and the marriage feels like doom sometimes (never any physical violence). I sometimes questions even staying with him, but I worry for my daughter. I’m afraid of her being an only child of divorce; I imagine it’ll be lonely and emotionally traumatizing. He is a good father to her, even though he is cold (but civil) with me.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
TL;DR:
I need advice. I met my husband four years ago, and we bought a house together with my family's help. Financial disputes caused issues. Despite getting married and having a baby, we fight often. My husband handles our finances separately, spent a lot on the house, but now wants to sell it. I feel insecure about selling because the mortgage is like an investment to me, and also I rely on my parents, who live nearby, for help with our child. My husband feels stressed by the mortgage and feels homesick for his family 3000km away. I feel overlooked in decision-making and am unsure whether to agree to the sale, or to stand my ground and not sell. Sometimes I question staying in the marriage for my daughter’s sake, or is it better give up on this unhappy marriage.

Hi, It's been months, if not years, that I don't feel quite myself anymore. The usual things: tiredness, some hair loss, weight gain, skin issues. I have always thought it was pcos because my thyroid exams were in range.
I moved somewhere else and I decided to pay for my own hormone tests and among the usual female hormones, they were also resting free T4 and tsh. Free T4 is in range 12pmol/L (range 0-19pmol/L) and so is tsh 4 mE/L (range 0.40-4.00 mE/L). But now my hormones look perfect? I even ovulate and have a 28-29 days period (I take Metformin).Now i know tsh is still within range, but I feel its at the end of the range spectrum and i suspect that might be why i feel the way I do. I have a doctors appointment in a month and a half where we can discuss my general health and i will then bring up the tests i have done myself. All females in my dad's side of the family have thyroid issues. A mixture between hyper, hypo+hashimoto. Could it really be the higher tsh to give me terrible fatigue, brain fog, weight gain and all of my symptoms? Anyone experienced something similar with a tsh within range and being treated for hypothyroidism? I would die for a diagnosis that would put my not feeling well at rest.

Posting this to start discussion on this episode.

Season 9 Episode 3: Julian & Cindy
Aired: May 15, 2024 on TLC at 8 PM ET/7 PM CT. Also streaming on MAX.
Synopsis: Weight loss leads to exciting things when Julian and his wife Irma adopt a baby, but fatherhood might distract Julian from his goals; Cindy needs to change her attitude to lose some weight.
SPOILERS ARE ALLOWED HERE. DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT WATCHED THIS EPISODE. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

i’ve been on secret weight loss journey since august of last year and really want to celebrate my success. i might delete this later but i really want to share what i’ve accomplished with strangers lol. quick story-thingy, i’ve been overweight my whole life and reached 260lbs in 2022. it really scared me how large i was with only 40lbs from 300. my parents have always been critical of my weight and its caused a lot of self esteem issues and lack of confidence im still working towards fixing. i’ve always tried and failed to lose weight but something changed in 2023; i moved away from home, had more control over my diet (no where near fast food places, not dependent on my parents grocery shopping — i want to say they always shopped pretty healthy, i just overweight and i never felt comfortable asking them to buy certain foods bc they would assume i was trying to lose weight which i was but i didn’t want them to know), and reliant on public transportation and walking. im also sleeping better and experiencing less stress. since august 2023 i’ve dropped from 260lbs to 195lbs (may 2024). and i feel confident im going to lose more and reach my goal weight of 120! i haven’t told anyone im working on losing, i hate any comments about my body-positive or negative, and having people know makes me overly cautious about what im eating and doing and historically, has made me quit prematurely. anyway, that’s all! i love this sub and its really helped me be more disciplined and consistent. btw i’m 5’2 and sometimes 5’3 on a good day

Hello everyone!
Today, we’re focusing on an important topic - celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. These conditions can significantly impact your health and quality of life. Understanding the blood tests involved in diagnosing these conditions is crucial for managing symptoms and maintaining good health. Let’s explore what celiac disease and gluten sensitivity are, the key blood tests for diagnosis, and how to manage these conditions.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye) leads to damage in the small intestine. This damage can cause a variety of symptoms and prevent the absorption of essential nutrients.

What is Gluten Sensitivity?

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is a condition where individuals experience symptoms similar to celiac disease when consuming gluten, but without the autoimmune response or intestinal damage seen in celiac disease.

Key Blood Tests for Celiac Disease:

1. tTG-IgA (Tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies)

• What It Measures: This test checks for antibodies against tissue transglutaminase, an enzyme that is attacked in celiac disease.
• Why It’s Important: It is the most common and accurate blood test for diagnosing celiac disease.
• What Positive Results Mean: A positive result usually indicates celiac disease, but further testing (like an intestinal biopsy) is often needed for confirmation.

2. EMA (Endomysial Antibodies)

• What It Measures: This test detects antibodies against the endomysium, a part of the connective tissue.
• Why It’s Important: It is highly specific for celiac disease and is often used to confirm a positive tTG-IgA test.
• What Positive Results Mean: A positive result strongly indicates celiac disease.

3. DGP (Deamidated Gliadin Peptide Antibodies)

• What It Measures: This test identifies antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides, which are components of gluten.
• Why It’s Important: It can be useful in diagnosing celiac disease, especially in children under 2 years old or in cases where tTG-IgA is inconclusive.
• What Positive Results Mean: A positive result can suggest celiac disease, but further testing is often required.

Additional Tests:

1. Total Serum IgA

• What It Measures: This test measures the total level of Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the blood.
• Why It’s Important: Some people with celiac disease have IgA deficiency, which can lead to false-negative results on tTG-IgA and EMA tests. Measuring total IgA ensures accurate interpretation of these tests.

2. Genetic Testing (HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8)

• What It Measures: This test checks for specific gene variants associated with celiac disease.
• Why It’s Important: The presence of HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 genes can support a diagnosis of celiac disease, but their absence can effectively rule it out.

Managing Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity:

1. Gluten-Free Diet: The primary treatment for both celiac disease and gluten sensitivity is a strict gluten-free diet. Avoid all foods containing wheat, barley, and rye.
2. Nutritional Support: Work with a dietitian to ensure you’re getting all necessary nutrients, as celiac disease can lead to nutrient deficiencies.
3. Regular Monitoring: Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your condition and ensure your intestines are healing.
4. Read Labels: Always read food labels carefully to avoid hidden sources of gluten.
5. Support Networks: Join support groups or online communities for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity for tips, recipes, and emotional support.

When to Get Tested:

• Symptoms: If you experience symptoms like chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss after consuming gluten.
• Family History: If you have a first-degree relative with celiac disease, as it can run in families.
• Associated Conditions: If you have other autoimmune disorders, as celiac disease is more common in individuals with conditions like type 1 diabetes or thyroid disease.

Conclusion:

Understanding the blood tests for celiac disease and gluten sensitivity is essential for diagnosis and management. If you suspect you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested. Once diagnosed, a strict gluten-free diet can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you have any questions or personal experiences with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, share them in the comments. Your insights can help others on their journey to better health.
Stay healthy and informed!
Hello everyone!
Today, we’re focusing on an important topic - celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. These conditions can significantly impact your health and quality of life. Understanding the blood tests involved in diagnosing these conditions is crucial for managing symptoms and maintaining good health. Let’s explore what celiac disease and gluten sensitivity are, the key blood tests for diagnosis, and how to manage these conditions.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye) leads to damage in the small intestine. This damage can cause a variety of symptoms and prevent the absorption of essential nutrients.

What is Gluten Sensitivity?

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is a condition where individuals experience symptoms similar to celiac disease when consuming gluten, but without the autoimmune response or intestinal damage seen in celiac disease.

Key Blood Tests for Celiac Disease:

1. tTG-IgA (Tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies)

• What It Measures: This test checks for antibodies against tissue transglutaminase, an enzyme that is attacked in celiac disease.
• Why It’s Important: It is the most common and accurate blood test for diagnosing celiac disease.
• What Positive Results Mean: A positive result usually indicates celiac disease, but further testing (like an intestinal biopsy) is often needed for confirmation.

2. EMA (Endomysial Antibodies)

• What It Measures: This test detects antibodies against the endomysium, a part of the connective tissue.
• Why It’s Important: It is highly specific for celiac disease and is often used to confirm a positive tTG-IgA test.
• What Positive Results Mean: A positive result strongly indicates celiac disease.

3. DGP (Deamidated Gliadin Peptide Antibodies)

• What It Measures: This test identifies antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides, which are components of gluten.
• Why It’s Important: It can be useful in diagnosing celiac disease, especially in children under 2 years old or in cases where tTG-IgA is inconclusive.
• What Positive Results Mean: A positive result can suggest celiac disease, but further testing is often required.

Additional Tests:

1. Total Serum IgA

• What It Measures: This test measures the total level of Immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the blood.
• Why It’s Important: Some people with celiac disease have IgA deficiency, which can lead to false-negative results on tTG-IgA and EMA tests. Measuring total IgA ensures accurate interpretation of these tests.

2. Genetic Testing (HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8)

• What It Measures: This test checks for specific gene variants associated with celiac disease.
• Why It’s Important: The presence of HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 genes can support a diagnosis of celiac disease, but their absence can effectively rule it out.

Managing Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity:

1. Gluten-Free Diet: The primary treatment for both celiac disease and gluten sensitivity is a strict gluten-free diet. Avoid all foods containing wheat, barley, and rye.
2. Nutritional Support: Work with a dietitian to ensure you’re getting all necessary nutrients, as celiac disease can lead to nutrient deficiencies.
3. Regular Monitoring: Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your condition and ensure your intestines are healing.
4. Read Labels: Always read food labels carefully to avoid hidden sources of gluten.
5. Support Networks: Join support groups or online communities for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity for tips, recipes, and emotional support.

When to Get Tested:

• Symptoms: If you experience symptoms like chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss after consuming gluten.
• Family History: If you have a first-degree relative with celiac disease, as it can run in families.
• Associated Conditions: If you have other autoimmune disorders, as celiac disease is more common in individuals with conditions like type 1 diabetes or thyroid disease.

Conclusion:

Understanding the blood tests for celiac disease and gluten sensitivity is essential for diagnosis and management. If you suspect you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested. Once diagnosed, a strict gluten-free diet can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you have any questions or personal experiences with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, share them in the comments. Your insights can help others on their journey to better health.
Stay healthy and informed!

I need advice from a man who achieve V-type.
I'm a beginner who already went to the gym. I follow this routine :
* UPPER 1 : Flat dumbell press, dumbell chest supported row, seated mid-chest flyes, lat pulldown, cable lateral raises, behind body cable curls, cable pushdowns
* LOWER 1 : Barbell Back Squat, Steated Leg curls, Seated Leg Extensions, Hyperextensions, Standiung Weighted Calf Raises
* UPPER 2 : Low incline dumbell press, pull ups, seated mid chest cable fly, seated cable row, dumbbell, lateral raises, incline dumbell overhead extensions, incline dumbell curls
* LWOER 2 : Barbell hip thrust, barbell romanian deadlift, front foot elevated reverse lunges, standing weighted calf raises
I see some results but I want to improve my routine : I looked at different programs on but I don't know what to choose.
I also hesitate to try this program to replace my former one :

LEGS: barbell squat, straight leg deadlift, weighted lunges, leg extension, leg curls, standing calf extension and seated calf extension PEC / BICEPs: bench press, incline dumbbell press, low or high pulley spread, incline curl, push-ups BACK: Pull-up, pronation rowing, shrug, triceps pulley extensions, bench lumbar extension SHOULDERS: pulley birds, barred military press, lateral raises, pulley ab crunch, leg raise, hanging knee AMRS: supination pull-up, dips, incline curl, pulley triceps extension, reverse grip curl 

I would be so much grateful if you helped me choosing my new routine because this hesitation prevents me from going to the gym !

i’ve been in recovery for 2 months, my relationship with food and my body has been slowly getting better, i’m gaining a lot of muscle and getting much better in the gym. i gained back all the weight i lost, and i eat quadruple the amount that i used to, and i don’t hate myself for it.
the issue comes in with my family, in specifically my aunt. i’ve known she’s had issues with eating, we used to enable each other when i was still engaging in disordered behaviour. she doesn’t know i had an eating disorder, or that i’m trying to recover. she noticed id gained some muscle so we were talking about it because i’m super proud of it, when she made a comment like “you still need to tone up your legs and lose that inner thigh fat.” i tried to immediately shut her down by saying “i don’t care. i don’t like when people comment on my body.” and she replied with “i’m just making sure you’re aware of that.” of course i am. id be lying if i didn’t say that i still pinch at the fat there every morning. i don’t hate it, but it sometimes it still gets to me. but guess what!! i was basically underweight and i STILL had thigh fat! that’s just the way my body is composed. she also told me to not overdo the weight lifting because id become “manly”. i told her that that was stupid, and that i didn’t care.
i’m trying not to let her comment get to me, but it did hit me a little bit. i know that she is projecting onto me in some ways (she’s slightly overweight and insecure about her body), and that she just isn’t as educated on nutrition and fitness as i am. ive tried to teach her about proper nutrition, and help her heal her relationship with food, but she just doesn’t take it to heart. it breaks my heart that she sometimes has the same thoughts and compulsions i did in my ED, which is how we would enable each other at the time, but at this point i can’t deal with that sort of talk about calories, exercise, and “earning your food” anymore. but i can’t distance myself from her, she lives with my family. i do try to shut it down as soon as she starts though. and also i feel like it should be common sense that you shouldn’t talk about people’s bodies in a negative way?? i never once talked about anyone’s bodies with her, not even my own, i just talked about facts around weight loss and stuff.
i’ll get over it, but at the moment it stings a little, and if i was in a worse off place, i would be spiralling. i’m relatively stable now though! weight lifting and focusing on performance has really helped my mindset around my body and food. recovery is difficult ofc, but i can’t imagine living in a hole anymore.

Been on 2.5 since Jan. 10th (by choice). SW 245, just hit 199. I’ve loved being able to stay on 2.5. I know it doesn’t work for everyone, but it’s been the best for me so far. Maintained a pretty consistent 1-2lb, sometimes more, weight loss since the big drop of 16lbs the first month. Looking forward to hopefully reaching goal on 2.5! Just celebrating this milestone. For those wondering, I’ve been an athlete my whole life, after having my son, lost all my baby weight then my thyroid decided to show out, diagnosed with hashimoto’s on top of my PCOS, gained close to 70lbs and this has been the first thing to help me-even with consistent diet and exercise nothing was coming off. Since being on this drug I’m mainly focused on my diet, with daily mental health walks. So thankful for this drug!

Last year (September 2023), I started therapy for my thyroid with Accu-Thyrox (levothyroxine sodium). My blood tests after the first 5 months of therapy showed that my thyroid is stable, but personally I don't feel any difference. I'm still losing hair, I'm still getting easily tired, I'm still having weight loss issues and also digestive and metabolic issues.

I just started with Mesa Medical Health & weight loss clinic, they offer tirzepatide AND b12 injections. Two separate injections so you benefit more from the b12! The first month is 50% off, and they also match your provider fees if you switch. I wish I had told them I was paying less than $340 a month now 😂 but if you’re new to tirzepatide it’s 398$ a month,semiglitude is even cheaper. I was thrilled my first month was $198!! Anyone here use them?? I spoke with them on the phone Monday at 1pm and they shipped out my meds yesterday am. It will be delivered tomorrow (Thursday) via usps. I got the tracking information Tuesday before noon. I have a referral link for the same deal I received if anyone’s interested. BUT I’m posting this to see if anyone else has them?? I believe their newer because their trying to promote major deals to gain new patients. Let me know how their compound works for you if you use them! I’m excited to try my tirzepatide with the b12!! I’m switching from emerge. Honestly I loved emerge. They also have a referral program like emerge, only you get $100 off if someone signs up because of you instead of just $25 so that’s major also. 😳 also their monthly fee doesn’t rise up on you depending on dosage. I am starting on 5mg… but she said they send you 10 mg vials? Not sure what that means 🤷🏻‍♀️ I can say that it was obvious they don’t care what dose you want them to be started on and they don’t ask for proof of your current dosage. I should have said I was on 10mg but I didn’t. 😂 I was honest 🤷🏻‍♀️

I just am at such a loss with this.
When I was 18 I was groomed by my favourite teacher during a time in life when I was very vulnerable, which he knew and exploited.
It started as little flirty comments, personal emails on our school accounts, practical jokes etc and in the end he got a hold of my contact details and we started texting. This happened just before I left school and continued for about a year.
He told me he and his wife had an agreement that he was allowed to talk to and pursue certain sexual things with other women because there were things he was into that she wasn't, as long as she didn't have to hear about it.
He also had me convinced that because of this situation with his wife, our relationship was fine because it was just friends helping friends with what they needed. He said there was nothing wrong with it, but that we just had to keep it to ourselves because other people wouldn't understand.
The context around the situation is all very weird but basically he had a son my age who I was friendly with and that was one of the things he used as a cover - he would plant seeds in his son's head to invite me to do things with their family etc.
I ended up invited to their church and this teacher also took on a "spiritual mentor" role in my life.
He and I were very close and it did cross a line into sexual communication. So there was this very odd dynamic where we would acknowledge this sexual thing between us but then he would go to church, feel bad about it and then tell me we could only keep communicating if it was about God. That would last a few weeks then it would descend into how it was before.
There were a couple of times things nearly became sexual physically, but only once did it actually happen and by that point I had started distancing myself because I had begun to realize our relationship was weird. The physical sexual act was that as I went to hug him goodbye he grabbed me, pinned me against him and moved my hand to touch him through his trousers. He told me to put my hand in his trousers but I was frozen because I was scared. He eventually let me go and I left.
I told him via text afterwards that it was okay because he messaged me seemingly very remorseful and upset, in hindsight I think he was just worried I would tell someone now a physical line had been crossed.
People suspected we were involved and it was reported to the church and the school more than once. He begged me to lie for him and at the time I wanted to protect him so I did.
I became so close with his family that I spent new years with his wife and son, he wasn't even there. His wife used to say I was like a daughter to her. He also said it a few times which is obviously messed up considering the way things were sometimes.
He was very manipulative and used to gaslight me horribly. One minute he was telling me he wanted to run away to France with me so we could be together and asking me to send him pictures, the next he was telling me I was delusional about his feelings for me and there was nothing between us.
I was very lonely and our relationship became essentially my whole world. He knew this and if I said or did things he didn't like he would threaten to cut me off. He used this to try and get personal information about his son because we were friends.
After nearly a year I became a bit healthier mentally and emotionally and realised things were off, I started distancing and he could tell. At some point I decided I didn't want him texting me anymore so we would email, I would keep my responses friendly but brief.
He started telling me he was depressed, suicidal even, trying to get my attention and keep me on the hook I guess, he knew that was my soft spot. Eventually it was too much and I told him to leave me alone for good. In response he told his son about what had been going on - I think he thought if I didn't want to be his friend, I didn't get to be friends with his son either. His son was staggeringly nice about it and said he forgave me.
He would still try to contact me and I would ignore him, so he ended up getting his son to contact me saying essentially that his dad was very depressed and wanted "permission" to email me to apologise to me for everything. I said I wasn't happy about it but wanted him off my friend's back so said fine.
When he emailed me there was no apology, just rambling like nothing was different, asking me to come over one day to talk about his depression (still under the guise of going to see his son). I told him to talk to a therapist or his wife and to leave me alone.
After that I had a couple of social media requests from him over a year or so and eventually he left me alone. A few years later I began therapy and they helped me realize he had actually groomed and assaulted me, so I went to the police and filed charges.
They told me that his grooming behaviour, though obviously gross, was actually not illegal because I was 18 when it happened and communications didn't technically become sexual until after I left school (by mere days. DAYS). They said that the only thing they could technically prosecute for was that sexual assault in his office because I hadn't provided consent for what he did. The officer literally said "I have a daughter and if I could get this guy for being a creep I would because it's disgusting, but the assault itself is the only bit that's an actual crime".
It was handed over to the police force in another county because of where the assault occurred. I made it clear that though I didn't have concrete evidence of the assault, the correspondences between us would support it. They knew everything had been deleted because he used to periodically make me delete everything, I was assured they could easily recover deleted messages.
He was interviewed and played it off that I was a schoolgirl with a crush/obsession and that I now had a grudge against him. He also managed to produce a letter I wrote him when I was leaving school as proof of my crush. Which it absolutely was, but again, he groomed me. I never denied having had a crush on him. It's how grooming works. The police decided that was sufficient and dropped my case.
So now, 10 years on I've spent thousands on different therapies, and I am still so angry. I can't get over it and it's really really bothering me, every day. I hate him so much for doing this to me. I have reoccurring nightmares that I have to go back to school and be taught by him again after everything, in the dreams I just run around the school avoiding him and trying to escape.
He's retired as of last year and that's been some small relief, but he does private tutoring now and I just hate that he got away with this.

For context, my (16F) best friend, let's call her Diane (16F), has been my best friend for 2 years. We became extremely close after an incident last year because she had no friends due to lots of negative rumours being spread about her being a fake friend and a rumour spreader. I was her only friend and I invited her to the friend group so she wouldn't be alone, and she blended right into the group and she's been with us ever since.
She was especially close to me, and we promised eachother that we would be exclusive to eachother as best friends. Not in a romantic way, but we were eachothers everything. She came from a broken household, I was the only one who cared about her, and I didn't have many people I could trust other than my friend group due to past trauma I don't really wanna talk about because its just a whole other story, and she made me feel at home when I was with her.
Timeskip to now, she got her reputation back, and she's quite popular and she cares about her popularity and reputation quite a lot. Our friendship is different from before, but we're still exclusive best friends. She tells me that she hates everyone except for me, which makes me happy because it validates that I'm her best friend, but sometimes she acts a bit off.
Here are some instances that's made me doubt our friendship.

1. We had a girl in the friend group, let's call her Samantha, and she hated me to the core. The whole friendgroup had a sleepover, Samantha included, and Samantha and Diane were only talking to eachother. It felt awkward for me because everytime I tried to talk to them, Diane and Samantha would look at eachother and Diane would put on a strained smile that she only used with certain people. I knew that she acted fake with a lot of other people, she told me a lot, and she doesn't hide that, but she always said hi to me with a weird voice and went back to talking with Samantha normally. I talked to Diane after the sleepover and she said that she was only talking with Samantha because Samantha kept forcing her to talk with her, and honestly I can believe that because Diane is the only person Samantha likes in the friendgroup so I believe her, but I'm still putting this down here just in case I brushed it off too quickly.
   
2. Diane frequently switches between hating and loving the people in our friendgroup. She could go hours ranting about how much she hates the people in our friendgroup, and then after a few days, she goes back to praising everything they do. It confuses me a lot. I try to bring it up with her sometimes, but she always pretends she never said what she said about our friends. I never know what her actual opinions on people are, so sometimes I worry I'm gonna be one of them, but she always reassures me that I'm the one person she has never hated, so I'm just putting this one here because I also think I'm worrying over nothing on this one and I'm blowing it out of proportion.
   
3. This one was the one that made me write this but recently Diane invited a new girl into the friend group, let's call her Jess, and Diane has been trying to make us become a trio with Jess. Us and Jess had a lot of issues with Jess in the past, but I genuinely think she's changed because she's actually so sweet, but the problem is that Diane has been ignoring me for some reason. Jess is the one to try to talk to me and even then, Diane would enter the conversation and begin talking to Jess, and I feel like Diane is sick of me. I heard from Jess that Diane and her were making plans and Jess thought Diane told me because Diane told her I probably wouldn't want to go, but I understand because my parents usually don't let me go to last minute plans but it still would be nice to get a heads up or an invite even if I couldn't come.
   

I really don't know what to do. I'm the type of person to get way too attached to someone too quickly, and my love for people is intense. I have lots of attachment issues and I'm often needy and obsessive and clingy to people I love. I've molded my whole personality to become compatible with Diane's, and I've changed my appearance to be what Diane would like.
Before I was close with Diane, I had short hair, and I didn't care about what I looked like as long as I was happy, but since Diane cares a lot about her reputation, she cares about mine too. She told me to grow my hair out last year and I did, and it does look pretty, but I do miss my old hair sometimes even if it wasn't as pretty.
She's been telling me to get my nails done and wear some makeup, so I did and I think I look pretty, my only problem with myself is my weight. I know I'm not fat, but I weigh a bit more than Diane, and I've gained an eating disorder, and Diane started paying attention to me and worrying about me. She's been mostly indifferent to me other days, so even if I knew the eating disorder was unhealthy I've been keeping it going just so I can feel her worry about me again. I don't even care about losing weight anymore I just want some semblance that Diane still cares about me and loves me.
I love Diane so much, I don't want her to go. We have talked about our future a lot and what we plan to do after high school, i've been imagining my future with this girl, but I know that she doesn't care as much as me. I've been repeatedly trying and begging her to put some effort into this friendship but she always says that I'm always her top priority and I don't need to worry. I feel so dumb for thinking that she wants to replace me or that she's sick of me, should I keep trying to make this work?

When it comes to heavy equipment, the efficiency, safety, and productivity of operations significantly depend on the quality of the tires in use. Off-the-road (OTR) tires play a crucial role in various industries, including construction, mining, agriculture, and industrial sectors. In this blog, we’ll explore why OTR tires are vital for heavy equipment and how the OTR tires market is evolving to meet growing demands and technological advancements.

Understanding OTR Tires

OTR tires are specifically designed to operate under extreme conditions, such as rough terrains, heavy loads, and various weather conditions. They are built to provide optimal traction, stability, and durability. The robust construction of OTR tires ensures they can withstand the harsh environments typical in industries like mining and construction, where equipment operates on uneven and abrasive surfaces.

Key Benefits of OTR Tires

1. Durability and Longevity: OTR tires are manufactured using high-quality materials and advanced engineering techniques to endure the wear and tear of rugged environments. Their longevity reduces the frequency of replacements, which in turn lowers maintenance costs.
2. Enhanced Traction: Heavy equipment often operates on loose gravel, mud, or rocky surfaces. OTR tires are designed with specialized tread patterns that enhance grip and prevent slippage, ensuring the safety and efficiency of operations.
3. Load-Bearing Capacity: These tires are capable of supporting substantial weights, which is essential for machinery used in construction and mining that carries heavy loads. The reinforced sidewalls and sturdy construction contribute to their high load-bearing capacity.
4. Stability and Safety: Stability is crucial when operating heavy machinery. OTR tires provide the necessary balance and stability, reducing the risk of accidents. Their design minimizes the chances of tire blowouts, which can be catastrophic in heavy-duty operations.
5. Cost-Efficiency: While OTR tires may have a higher upfront cost compared to standard tires, their durability and performance lead to long-term cost savings. Reduced downtime and lower maintenance needs contribute to overall operational efficiency.

The OTR Tires Market: Trends and Innovations

The OTR tires market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the expansion of construction, mining, and agricultural activities worldwide. As industries continue to demand more efficient and durable solutions, manufacturers are investing in research and development to introduce innovative products.

1. Technological Advancements: Modern OTR tires are incorporating smart technologies, such as tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) and sensors that provide real-time data on tire health. These advancements help in predictive maintenance, reducing unexpected downtimes and enhancing safety.
2. Sustainability: There is a growing emphasis on sustainable practices in the manufacturing of OTR tires. Companies are focusing on producing eco-friendly tires by using recycled materials and improving the energy efficiency of their production processes.
3. Customization: Manufacturers are offering customized solutions to meet specific needs of different industries. For instance, tires for mining equipment are designed with extra-deep treads for better traction in mines, while agricultural tires are built to minimize soil compaction.
4. Market Expansion: The OTR tires market is expanding geographically, with increased demand in emerging economies where infrastructure projects and mining activities are on the rise. This expansion is leading to a competitive market landscape, encouraging innovation and quality improvements.

Conclusion

OTR tires are indispensable in the realm of heavy equipment. Their role extends beyond merely supporting machinery; they ensure operational efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. As the OTR tires market continues to evolve with technological advancements and sustainable practices, the future looks promising for industries reliant on heavy equipment. Investing in high-quality OTR tires is not just a necessity but a strategic move towards achieving long-term operational success.
Whether you are involved in construction, mining, agriculture, or any industry requiring heavy machinery, understanding the importance of OTR tires and staying informed about market trends will help you make better decisions for your operations.
The Importance of OTR Tires in Heavy Equipment
When it comes to heavy equipment, the efficiency, safety, and productivity of operations significantly depend on the quality of the tires in use. Off-the-road (OTR) tires play a crucial role in various industries, including construction, mining, agriculture, and industrial sectors. In this blog, we’ll explore why OTR tires are vital for heavy equipment and how the OTR tires market is evolving to meet growing demands and technological advancements.

Understanding OTR Tires

OTR tires are specifically designed to operate under extreme conditions, such as rough terrains, heavy loads, and various weather conditions. They are built to provide optimal traction, stability, and durability. The robust construction of OTR tires ensures they can withstand the harsh environments typical in industries like mining and construction, where equipment operates on uneven and abrasive surfaces.

Key Benefits of OTR Tires

1. Durability and Longevity: OTR tires are manufactured using high-quality materials and advanced engineering techniques to endure the wear and tear of rugged environments. Their longevity reduces the frequency of replacements, which in turn lowers maintenance costs.
2. Enhanced Traction: Heavy equipment often operates on loose gravel, mud, or rocky surfaces. OTR tires are designed with specialized tread patterns that enhance grip and prevent slippage, ensuring the safety and efficiency of operations.
3. Load-Bearing Capacity: These tires are capable of supporting substantial weights, which is essential for machinery used in construction and mining that carries heavy loads. The reinforced sidewalls and sturdy construction contribute to their high load-bearing capacity.
4. Stability and Safety: Stability is crucial when operating heavy machinery. OTR tires provide the necessary balance and stability, reducing the risk of accidents. Their design minimizes the chances of tire blowouts, which can be catastrophic in heavy-duty operations.
5. Cost-Efficiency: While OTR tires may have a higher upfront cost compared to standard tires, their durability and performance lead to long-term cost savings. Reduced downtime and lower maintenance needs contribute to overall operational efficiency.

The OTR Tires Market: Trends and Innovations

The OTR tires market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the expansion of construction, mining, and agricultural activities worldwide. As industries continue to demand more efficient and durable solutions, manufacturers are investing in research and development to introduce innovative products.

1. Technological Advancements: Modern OTR tires are incorporating smart technologies, such as tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) and sensors that provide real-time data on tire health. These advancements help in predictive maintenance, reducing unexpected downtimes and enhancing safety.
2. Sustainability: There is a growing emphasis on sustainable practices in the manufacturing of OTR tires. Companies are focusing on producing eco-friendly tires by using recycled materials and improving the energy efficiency of their production processes.
3. Customization: Manufacturers are offering customized solutions to meet specific needs of different industries. For instance, tires for mining equipment are designed with extra-deep treads for better traction in mines, while agricultural tires are built to minimize soil compaction.
4. Market Expansion: The OTR tires market is expanding geographically, with increased demand in emerging economies where infrastructure projects and mining activities are on the rise. This expansion is leading to a competitive market landscape, encouraging innovation and quality improvements.

Conclusion

OTR tires are indispensable in the realm of heavy equipment. Their role extends beyond merely supporting machinery; they ensure operational efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. As the OTR tires market continues to evolve with technological advancements and sustainable practices, the future looks promising for industries reliant on heavy equipment. Investing in high-quality OTR tires is not just a necessity but a strategic move towards achieving long-term operational success.
Whether you are involved in construction, mining, agriculture, or any industry requiring heavy machinery, understanding the importance of OTR tires and staying informed about market trends will help you make better decisions for your operations.

Bipolar II disorder is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It's a type of mood disorder that is characterized by periods of depression and hypomania (a state of elevated mood that is less severe than mania).
What is Bipolar II Disorder?
Bipolar II disorder is a mood disorder that is characterized by at least one episode of major depressive disorder and at least one episode of hypomania. Hypomania is a state of elevated mood, energy, and activity that lasts for at least four days and is not severe enough to interfere with daily functioning. Unlike manic episodes, which can occur in bipolar I disorder, hypomanic episodes are not severe enough to require hospitalization.
Symptoms of Bipolar II Disorder
During a depressive episode, individuals with bipolar II disorder may experience:
•Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness
•Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
•Changes in appetite and sleep patterns
•Fatigue and loss of energy
•Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
During a hypomanic episode, individuals with bipolar II disorder may experience:
•Elevated mood and energy
•Increased talkativeness and activity level
•Decreased need for sleep
•Increased risk-taking behavior
•Impulsivity and recklessness
Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact cause of bipolar II disorder is not known, research suggests that it may be related to:
•Genetic factors: Individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder are more likely to develop the condition.
•Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine may contribute to the development of bipolar II disorder.
•Environmental factors: Trauma, stress, and other environmental factors may also contribute to the development of the condition.
Treatment Options
Treatment for bipolar II disorder typically involves a combination of medication and therapy. Medications such as mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics can help manage symptoms. Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals develop coping strategies and improve their overall mental health.
Living with Bipolar II Disorder
Living with bipolar II disorder can be challenging, but it is possible to manage symptoms and live a fulfilling life. Here are some tips for living with bipolar II disorder:
•Educate yourself: Learn as much as you can about bipolar II disorder to better understand your symptoms and treatment options.
•Seek support: Join a support group or talk to a therapist who has experience working with individuals with bipolar II disorder.
•Develop a routine: Establishing a daily routine can help you stay organized and on track.
•Practice self-care: Engage in activities that bring you joy and help you relax, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
Conclusion
Bipolar II disorder is a serious mental health condition that requires treatment and support. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options, individuals with bipolar II disorder can take control of their mental health and live a fulfilling life. Remember, you are not alone in this journey - there are many resources available to help you cope with your symptoms and live a happy, healthy life.

Hello everyone!
Today, we're talking about a very important topic - blood tests for thyroid problems. These tests help doctors find out if your thyroid is working properly. Let’s break down the most common thyroid tests, what they measure, why they’re important, and when you might need them.

What is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is a small gland in your neck that looks like a butterfly. It helps control your energy levels and metabolism by making hormones called T3 and T4.

Key Thyroid Tests:

1. TSH Test (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

• What It Measures: TSH is a hormone made by your brain that tells your thyroid to make T3 and T4.
• Normal Range: Usually between 0.4 and 4.0.
• Best Range for Health: Often between 0.5 and 2.5.
• What It Means:
  • High TSH: Your thyroid might be underactive (not making enough hormones).
  • Low TSH: Your thyroid might be overactive (making too many hormones).
• When to Get Tested: If you feel tired, gain weight, feel cold, or have mood swings, or if thyroid problems run in your family.

2. Free T3 Test (Triiodothyronine)

• What It Measures: The amount of T3 hormone in your blood.
• Normal Range: Usually between 2.3 and 4.1.
• Best Range for Health: Often between 3.0 and 4.0.
• What It Means:
  • High Levels: Your thyroid might be overactive.
  • Low Levels: Your thyroid might be underactive.
• When to Get Tested: If your TSH levels are not normal or if you have symptoms like fast heartbeat, anxiety, or weight loss.

3. Free T4 Test (Thyroxine)

• What It Measures: The amount of T4 hormone in your blood.
• Normal Range: Usually between 0.9 and 2.3.
• Best Range for Health: Often between 1.0 and 2.0.
• What It Means:
  • High Levels: Your thyroid might be overactive.
  • Low Levels: Your thyroid might be underactive.
• When to Get Tested: Similar to the Free T3 test, get this if your TSH levels are not normal or if you have thyroid symptoms.

Extra Tests:

4. Thyroid Antibody Tests

• Types:
  • TPO Antibodies (Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies)
  • Tg Antibodies (Thyroglobulin Antibodies)
• What It Means: High levels can show autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease.
• When to Get Tested: If thyroid problems run in your family or if your thyroid tests are not normal.

Why These Tests Matter:

• Finding Problems: These tests help doctors find out if your thyroid is not working right.
• Managing Health: Regular tests help manage thyroid problems and adjust medicines if needed.

What to Do If Your Results Are Not Normal:

1. Talk to Your Doctor: Always talk with your doctor about your test results.
2. More Tests: You might need more tests to figure out what’s wrong.
3. Treatment: If you have a thyroid problem, regular check-ups and medicine adjustments are important.

Conclusion:

Understanding thyroid tests is key to keeping your thyroid healthy. If you have any questions or personal experiences with thyroid problems, share them in the comments. Your insights and questions can help others who might be going through the same thing.
Stay healthy and informed!

I have hardwired combo smoke/CO detectors in my house that recently went off and would not turn off. Fire dept came, checked everywhere for gas and found nothing, they replaced batteries but still wouldn’t turn off. They said likely defective because of the age (over 10 years), so I replaced them all nearly a week ago and that seemed to work.
This morning, they randomly went off again, and fortunately the reset button worked, but I’m at a loss for what could be going on. Any ideas? Do I need to call an electrician?

This might be a dumb question but does having the right electrolyte levels help you lose weight? I have been doing keto for about 6 months now and I have never added vitamins, supplements, or electrolytes. I am going to start taking collagen in an attempt to minimize loose skin (not as a source of protein) as I have a lot more weight to lose. I had blood work done a while ago and my magnesium and potassium were a bit low. I have read the FAQ and know electrolytes are important for making you feel well and avoiding the keto flu, but does taking electrolytes help with weight loss? That is my primary reason for doing keto and I have been averaging a loss of about 10 lbs a month. I am not having any keto flu symptoms or other bad effects of low electrolytes. If I were to start taking electrolytes, should that speed up my weight loss or is it done more so just for making sure you are feeling as well as possible? Thanks!