My daughter recently turned 2. At her birthday party, after we all finished singing the happy birthday song, she attempted to blow out her birthday candle for 8 seconds. I know her attempt was only 8 seconds exactly because we have this moment on film. A few family members were cheering her on: “Almost!” “You got this!”
At that point, her grandfather, my FIL, blew out her candle over her shoulder. Everyone, including myself, yelled ”Yay!” and the moment quickly moved forward, but in my mind I was like, did that really just happen? I didn’t get to process the moment until recently, and after some more frustrating antics from my FIL on Mother’s Day, I am becoming more angry reflecting on the fact that he blew her birthday candle out. LOL like excuse me, what?! I am absolutely positive that if one of the other children at her party blew out her birthday candle, the poor behavior would have been recognized/addressed by that child’s parent. I talked about it with my best friend this afternoon and she shared that it bothered her when it happened because my FIL took away my daughter’s moment- he really did! What the heck?!
Unfortunately, the opportunity to address it in the moment has passed.
It is probably in my best interest to just let this one go, but I am struggling with my anger (and I am usually not an angry person!). Words of wisdom? What would you do? End rant & thank you in advance for reading listening!
*Also, it’s not like she was spitting on the cake whatsoever. My husband and I were also directly next to her, so was there was zero chance of a fire / safety issue.

So long story short….
My hubby has a 9 year old daughter. They Separated when she was 3. For 6 of these years their relationship (hubby and ex) was great, but has turned sour after the birth of my now 2 year old daughter, it goes without saying…
So much bullshit has happened, but basically the mothers bitter and doesn’t like me.. I have a particular career that involves dealing with people, she’s tried to jeopardise this and wrote false statements (I.e that I put my hands on their daughter, which were proven false and the complaint was dropped)
She has made family harm reports and provided false detail about what happened. I.e hubby tried to swing at her father, this never happened (I was there when the argument happened) and plenty of other brazen lies where that came from…
We’ve had to go through court because there has been no agreement that she’s stuck to or tried to engage in I.e mediation, personal contracts and agreements, literally them two just sitting down at cafes like grown adults to come up with custody agreements. All of this has been tried before court, which was our very last resort. But here we are….
We’ve been to court already and because She didn’t even provide a response affidavit until just recently, (she was given three months to respond, from when we applied, judge then gave her another month, which was over two months ago. So she didn’t even provide her response within the allocated timeframe) we’ve been called back for June.
In the response affidavit she’s said a whole bunch of things that aren’t true! Literally committing perjury. The only thing is, we can’t necessarily prove these aren’t true.
She’s said he
Called her 5 times trying to harass her about child support and complained about paying so much…. ( never happened )
A Family meeting ( won’t go into the realms ) that never happened
His mother literally taking their newborn child from her home without her knowledge, literally claiming the child was kidnapped (never happened, my mother in law is also deceased)
Our concern is The child is being manipulated biiiiig time and that the mother who’s now sworn an oath with documents provided to the courts, has flat out lied on her claims and what trips me is we can’t necessarily prove it! Argh! Or at least unsure how we would and how it works…
Meeting with a lawyer in a few days but this person can’t get away with literally lying on our name and character. It’s so concerning how confident she is in her lies! I mean, she actually believes it.
We obviously dint want to go thru with this, hubby has no record AT ALL and is an amazing father. All he wants is a set schedule to raise his daughter, it’s all he’s ever wanted. Mothers that do this to their child and the father, for no valid reason are the devils work.

Hi im called Rich. Im a 31 year old guy living with my demented grandmother. She is 95 years old. Ive been living and taking care of her since i was 17 agter my mom passed away. I dont have a father since he died when i was 3 months old. Living with my grandmother is hell. Abuse after abuse. She is also a narcissistic person but the dementia made her worse. She also has alzheimers and forgets stuff. Alot of stuff but does not forget faces and names yet. We are currently homeless but arein the process of goign into our new home which has 2 bedrooms. We previously lived in a 1 bedroom apartment and i had to dleep right nextto her everyday. Not something i wanted but it was needed considering our situation we were in back when looking for a home fast.
We are currently at my aunts house whos grandmas daughter and she has done things to help us while i was taking care of grandma. It was actually her responsibility to do it but because i was living with grandma and i was only 17 and didnt know much of what to do, i stayed with grandma till one day i said i had enough. I have cried for years to her and others abiut this but never really took her away from me. I didnt have a job because she kept saying i didnt have tocause she pays for everything which i always was grateful for and her teChing me how to cook etc and didnt want me to leave her so i didnt get a job for a long time due to living with her, preventing me from working on myself jobwise.
Im a shy guy so that can explain why too but also because grandma has instilled fear in me. Fear of people. And wanted to keep using me as a puppet. I would help her with evwrything i could yet she would still find ways to make me a bad guy. My life got worse to the point i wanted to even commit suicide but i did not because i needed to keep telling myself to not give into those thoughts that everything will get better.
Forward to now, like i said we are gonna be moving into our new home. Ill be getting my own bedroom finally after years of not owning one and that makes me realt happy cause i get my privacy finally. I am also going thru therapy because of the abuse i ealt with for years coming from grandma. All mental abuse. She has been diagnosed with dementia and alzheimer and im doing all the best i can to keep us afloat so we wont run out of money for food etc that we need. Thanks to my therapy i have managed to be better,control my emotions better and not react to her complaints.
We are dealing with my aunt because we are in her house for 3 weeks till our new home us ready since we had to leave the previous one, who is her daughter, not having much patience for her own mother the way i have patience for grandma. I believe its because in her childhood grandma has done things towards her daughter that made her have this sort of a rage towards her and still to this day. She does not like us being here but we had nowhere else to go and it is for only 3 weeks till the house i ready and so far we have been dealing with clashes between those 2 and im really tired.
Im posting this as more of a rant cause i know what to do and that is moving into the new place which is gonna be 10x better than before and i can actually now focus on working on jobs much better. Its jsut that i want my want to be more patient with her mother because she is demented and forgets a lot. Especially around money and cannot handle that anymore and ive been the one to be doing it for years.
Thanks to my therapy and being able to contrl my anger and my other emotions better, ive als decided to forgive my grandma for everythign shes done. I know its hard to still be with her but i have a more of an open mind abiut this now that im going thru therapy and it makes me think much clearly now and ahead.
My aunt wanted to throw her in a home against her will and i was not ok with that because i wanted to give her the professional help she needs and help her get into a daycare so she can havemore people to talk to andbe less lonely. My aunt did not like that at first but because everyone else agrees with me on this, she had no choice but now she wants to put rules and stuf yet she wasnt the one that took her mother in her home and took csre of her. It was all on me to do it because she saw the chance that she didnt have to take care of her herself and that i was wiling, she threw it all on me. So now im dealng with my aunt trying to make all these rules and things and even insulting me saying im not fit for takign care of grandma yet she is the one with all this rage towards her own mother.
I really feel like my aunt needs therapy at this point to help her with the rage but i cant force her in any way to do it and i will never do that. Its all on her now and i hope that during the time we are in her house she can be more patient with her mother and me. We pay her for food and power and water already which is no issue. The issue is the clashes between these two and its annoying me.

My mom has decided to up and move away from two of her sons, her grandchild and daughter in law, she did this pretty suddenly. She basically put the whole move on my younger brother to get the stuff she wasn’t taking with her into a storage unit or sold a lot of this stuff is my late fathers tools and equipment who passed last year. My wife and I just lost her dad this year and her mom passed away 10 years ago. My mom decided to move right now before her house is sold 2 hours away from us to be closer to some friends of hers. She goes away for Mother’s Day for 4 days to a concert while my younger brother is told to take care of her stuff. Meanwhile I’m dealing with my father in laws estate currently and trying to get that sorted out.
Prior to this she asked if she could miss my son’s 2nd birthday so she could go to a concert with her friends. And I’ve basically had to beg her to be in my son’s life especially after my dad passed. Today when she was leaving I told her what time my son and wife get home from daycare and work but she still decided to head out of town about 4 hours earlier and didn’t even see my son’s or say good bye before she left. She came to my house crying and acting upset while I was working and I just felt nothing but contempt. I’m going to take a break from her for a while I think and get into some therapy.

Hi, my ex [30] and I [31] both work retail jobs so we have crazy schedules. He lives with his family, and his mom watches our daughter when he’s at work. I just got a set schedule so I can have her Wednesday morning thru til Thursday night.
Is that not a lot of time to see my child? I can’t change jobs right now. I put my schooling on hold so that I could have more time with her when she’s here for my weekend. My ex and I are not on speaking terms as he still hates me for divorcing him; he’s never been one for good communication, even thought we’re tied together forever because of our baby girl.
We haven’t filed for divorce yet, I just moved out three months ago and we’ve been doing the every weekend visitation for me to see our daughter. I miss her every day but I don’t have many other options to see her. I don’t have a car so my soon to be ex father in law drives her to me on my weekends.
I’m asking if legally that’s ok if we went to court. Would a judge find me to be a terrible mother?

OK, so basically I’m gonna make this as short suite as possible. I’m 36m who just started dating a 42f who lives in Lafayette, Colorado. A little backstory, I had gone on a couple dates with her in the past ended up becoming more like fwb. But during the process, I got to know her pretty well. Got to know her two daughters pretty good. one stone high school and one just graduated from college. It was my decision to move in a different direction. because I got like really strong noncommittal vibes even though the whole time she’s telling me she’s looking for a monogamous LTR. Then we just completely lost contact with each other for a couple months. And by couple months, I mean like four or five months. Well randomly she hit me up and asked if I would like to go out with her to watch the nuggets game. We go to her favorite place Hoffbrau last weekend. I will say there was something kind of off while we were there. Maybe felt like she was keeping an eye out for somebody maybe. But then she would be real touchy and wanna hug and kiss and like grind up on me. Aside from that wehave a really good time. Go back to the hotel later on that night thave some adult fun. that night and the whole next day she just keeps talking to me about wanting to be in a relationship with me (exclusive). Which was something I just wasn’t really trying to entertain due to how the past turned out. so I agree to dating but non-exclusive with the idea of a long-term relationship. However, since that night, I haven’t seen her. I tried to spend some time with her for Mother’s Day, which she told me she already had plans with her daughters to go to get a pedicure and what not. So totally understood but I still thought you know hey there’s 24 hours in the day. I’m sure I could be able to spend at least a half an hour with her give her Mother’s Day present that’s it. I am I end up spending the whole day texting and calling her to no avail. Like she can’t answer one of the calls or respond back in a text like hey I’ll call you back later. Nothing! Since then, I’ve tried to hang out with her two other times were both times she just used her daughters as excuses to why she couldn’t make any availability. Also doesn’t answer her phone response to text after I send them. It kind of makes me feel like she might be in a relationship and the other guy. And some weird coincidence I’m correct and you are in a relationship with a woman whose initials are BB! And fit a lot of the criteria of what I’ve already spoken on. Let me know.

I AM NOT THE OOP
OOP is u/Alternative_Bat5026 posting in EntitledPeople
1 update - Medium
Original - May 10, 2024
Update - May 11, 2024
[Posting note: Slight grammar editing for readability]
Pill Poacher. What do I do now???
I've commented on a few posts, but this is my 1st actual post. Canadian 53F
Hold on for a long ride.
I've had arthritis since I was a teenager. I tried not to take painkillers early on, as I know it can be a vicious cycle of having to increase the dosage all the time. However, I've gotten to the point of no choice anymore. The pain makes me cry when I wake up and that's with the ever-increasing dosages. I've had 3 joint replacement surgeries (L Hip, R Knee & R Shoulder) and require the other 3 surgeries, not to mention, my spine is full of arthritis and degenerating discs. So my pain meds are very necessary.
A little more background (Sorry).
So I live in a basement apartment (I have a chairlift). Last year, I had new neighbours move in. They seemed like a nice couple and offered to help me out when I needed it. I was paying them to help clean and such, but I stopped when I found I was paying for them and not much was getting done. Not to mention that they owe me money they borrowed (I know, I'm stupid) and their half of cable (for the last year!!!). Oh and I'm letting them drive my car right now, because I can't yet and I didn't want it sitting. I know, I know.
So in February, I noticed that I was missing pain meds, a lot of pain meds. I was lucky my Dr was understanding, but I still got shorted about 10 days out of 60 days, as I had a 2-month supply. I couldn't accuse anyone, because I couldn't prove it and maybe I did make a mistake (but I was sure I was right). Anywho, that made me have to go through a total reverse shoulder replacement surgery without my proper meds (not a happy camper).
On to the other day. I was supposed to have an appointment with my physiotherapist and I guess I messed up the date and asked if my neighbours would pick me up. I got home and I noticed my pill bottle wasn't how I left it and there was a pill on the floor. I lost it. I called them and said I want them back. They didn't even deny it, just put the little bag they filled and said, "Sorry, I hurt my back". I said, "First if you did hurt yourself changing my sheets --I have a really hard time and they are using my car-- you could have at least asked". Then I looked around and realized they still had a lot more of my pills. So I said "The rest or my keys back". They gave me another handful, but I know they have more.
I'm sorry, but where do you get off, stealing someone's medication? I'm sooooo beyond pissed, but worse I'm hurt at this entitlement. I've done so much for them, to be treated like this.
What do I do now???
Edit: I think I fixed the formatting. Sorry about the mix-up.
[Relevant Comments]
CantBelieveThisIsTru:
Get your keys back, or better yet change the locks because pill thieves don’t stop….they just keep on. And I would get some type of cabinet that locks!
Did you ask them: “Why didn’t you go see your doctor and get your own pain meds?”
The answer is probably that they don’t really need them, but are taking them because they are pill heads. Some people will take anything, which is why there are people who OD after buying a pill off someone, and they don’t even know what’s really in it. They may also be selling your meds, and that could get you in trouble for not keeping them out of their ability to access them.
Also, you really need to file a police report, just in case someone gets sick taking your meds. They can just as easily say: “OP GAVE ME THESE MEDS! And since you never reported the theft, you could go to jail.
Charybdes:
I'm guessing they're all this person feels she has. If she is truly in the state she describes and has no one to help, she's kinda stuck...Getting old can be pretty scary.

OP: Thank you. Yes, I am stuck. I moved to take care of my Mother. Unfortunately, my health declined rapidly after she died. I now rent the basement of her old house from the new owner. By the time everything was settled from her estate, I was left here alone and the only person I have is my sick daughter 3 hours away.

OP:
Ok, well I know I got a lot of flack. Yes, I did report it to the Dr and the pharmacy, but without proof, I didn't want to involve the police. Plus I want my money back! If they're in jail, they can't work. I've already told them, that they start paying their 1/2 of cable or I'm cancelling it. They have access because this was a house, divided into 2 apartments. So if I want cable, they get it too. I'll have to figure something else out. Also, I have a door with a latch, but it's remained unlocked because I did say they were helping me. It's very hard and very expensive to get someone in to just change my sheets. I'm trapped because if I cut them off, I'm stuck.
No, I can't afford to move, even though I'd like to move closer to my daughter, who was just diagnosed with MDS which is a form of blood cancer and needs a transplant sometime later this year or early next year.
I have some hard decisions to make. It's just fueled my depression more.
I find I always attract these kinds of people. I'm too caring and too trusting.
Yes. I have hidden my meds a keep them with me when I go out.
Update:
***Update: Pill Poacher**\*
Well if you've been following the adventure, I had my confrontation a few minutes ago.
I'm a heartless old bitch for asking for my cable boxes back as well as my car keys.
Ok, so here's what happened: I got a phone call from my neighbour, stating they were at Subway and did I want a sub on them. At first, I said yes, but then what I wanted wasn't available, and between the call of: "Would you like a sub", and the second call: "They don't have that, do you want something else?"...it clicked, that they were driving my car, which they were only going to use to take their kid to school. I said, "No, nothing thanks". My daughter was on the other line and said, "Get your keys back now".
I waited until they got home and then I texted, "I assume you're in my car, I want my door latched and my keys back". Well the door wouldn't latch, but the landlord's coming tomorrow. I got my keys back. I had asked the husband to latch the door and he said "Oh, now you want help from me". I said "Yes, because I don't want you to be able to come down." Of course, it wouldn't latch, but the snarky comment pissed me off.
So this is where I got nasty and said "I want my cable boxes and wifi and phone back". I got, "But we were splitting it". I said, "Splitting it means both parties pay". Now I'm the monster that took wifi away from his kid.
Now the guilt trip..."All the things we've done for you for free". I said "Free??? With the $2700 I'm going to have to eat and everything you stole, plus what, car rental...how is this FREE???
Anyway, the landlord is coming tomorrow to sort things out and fix my door. And he's selling at the end of the month. He's recommending me to the new owners. Hopefully, I won't have to move, because I can't afford it.
Thank you everyone for all your comments and advice. I'm shaking right now and the future looks scary. I'm broke and was counting on him finally paying me back. With my daughter being so sick, it really sucks right now. I'd love to move back home to be there for her now. Does anybody know where to post a GoFundMe campaign for a cancer patient in need?
Stressed to the core now, been up since 3 am after a 2-hour sleep. I wish this would just go away.
Thanks and take care. Will update if necessary.
[Relevant Comments]
Murky_Tale_1603:
...Also, if your door isn't locking properly, it might be a good idea to block it with a chair, or something that you can move easily in case of emergency, but still maintain your safety until the landlord is able to fix.

OP: It opens into their apartment, so all they have to do is pull. I have my cane if needed. My landlord is a cop, so I'm going to let that play out.

REMINDER: I AM NOT THE ORIGINAL POSTER. DO NOT HARASS THE ORIGINAL POSTER OR COMMENT ON THE ORIGINAL POST.

I have 3 daughters, 15, 5 and 1.5.. the 5 and 1.5 year old are with my husband of 9 years. The 15 year old is from a previous, toxic and abusive relationship. We have had many issues with my ex and she lives with us and does not see her father. So my mother in law has never truly treated my 15 year old as a granddaughter, which was fine but when the other 2 were born it only got worse. My sister in law just had a daughter too. My mother in law had "grandma's garden" made with the 5 and 1.5 year old and my new nieces name on it and their birth flower.. my 15 year old was not on it. My mil was very excited to show me but obviously I noticed my oldest wasn't on it and since she watches the little one I didn't want to make a scene and left immediately. Fast forward to today, we were busy and did not see her for mothers day. I gave her some flowers and a card and she said she had something homemade for me. When I opened the bag, it was my 2 little ones names framed. Apparently the first copy of "grandma's garden" was bent and she got a 2nd copy for free and wanted to make me something so she cut out and frame 2 of my 3 kids names for me for mothers day. I said I had a meeting and left. Now my sister in law is getting married next month and my 5 year old is the flower girl. My mil wants to take the 5 year old to get her nails done but didn't ask if me or the 15 year old wanted to go.. obviously the nail thing is whatever. I'm just looking for different ways to approach my mil, while not starting shit since the wedding is so close and she watches my little one most of the week.. I'm thinking about asking her where she ordered the garden from so I can order one with my oldest daughters names.. if my oldest sees this garden in her house, it's going to make her upset and reenforce the fact she sees how my mil treats her vs the rest or the girls.

Sophia and abyss have been leading a blindfolded S somewhere, and they were finally there.
Sophia: Time for the bllindfol ta be off!
Sophia jumped up and took off s’s blindfold, which let S see where they were… It was a magical place that looked absolutely stunning, But that wasn’t all.
There was a tabel set up, With a cake and everything with words spelled out in frosting: “THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS BEING THERE FOR US” and a sloppy frosting drawn versions of abyss and sophia.
Sophia: We made you a cake, Detective Mum!
Abyss: Do You Like I-
S wrapped Her partner and daughter into a massive hug with the biggest smile either has ever seen on her face/
S: I Love it… Thank you. Both…
Abyss looked shocked at how happy her partner was, but gave a big smile. Her plan worked better than she thought it would. And Sophia? She was beaming at her detective mothers happiness, and was bouncing from joy.
Abyss: Your welcome, Love!
Sophia; Mooommm! DA PLAN WORKED!! Yippie!!
S and abyss both lightly chuckled….
This was going to be a great mother’s day!

Reddit Account: u/Valyrianwyrm
Discord Tag: vasilissabella
Name and House: Rhaenyra Syriaxes
Age: 21
Cultural Group: Essoi Valyrian
Appearance: A beautifully etheral pale woman with angular features, with a prominent cupid's bow. She has long silver-gold hair that falls in waves, deep purple eyes bordering on black that rarely display emotion, short stature and a lithe elegant build.
Trait: Agile
Skill(s): Avaricious(e), Bows, Ranger, Ravenmaster
Talent(s): Music, Singing, mathemathics, Caligraphy,
Negative Trait(s): N/A
Starting Title(s): Paymistress of The Lost Legion
Starting Location: With the Lost Legion
Alternate Characters: N/A
Rhaenyra Syraxes was born on 4AC during a serene night inside Achissa´s walls to Rhaegar and Laena Syraxes, both descendants from the original officers that guided the legion through the chaos in the aftermath of the Doom. Her family were no dragonlords but Valyrian blood still ran through their veins, and an unbreakable pride came as a result of their blood of shepherds.
Her father was one of the numerous burocrats keeping the city and it´s Legion functioning and so he had managed to amass a substantial fortune, nothing compared to what the whoremongers and dye dinasts from neighboring cities but substantial enough to provide young Rhaenyra the best education available, no expense was spared! By her third name day the young heiress had starting learning language and the most basic of numbers, Rhaegar himself would take his child to watch him work and be familiar with the delicate machine that was Achissa.
Her mother´s approach to education was different to Rhaegar´s, Laena was a force of personality and did not let her status as a lady of class detear her from learning whatever valuable skills she desired, this was the philosophy s she would take regarding Rhaenyra. By Nyra´s fifth name day she would start archery lessons with her mother and at the same age she would also begin a peculiar way of fighting that would be suited for her lithe frame.
For a while life was good for both the Syraxes and Achissa as a whole, despite the meddling of Sunset barbarians and apostate dragonlords the Legion had made a good on it´s promise of taking back even a small part of the Freehold´s essence... Unfortunately the gods had other plans and suffering would be visite upon Achissa.
In 23AC the Legion was almost anhilated, Achissa had to be evacuated and in the chaos Rhaenyra´s parents died leaving her alone in a cruel world. During the hazardous ordeal of getting to safety the now orphan girl would meet and befriend Daemon Tarreos both of them bonding over the pain, it would be through him that Rhaenyra got started in the legion.
Because of the scarce manpower pool the Legion now passed they started allowing women on certain roles be it combat or burocratic ones, Rhaenyra took part in both types fighting alongside archers and other skirmishers while quickly rising too becoming Paymistress; normally this would not be allowed but in desperate times she had risen high. Furthermore she creates a small unit of 'broken things' fellow exiles that shared her fervent desire for revenge.
Now The Paymistress find herself in a land full or barbarians and surrounded by potential enemies, her mind focused only one thing that being revenge for what was lost. Rhaenyra did not care about anything else besides letting her hatred be fulfilled and she swore on her family´s blood that everyone involved would pay for what was done.

Timeline:

4AC - Rhaenyra Syraxes is born
7AC - Rhaenyra starts her education under Rhaegar and various tutors on burocratic skills
9AC - Laena starts teaching her daughter in skills she deems necessary.
23AC - Destruction and evacuation of Achissa, death of Rhaegar and Laena
24AC - Due to lack of skilled administrators and manpower Rhaenyra rises to Paymistress of the Legion

Family Tree:

Rhaegar Syriaxes - Father
Laena Syriaxes - Mother

Archetypes:

Lysandra - Warrior (Bows)
Larra - Warrior (Bows)
Mysaria - (Bows)
Silvario - General
Lotho - Warrior (polearms)
Lysaro - Warrior (One handed swords)
Aelyx - Warrior (Polearms)

"Good evening, tributes, and welcome back to the stories of Panem. Before we begin, I would like to thank Christian Blanco, the original writer of "Tales of the Hunger Games," and Lauren from "Panem Reborn." Now, since I don't have too much else to say, let's go!
Game 114 (150):
District 1: Jacqueline and Facet
District 2: Malona and Crane
District 3: Darlene and Colt
District 4: Brook and Harbor
District 5: Unknown girl and Darian
District 6: Fifi and Atlas
District 7: Bloom and Amarylio
District 8: Scarlet and Carter
District 9: Zest and Mazin
District 10: Zulu and Mateo
District 11: Unknown girl and Lee
District 12: Dorothy and Hargree
District 14: Both unknown
A plethora of excitement crossed the capital over the past year, especially their beloved commentator Camilia Ravenstil's pregnancy, which resulted in her giving birth to twins named Amelia and Cyrus, to honor the past two Game Makers. Even Winnow's victory was still in high popularity.
As the reapings rolled around on July 4th, many of the capital citizens flew to their TVs and viewing parties. Winnow made her journey from district to district with her mother and entourage from the capital. When she landed in District 4 on the late morning of the third day of the reapings, she was greeted by Mayor Chigwell. After a rather long tour of the district's harbors and jewelry stores, they stopped at a nearby seaside diner for a brief lunch. Viewers in Snow Square laughed at Winnow's face of pure boredom as Mayor Chigwell ranted about the latest trends in the district's fashion. Winnow's face soon turned to relief as the mayor brought her back to the district's reaping square.
After a little bit of time, the light blue-catered youths were walked into the square by rather impatient Peacekeepers. Mayor Chigwell finished up his speech before welcoming Winnow to the stage. She gave out a rather tired smile at the district's population before talking about the joys of being a victor. She then asked if any of the girls wanted to volunteer. After hearing no response, she then took out the name of 17-year-old Brook Branachok.
Brook was found in the back of the 17-year-old section. Her platinum blonde hair made her quite noticeable to viewers in Snow Square. She sighed dramatically before flipping her blonde hair back in a dramatic manner as her piercing blue eyes even made some of her nearby peers shudder in fear as Brook arrived at the stage and shook Winnow's hand. "She was later described as a 'rich high school bully' by commentators. The girls in a mood," Winnow laughed before shaking Brook’s hand before walking to the male reaping bowl. After a brief silence, she thrusted her hand elbow-deep before taking out the name of 17-year-old Harbor Zanders. A brief pause soon followed by a discussion as a boy with dark brown curly hair with a smattering of light brown freckles on his face gave a guilt-ridden smile before walking up to the stage. However, as a group of teens his age giggled, Harbor turned back and glared at the giggling boys as they suddenly grew quiet. Harbor soon took out a flask of wine. Capital citizens laughed as Harbor found one of his friends and tossed it to him before walking back up to the stage. Back in the capital, both Camilia and Silca and even most of the audience had been surprised at the pair's striking attitudes.
Harbor then shook Brook and Winnow’s hand before they were announced as this year's tributes for District 4 before moderate applause followed. Winnow soon brought the two tributes to the drawing room before she made her journey to District 3 with her entourage.
Brook was visited by her mother, father, and four younger sisters clinging dearly onto their sister. After successfully removing her sobbing siblings, Brook’s mother calmed her daughter down as her father, Coral, gave the best advice he could offer. Peacekeepers soon came in to bring Brook to the waiting dock. She waved and said she’d "At least try to win."
As for Harbor, he was visited by his mother, father, and his younger and older brothers. As his siblings were saddened as well as his parents, Harbor embraced them all in a tight hug. Before he was needed at the dock, his girlfriend Melanie even joined in this hug causing Harbor to show some emotion.
After a few more minutes, peacekeepers soon brought Harbor out of the room to join Brook at the dock as the pair boarded the jet boat to the capital.
"Man, you've been through the ringer, haven't you?"
"Same goes to you, girl. Haven't seen you in a year."
The pair soon chatted with each other about their experiences at the academy and gossiping about old friends. Brook, in particular, laughed hysterically when Harbor mentioned how his ex-girlfriend got karma returned to her when she crashed a birthday party at Harbor’s dad's bar, resulting in the peacekeepers putting her in the district's jail for a month.
However, as the pair tried to dine upon the food provided, the boat hit a bump resulting in Brook, Harbor, four avoxes, the dining table, and nine peacekeepers to go flying up into the sky. Thankfully, no harm came between the fifteen as the peacekeepers then helped the two back up as a new lunch buffet was arrived. And so did their mentor, Sienna Shoreville, victor of the 105th Hunger Games, arrived in.
"I don't want you two to ally with the 2s, maybe the 1s, depends on how they are."
Brook looked curiously at Sienna before saying, "Didn't Anamaria get her neck snapped by the girl a year prior?"
Sienna groaned in annoyance at remembering this cringeworthy death before walking to the bar carriage before inviting the two to join. As Sienna asked the pair about their lives, she laughed while listening to Harbor telling some stories of working at his dad's bar and the customers who would frequent the place. However, when Sienna asked Brook about her life and possible skills, Brook sighed before saying, "I guess looking pretty’s a skill."
Sienna laughed before replying, "For getting sponsors, yes, but not when you're in a fight to the death."
As this reality check wiped the smile from Brook’s face, she and Harbor finished up their meals before listening more to Sienna’s lecture about the games. And as an act to see if her tributes were actually paying attention, she quizzed them on the dos and don'ts in the capital. As Harbor passed this quiz, Sienna laughed before allowing him some "Capital Goodies." However, as Brook blatantly failed the quiz, she laughed and called Harbor a "suck-up" before walking to her room.
Sienna looked at Harbor for a second before saying, "I guess she’s either related to the mayor or is a spoiled rotten brat."
"She usually brags about her rich family members, always thinks she's better than everyone."
"And trust me, the girl ain't pretty."
Sienna and Snow Square laughed as she then patted him on the back before""telling him to get a 'nap' in before they were to arrive in the capital."
He nodded before Brook returned. It is unknown what the two girls talked about for the remainder of the trip, but our historians have noted that Brook’s scowl from before had dissolved for the time being. As evening rolled around, the pair from District 4's boat landed at Mcaine dock as an excited crowd of capital citizens swarmed the pair from 4 and their very popular mentor, who had been giving out her new jewelry to some of her lucky fans.
Brook and Harbor performed rather well, with the capital citizens enjoying their "feisty sailor attitudes." Even some reporters from Golden 24 put up a most popular tribute poll with Harbor and Brook being in the top 3, narrowly beating Fifi from District 6.
Sienna then thanked the capital for their time before taking her tributes to the limousine. Once it arrived at the accommodation tower, they arrived at the 4th floor. After arriving, Sienna called their stylist, Orivile Cartwright.
Orivile embraced Sienna before showing his tributes his pre-made outfits, which were Sailor themed, which made Brook and Harbor smile. Due to them having a fair amount of time left, Sienna displayed the post-reaping commentaries before turning on the commentary for District 1 as Orivile worked away at the pairs' outfits.
Mayor Cassino greeted a very exhausted Winnow Fraiser. Also accompanying the mayor was Realm Jones, victor of the 101st Hunger Games, and Quintin Mahoney, victor of the 108th Hunger Games, joined Winnow on the initial tour. Winnow appeared to be star-struck sitting between both iconic victors. She even turned around to Quintin saying, "I can't believe I get to meet a legend like you."
Quintin laughed before giving Winnow some comic relief during the tour, telling her about his games and even asking a few questions about her own games. At the conclusion of the tour, Realm's eyes lit up in delight as he saw his own capital mentor, Narcissa Valentions, warmly embracing her mentee.
"So what're you doing here?"
"I had some time off. I figured I'd come by and see how you've been doing. Business at my shop has been bustling as ever, so I figured I’d take a break to see my first victor."
As Realm and Narcissa soon walked over to the talent demonstrations together, Quintin laughed as Mayor Cassino welcomed the scarlet youths. Winnow was then brought up to the stage. She asked if any of the youths wanted to volunteer, becoming surprised when 10 ladies and 8 gentlemen volunteered for the role of tribute for District 1. Silca joked with Camilia, saying, "It's normal for them, isn't it?"
With the ladies' many remarkable weapon displays and archery displays, 18-year-old Jacqueline Faywether had been announced as the final volunteer to try her luck. She smiled at many nearby cameras as even one enthralled boy in the audience fainted seeing the rather extractive career girl.
She shot 10 arrows blindfolded and threw 8 knives in the letter J form, causing even more ripples of laughter sounded in the square. The mayor announced the two passing tributes. As for the two tributes, Jacqueline’s only remaining opponent, Jewel, had almost won the title of female tribute but had a stroke leading to Jacqueline to win the title of female tributes.
As for the guys, 18-year-old Facet Elixithorn had made himself a crowd and capital favorite by his spear-throwing display and to ending in a handstand with wild applause following. Three guys made it to the debate round with Realm this time asking the questions. With poise and dignity, Lance’s strong mind and less nerves had won him the title of male tribute for District 1.
After the pair were bathed and stylized, they were then brought out to the square as they then shook Winnow’s hand before she announced Jacqueline and Facet were announced as the tributes for District 1.
And after a brief meeting with their families and friends with not too much emotion, Jacqueline and Facet were then brought to the train as the train began their journey to the capital.
Narcissa, Realm, and Quintin then greeted their tributes with Jacqueline and Facet being surprised seeing their district's first victor’s mentor. Quintin soon brought the four to the table having a brief dinner with Narcissa asking the two if they had any skills besides their ‘weapons of choice.’ Quintin was pleased to hear of Jacqueline's diverse skills of weaponry before bragging to her district partner about her achievements at the Kobayashi self-defense center. However, instead of being jealous, Facet asked his district partner about her accomplishments.
Realm and Quintin were pleased with their tributes getting along with each other before showing the past reapings in the districts. Facet and Jacqueline laughed hysterically at the District 2 reaping games even Narcissa let out a smile. Quintin then asked the pair if there had been “Other commendable allies besides the non-dazzling loonies from 2 besides Jade and Hermina, they are dazzling.” Realm also chimed in adding that they should “Look for others.”
However, as Jacqueline was going to ask why Realm shushed her and said, “The career pack has their on and off years.” Jacqueline nodded before Quintin continued talking to the pair about the past reapings. Facet and Jacqueline even suggested the girl from 3 and the pair from 4 as potential allies. Realm appeared to consider this before Quintin added in that “He would see what he could do.”
As the pair nodded, the pair from 1’s train arrived in the outskirts of the capital. Narcissa soon styled the pair up, quietly complaining to Realm of how Jacqueline's red hair and Facet's long blonde curls were impossible to tame. The train then arrived in the capital with the usual excited capital crowd marveling scarlet couture. Jacqueline and Facet were both outstanding hits with the capital citizens maintaining proper etiquette. However, two capital lights had to be removed from the audience after heckling Facet about his district partner. Narcissa then wished Jacqueline and Facet luck before kissing Realm and Quintin on the cheek. Realm and Quintin then thanked the capital citizens for their time before bringing the pair from 1 to the limousine as it brought them to their accommodation tower.
Once they arrived at their accommodation tower apartment, they were greeted by their stylist, Aurelia Heavensbee. She smiled at the four of them before whisking them to the dining table showing them her designs for the parade. Jacqueline in particular was marveling at her long ruby dress as Facet jokingly told Jacqueline that they looked like a “walking jewel.” However, Aurelia frowned as Realm glared at Facet as the smile was wiped from his face. The pair then groaned in annoyance at their stylist's bland outfits.
Before the pair were then brought to the parade moments later, Facet and Jacqueline were immediately approached by Malona and Crane, both from 2 introducing themselves. However, Facet cut the pair off from further words, saying, “the career pack is gonna be different this year.” As Malona protested, Jacqueline said, ‘thanks but no thanks.” Both Jade Heath and Herminia Gold looked at the District 1 mentors in bewilderment as they also reciprocated. However, the pair from 1 then came over to the pair from 4 chatting with their mentor.
“Darling, you look stunning.”
“Oh, thank you, you dazzling ruby.”
Brook and Jacqueline seemed to obtain an instant connection. As Facet complemented Harbor’s outfit. Harbor smiled good-naturedly back before chatting away with him about lives in their districts. Facet soon asked the pair if they would be interested in an alliance in the arena; however, Sienna leaned in this conversation asking “Where are the 2s?”
Jacqueline then replied that they were “trying something new this year” before pointing at the pair making fun of Mateo from 10’s cow-themed parade outfit. Sienna shrugged as Brook and Harbor warmly accepted the offer as Facet and Jacqueline smiled saying “splendid see you soon.” When the pair from 1 got back, Realm popped up asking “You with the 4s this year.” As the pair nodded, Realm smiled and nodded with Quintin and Aurelia doing their touch-ups to their tributes' outfits. Sienna commended the pair for “making friends already,” she still urged caution before re-adding in “The 2 mentors there are my ride or dies but still keep your eyes on them if needed.”
The pair then nodded as the parade then began. Regal applause and cheers sounded for the pair from 1, but Nico Anderson lead editor of Anderson Fashion applauded for their strong impression but said the dress was “So Basic.” The pair from 4 were given a large amount of applause as Harbor and Brook waved at the audience even performing an old dance known as a “Jig”. The pair were also given a boatload of flowers and chocolate resulting in both Brook and Harbor sneezing uncontrollably at the end of the parade during President Mcaine's speech. Best dressed was ultimately awarded to the pair from 4 with their sailor-themed couture.
When the pair from 1 arrived back in their district apartment, they were glaring daggers from afar at Aurelia,
“How did it go.”
“How did it feel getting harshly criticized on live TV.”
Quintin shot Jacqueline a disapproving look as Realm asked if there other worthy allies. Both mentors were pleased hearing their success with the pair from 4 before Realm reassured them that they still looked “dazzling” before sending his tributes to bed. However, with the pair from 4, Sienna warmly embraced the two of her tributes on a best-dressed win. As Orville also joined in the group hug has the 4 of them partied till around 11:30 pm until Sienna sent her tributes to bed as she and Orville stayed up a while longer.
Bright and early the following morning, the mentors ushered their tributes to the training center with a very frustrated Apollo Price. Unfortunately, during his speech about the rules of the training center, he tasered Mateo from 10 after he tried to make a break for the door after Price’s speech concluded. Mateo’s mentor Bianca Jr Ramon rolled her eyes before dropping her mentee at the knife station.
The newly made career alliance between the District 1 and 4 tributes conquered most of the training stations with Facet and Harbor bonding over dropping and throwing large weights causing Fifi from 6 to wet herself earning a smirk from the boys. When Mateo awoke from his unconscious slumber, he immediately ran to Mateo asking him to spare. Since Mateo was no older than 14 and he was the youngest tribute the careers laughed before Facet told him to “Buzz off”. However, as Mateo continued to pester the career boys, Harbor gave Facet a knowing look before accepting Mateo’s sparing request.
A short crowd of tributes went to the jousting stations as Mateo and Harbor were briefed on the rules before being allowed to go at it. It was no surprise that Harbor won all 4 rounds.
“Easy”.
Harbor smiled warmly before being tackled to the ground by the 14-year-old boy from 10.
“You think you're better than me HA you rotten career boy.”
As Price Facet Brook and even Sienna tried to step in Harbor held his hand up to stay back. Harbor then threw the boy off him before pinching the nerve on Mateo’s neck knocking him clean out. As training master Price and Sienna looked at him in bewilderment before Price smiled saying
“Good job kid”.
Harbor smiled before Facet and he returned to the weight station and survival, knife and axe stations even giving advice to Amarylio from 7 with starting fires.
As for the girls they mainly gossiped to themselves and having “Girl talk” at the aquatic station sword station and archery stations. When any tribute tried to use the archery station both Jacqueline and Brook would melodicaly but fiercely slam there weapons into the targtes.
At the end of the traing head master price brought the tributes to the asscors room. Due to the request of the new head game maker the tributes assesment scores were kept strictly confidential. However tabloid reporters manage to scoop out that Jacqueline Facet Harbor and Malona from to managed to score at the top of the pack with a 11. Brook and Amarylio scored a 9 and at the bottom of the pack was Mateo and Hargree from 12 scoring a 3 each.
Both Sienna Quintin and Realm were beyond impressed with there tributes scores before they’re stylist sketched up potential outfits with there mentors soon quizing the pairs on interview educate.
Camilia Ravenstil welcomed the excited capital audience modeling a rather gothic dress that made her look like a ghost tree by the audience. The audience even laughed good naturedly as Camilia shook for a second as leaves fell of her costume as if wind had hit her. She then exictedly welcomed Jacqueline from 1. She was adorned in a stunning pink and red dress with her hair put up in braids. The two had some gossip before reavling to the audience that she was a decdent of Emarld Rivelta victor of the 34th hunher games. Camilia slapped her knee and laughed saying “Thats who you resmbl I guessed right I knew it!”
As the girls chatted the audience loved her regal responses to Camilas questions as even mentoning the carrer alliance brought the crowd into rapsous cheers,even when she talked about her allies from 4 openly. She then kissed Camilia on the hand before bowing which caused even more cheers before she was dismissed back stage. Facet was welcomed in next marveling a sleeveless pink suit with ruby jeans making many of the capital audience to swoon over his physeigue. Even Camilia was taken aback by his charm and confidence as he spoke about his training experience and the strength of his alliance with Jacqueline. His witty remarks and easygoing demeanor captivated the audience, earning him loud applause and admiration.
Later on into the night brook was welcomed in next with wild cheers and wolf whistles sounding. With her hair being dyed a pure yellow with a light brown dress resembling sand following her. She proceeded to have the same amount of banter with Camilia as Jacqueline did however Camilia cut her off as she was finshing up talking about her dads money saying “Honey this is the hunger games.”
“Yeah and Ill live how I like before the games.”
As a few jeers sounded the rest of her interview was rather dull the only light being Camilia shooing the “Regina George” of the stage. As Camila then called Harbor loud cheers sounded again as Harbor walked on to the stage with his curly black hair and brown eyes making him quite attrauctive to many even his pirate themed coustume became an over night sensation with many fashion designers stating that they wanted this fashionable suit.
As Camilia asked Harbor about the games becoming pleased with his short but sweet responses. Even cracking some good jokes about the other competitors mainly about Bloom from 7 and Mateo from 10 . To conclude Harbor’s inteviwed he tossed his waist coat to teh crowd as an excited gagle of captial ladies clammered for this waist coat. As his interview ended on a high. Finaly after the interview of the boy from 14 the new head game maker Natellia Swan was welcomed to the stage. Head game maker swan was adorned in a regal black gown also sporting garish make up making her resmble more of ghost then human. After introducing herself to the excited capital audience Camila smiled before shaking her hand saying that “Game maker swan has alot to accept from.” She laughed before giving hint out to teh audience by pointing to both of the laides dresses. Curious osund sof inteirgue soon followed as game maker swan smiled and bowed as she then left the stage as Camilia then ended the interviews there. The next morning tributes were given a breif breakefst before being brought to the arena’s holding room.
This years outfits consisted of black coats with black jeans and snakers with there distristicts nymbers stickered on the back of there coats. Realm visited Facet before reminding him to stick with Jacqueline and Harbor and Brook. However before Realm finished Facet replied “That girl Brook might be problem.” Realm nodded and agreed before reminding him to keep an eye on her before shaking his hand as he went into his tube. Jacqueline was visited by Quintin the pair had a similar conversation as Realm did with Facet before Jacqueline embraced Quintin and thanked him joking “District 1 needs more ladys.” Quintin laughed before hugging her back before walking Jacqueline to her tube. As for Brook she was not visited by Sienna nor Orvilve a fact that suprised her the most but shrugged before patiently puting her hair up in a bun and waiting for the tribute call to sound. As for Harbor Sienna visted him. She embacred Harbor before reminding him to “ Keep an eye on all of them.”
Harbor smiled before thanking Sienna for her mentor ship before Sienna walked Harbor to his tube his tube and at mid day the podiums then arose into the arena.
Arena Ghosty lake Game 114

Maybe this is normal or maybe it’s normal to an extent? I (23f) am deathly afraid of giving birth. I’m not pregnant but the thought of giving birth absolutely terrifies me, I once had a panic attack over it. I’m not scared to become a mother, I love children and want one. This is the problem, I would like my own child but I cannot wrap my head around giving birth. I read up on so many things that have happened to women, even heard stories from women I know about their birthing experiences and it’s terrifying. My mom lost so much blood the doctors were surprised she survived. My best friends mother got that numbing stuff (sorry forgot the name as I’m writing this out) and it only worked for one side of her body, her friend became paralyzed from it. My other friend’s family member died from a blood clot right after giving birth. I saw that girl on TikTok with a LIST of reasons to not get pregnant and I was flabbergasted reading it. My step mom said when she gave birth to her first in born she ripped down to her butthole, WHO WANTS THAT? Then she can only have C sections after that birth, and her sister said how she watched her organs be taken out during the process. LIKE WHAT?? My mom broke out into hives and lost her hair just being pregnant. All of that terrifies me. Then reports about women having really bad postpartum depression and some having really bad psychosis breaks and doing really bad things cause if it. What if that happens to me? Ontop of that, I’m really emotional what if I lose that baby? I had a dream where I had a daughter and when I woke up I felt empty and broken without her even though she never actually existed. I can’t handle that loss. I watched my best friend give birth, watching her body in the process terrified me but I didn’t say anything cause I didn’t want to make her feel someway about my feelings that weren’t personal towards her. To the women who have given birth, I applaud your strength and courage cause how???

This needs a little back story first. And this one is a bit long, sorry. My mil and I never really got along. She was an overbearing, passive aggressive Karen. That thought I wasn't good enough for her son. He was a bit older than me (13 yrs) and came from a better background. My family grew up rather on the poor side and his was solid upper middle class. My father-in-law was rather indifferent about most things and she wore the pants in the family, what she said goes, always.
That said here we go. Her and my father-in-law would go to Krispy Kreme at night to get a cup of coffee after supper. When my daughter was born, a few months after her birth they started taking her to Krispy Kreme with them to give me and my husband "a little time without the baby" her words, which was appreciated but we never asked them to do it. They're reasoning was they wanted to show off the baby, their first and only granddaughter.
I guess after having three grandsons from her daughter, it was a joy to have a female child in the family again and she wanted to show her off at every occasion she could think of. My husband and I never really minded I thought it was wonderful. I thought she was wonderful, she was going to be the perfect grandmother. She loved having her granddaughter around. She loved showing her granddaughter off even though she and I didn't get along she loved her granddaughter.
The problems started, after my only son was born. Now I know she had three other grandsons and I figured she'd treat them all the same. Boy was I wrong. Her daughter's Sons were treated like normal grandchildren wonderful presents at Christmas and birthdays she spent time with them she babysat them she was the same way with my daughter if not more so. But when it came to my son that was a completely different matter. She didn't want to hold, him she didn't want to feed him like she had my daughter. She didn't want to take him anywhere either. Remember she had been taking my daughter with her to Krispy Kreme every evening for 2 and 1/2 years before my son was born. But she didn't want to take my son anywhere, ever. I overlooked it at first. My son was still a baby my daughter a toddler handling both of them would have been a bit too much. So I figured when my son got older she would want to take him as well. She never did
When my son got old enough to ask, why granny didn't take him to Krispy Kreme in the evenings ever, I figured then we'd have a conversation. Well that day arrived and he asked the question that I knew he would and the only thing that I could tell the poor little guy was let me talk to Granny about it. So I talked to my mother-in-law about it and asked her why she never took my son to Krispy Kreme. And she explained that he was too much to handle. I asked her what she meant by that. She said I can't handle both of them. I told her that you don't have to handle both of them take my daughter one night and my son the next that way you won't be overwhelmed. She agreed to do this. My son was overjoyed he thought he was going to get to go to Krispy Kreme with Granny! So that night she took my daughter and I told her before they left that tomorrow night was my son's turn to get to go. She said "yeah yeah I know". So the next day after dinner she tells my daughter come on honey let's go to Krispy Kreme and I tell her wait just a moment you said you would take my son today. This is when she tells me again I can't handle him. And I again ask what do you mean by that. She says he's too rambunctious that she can't make him behave that my daughter is easier to handle.
Granted little boys can be a little harder to handle but he was no harder than his sister. This answer aggravated me to the point where I told her "you said that you would take him tonight, you promised him". And she again tells me "I can't handle him". So I tell her "if you can't take him tonight like you promised him, you can't take her anymore either. So instead of agreeing to take her grandson to Krispy Kreme she simply stops taking her granddaughter to spite me, or her grandson, I'm not sure which. She always treated my daughter much better than my son and this was just one example of the petty, small-minded, ignorant behavior she heaped on that child's head. My son was never cruel, loud,or entitled he never broke anything that belonged to someone else, he never had tantrums like most small children do, he was a well-behaved little boy and she already had three other grandsons and didn't need another one or that's the way I felt anyway, especially after all the other incidents but this one sticks in my head for the blatant disregard for either of her grandchildren. So I told her she was a horrible grandmother to my son . I never fought in front of the children with her. I never talked about her badly to them either. So am I the a******?
If you want to know more of what she did let me know.

Background: Me (26F) and my husband (26M) are having a bit of a dispute and I want some advice. My father in law (fil) and his wife is going on holiday to Portugal to visit my husbands grandma, see his farm etc very soon. He’s been desperate to take our 4 year old daughter to show her Portugal as she’s never been. I’ve already said no for over a year because I don’t want to be away from her for that distance for me it’s just too far away, especially as we don’t drive and don’t have a lot of money to get there ourselves if anything happened. Well fil has finally annoyed my husband enough who had also been saying no til now and he’s caving going okay fine I had fun as a child on holiday with his dad so we should let our daughter go to have that fun.
The issue: For me I already feel uncomfortable with the idea of her going abroad without me or my husband. Neither of us have annual leave to be able to go with her and we won’t get new annual leave til January 2025. So we can’t go, I feel nervous her being so far away. She stays with fil and his wife loads but they’re only 40 minutes down the road although we only recently moved, before that we were practically neighbours, her school was quite literally the building next to our apartment so she’s always been close and again she’s 4 years old. In total between where we are and travel time to where they’ll be excluding any delays and the waiting times so literally just travel time is 5 hours so like closer to a good 7 hours plus it being abroad between us and her and a lot of money it won’t be easy nor fast for us to get over there.
My fil wants to take her for 3 weeks. Well he started with 1 week, now wants 3 weeks, then let it slip he wanted 2 months. I have firmly put my foot down and said absolutely not 7 days including flying days are what I will allow. I’d rather not allow it at all but my husbands on his side saying I’m being selfish that I’m taking away fun for her etc that he was okay as a child (but he was around 7/8 years old btw when he first went on these extended holidays, also he has a terrible relationship with his mother as no contact so for her she really didn’t care all that much) and that basically I’m being pointlessly difficult and will make problems for him (as he has to stay at his dads house a few nights a week because of his job being in our old town only offering hybrid and his dad is unbelievably annoying and stubborn and will just moan about it constantly basically) by me saying 7 days. I’ve said I’m happy to tell him myself and take full responsibility for the 7 days timeframe.
But my husband is pissed that I won’t budge on the 7 days, saying that fil will never accept that, to be able to do the things he wants to do he can’t do it all in a week. He thinks I’m just being an ass for just the sake of being an ass basically and that I’m unjustifiably against 3 weeks which husband has decided is okay out of nowhere. Fil is a safe person I trust him but she’s going to a country she doesn’t know the language to and again way too far away for my comfort. I wouldn’t agree to my own dad taking my daughters abroad so it doesn’t matter who is asking for me it feels unnatural for her to be so far away. Also if we could drive and had more money I’d feel better so that if something happened we could make a quick exit and get to her asap, I’d also feel better if this has happened lots more often but this is her first ever holiday and first time flying so I’m nervous about how she will cope as she is a very anxious child and has delays in learning, communicating and speech already and that’s in her first language. It was only a couple months ago a dr said they feel she may have asd because of said delays but needs to do more investigative work first.
So her age, her current speech in her native language let alone if she got lost or in trouble abroad, her delays, she’s just recovering from a gut infection, her being her first holiday and first flight I just really worry her going at all that’s why I offered 7 days including flying day as a compromise to please husband and fil.
I’ve said if he gets early morning flights like 6am land around 8/9ish they have a whole day in Porto to do things, his grandma (where they’d stay) is a couple hours away everything from his grandma is around 30 minute drive. They want to take her to their farm and to three towns. For me 7 days is plenty of time especially if they get a late afternoon or evening flight home on the 7th day.
I have said as she gets older and I feel more confident about it as does she then she can go for longer but this is first time and I don’t want her going at all so I’m trying to compromise on 7 days including flying days.
Idk I can’t seem to shake this
AITAH and being unreasonable by saying 7 days no more?

My daughter (Lilly 6yo) and my friends daughter (Delaney 6yo) have been playing together more recently. Delaney is very argumentative with her mother, and also with me. This has never affected my daughter. But the past 2 days that Delaney came over to play, I noticed my daughter started getting very sassy with me and arguing with me when I told her no. This was a shock because my daughter has never argued with me or been sassy. I told my daughter that I think we need a break from Delaney because Delaney argues with adults and now Lilly is, and Lilly said that's fine because "Delaney is really bossy anyway". So my daughter isn't upset Delaney can't be over so much anymore, but I don't know if I should say something to her mom? Friend is aware her daughter is sassy, but I don't want to just make up excuses every time Delaney wants to play because I feel like she'll know something is up, but also don't want to be rude. Has anyone had something like this happen? Did you tell the parent? Stop contact between the kids or just limit it? I have never had an issue like this before.

Wanna to spill some tea and figured other parents would be the best people to share it with. It also gives some context to the issues I post here A LOT so buckle up.
I only have one brother. He is younger by 2 years and married with one son and twins due this fall. I love my brother very much. He married into a very big and close family. His wife is one of 4 sisters with parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and distant relatives galore all nearby and ready to help. It's great and I'm happy for them.
My parents live 5 minutes from them and ALSO want to help and see the kids and visit but with her big family and my brother doing EMT classes after his full time job my family gets kinda pushed off.
Now I live an hour away and understand that he is busy and can't visit me. I also have a baby with another on the way but my husband's family is broken and small and my family is just my mom dad and brother. So I don't have a busy schedule. We spend weekends at home doing projects on our house or cleaning ECT.
My parents feel very hurt by the fact my brother doesn't make time for them. I actually invited my mother over for a weekend to watch my baby so I could clean. I got her coffee out and we ate at a restaurant she hadn't tried and she tried sushi for the first time. We made chocolate candy and I even helped her with some self care she couldn't do herself!
After this my mom was talking to my dad more and more about moving to our town because I needed the help and appreciated it. My parents haven't always been the best but recently they have gotten better and I've been showing how much I appreciate them. My brother didn't even CALL my mom on mother's day. My mom worked that day so I texted her at work saying how I couldn't do much today but hoped that the last weekend she was over showed her how much I loved and appreciated her as a mom. I then asked what time she was off so I could face talk her with my daughter and I did that.
Anyway, I love my brother but I feel he is being unfair to my parents and I definitely think if they move down here my brother is going to be offended as if they don't want them but, well it really seems like my brother is the one pushing them away. I definitely want and need the help and my parents have stepped up for us a lot.
In the past I've been disappointed by my parents lack of effort but after some deep talks I realized they just didn't know how to help or they felt like no one wanted their help.
Anyway there's my family drama. I'm definitely glad I have family but I really wish that everybody could stop being petty and just offer the help and support that we all need. I'm really hoping they all learn to communicate with each other so we can stop the pettiness and not risk breaking up our small family.

I’ll start this off where it’s relevant. Me and my partner were looking to buy a house and when we found the one we wanted of course my mom wanted to do a walk through with us. So we did the walk through and she thought it was nice and even joked about the basement being all set up for a mother in-law suite. To which my husband replied we don’t have any intention of renting it out and we don’t know if we will need that space yet.
Later I was at her house visiting getting some help doing out taxes and she was on the phone then asked my about giving her landlord notice. I was busy I didn’t really hear her or know what she was asking and just said “ya ya, give me a minute.” And she walked away and I figured she’d ask me again after think it was about lunch or something. She never brought it up again but we had talked about it in the past and I always told her the same thing my husband had. We don’t plan on rent out the basement and we will probably need the space.
Fast-ward we just finish moving our stuff not even unpacked yet and she needs to move out cus she’s given her notice and of course I felt terrible saying “ya ya” not know what I was saying yes to. I convinced my husband to let her move in and his wasn’t happy but we moved her into the basement. We did say a few rules not smoking in the house there is a detached heated garage for that. The upstairs was supposed to be our space. And don’t overstep boundaries or our parenting.
That’s when all the issues started. My mom would make plans for me with little notice and monopolies my and my kids time. At first it was fine to get to spend time out with her and the kids but it became an issues when she wouldn’t respect my boundaries. Like I need more notice cus I do make plans with my husband to do family stuff or friends. Or I don’t want certain people around my kids and she would bring us there or invite them over. If I invited friends over she’d come upstairs and take over the conversation and not let me talk and try to bring them downstairs to sell them stuff she’s made. She never respected the upstairs was our space rule.
She would talk down to me in front of my kids why isn’t the house spotless. Why are there dishes in the sink etc.. she would complain about everything but never help. She would not listen if I told hethe kids no to something ex. Candy before dinner. Me: No you can’t have candy before dinner, maybe after. Her: They are only kids once let them have it. And would give it to them. They need to eat lunch but “oh she was on a diet.” And so on
It got to the point where she would tell me she doesn’t have to listen to me cus she’s my mother. My kids started to throw fits and say I was mean and “they wanted nana cus she gave them anything they wanted.” Or “why do I have to listen to you when nana doesn’t have too?”
One Christmas I was working to afford a better Christmas and help pay off the line of credit we needed for the house. We hosted the Christmas dinner and had family and friends and everyone helped out. I cooked all day and then took a nap while everyone else was enjoying dinner as I had to work the night and was already going to be running on fumes. When I got up to my surprise everyone was still there. They were helping put the food away and had made me a plate for work. When I got home the house was clean and I was relieved as I was exhausted and just wanted to get some sleep. My mom told me she did all the dishes for me and cleaned to kitchen.
I worked for a few months before and after Christmas and during this time my mom was chain smoking in the basement. Her bedroom right below ours and our kids rooms. Me and the kids have asthma and my husband has crippling migraines that helped encourage him to quit smoking years ago. I didn’t notice the smell unless I was down stairs but he noticed it immediately. Saying he can’t sleeping and his crippling migraines had come back and the house smelled like cigarettes smoke. I confronted my mother and she said no of course she would smoke in the house but all her stuff clothes, furniture, smells that way cus she use to smoke in the house at her old place. (Mind you she was living with us for months now, and some of her future was new and we only just started having a problem suddenly after months with no issues related to smoke/smell)
Me and my husband fought over this as I really didn’t want to believe she would smoke in the house. First off it’s illegal here and second she knows off all our health issues. And you can get in trouble with child protective services if they thinking your smoking in the house which is considered endangering the health and safety of your children. And asthma can be considered the fault of the parents if they are smoking around them. You can’t even smoke in the car if a child is in the car with you
So my husband got a nicotine testing kit and when it finally came in we put it to use. The house was completely clean when we moved in. We found next to nothing upstairs but downstairs was a different story. My mom’s bedroom and kitchen being the worst. I was so mad that I decided I would look around to see if I could find an ashtray. Well I found it in her nightstand right beside the bed…. I was pissed. I can still remembered her fallling asleep with a cigarette in her hand on multiple occasions as a kid and how lucky we were that she never burned the house down back then
I confronted her when she got home and her instantly denied it till I showed her my proof and that I found her ashtray “your husband didn’t want her there always” was her response. I was floored. The whole time I stood up for her after confronting her the first time. she was lying saying “I’m so sick, I’m not even smoking right now, I’m quitting.”
He had bin upset at first but the first few months were great till all the issues started. But I quickly realized that no matter what I said I’d be wrong and she wouldn’t apologize. She had no remorse or sympathy not even when I mentioned the kids health or mine and my husbands. As she was my mother I felt it was my personal responsibility to hold her accountable for her actions we were going to give her till the spring as she is old but her response infuriated me.
She made it clear she didn’t have any level of respect for me or my husband and didn’t care about her grandchildren’s health…. I told her she had till the end of the month to move. She was pissed. She wanted to die here and how could I pick my husband over her and allow him to force her to move and in a month no less. I told her it was my choice to only give her a month and that I couldn’t stand to look at her. And this was the straw that back the camel’s back.
After that she avoided us and would hide in the basement when she wasn’t at work. A day or so later I woke up in the middle of the night to a noise only to find my mother in kitchen going through our cupboards…. I asked her what the H she was doing in my kitchen in the middle of the night? After that I started double checking the door separating the basement from the upstairs was locked at night.
She didn’t want to move so naturally I helped her looked for a place. Did the walk throughs with her till she settled for a place and of course she complained the whole time. How could I do this to her, look at the house I was forcing her into. (She picked it) and it was the nicest one we looked at. In her price range. And it was still close enough to visit and come help her if she needed it.
She refused to pack so I ended up packing everything for her and as I was packing her things I kept coming across things she had stolen from us. A can opener, canned goods, cereal, shopping bags, a blanket she had knitted for the family for Christmas and other things she had got the kids among many random things she must have wanted. I was growing more upset as the days passed and I told my husband everything I had come across while packing her things each day. He told me not to bother taking anything back because she would probably forget she stole it and claim we were stoking her things. He said she could have anything she wanted and hopefully with time she would remember that we still gave her whatever she wanted and there might be hope to fix the relationship with her in the future.
We called a couple friends to help us move here. We even put the furniture in the rooms/spots she asked for them to be put and we them up. As for the boxes I was going to help her empty them and put everything away but the first night she refused to let me touch anything and I just ended up sitting there while she berated me. “You’re a horrible daughter!” “A horrible mother!” “You’d let your own mother live in this dump!” “Who going to take care of me now? I might as well just die” “if I die it’s because of what you put me through” and those are only thing things a can remember
She keep my there in till 2 in the morning after that I said I couldn’t help her because I still had kids at home I had to get up with and she wouldn’t let me help anyway just berate me the whole time.
Me and my husband both agreed that we wouldn’t stop her from seeing the kids but she would have to respect our boundaries or we would have to put a stop to it. She refuses to see us or the kids. She refuses to apologize or admit to any wrong doing. She going around telling everyone I’m dead to her and take we took everything from her and we used her and abused her. We stopped talking to her all together and stopped trying to visit her.

For the following situation, I would like to hear your opinion.
I've been with my girlfriend for about 3.5 years. In the first 1.5 years, (almost) everything was perfect, but for about 2 years now, there have been increasing problems. About 2 years ago, her parents moved to Germany from abroad. I took care of all the paperwork (government, apartment search, job search, etc.). I'm already working, my girlfriend is still studying and earns a monthly income of about €600 to €700. I cover rent, groceries, and costs for dining out. When we go on vacation, I usually cover 2/3 or 3/4 of the costs. She pays for internet and electricity. Now, here's what bothers me:

• When her parents first came to Germany, they didn't have jobs. They received money from the government. During this time, my girlfriend and I regularly invited them to dine out. Even when I wasn't there, my girlfriend would cover the bill with her student income. Even though the money from the government for her parents is more than what she earns monthly from work.
• Now, at least the mother works, earning about €2,300 net per month. My girlfriend still feels the need to invite them out and does so, and the parents accept, even though €2,300 is significantly more than what she earns.
• When the parents go out alone, they don't spend a cent on dining or drinks. But when we go out, they gladly join and let themselves be treated. They also don't hold back and order several alcoholic drinks with their meal.
• Recently, I did the parents' tax return, and they received about €1,500 back.
• They recently went on a city trip for a few days (5 days), and the flights and accommodation were split by 3. Even though I believe the parents could contribute more. My girlfriend didn't want that. On-site, sometimes the parents paid, and sometimes she did. Even though I believe they earn significantly more now and could contribute more due to the tax refund. She also didn't allow that.
• My girlfriend tries to save about €100 from her salary every month. The parents put €1,000 into a savings account.
• Now, I've learned that she wants to go on vacation again with her parents in the summer, leaving me alone at home. Again, she wants to split the costs fairly, each paying 1/3, but I would mostly cover the costs for our private vacation.
• I have to adjust my plans for our travels, meaning I couldn't go away for a long weekend because she was away with her parents.
• In the summer, I also have to check when they are away and when we can go away.
• It's always odd to take two vacations because she has to take time off work twice, and the budget that would be for our vacation is spent on theirs.
• We've invited them out so many times, but I've never been invited out to dine.
• They got their jobs through me.
• I'd like to travel over Christmas and New Year's (I'd also cover the costs). But she doesn't want to because she doesn't want to leave her parents alone over the holidays.
• I've also had to spend the last two New Year's with her parents.
• The parents hardly speak German, so I can't have a proper conversation with them.
• Even today, I handle all the paperwork.
• She talks to her parents at least 2 to 3 times a day.

Conclusion:
I'm bothered that I always have to restrict myself. I'm bothered that the parents allow their daughter, who is a student and earns little, to always treat them when dining out.

Hello! Does anyone know any soul crushing poetry/fiction books about troubled (or not!) mother-daughter relationships? I’m in need of a good cry and this always hits right in the feels.

Edit: never mind, my hospital just called and reminded me they do therapy and I got scheduled for one this week.
Hello,
So I had a baby yesterday, who I gave up for adoption. I am glad I made this decision, this is best for my daughter and for me. But it’s going to be an emotional for me, it already is.
I’m hoping if anyone knows any support groups in the city for birth mothers.
I cannot stop crying, and I need people to talk to who are going through this.