Episode Description

Simba leaves Kiara in charge of the Pride Lands while he, Nala, and Zazu go to Kilio Valley to attend a funeral for an old elephant friend named Amanifu who has just died. Upon learning this from Mzingo, Janja decides to take advantage of Kiara's inexperience and comes up with a plan to take over the Pride Lands. Meanwhile, Simba is nervous about performing his eulogy in front of the elephants, including Aminifu's daughter, Ma Tembo.
Song: "Duties of the King" sung by Simba and Zazu

Pros
-First off, I like the sibling dynamic in this episode, as somebody with a similarly aged older brother. Kion and Kiara's relationship has resonated with me, the way they have off days and arguments, but, obviously love each other and make it out strong in the end. I, for one, do not hate Kiara in The Lion Guard, and Kion gives her the same attitude she gives him in early episodes. I like watching their relationship go through ups and downs throughout Season 1.
-I know the opening scene, where Kiara and Kion are fighting over a tree to sharpen their claws is quite intense, because they would've probably gotten into a scuffle if Simba hadn't showed up when he did, but, that is siblings for you sometimes. I feel like anyone who's got siblings of your own can relate, at least a little bit, to that scene.
-I like the plotline of Kiara and Kion's sibling rivalry stemming from their roles in leadership. Kiara is clearly a reflection of her father, when he was a cub, which is interesting and so, she thinks that being the Future Queen is really swell and makes her the alpha, and Kion (who is no better than her) thinks that being Leader of the Lion Guard makes him more important than her. I like this mechanic in this episode. It makes me want to know if Scar felt the same way about Mufasa. I mean, Kion was obviously not resentful of Kiara, unlike Scar, but I wonder if a similar thing happened with the two brothers except, in this case, it drove Scar to insanity and wanting to murder Mufasa.
-Now let's talk about Kiara being left in charge of the Pride Lands (I mean, I do think the main conflict of the episode was Simba's fault, but we'll get to that later). So, I like the fact that Kiara is nervous about ruling the Pride Lands, even for a brief period of time. I like this because for one thing, she's still only a cub at this time, so, she's entitled to be nervous and anxious about being responsible for an entire kingdom. There's a lot of responsibility being placed on her at such a young age, but, she still remained likable, in my opinion. I do like how, in The Lion Guard, she takes her responsibility as Future Queen very seriously. I know this is unpopular to say, but, I headcanon that, as she's grown up into an older cub, she's realised that being queen won't prevent her from being herself, a concern she had at the beginning of TLK 2.
-I do empathise with Kiara, and Kion, because they are both being put into a huge responsibility of looking after the entire kingdom on their own, while all the adults are away from Pride Rock. This is still really early on in Season 1, so Kion is inexperienced as Leader of the Lion Guard, and Kiara only just started her training with Simba, in the pilot episode. I do feel bad at the fact that they have to figure everything without their parents around and I respect them for managing to work out their differences by the end of the episode.
-I really feel bad for Kiara because she gets a lot of crap from people in the TLG community, moreso than Kion does. I feel really sorry for her because people say they hate her for her attitude and that they think she's a self-righteous bitch at the start of the series, but, I don't. Even as a kid, I knew that a lot of Kiara's behaviour in this episode was down to the stress of being left in charge of whole kingdom for a few days without her parents around, while still being a cub at this point. I do really like her and it really upsets when I see people hating on her. I don't think Kiara really means to be controlling in this episode, she's just trying to do right by her father while he's gone.
-I like the fact that Kiara is really hesitant and nervous to have a huge weight on her shoulders, a role she was previously really excited to fulfil in the pilot episode. When Simba asks this of her, she's understanding feeling a lot of pressure to make him proud. I like the fact that Simba admits to her that he was also nervous about becoming king the first time. I like this because we only saw the side of him that was cocky, overconfident and optimistic about becoming king. I like the fact that she was nervous and that he decides to be upfront about it.
-Kiara still remained a likable character to me throughout this episode. I like how she starts out as nervous and how her confidence is slowly building up nicely during the episode. But, she never came off as mean-spirited, to me. Also, it becomes clear that the reason her responsibility goes to her head is because of Tiifu and Zuri's influence on her and the Lion Guard's inexperience and, in this case, plot-convenient incompetence.
-Beshte, "I'm sure she'll be a nice queen." Well, I'm glad at least one of you believes in her. I can't tell you guys how much I love Beshte, always the sweetest soul out of the group.
-Ono, "Thank you for the opportunity, my queen. And you.... err..... my Kion." That line was funnier than it had any right to be.
-Speaking of which, I thought seeing Ono in Zazu's position, temporarily for Kiara was interesting and I think was a great use of his character, outside of being a Member of the Lion Guard. I personally would've been down for more scenes like this. I think a cool send off for Ono would've been to have him be the Royal Advisor to Queen Kiara and King Kovu, in the future. I wish Ono had stayed in the Pride Lands in the series finale and had become Zazu's apprentice or something.
-Bunga, "Your majesty." {bows at Kiara}. Kiara, "Bunga, that's really not necessary." I found that whole interaction surprisingly funny. Also, strong feeling that Bunga has a huge crush on his best friend's sister at this point, and Kiara views him as her friend, nothing more.
-Kiara's plan about the Bees and the Eelands fiasco was actually very smart, and even when I saw this as a kid, I knew that she had a better idea than Kion. Her idea about moving the eelands away from bees' nests is smarter because bees obviously sting when angered. So, Kion was too proud to admit Kiara had the better idea.
-One of the funniest parts of the whole episode for me was Kion saying, "I say we move the bees". Then, the scene cuts to Kion, Beshte, Fuli and Ono running away from a swarm of bees, in terror. I obviously don't want them hurt, but, I just had to laugh because it was so predictable.
-Bunga, "What are you guys running for? Bees taste even better when they're mad!" Accurate behaviour from a honey badger. They can raid beehives without being stung due to their very thick hide and their stink sap.
-When the Lion Guard arrived back at Pride Rock covered in bee stings, if I were Kiara, I'd be laughing in Kion's face at that moment, like "Ha, ha, you were wrong. Only an idiot would decide to move a swarm of bees to a new place." But, in fairness, Kiara was right to be mad at him, in that moment, for his little screw up.
-"It wasn't a total disaster," Kion, while talking to Kiara. Kiara, looks at Fuli and Ono scratching themselves, "Really? It looks pretty total to me." I mean, she does have a point there. In this situation, Kion had everything to gain from taking her advice.
-However, I do like the fact this episode shows that Kiara and Kion are not perfect leaders yet, they're still fairly young and are only just finding their feet, so it's natural for them to have some minor slip ups, that they learn from, like every kid does.
-"Admit it. I was right about the bees and you were wrong." Kion, just admit it and save yourself the embarrassment. Kiara was not being rude to him whatsoever. She was speaking nothing but facts.
-When Kiara talks to Mzingo at Pride Rock, I like the fact that the latter is clearly higher up in the frame because he's the one dominating the conversation and is also the one who manipulates Kiara. I think it's a nice touch where he creepily approaches and blackmails her.
-*laughs "Janja wants peace?" I like the fact that Kiara is clearly sceptical and she's obviously suspicious of Janja's true intentions. I like this because it doesn't make Kiara out to be seriously wayyy too gullible and silly. The fact that was she was suspicious feels more in-line with TLK 2 and makes her decision to believe Janja, partially Kion's fault. Manipulation is also a very powerful tool, especially to done on a semi-young child, like Kiara.
-I like the fact that Mufasa appears to Kion, unprompted in this episode, for the first time in the series. I love this because it feels like Mufasa saw the argument that had just gone down and was like, "Right I need to put an end to this sibling drama before it gets out of hand. I need to make Kion see the error of his ways."
-I actually love the fact that Kiara is, at least partially willing, to give Outlanders a chance for peace. It feels like a nice bit of foreshadowing for her character arc in TLK 2, where she was able to give the Outsider lions a chance to fit in.
-Kion angrily to Tiifu and Zuri, "Ugh! Some advisors you two are!" That was more hilarious than it had any right to be. Because, let's be honest, they were pretty obnoxious in this episode.
-"Get away from the Queen!!!!" I actually love the moment where Kion comes bursting in like a superhero, to his sister's aid. I also love the fact that he calls Kiara his queen, at this point, because he clearly listened to Mufasa's advice, and also because he had felt somewhat responsible for her almost being killed by Janja.
-"Oh we can fight all right!!!" So badass. I personally would've loved to see Kiara fight alongside the Lion Guard. I think it would've been cool to see her help to fight off Janja's clan. I wanted to see what she could do.
-"Six on six..... Forget it!!!!" Yeah, you better run, Janja, you don't stand a chance against all six of these heroic friends. And one of them is a bloody hippo.
-I love Kion and Kiara's closeness at the end of the episode where they make up for their uncivil, squabbling at the start. Kion finally rightfully admits that he should've taken Kiara's advice about the bees and the elands, and Kiara admits that Kion was right about Janja being nothing but trouble.
-Kion, "And I should've listened to you about the bees." Ono, "Oh, sure {rolls his eyes}. Now he admits it." Oh, Ono, you knew all along, but, we love you.
-Kiara and Kion when Simba and Nala arrive home, are really sweet. I love the fact that Kiara wants to be honest about what happened, "Ruling the Pride Lands? It went..." I absolutely love the moment where Kion decides to cover for her and admits that she'll be a great queen, this is an incredibly sweet brother and sister moment. That moment feels like a precursor to the episode "Baboons" and even later "The Trail to Udugu."
-I love the moral of this episode about "being supportive of your loved ones efforts to help, especially when they are wrong," because it applies to both Kiara and Kion in two different situations. Kion was obviously wrong to go against Kiara's advice to move the elands, but, Kiara learned that she should've been more sensitive about that whole situation. But, Kion also learned that if hadn't been so dismissive of her acting queen for a few days and given her his utmost support when she was clearly nervous about ruling the Pride Lands. If Kion and Kiara been more sensitive to each other, then, they would've been able to be in charge of the Pride Lands together instead of arguing. Also, this episode shares another moral, "Communication is key to understanding each other and a successful team." Kiara learns this after Kion saves her and she realises she was wrong about Janja, and Kion learns this when the Lion Guard get stung by bees, and even later when he realises that he was partly to blame for Kiara going into the Outlands, and that if he had been upfront with her instead of outright yelling at her and running out on her, she wouldn't have needed to be rescued. These are two important lessons for kids going through school together, or with siblings and friends.
-Also, Janja is genuinely dangerous and scary in this episode. He traps Kiara in the Outlands to use her as a bargaining chip for Simba or else he and his would eat her. They would've gotten away with it if Kion didn't jump in at the last second. Janja threatened the freaking princess of the Pride Lands! Reason number #50 why he should never be allowed enter the Pride Lands, no matter if he is starving or not, because he clearly cannot be trusted to follow the rules.
-And now I'm finally going to talk about the B-plot of the episode. It wasn't as good the A-plot, in my opinion. I did love the worldbuilding aspect of this episode where we learn that different animals in the Pride Lands have their own customs and traditions that need to be respected. I like the idea of Simba upholding a tradition and it was interesting that he was never trained for it because obviously Mufasa died before he could complete his training.
-I like the idea of Simba, Nala and Zazu going to an elephant funeral. Elephants actually have "funerals" in real life. In real life, if a member of their herd dies, the elephants will crowd around them ceremoniously to pay tribute and they'll collect twigs and branches to cover the fallen elephant to pay tribute, out of respect for them. I love the way its portrayed as a ceremonial funeral in The Lion Guard and that Simba is upholding a tradition. I love the way he has to say it in Elephantese because the idea of the elephants' having a language barrier is a cool worldbuilding element.
-Aminifu is a cool worldbuilding character too who, we're told, played a big part in the Pride Lands' revival and bringing the circle of life into balance. I like to headcanon we was a childhood friend of Mufasa and Scar, and the rest of the Royal Family, and how he go on to be a good friend to Simba, Nala and the rest of Simba's pride. I like to think Aminifu was responsible for all the animals in the kingdom, similar to the Lion Guard, and how his daughter fills that role in Season 2.
-The Elephant Funeral scene looks cool because of how emotional and how heart-wrenching it looks from afar. I like the addition of all the elephants mourning in the background. It was a little dark this early on the series. One elephant hugs Aminifu and looks like their going to cry, another elephant and her calf are crying, while hugging each other.
-I like how you can see shades of Mufasa's death through Simba's voice in this episode, such as, "And now Aminifu has completely his part of the circle of life," and "Well, time for the tribute." I like this because I like to think Simba is obviously nervous about performing a eulogy in front of elephants, but, probably also a bit upset and mourning over his own father's death. I mean, in fairness, he never to give his father a proper send off when he died, so, this probably hit even harder for him.
-I like how this is Zazu's first main character moment in the series and how much of a hard worker and a loyal he is to Simba and Nala, his whole motivation is just to help Simba learn Elephantese properly so he can impress Ma Tembo's herd, during the tribute.
-Nala is such a sweetheart and a loving partner to Simba. I love her because she's pretty much exactly how she was in the original film. She's his loving and supportive wife, and I love the way he gives him moral support when he gets nervous. I love her snarky jab at her husband early on the episode too, by the way, "Worried about Kiara? Or are you worried about your tribute?"
-The song "Duties of the King" was decent enough, I suppose. I mean, it's not my favourite song in the series and I wouldn't be reaching for it. But, I don't hate it. I like the more cutesy, "miscellaneous" animals shown in the background, like the chimpanzees and the porcupines. Plus, it's nice to know that Simba doesn't just sit on his ass all day and that he does important jobs, like he assigns gazelles to their grazing grounds and songbirds to their trees. I love that he presides over aardvark wedding rites and then we saw Muhanga and Muhangus kissing behind some grass. So, I wonder if Simba did in fact, preside over their wedding before this episode. Overall, I like the cute scenes of this song and I like the fact that Simba actually has important stuff to do. I can see why kids would dance around to this song because it's very bouncy and energetic. The beat is fine, but, I don't like Rob Lowe's singing voice as Simba. I think they should've used Cam Clarke all along for The Lion Guard, who actually voices Mwoga the vulture. I don't mind the beat, but, I don't think Simba and Zazu are the best singers, at least in this series, that is. I'll give it a 5/10 because there are worse songs than it.
-Ma Tembo is such a sweetheart in this episode and I love her. She doesn't have a major role in the series as of yet, but, it's still clear in this episode that she has a great relationship with Simba and the Royal Family. I'm glad she had a bigger part in Season 2. I also love her voice actress, Lynette DuPree (R.I.P) and I think she's one of the best in the series. I love how she makes her sound genuinely sad during the procession and then a little bittersweet during the "poop" scene. Also, shout out to the moment where she wraps her trunk around Simba.
-Also, call me childish if you want to, but I actually love it when Simba actually says that Aminifu had "poop on him". I mean, it just gets me because that's not something you'd say at a funeral and the fact that the elephants took it really well and actually laughed hysterically is genuinely hilarious. Like, even his daughter admitted that he had always had faeces on him. It was funny because of how much Simba feels like he screwed up, but, then, the elephants had a really good sense of humour about it.
-Also, this episode makes me wish that at least someone went to the Elephant Graveyard during this series. Maybe Aminifu's funeral could've been there and Simba and Nala would've had to go the place where they almost got killed as cubs or maybe even Kion and the Lion Guard would have to go there. It's such a missed opportunity. Or if Janja went there then maybe he could've learn that Scar betrayed his ancestors long before the events of The Lion Guard. But, speaking of the Elephant Graveyard, I bet Ma Tembo's herd are going to wait for Aminifu to decompose and then carry his remains to the Graveyard because that's something that elephants do if a member of their herd dies outside of their designated area. I like to think that that's what happened after this episode. I just wish they had the funeral in the Elephant Graveyard and we got to see Simba and Nala go there as adults, but, I'm not going to fault this episode for not going in this direction.
-Zazu, "I'm not sure Sire, but, I think you just said he had.... {quietly} poop on him...." Try not to judge me too harshly, but, I just find poop jokes hilarious for some reason, as an adult.
Cons
-First off, I don't like how Kion and Kiara were both dumbed down for the sake of plot-convenience for much of this episode. I get that they're still kids, but, Kion's plans to move the bees instead of the elands was the most stupid idea I've seen in the series. The literally just had an episode where Kion calls out his best friend, Bunga, for making bad decisions and now it's Kion who made a really dumb decision. I mean, that should be bee rescue 101, don't try to move a swarm of bees, they do not like, and the fact that Kiara spells it out for them before this scene, "....if the elands step on the beehives, they'll get stung.... there could be chaos." She's speaking nothing but facts. Kion should've realised that they shouldn't have tried to aggravate the bees. I don't like the fact that he acts cocky and dismissive towards Kiara, when she was so obviously right. However, Kiara was dumb to go into the Outlands alone to see Janja. I mean, I admire her willingness to give strangers a chance for peace, but the fact that she had her suspicions about him and she already knew what he was like, in accordance to the pilot episode, wouldn't she see reason to bring Tiifu and Zuri along for backup.
-I don't like how this episode seems to indicate that Simba favours his daughter over his son. Between the pilot episode and this episode, it seems like he sees Kion as a just a Child Soldier and doesn't actually love him equally. I know it's obviously not through, but, I don't like how he gives off an impression that he has favourites. Parents don't have favourites, unless you're an evil lioness named Zira and you give your youngest son everything, but then treat your eldest son like dirt. But, Simba isn't like that. I don't like how he says "I have faith in you," in such a way that gives off Parental Favouritism vibes. I'm really glad he doesn't have this in any of the later episodes.
-I hate the way the writers tried to do the Kion/Scar and Kiara/Mufasa parallels in this episode. I just don't like it being used as a plot device. The series makes a point to say that Kion is nothing like Scar and how he would never take his anger out on his family and friends. I don't mind Kiara being like her grandfather because he was a great king in his day, but, I don't like how the writers made Kion and Kiara have a similar relationship that led to Mufasa's fall. Also, one thing I loathed early on in the series is the fanart of Kion brutally murdering Kiara in rage, just like Scar murdered Mufasa. I just hate it so much because it would happen since Kiara and Kion have a caring relationship, where they do bicker like siblings tend to do, but, they would never turn on each other.
-I don't like the part where Kiara and Kion were outright malicious towards each other. All the lion cubs in this episode were quite mean-spirited at times. Kion and Kiara for obviously constantly fighting and being horrible instead of admitting to being wrong in certain situations, like the bees and the elands and the Janja situation. Kion is too cocky and overconfident about the bees, for my liking, and Kiara allows Tiifu and Zuri's influence to get her head and ends up believing she's always right. Kion only adds fuel to the fire by yelling at Kiara and then callously running out her instead of being upfront with her about Janja's true intentions. I get that siblings don't always see eye-to-eye on things, but, I don't like Kion and Kiara constantly being scumbags to each other and not giving things a second thought until the end. Mufasa had to be the one to put an end to the "sibling drama".
-Tiifu and Zuri were the worst of all, in my opinion, and I think all of you guys will agree. They were pretty annoying and obnoxious in this episode. They were very disrespectful and condescending towards Kion just because he's not a queen, and they caused Kiara to be disrespectful right back. Kiara doesn't strike me as disrespectful without these two around. I'm glad she actually stands up to them in later episodes rather than being influenced by them. Zuri is my least favourite of the two of them, she comes off as super mean-spirited and bitchy, and Tiifu comes off as domineering and rude. I don't like the way they talk down and belittle Kion and how they throw shade at anyone who believes Kiara is wrong. They act like stereotypical Mean Girls, but, the annoying kind. Plus, they weren't very good friends to Kiara for letting her go into the Outlands alone without a second thought about the fact that it might be dangerous. That doesn't sound like Tiifu. Remember how in the pilot, she was deeply concerned when Kiara was trapped by the gazelles. But, here, the stakes are much higher, and she's up against a much bigger threat and Tiifu and Zuri don't seem to give a damn. I'm glad Kion called them out on this behaviour before leaving. What I wouldn't give for Tiifu and Zuri to be captured by Janja instead, not to get eaten, but just so they can see how dangerous it is. It's episodes like this that make me wonder are they her actual best friends or are they just using her to hang out with the Royal Family. Kiara deserves better than these self-entitled bitches, in my opinion.
-I feel like Kiara should've been the main focus of this episode instead of Kion. I know this only S1 Ep4, but, I still think this should've been a Kiara focused episode, rather than a brothesister episode. I would've been interested to see Kiara take centre stage and the Lion Guard take a back seat. Then, we could've seen more of Kiara's apprehension about becoming Queen and her trying to make all the decisions without Simba around to guide her, and most importantly, see her trying to decide what sort of Queen she wants to be. I would've loved if Kion tried to be supportive of her and tries to help her watch over the entire kingdom, instead of saying "Screw you Kiara, go get herself killed if you want to and my friends hate you." I would've liked to see that explored and maybe have them be a little bit annoyed at each other, but without making them really malicious. Also, have Tiifu and Zuri be in their annoying phase and for Kiara to realise that her "so-called" friends are not being very good friends to her, and have her ditch those bitches at the end of the episode. Then, have Kiara and Kion make some big decision together that really develops their relationship, in the future.
-I don't like how Simba is portrayed for much of this episode. I know, he was mourning the loss of an old friend, but I really don't like angry Simba moments in this series. I don't like the fact that all Zazu was doing was trying to help him practice his eulogy and Simba gets frustrated and roars in his face. I hate it when he throws tantrums, as a full-grown adult lion. I hate the idea of Simba regressing more into his evil uncle as of this series. I know he's not, but, I hate it when acts like it. Zazu, bless him, was just trying to help and Simba took out his rage on him. I do not like it when Zazu has to be the butt of all the jokes. I don't like Simba being a headstrong asshole in The Lion Guard.
-I also don't want to point fingers, but, if Simba hadn't left his semi-young daughter to rule over an entire kingdom for a few days, none of the conflict would've happened if he left Kion and Kiara with a responsible adult, like Rafiki or Basi or someone, just to keep an eye on things. I wouldn't leave kids their age home alone for even a day or more than an afternoon. If they had an adult in Pride Rock with them, the arguing wouldn't have spiralled out of control the way that it did. Also, this makes no sense with Simba's character in TLK 2. This is the same guy who sheltered his daughter the whole time she was growing up and wouldn't even let her explore more than 2ft from Pride Rock or even leave Pride Rock, at another point in the film. In this episode, she's still a cub and he's okay with leaving her to look after an entire kingdom for days on end! Yes, he did show hesitation, but that was after he and Nala had already left the Pride Lands. This episode fails to show just how okay he was with leaving his preteen daughter in charge of the kingdom for a few days with no adult supervision. Also, this episode and the series fails to explain how he regressed back into his over-protective state of mind in the second half of TLK 2.
-A minor complaint I have. This is a very minor nitpick. But, the distance between Kilio Valley and the Pride Lands that was established in this episode is very confusing. This episode implies that the elephants live approximately a two or three day walk from the Pride Lands, enough for Simba to outside of the kingdom, when in other episodes it's actually a part of the Pride Lands, just barely on the outskirts of the kingdom. I also don't get why the writers made it seem like Simba, Nala and Zazu took like a day or less to arrive at the elephants' funeral. There's no indication that they were travelling at night or that they ever slept. However, I understand, the writers just wanted to show some of journey and then transition to the day of the funeral, so I won't fault it to harshly. However, I do wish that the distance between Kilio Valley and the Pride Lands was consistent. This episode makes it seem like that whenever Kion and his friends have to help the elephants, it would take them a whole day to arrive on the scene. But, that's just a small criticism I had with this episode.
Overall
So, overall, I did always thoroughly enjoy this episode. Even as a kid, I could not stand the fact that Kiara got a lot of hate in the Lion Guard Fandom and that loads of people blamed her, just her, for a lot of the drama in this episode. Kion and Kiara shared 50% of the blame each and I think that Kiara is overhated. Anyways, I did like Kion and Kiara interacting like real siblings and slowly learning how to work together, it felt a little bit like a prequel to "Baboons" and "The Trail to Udugu", in that way. I like the lesson about learning to communicate well and to listen to one another and that they were both in the right and wrong, at different points. I liked the loving sibling dynamic at the end and the friendship with all the Lion Guard. I like the sense of family between Simba, Nala, Kiara and Kion at the end. Janja poses as a genuinely threat to Kiara. I think the humour was pretty solid as well and the educational value. I liked the worldbuilding aspect and the elephants' relationship with the lions. Aminifu is a cool headcanon character. The only parts I didn't like were, Tiifu and Zuri were unbearably annoying in this episode and weren't very good friends to Kiara. I don't like them being stereotypical Middle School girls. I hate their disrespect and belittling towards Kion and their toxic influence on Kiara. I didn't like Kiara and Kion's maliciousness at the start or the fact that the writers tried to draw Mufasa/Scar parallels. I don't like angry Simba at all in this series. I hate the fact that he gives off Parental Favouritism vibes in this episode. I don't like the fact that Kion and Kiara were hit with the idiot stick in this episode. Simba and Tiifu and Zuri are kind of at fault for all the drama in this episode. The song was just decent, not the best not the worst. Overall, I'll give this episode a 6.5/10, it's not perfect, but I think it deserves more love in the fandom and I think there are way worse episodes than it.

Lovely Men of Reddit
Very Confused 48 F here would love a male perspective.
a little while back I posted here about a situation I was in, though now have extra info to add into the mix and wondered if you could help again. I had gone out with a guy friend who told me a little impulsively whilst on a night out that there was a spark between us and that we could take things slowly and get to know one another to see what is there for us. We had a kiss and were a little drunk at the time and I admitted that I had some feelings for him.
the next day he said that he wanted to go and think about it more and mentioned trust issues. Several days later He came back and said that whilst he did think there was a spark he did not feel he had the emotional bandwidth for a relationship. I reminded him that I was happy to take it slow and not rush a relationship and he said oh, let’s start as friends then and see how we go, which gave the slight impression that we were ‘back on course‘ for the original plan i.e getting to know one another slowly and not rushing into a relationship.
The next time I saw him after that there were so many references by him to friends and the fact he high fived me and called me bro and mate so much I thought I was wrong thinking we were back on course and I was truly mate zoned for life. therefore I was curious as to why he put the Spark Thing on the table in The first place.
my original question posted a few weeks back was to ascertain thoughts on whether he knowingly and deliberately strung me along or whether the really thought at the time that’s what he wanted but changed his mind after genuinely thinking about it. After answering some of your questions about the reasons he gave for not wanting a relationship the consensus was that they were not BS and that it was likely that he really thought thats what he wanted at the time.
extra info since above
Given the strong impression I now had that was was never going to be an item, I got the guts up to ask why he put The spark cards on the table to start with given his comments about not being really being a relationship person. It had crossed my mind he just said he went away to think about it to placate me. He said he sort of had a gut feeling quickly though did want to give it full and due thought. He also mentioned that he liked the attention I was giving him though did not go so far to say specifically that was a reason for mentioning the spark (he had inkling for a while that I liked him before I actually confirmed it). He started get a little impatient with me and said that him and I would never be an item, and mentioned it in such a way that gave impression that he thought I was bringing it up again to change his mind (which I was not) . He also said why can’t I just take things slowly. I got quite annoyed at him by the point from the mixed messages though apologised straight away. We hugged and he said something like (cant remember exact words) we can see how we are in a year. Certainly ‘a year‘ was mentioned
He also initially denied the original spark comments gave me hope that there could be something between us, this was prior to me getting annoyed and our hug.
I am not sure whether he mentioned the year thing to give me false hope as he thought he would lose me as a friend if he didn’t not.
or was this a plan he had in his mind all along that he never ever communicated to me.-Be only fiends for a year then reassess. Did he put the shutters down to gauge from me my real feelings for him after I got to know him better for real (and not Those based on my crush) The fact He said he did not want a relationship and All the bro and High fives, and mentions of mates/friends could be either how he really feels, or to put out of my mind a relationship just for the moment. Why mention a year, and why still make the latest reference to taking things slowly if you know you don’t what to ever have a relationship.
so many conflicting things here, would love your thoughts on what the hell happened, thank you

Howdy howdy all. I want to share my journey with my partner, who for anonimity I'll call Rosa. and how we're navigating the long-distance relationship and immigration process. We met online in February 2022, and by November, I decided to take a leap of faith and fly to Chicago to meet her and her family, along with my trusty canine companion. During that trip, something incredible happened - I proposed to Rosa! I just knew in my heart that she was the one I wanted to spend my life with. In 2023, we decided to take our relationship to the next level and I spent three months in Chicago, celebrating my birthday with her family and making unforgettable memories. But when I returned home, things took an unexpected turn. I found myself homeless, which only made our desire to be together even stronger. That's when we started exploring our options for immigration and closing the gap between us. However, the process was far from easy. We encountered numerous obstacles, including fraudulent immigration lawyers and brokers who made empty promises. Just as we were about to give up hope, we stumbled upon Boundless Immigration. For those unfamiliar, Boundless is an online immigration service that provides affordable, expert guidance throughout the entire immigration process. They have an impressive success rate and have helped thousands of couples successfully navigate the complex immigration system. With Boundless, we finally found a trustworthy partner to help us make our dream of being together a reality. Over the past few months, we've been diligently gathering all the necessary information for our initial application. And now, thanks to Boundless' assistance, the process is officially underway! To anyone out there struggling with a long-distance relationship or the immigration process, don't lose hope. It can be a long and arduous journey, but with the help of organizations like Boundless, you can make your dream of being together a reality. As we wait for the immigration process to unfold, we're staying positive and focused on our end goal - a life together. We're grateful for the support we've received from Boundless and for their dedication to helping couples like us overcome the barriers that come with immigration. To all those in similar situations, remember that you're not alone. Many have walked this path before you and have come out on the other side, stronger and more in love than ever. Keep pushing forward, and don't be afraid to seek help when you need it. With determination, perseverance, and a little help from organizations like Boundless, you can overcome the odds and turn your long-distance relationship into a lifelong partnership.

The short story is this:
I(34F) have been with husband (33M) for 10 years. He's a wonderful man but suffers from extreme anxiety and generally poor mental health and thusly struggles to help me with any big stressful decisions in life. Lately as stress has risen he has started not only not helping me with big decisions but panicking and getting in my way. I am starting to wonder if it's worth it to continue to stay with someone who has such a negative outlook on life and massive anxiety that he's just not a good partner when things are rough in the mental load department. While I understand and feel so bad for him that he's going through something as rough as severe anxiety and depression, it's also been quite hard on me and makes me feel unstable about my own future. And if I do stay with him, how the heck do we move forward?
The long story is this:
We've been together for over 10 years. My husband has extreme anxiety. He has been going to therapy for it (although he's having to take a break right now because we're both between jobs), and generally working on improving his mental health all this time. I'm proud of him for that--it's not an easy road. A lot of people refuse to even try. I've definitely noticed improvements. In many ways he's a wonderful man.
But any time things are stressful I feel like I have to handle them alone because he just can't. Asking him to help with things like deciding where to move, what to do with our careers, finances, tricky family stuff, and even planning our wedding a few years ago mostly just sets him off. And it's not abusive or anything, but he'll either shut down and just stare into space (a trauma response I'm sure), or just like attach to some random tangent and refuse to talk about the issue, or just get mad and grit his teeth and say "fine" over and over. To be clear I don't think he has bad intentions in doing this, I think he literally just cannot process it. To some degree I'm like "eh I'd have to do this for myself anyways" but I'm also like "man I wish I could talk to him about what to do about mom getting older" for example. I've suggested for a long time that he could do something like pick up a book on finance basics and read it himself, I don't need to be involved (because if I'm teaching him that's stressful for him). But the reality is he hasn't learned even basic finances even though I've explained to him multiple times it's really important. The very idea of finance just scares him too much.
With finances for example, this backfires because he doesn't understand things like a budget exactly. I'll say "ok, we can only spend XYZ this month. I know the credit card would *let* you spend more than that, but we need to not do that. I don't want to cap it in case we need it for something though". This kind of conversation will trigger anything from "Omg we are broke and about to die of starvation" with a side of panic attack or basically behavior like I'm gonna go spend more because I feel out of control of my life with any restrictions. The dumb thing is if I just don't tell him about a budget and do things like say "Hey would you mind cooking a steak tonight" it's totally fine. But like...I don't want to feel like I have to manipulate him into staying on budget. It feels awkward and also unstable to me. This all feels especially stupid because we're actually fairly well off money-wise--but we can't afford "eat at steakhouse 3 times a day" and this is enough to set him off because he's just so detached from understanding money it's kind of all or nothing for him.
Lately stress has been extra high -- we're between jobs (but have ample emergency fund), family stuff is piling up, we've had to move, and I've made it clear our relationship is struggling lately because of this whole topic. So he's been doing weird things that to me I consider a threat to our safety. He'll stare at his bank account for hours. It makes me worry he'll do something crazy. I feel like a mega bitch for even considering "hey maybe I take your bank passwords and hold them for right now" because I'm like "are you just gonna start smashing buttons out of fear and drain all your money???". Thankfully I recognized this weird behavior a long time ago and my finances are pretty separated from his but like if we stay together I'd be responsible for him too so it's still like "Please don't go do something crazy like move all the money into some account you don't understand because you read about it for 5 minutes online". Also lately when he's applying for jobs he's been only applying for jobs he's way overqualified for or that are based in some random area that pays a lot less. He has a lot of anxiety about not being good enough if he applies for the types of jobs I tell him to (I am senior in the same field). I decided to remove myself from the equation (I get it can be hard hearing these things from your wife) and connected him with a career coach (he very much likes working with the coach) but he's still just doing stuff like applying for entry level positions even though he's far ahead of that.
And this type of behavior is where I'm like "Ok this is no longer you're sweating in the corner while I decide what to do about mom" it's like "You are making bad financial decisions that impact both of us because you're afraid and refuse to actually engage in a conversation with me where we actually talk about it and solve the problem." Like sure, he'll sit there, but he's just saying "fine" over and over or parroting back what I say without actually understanding. It's like every conversation I have with him on a stressful thing is him trying to figure out how to get out of the conversation without me "getting mad". Which is totally again a trauma thing from his childhood. I usually just end up sighing and saying "Okay...this is going nowhere, I guess I'll just go handle it..."
Then the other day when I was explaining some expenses he had the gall to say "I don't trust you with money!!!" and I was just sort of like "???" because this dude has made me manage his accounts since 1 month into dating him LOL. I was like "Do...do you think the rent just pays itself? Do you think the fridge is just magically full of food all the time? Do you even know what a credit score is and why yours is so high now? Do you think your portfolio magically built itself? You don't trust me? You've implicitly trusted me all this time because you refuse to do any of this yourself but I don't want our lives to suck so I handle it."
I bring up finances because it's the easiest to explain without context of family stuff for example but this behavior extends to many parts of our life that are "stressful".
He's super willing to do things if I do the mental load associated with it. Like ok, I figured out all the stuff about mom needing a nursing home and the logistics of that. Help me move her in? Absolutely, no problem, will 100% show up and be happy to help. Physical labor or anything repetitive where I've helped laid down structure is generally usually fine. That's part of what makes me figuring out what to do next is so hard. He wants to be better. But I'm still just like "Please don't go exploding our life because of your anxiety."
I feel stuck. I understand why he's doing these behaviors but it's like...ok I'm still left out in the cold on things. And then to get something as ungrateful as "I don't trust you with money" as if all my work on it wasn't real...ugh. And if I just leave him be a lot of the time it's fine, but if I press him on it things almost always get worse because all he does is add panic to my stressful situations. If he doesn't think too hard life isn't that bad and we can do things like go out with friends, but if I question him even a little it sets him on an anxiety and depression spiral. And I mean something simple like "Hey our friend said they're kinda tired and not sure if they want to go out tonight. You think we should maybe cancel?" Off he goes on "my friends all hate me". In this case I'm like I don't want to deal with him spiraling so I'd just make a decision on my own and be like "hey everyone, lets cancel tonight I'm not feeling the best" I do the mental load of figuring out that my friends wanted to cancel anyways and what feels like a lie to spare his feelings. Again I just feel like I'm having to manipulate things into being smooth as opposed to talking them out. Feelsbadman. And in this case I'm on the fence like "ok we'll he has to learn to deal with it" and don't want to be infantilizing him but sometimes for my own sanity I'm just like "I don't have energy for husband doom today" because it's such a constant thing. Sometimes I take the "I'll just do the executive decision for everyone so I can get on with things" choice. Which feels shit but I feel like the alternative is "deal with sad boy hours every night".
I feel lonely in the big decisions of life. I feel his lack of understanding mixed with his poor mental health is making him incapable of truly being grateful because he just can't understand everything I've done. Sometimes I just get straight up resentment because I do things like explain our budget. I so desperately want to make things work but I feel so incredibly stuck on these things after having tried to improve them for so many years.
Does anyone have advice on how to move forward?
Thank you for your time.

Prologue

Hello and welcome to my post. I will subdivide this into two large parts. One will cover my thoughts, feelings, my hopes and dreams...While the other will tell you the specifics of how I pass the time, what topics interest me, what passions do I posses. I believe that at the end of this leap into my inner world, you dear reader, will have all the necessary information to judge whether we are compatible or not.

Part I
I am writing this in the hopes of finding something that I lack. Lately I have had this feeling, this tinge of melancholy within the dephts of my being, this yearning to find a kindred spirit, another Soul, much like mine, to form a bond with. Perhaps Loneliness is the right word for what is bothering me, but to use it seems to carry with it a connotation of ungratefulness. Ungratefulness for the people that I do have in my life, although none of them, of course, have the connection to me that I seek here.

I have found it increasingly necessary to seek in this Life a sort of purity of thought. What I mean is, I have began to undestand what ideas and concepts are ultimately compatible with my inner most Self, ergo what guidelines I have to follow to feel the most whole. Naturally I have likewise realised what I cannot add to my Self and what I will henceforth reject with all the power that I posses.

With this new context in mind, I now follow on the path of self improvement. I will now begin to mold my Self into my perfected idea of how the Self should be. This is certainly a significant undertaking, one that will not be easy to follow through on but one that I ultimately have to do. To me such context is essential. It is akin to a Guiding Star shining in the night. I will follow this Star for without it I am lost in the vast Darkness.

Looking back at my life, it was suboptimal, especially if one compares the way it molded me to how I will now mold myself. I suppose I must look on with a hint of regret at all that time which one might consider to be lost. Still... I try to stave off such decisively negative interpretations, after all, I have ultimately came to these conclusions. That means that somewhere along the line I had to have picked up on enough of such ideas for them to become so cemented in my consciousness. Well, either that or I was always like this, but in that case I can at least thank my life up to this point for not being able to supress such manifestations of my inner most Self.

To add to the topic of my life, I must admit that not all the battles have yet been won, not all the Demons vanquished, not every Mountain climbed. I want you to keep such things in mind when deciding whether or not to approach me. Many will shy away, I undestand that much, but the pursuit of true Companionship is just another such battle. Having said all that I do believe that being able to overcome hurdles together carries with it a certain appeal. That is to say, what's the fun in joining once the Game is already over?

I don't shy away from such challenges, perhaps to a fault. Certain troubles that I faced in the past carry with them a long shadow over my current health and well being. Still, I intend to change little in this regard other than the proficiency with which I will clash the current of my Will against the cliffs of Life.
Part II
In this part of my post I will tell you about my interests and hobbies, I will try to be thorough, commonality in this regard is rather important to build a relationship
History. I have had an interest in history for almost a decade now, it started back in school and developed from there. Well, now that I think about it one could argue that it started even earlier in my life as I liked watching the odd historic documentary or film aired on television but it wasn't regular back then, I never actively sought it out. I am mostly interested in European history in the period between the 18th-20th century but I sometimes branch out to other time periods and other parts of the world. I watch various channels related to history and read articles and sometimes books. I have recently got a few books on the German revolution of 1848/1849 and a historical magazine on the Thirty Years' War. Besides that I try to visit museums sometimes.
Literature. Especially old novels. I like to immerse myself in the Worlds of these books, I tend to read them while listening to thematically fitting music and take my time with them. One time you are following a troubled Youth in his quest for spiritual understanding of the world, another you see the aged and decrepit Doctor gambling his very Soul on the promises of abtaining satisfaction in earthy pleasures, then again your olfaction notices the most pleasant scent known to man even as the one eminating it has the appearance of a revolting Frog. These and many other stories open up to you once you decide to set foot into the literary World.
Languages. I know three, with one being a bit rusty. I am currently working intently on strengthening it. I believe that if I continue to apply myself in this regard then I should be able to finally conquer it. What language am I working on? Well, if you were to stack all the major works in it they would be as tall as a house... It is fun to go through different works in multiple languages, the same goes for film, games and such.
Games. I recently played Cyberpunk 2077. Well as recently as I played any major story centric game. Now that the dust has settled and the bugs mostly removed...It's not that bad. The main questline at least. Besides that I tried Fallout 76 (Very average, I'm dissapointed with what they made the "RPG" system) and I might give Deus Ex Manking Divided another spin (since it's somewhat similar to Cyberpunk when it comes to its aesthetics). Dark Souls is one of my favorite series, I still haven't beaten Elden Ring though. When it came out I wasn't in the right mindset to invest a hundred hours into it, with all those bosses and difficult locations. I think I'll only consider playing it if I am streaming it to someone. I am generally interested in either streaming games or having the person I am talking to stream them to me. To be specific I mean streaming to a single person while being on call. Besides that I'm a big fan of Paradox strategy games, especially Europa Universalis IV and Heats of Iron IV, I tend to only play single player since I find multiplayer with many people to be rather stressful but on the other hand I have nothing against a co-op game. I'm not the best player though, despite the ammount of hours I have in them. Another great game I would mention would be Dragon's Dogma. A very underrated RPG. I recently beat it again and it was an atmospheric and interesting experience. It is one of those games that feel like they have an endless ammount of depth and constant new secrets to discover.
Anime and Manga. In recent times my interest in them has waned but I still watch the occasional series here and there. Like Cyberpunk Edgerunners (Which I found to be rather mediocre) and the very good first season from the new arc of Bleach. Some of my favourite series include: Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, Death Note, Fate;Zero, Psycho Pass, Code Geass and Attack on Titan. I wouldn't mind if you were to introduce me to some new series, maybe based on the ones I mentioned. My favourite Manga is Berserk which I still follow, althought I am still not certain on the direction that the new author is taking. I suppose it really is a matter of contention whether a somewhat (or considerably warped) vision is better than an unfinished work. One could argue that a few novels remain unfinished and possess a macabre appeal to them as such.
Music. Classical music has a very special place in my heart. A few of my favourite pieces would be: Clair de Lune, Nocturne Op. 9 No.2, Devil's Trill Sonata, Danse Macabre, Valse Sentimentale, Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92: II. Alegreto (by Beethoven) and Suite from Swan Lake, Op. 20a: I. Scene. Moderato. There are more but these ones always invoke something in me when I listen to them. Besides Classical I also enjoy listening to Synthwave, old Western pop and J-pop, both modern and from the 20th century.
Esotericism. I am interested in things spiritual, mystical, magical and esoteric. I have read religios texts, magical grimoires, introductions to various schools of thought. It is interesting to me.
Epilogue
Hopefully I was able to cast the spotlight upon my inner World in a clear and unequivocal manner. I feel the need to add to the aforementioned that I am rather introverted, which means that I tend to dislike large social gatherings. I managed to condition myself to be able to endure the presense of large groups of people but it isn't something that I would seek out in most cases. Besides that I am neurodivergent and suffer from certain issues with mental health. I have to take medication to keep myself under control. They work well enough but certain days are harder than others. I respect the struggle that others have with mental health but in the context of a relationship I have my limits, no one with BDP for instance. I am also not looking for anything casual. I understand than one cannot demand depth and meaning from a conversation with an absolute stranger, that is akin to trying to build a sand castle right before the waves strike but I ask at least that you enter with a mindset that this might become something of significance. I also do want to say that I am completely Monogamous. My preference? The sickly, pale, intellectual who watches rain droplets slide down the window in Autumn. Lastly, if I enjoy the company of a person I tend to not want to let them go.
Thank you for taking the time to read my post and have a good day. I ask that you send a DM instead of a chat and that you give your thoughts on my title in the opening of your message.
Goodbye...Or perhaps untill we meet again

All the rest, I have seen before, same tactics, etc.. except this one thing. Tents/ camps in university. Seen that in Occupy Wall Street. Wearing masks to conceal identity, seen that. Blocking of roads, clashes with police, graffiti, boycotts etc… seen all that before except the “Do not speak to rule”…”we are not allowed to talk”,…”no comment”…”if you got something to ask, speak to the media liasion officer” (I dont think its solely about press,… the protesters are discouraged from speaking not only to the press, but other people (outsiders) like non-protesters or from other other side etc…).
That is new. I dont remember any protest movenent which forbade its supporters from speaking freely. When the Pro-Palestinian movement started back in October, protesters were freely talking about it, explaining to strangers/ passerby their cause, etc… but not these days and not these student protesters, they arent that interested in talking. So much so, other protesters might make some comment to remind themselves, dont speak to others etc… if they see you engaging with an “outsider”
This is the irony. They profess freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom to protest….AND YET by their very action they are NO LONGER interested in speaking (at least not individually, there is no room for respect of differences of opinion). It probably started wanting to engage in a dialogue, communicating, talking with others, with the university respectives etc… but not anymore, they are more interested in just telling you want they want you to do, they are not interested to listen to you or hear your excuses/ explaination, and if you dont give in to their demand, they will act out.

1. This is a big problem on many levels, seemingly intelligent or educated young people voluntarily surrendering their freedom of speech to a designated official of the protest movement to speak for them. Why ? Because they were told not to speak to others…how obedient ? They were probably told for your own protection,…trying to conceal your identify,..or you are not well verse with the issue, let someone else better, knows what they are doing (clearly you dont know enough) and in position of authority speak for you. You just keep quiet, repeat the chants, do what you have been told. Its quite easy for more radical or more vocal groups to use them and push the movement to a more violent path.
   
2. Because they are not talking to outside their circle,… they dont know much about the subject matter. They only know whats being told to them. They are not questioning, critically analyzing, debating the information / stories provided to them, starting to sounds a lot like cult, not an expert on this subject, perhaps the could unknowingly fall victim to group think.
   
3. I predict they wont go away anytime soon, they have proclaimed they will continue protesting. They will always have more demands and try to push for more and more…the protest movement started on the streets, then some blockade on roads leading to airports / ports, now on college campus, they will continue to make target big companies on the BDS lists, storming congress #2, riots on streets etc… i am not saying student protesters are violent or seeking violence by nature, but their compliance and their silence make them complicit to any illegal acts or violence carried out in the name of Pro-Palestinian movement.
   
4. If student protesters fail at negotiation with their university. Ask yourself what hope is there for a peace negotiation between Israel and Hamas ? None. You are not too different. You make demands. You dont want to talk. You want the otherside to agree to your demands…if you are not able to get through to your university, just think …who can help ? Mediator. There are mediators negotiating between Israel and Hamas…who are your mediators? I think your alumni will be an ideal mediator, they understand students, they also have good relations with the university admin. They might also give the students a reality check. They might tell the students if their companies are looking to hire any students arrested or suspended.
   
5. On the bright side, students ranked the middle east conflict the 9th concern, after heathcare (1st), education (2nd), Climate change (5th) etc..only 8% students participated in either side of protest. 90% says blocking pro-Israel students on campus are unacceptable. 81% support holding protesters accountable for destroying school property.
   

Let me add some links
Poll https://www.axios.com/2024/05/07/poll-students-israel-hamas-protests

Literally all you have to do is revert the nerfs on the railgun, quasar cannon, exosuit mech, eruptor, breaker, etc. Just revert the nerfs on the guns people are upset about and buff the guns people think are underpowered, it really is that simple. This game was advertised (as I interpreted it) as a casual PVE horde shooter and not a hardcore game. This is also not an esports game where having very good balance matters. Having powerful guns is fun. Yes it is okay to nerf something if it is overpowered but none of the guns were overpowered in this game to warrant such strong nerfs. The guns were not overpowered because this game has very strong enemies that warrant the use of good guns.
I promise you 90% of people who play this game will be happy if you reverted the nerfs and buffed some guns. All you have to do is revert the nerfs and the come out on twitter or discord and make a statement, something like "We at Arrowhead games are here to inform you that the way we have balanced Helldivers 2 is not having the intended effect we wanted for our players. For that reason we have reverted the nerfs and are taking a new direction on how we balance Helldivers 2."
I really don't think it is as big of a deal as some people might think it is. I know how it feels to put your heart and soul into creating something and then find out at the last moment "Oh no I forgot to add this 1 ingredient." It must feel especially more stressful since you have millions of people watching you but it is what it is. We are all going to die one day and making a small balancing mistake on your video game is not a big deal, we all just want to have fun.
Thanks for reading my rant, god bless you and have a nice day.

I know I keep saying this in comments but I'm having a bad day in the PTSD front. I will be fine. I do have therapy and a lifetime of coping skills but I want to make sure people who are preparing see this.
If possible make sure your after surgery care includes mental health. There's a lot of things that can trip various mental health care needs. While today is being extra rough there's been tons of little ones and if I hadn't prepared it would be harder.
So to prepare?

1. Make sure your support system knows you're about to be vulnerable, have hormonal changes, and that surgery is trauma. Physically but emotionally. It's scary. If it isn't that is actually not good for the mental health later (it's me my brain did this).
   
2. If you have access and aren't seeing someone set up therapy. I guestimated for me a month out and to the day that is when my brain decided to go "Here's the trigger wagon full of things to relive and hyper vigilance is going to be even worse than directly after!" How fast after surgery will vary but in case you're not sure about being able to go? Telehealth options exist because of the pandemic so it's just a different place than other therapy options.
   
3. The good days are going to be wonderful. The bad will be emotionally hard. This isn't just because surgery is trauma but s mixture of the medication side effects, hormonal changes, and the changes to our bodies. It's a lot.
   
4. How bad it can get is individual. If you're struggling immediately after remember that there's options. For the USA there is the new emergency line for mental health 988. This doesn't mean only life and death stuff and there's a lot of variety in what they can do. So they can be a good option for the gap between surgery and care.
   
5. Remember you are not alone. I am bad at sharing my pain or I was. That's changed with good mental health care and a good support system. I still struggle with feeling like I have to hide this stuff. Like mentioning it is a bad thing. It makes it easier to reframe so it's not an insurmountable thing.
   

Some options I am not sure where to put. I set up a group chat during the pandemic with my closest people (partner, chosen family, best friend). It's the Ventspace. We were all struggling for obvious reasons. I was actually the best off and I am on SSI for my PTSD. The rules for the Ventspace? Only go into it if you have the mental health room to support the person needing it. This way there is a consent aspect vs trauma dumping. It's usually an immediate response but it's still giving everyone a buffer if their own stuff is too big. Sometimes it's just "Don't read this" followed by a scream into the void of pain. Sometimes it's everyone having hard times but supporting each other. This is part of surviving the pandemic while being terrified I wouldn't survive not from Covid (actually never gotten it) but from my uterus and the 7 year hemmoragh. I needed transfusions and it's very much part of the brain weasels going off. We each have found there's stuff we cannot put there. Limits exist and that's why therapy. I refuse to irrevocably scar my chosen family for life and certainly can with my trauma. I just also don't want my partner to see me in that space. There's no shame for that but a genuine concern about the effects on their mental health and mine if I say it. I have barely begun to word those things to my therapist. This is why I have one
The brain weasels are the other hard to categorize thing. I didn't have access to therapy for most of my life. I was diagnosed with PTSD at age 4 during my parents divorce and things got worse from there. I didn't actually feel happiness until I was in my 20s. That's when I got a therapist. The brain weasels come from that time but have been vital for coping and helpful for my chosen family too.
Brain weasels are the personification of the things we tell ourselves or the repetition of things we were told that aren't actually true and are harmful. "I'm worthless." That's a mild example. Sometimes for me the brain weasels are even the exact sound of my parents' voices. The ones that are less obvious are harder to manage but imagining them as the cartoon weasels from Who Framed Rodger Rabbit helps a ton. As does imagining facts as giant cartoon hammers that they get beaten with.
Say my brain goes to tell me that it's my fault my carer got into a car accident because I experimented with not doing an ocd ritual and unluckily they were in the accident. The ritual being supposed to prevent that means my brain is going to lie and terrorize me. So I will first try on my own to call the brain weasel out. If I had that much power over everything nothing bad would exist. That's not reality. Things like that. If that doesn't work I will ask for help with the brain weasels in the vent space and lay everything out. Usually doing this helps working past the moment because I can see how the brain weasel isn't an accurate reflection of reality but part of my OCD issues. From there it's looking at what I need to do to cope, what can I control, what is safe coping.
By the end the brain weasel is thoroughly crushed and while it may come back later I am not just okay/fine but usually feeling empowered because of the reality of what I can control. If not empowered I am at least not trapped in that anxiety cycle. This is a real example. The ritual is small but when I leave or someone leaves my company I have to say as the last thing "Drive safely." Which is half the thought. Drive safely because no one else will. It used to be a lot worse than two words but that's part of the process too.
I know I'll be fine in part because of the process and years of practice but with the PTSD? We already survived that. Our brain dragging us through time is uncomfortable, painful, and horrible but we're not actually in that danger and we survived. The pain is valid and real. We deserve comfort and care. It doesn't stop the pain but we aren't actually there.
Sometimes this reminder has to come after because my brain doesn't always let me know that. This is why I appreciate my cat being a chaos goblin with my PTSD. He didn't exist so why is there purring and cuddling of a giant kitten involved? So if you're new to PTSD or struggling with it and can? Try to keep something you can touch around that didn't exist and it may interrupt the process.
The other thing is our trauma responses exist to keep us alive. PTSD isn't just being terrorized forever. It is pattern recognition at its worst. Something poked the subconscious bear. That something might be a threat. So the brain trying to prepare for surviving again is going to go through the bad shit so we are ready. It's supposed to make it easier to spot the threat. Our brains went overboard like me reciting the entire history of Batman with maximum autism styling.
Those are things I figured out as coping before therapy but refined with. I know I am not alone. I know that someone may need this. If it's you? Don't feel obligated to comment if you're not up for being vulnerable. I do understand that happens and I wouldn't want you pushing yourself to reassure me. If you can? Add your coping suggestions too.

I apologize in advance for the long emotional unload, I just really need to voice where my head is at and put this down somewhere beyond a journal.
I absolutely adore my wife, she's truthfully the most incredible, passionate, creative and unique person I've ever met and on both good and bad days have never pictured a future that didn't include her in it. I'd walk through fire for her, and she's the person I want to navigate life with more than anything. When I think about the best moments of my life, many of them are tied to her - our first date, our second "first date", our engagement, our wedding, welcoming our child into the world and the list could go on. I had hoped to add so many more to this list.
But sadly, I've been separated from my wife for almost two months and it's quite literally been the hardest days of my life. In December I had a car accident on a particularly icy day and after went on anti-depressants in the months that followed (unrelated) but none of this matched what was to follow. Two months ago, she told me that despite being a loving, and attentive husband and partner we weren't right for each other and she wanted to separate to figure out what she wanted. I knew that we had some ups and downs like any relationship (as every relationship does), but truthfully I was blindsided, I never expected we'd get to this point because I genuinely would never give up on us (an never have even in hardships). I truly feel like when all was said and done, I've been a good husband, partner and father, standing by her in her most difficult moments and weathering the good and bad together. I know there's no one else in the picture, but I have such a hard time figuring out where and why things went wrong.
In a short span of time, I went from being home with my kids and the woman I love more than anything to being a ghost in the spare bedroom of my parents house trying to pick myself up. I started therapy, increased antidepressants, dieting and hiking, weekly check-ins with my family doctor and trying my best to just put one foot in front of the other. On a positive note, I've dropped 25 pounds (I wish I could've found an easier way to do it).
The situation feels so unfair, in a short span of time my entire life has changed and it's completely out of my control. I won't throw blame at her - she's not being vindictive, and I'd never want to try to guilt her into reconciliation. It's taken a lot to hold back on messages, calls and a desire to see her.
Last week, I truly felt like I was starting to get my feet back under me - it seemed like there was some hope that we were coming closer together, she was reaching out to me with things beyond just being about the kids. Then there was a shift, she unloaded on me about not being present enough and things are worse than ever it seems. I haven't been perfect, but I've been trying so hard to keep moving despite everything and had been told by others in my life that they though I was carrying myself well. She asked for low contact, and I though I was giving her what she wanted. When I told her I was trying and that I acknowledged that I could do more, she told me that she didn't want to reconcile and that we were done.
My son shared with me (unprompted) that his mom now figured I'm angry at her, but it couldn't be further from the truth; regardless of the hurt now or before, I've never really been angry with her. She's a passionate, fiery person who sometimes says something in the moment and regrets it after but often won't admit to that. I'm now having sleepless nights again wondering, hoping, that this is another of those moments. I don't know how to broach a conversation with her now, it feels like we're further apart than ever.
It would be so much easier if I was angry at her - heck, I want to hate her but I can't. She's my favorite person despite everything, my closest confident and the mother of my kids. I really want nothing more to tell her that I love her and miss her - that I want to fight like hell to make things work but I know that I shouldn't (or at least that's the unsolicited advice I've been given by many close to me).
Now today, I find out that my grandmother is not doing well and it could be something she doesn't come back from and I'm finding myself spiraling further and further. I want to reach out so badly to my wife, she's been my person (and I felt like I've been hers). I have family and friends but it just isn't the same. I just want my wife, my family, my home - I feel so broken.

Raksha Bandhan, a festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, is marked by the ritual of tying a Rakhi around the brother’s wrist. While Rakhis come in various designs and materials, Silver Rakhi holds a special place due to its elegance, durability, and traditional significance. Here’s everything you need to know about Silver Rakhi and why it makes an excellent choice for this auspicious occasion.
The Significance of Silver in Raksha Bandhan
Silver has been valued for centuries not only for its beauty but also for its symbolic meanings and health benefits. Here are a few reasons why Silver Rakhi is a meaningful choice:

1. Symbol of Purity and Prosperity: Silver is considered a symbol of purity and is believed to bring prosperity and good luck. Tying a Silver Rakhi can be seen as a blessing for a prosperous future.
2. Durability: Unlike other materials, silver is durable and can be kept as a cherished keepsake. A Silver Rakhi can be a lasting reminder of the bond shared between siblings.
3. Health Benefits: Silver is known for its antimicrobial properties and is believed to have various health benefits, such as improving blood circulation and boosting immunity. Wearing a Silver Rakhi can thus be beneficial for health.
4. Aesthetic Appeal: Silver Rakhis are elegant and timeless. Their shiny and sophisticated look can complement any attire, making them a versatile accessory.

Types of Silver Rakhis

1. Traditional Silver Rakhi: These Rakhis feature classic designs often inspired by traditional motifs. They might include elements like Om, Swastika, or Ganesh symbols, which add a spiritual touch.
2. Modern Silver Rakhi: For those who prefer contemporary styles, modern Silver Rakhis come in sleek designs with minimalistic patterns. They can feature geometric shapes, abstract designs, or personalized engravings.
3. Silver Bracelet Rakhi: Combining the traditional Rakhi with a modern bracelet style, these can be worn even after the festival, serving as a piece of jewelry. They are both stylish and meaningful.
4. Silver Rakhi with Gemstones: Adding gemstones to a Silver Rakhi enhances its beauty and introduces additional symbolism. Gemstones like emerald, ruby, or sapphire can be chosen based on the wearer’s preferences or astrological significance.
5. Customized Silver Rakhi: Personalized Silver Rakhis with initials, names, or special messages engraved on them add a unique and sentimental touch. These Rakhis are perfect for creating a lasting memory.

How to Choose the Perfect Silver Rakhi

1. Consider His Style: Think about your brother’s style and preferences. Does he like traditional designs, or does he prefer modern and sleek accessories? Choose a Silver Rakhi that matches his taste.
2. Quality of Silver: Ensure that the Rakhi is made from genuine sterling silver (92.5% purity) for durability and quality. Look for hallmarks or certifications that guarantee its authenticity.
3. Personal Touch: Adding a personal touch can make the Silver Rakhi even more special. Consider customizing it with his initials or a meaningful symbol.
4. Packaging: Present the Rakhi in elegant packaging. A beautiful box or pouch can enhance the gift’s appeal and make the unwrapping experience more enjoyable.

Making Raksha Bandhan Special with Silver Rakhi

1. Rituals and Traditions: Begin the Rakhi tying ceremony with traditional rituals. Light a diya, perform an aarti, apply tilak, and then tie the Silver Rakhi on your brother’s wrist, followed by exchanging sweets.
2. Heartfelt Messages: Accompany the Rakhi with a heartfelt note or card. Express your love, gratitude, and the special bond you share with your brother.
3. Thoughtful Gifts: Pair the Silver Rakhi with a thoughtful gift. It could be something he has been wanting, a book, a gadget, or a personalized item that holds sentimental value.
4. Quality Time: Spend quality time together. Whether it’s sharing a meal, watching a movie, or reminiscing about childhood memories, the time spent together makes the celebration memorable.
5. Virtual Celebration: If you are miles apart, celebrate virtually. Send the Silver Rakhi via post or courier and perform the rituals over a video call to keep the spirit of the festival alive.

Silver Rakhi from Rakhi.com is more than just a piece of jewelry; it’s a symbol of the deep bond and love shared between siblings. Its elegance, durability, and traditional significance make it a perfect choice for Raksha Bandhan. By choosing a Silver Rakhi, you not only honor the festival’s traditions but also create a lasting memory that your brother can cherish forever. This Raksha Bandhan, let the gleam of silver reflect the timeless bond you share with your brother, making the celebration truly special.

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Sorry for the delay in getting this part out; been away visiting family so not had much time to put fingers to keyboard, plus I managed to have my phone stolen by a roller coaster and it took a white to get it replaced and be able to get into a few things - stupid two factor authentication! Anyway, I hope you enjoy.
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Y’Lek and K’Rim slowed their mad dash as they neared the armoury; there was no telling whether the Swarm agents had left any traps for them and the armoury was full of extremely energy dense materials and weapons which could potentially jeopardise the structure of the ship if employed in the right way. Grabbing some handy footholds they stopped and considered the imposing door in front of them.
After a few moments of effort K’Rim had eased off the casement off the door’s locking mechanism but could detect nothing amiss with the crystalline structure beneath. Bypassing the outer interface she placed a grasper to the innards and a small spark of bioelectric energy jumped into the crystal which glowed briefly as the uniquely patterned waveform was parsed and compared with the patterns of those permitted access. The door slid aside as they were granted entry with no unwanted surprises being triggered.
With a relieved chitter Y’Lek started inside only to be pulled back sharply as K’Rim pulled on his leg.
“Stop. Just because the door opens, doesn’t mean that it is safe.” K’Rim warned as she pulled a small disc out of one of her utility pouches. Snapping it easily she gently tossed it through the doorway after slowly counting out a grasper of seconds. The exothermic reaction had reached the point where the disc glowed fitfully in the infrared, while it emitted a clear UV light. K’Rim watched it carefully and her antennae twitched with the effort of picking up any slight sound.
The glow-disc struck some of the lockers which filled the armoury and ricocheted off around the room but nothing seemed to react to the heat and movement.
With a decisive clack of her mandibles K’Rim pulled herself through the doorway and into the armoury. Y’Lek followed close on her tarsus. It was immediately obvious that several sets of warrior equipment had been removed, along with copious numbers of weapons.
Y’Lek was surprised when K’Rim didn’t make for the remaining warrior gear but instead to the emergency pressure suits. Seeing the confused tilt of his head K’Rim explained “Although the room appears safe, we don’t know what they may have done while they were here but it is safe to assume that they would have ensured any of the most dangerous equipment could not be used against them.”
She passed a bundled pressure suit to Y’Lek and continued “The emergency gear and non-powered weapons are the least likely to have been tampered with and have the least amount of capacity for harming us even if they have been so we will have to make do with them until we can thoroughly check the rest of the equipment.”
Y’Lek thought for a moment before bobbing in agreement and starting to pull on the pressure suit, careful to sheath his claws with the hardened “gauntlets” integral to the suit before powering up the spiracle gas exchangers and carefully sealing them in place against his thorax. “Yes, I can see the risk now. Though it will potentially leave us vulnerable, it is better to be certain of our equipment than to die of over confidence.”
The emergency pressure suit came together quickly, living up to its name and the pair were quickly sealed against the cold, dry, and slightly strange tasting air that the aliens had been pumping into the Far Flung Seed and supplying them with a more familiar and moister mixture.
K’Rim passed him a set of the ceremonial but still functional weapons and the harness to hold them. They wouldn’t hold up long against a fusion blade or a particle lance but they were durable enough to give them a chance and were completely inert so could not have been sabotaged.
Only a couple of minutes after entering the armoury they swam back out into the corridor and sped off towards the arboretum.
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Smithy quickly sprayed a fluorescent marking on the uneven and root covered tunnel junction to identify which way they had come from. “How can such a small ship have so many damn tunnels?” he growled to himself.
“It’s not the size of the ship, it’s what you do with it that matters” quipped Hall.
“Yeah? Well, apparently in this case it was fill it with bloody tunnels.” deadpanned Smithy in response.
“Can it.” broke in Stroud before anyone else could get involved “You can discuss the relative merits of alien design philosophy on your own time; for now you need to focus.”
A chorus of “Sergeant” came back over the radio and the remainder of Delta and Echo buckled down and continued sweeping what even Stroud was prepared to admit was a seemingly endless series of tunnels with apparently zero overarching logic to their layout. Up until a few minutes ago they had been getting directional updates from some supposedly friendly ET’s in the control room but apparently they had suddenly just buggered off so now they were picking junctions that appeared to take them in the vague direction that had been indicated to them.
Stroud again cursed the fact that the maintenance drones brought by the initial engineering team hadn't been able to access this part of the ship and map it due to the tightly sealed blast doors that had protected the forest from the vacuum. Who could have imagined that there would have been so much structure hidden underneath and between the normal corridors and rooms? The three dimensional map they had been creating as they advanced was like something Jackson Pollock and H R Giger might have come up with on an acid trip.
They approached another intersection and slowed. After a quick glance between them, Mears and Jackson moved forward, taking cover behind Mears’ shield. They crept up to the junction and Jackson poked the muzzle of his shotgun, and its camera into the ragged space beyond. The feed showed several small tunnels radiating off at all angles, way too small for any of them to fit down. One navigable tunnel appeared to curve off back in the direction they came from, while another looked like it might go the right way.
Suddenly the camera and the end third of Jackson’s gun disintegrated into a cloud of superheated vapour, shards of glowing metal and smoking composites. With a scream Jackson jumped back, the outer weave on the gauntlet of his left hand shredded and smouldering. In a stunning display of muscle memory he ejected the internal magazine and disconnected the weapon from the backpack feed almost before his mind had caught up with what was going on.
Hands grabbed him as he was yanked further back into the corridor. He flung the remains of his shotgun down and it clattered and bounced down the tunnel in the vague direction of the junction. Jackson was conscious of Mears backing up towards him, shield held protectively to block as much of the tunnel as possible, while Smithy grabbed his forearm and inspected his hand. Stroud stepped over him and took up guard on Mears’ shoulder, weapon trained forward and sweeping what could be seen of the slightly larger space beyond this section of the tunnel.
Another “FOOOM!” as the tumbling wreckage of the shotgun was vaporised as it spun across the opening of the tunnel.
“Fuuuuuuuck me!” said Jackson, at last able to form words as the adrenaline induced tunnel vision started to clear.
“Well, how about you start by showing me whether you can still use your fingers and we can take it from there, eh?” Smithy said from where he was turning his hand from prone to supine again. “Looks like the inner layer of your glove is intact but both Simmonds and Jones complained of numbness after being hit. How’re you feeling?”
Jackson gingerly flexed his fingers and made a fist a few times but grunted as he felt the tips of his fingers tingle where they pressed into the material of his gloves “Feels weird - tingly like I sat on my hand or something.”
Smithy grunted to acknowledge this “OK, well shout out if it gets any worse; got it?”
He pulled Jackson to his feet and slapped him on the shoulder before they both turned back to face down the tunnel again. Jackson surreptitiously flexed his hand a few more times as he pulled out his sidearm and secured its retaining strap to his right wrist. He wasn’t too hopeful that the small pistol would be able to do too much against the ET’s, but it was better than walking around with nothing.
Stroud backed away from the junction where he had been very gingerly checking all the passageways with a camera barely poking out from the mouth of the tunnel they were in.
He stood up and turned to the security team “Ok, looks like there is something stuffed into one of the narrow tunnels - kind of like those shoulder guns the ET’s have, along with a stand and power supply. My guess is it has some kind of automated fire mode and decided that it really didn’t like Jackson’s gun waving around in front of it. Question is, how are we going to get rid of it? We can’t leave it behind in case we need to come back this way in a hurry.”
“I guess it will probably shoot anything we throw at it so grenades are out?” mused Mears
There followed a number of suggestions and comments.
“Can we get an angle on it and just shoot it?”
“How about we let Jackson distract it some more while the rest of us blow it away?”
“We need to avoid the power pack if the two dead ET’s from the corridor are anything to go by.”
Stroud listened for a minute before cutting the chatter short. “Ok, so I think our best bet is to use the ballistic shield to bait it, while someone else blows the top off it from the other side of the tunnel; Mears you and Jackson handle the shield; keep a tight hold on it as those shots release a lot of energy when they hit. Smithy - I’ve marked its location so you hug the other side of the tunnel and draw a bead on it. Wait for it to hit the shield before popping out and taking your shot; and for the love of all that you hold dear do it fast, Ok?”
The team nodded in agreement.
“I will be there to pull Smithy back as soon as he has popped out of cover, just in case.” concluded Stroud before ushering them to their positions. After a few moments of shuffling around each other in the tight space they were ready.
Smithy led the countdown. “Ready. Steady. Go!” Instantly Mears and Jackson shoved a third of the ballistic shield out into the corridor and planted themselves on top of the section remaining in the corridor only a moment ahead of a bright flash and the shield heaving under the impact.
Seemingly almost simultaneously Smithy leaned out and fired, the boom of his shotgun mingling with the “foom!” of the vaporising surface of the shield. Stroud almost bodily lifted him as he pulled him back from the edge.
For a second they were still as they sprawled around the opening.
“A good hit!” called Stroud as he reviewed the few frames of footage from Smithy’s gun camera between jumping out and back in again.
Mears stood up and inspected the sorry remains of his ballistic shield, now missing most of the top edge. “Great, well I hope there aren’t too many more of those hidden around as I’m running out of shield.”
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N’Dar’s antennae quivered inside his protective suit. That last series of weapons fire had been far too close for comfort and he still had two more locking systems to bypass. With a furious click of his mandibles he redoubled his efforts, running his bioelectric patterns through a series of filters, amplifiers and other signal processing systems to trick the door into thinking he had a right to open it.
The rot take the claw that had been delaying the aliens! He was supposed to have more time than this!
Next

Unlike steam, ps3 does not care what games you have played and quick link to your psn stores for dlc and bonuses. So you gotta manually navigate in the psn store and find your way to the game (assuming you got the region correct) to check out what add ons or bonuses are available.
This is kinda a hassle i wonder how many people care nowadays when you play a new game? They also made it difficult as you gotta select the add ons 1 by 1 and the ps store and ps3 is kinda slow even when selecting background downloads.

Raksha Bandhan, commonly known as Rakhi, is a beautiful Indian festival that celebrates the unique bond between brothers and sisters. It’s a day filled with love, care, and the timeless tradition of tying a Rakhi around a brother’s wrist. While there are many elaborate and ornate Rakhi options available, a single Rakhi can be just as meaningful and significant. Here’s why choosing a single Rakhi can be a beautiful way to celebrate Raksha Bandhan and how you can make it special.
The Beauty of Simplicity
A single Rakhi embodies the essence of Raksha Bandhan – the pure and simple bond of love and protection between siblings. Here are some reasons why a single Rakhi can be the perfect choice:

1. Focus on Meaning: A single Rakhi allows you to focus on the true meaning of the festival – the promise of protection and the celebration of the sibling bond. Without the distraction of excessive decorations, the simplicity of a single Rakhi can often be more heartfelt.
2. Elegance and Grace: Sometimes, less is more. A single Rakhi can be elegant and graceful, reflecting a timeless aesthetic that emphasizes quality over quantity.
3. Personal Connection: A single Rakhi can be personalized to reflect your brother’s personality and your unique relationship. It can carry a deeper personal connection that mass-produced, ornate Rakhis might lack.
4. Eco-Friendly: Choosing a single, simple Rakhi can also be an eco-friendly choice. It reduces waste and encourages mindful consumption, aligning with sustainable living practices.

Choosing the Perfect Single Rakhi
When selecting a single Rakhi, consider the following options to find one that best suits your brother:

1. Traditional Thread Rakhi: A simple Mauli or Kalava thread Rakhi, often used in Hindu rituals, is traditional and holds spiritual significance. It represents the sacred bond and is ideal for those who appreciate classic styles.
2. Beaded Rakhi: A single beaded Rakhi can be stylish yet simple. Choose beads in your brother’s favorite color or ones that carry a particular meaning, such as pearls for purity or rudraksha for spiritual protection.
3. Silver or Gold Plated Rakhi: A single Rakhi with a silver or gold-plated centerpiece can add a touch of sophistication. These Rakhis are durable and can be kept as a cherished keepsake.
4. Personalized Rakhi: Consider a single Rakhi with a personalized touch, such as an initial or name engraved on it. This adds a special significance and makes the Rakhi unique to your bond.
5. Handmade Rakhi: A handmade Rakhi can be simple yet profoundly meaningful. Crafting the Rakhi yourself adds a personal touch and shows the effort and love you’ve put into the gift.

Making Raksha Bandhan Special with a Single Rakhi

1. Thoughtful Presentation: Present the single Rakhi in a beautiful way. Use a decorated Rakhi thali (plate) with a small diya (lamp), roli (red powder), chawal (rice grains), and sweets. This traditional presentation enhances the ritual’s significance.
2. Heartfelt Message: Include a heartfelt letter or card with the Rakhi. Express your feelings, share cherished memories, and let your brother know how much he means to you. Your words can make the single Rakhi even more special.
3. Complement with Gifts: Pair the single Rakhi with a thoughtful gift. It could be something your brother has been wanting, a book, a gadget, or a personalized item that holds sentimental value.
4. Celebrate Together: Spend quality time with your brother. Whether it’s sharing a meal, watching a movie, or going for a walk, the time spent together can make the day memorable.
5. Virtual Celebration: If you and your brother are apart, consider a virtual celebration. Send the single Rakhi by mail and perform the Rakhi tying ceremony over a video call. This keeps the tradition alive despite the distance.

A single Rakhi from Rakhi.com is a beautiful way to celebrate Raksha Bandhan, emphasizing the purity and simplicity of the sibling bond. It allows you to focus on the true essence of the festival – love, protection, and mutual respect. By choosing a single Rakhi, you can create a meaningful and memorable Raksha Bandhan celebration that honors the special relationship you share with your brother. This Raksha Bandhan, let the simplicity of a single Rakhi convey your heartfelt emotions and make the day truly special.

Raksha Bandhan, commonly known as Rakhi, is a cherished Indian festival celebrating the bond of love, protection, and mutual respect between brothers and sisters. Among the many types of Rakhis available, Rudraksha Rakhi holds a special significance due to its spiritual and protective properties. Here’s everything you need to know about Rudraksha Rakhi and why it makes an excellent choice for this special occasion.
The Significance of Rudraksha
Rudraksha beads are seeds from the fruit of the Rudraksha tree (Elaeocarpus ganitrus), which is primarily found in the Himalayan region, Indonesia, and Nepal. According to Hindu mythology, Rudraksha beads are believed to have originated from the tears of Lord Shiva, making them sacred and powerful. These beads are known for their spiritual, physical, and mental benefits.
Why Choose Rudraksha Rakhi?

1. Spiritual Protection: Rudraksha beads are believed to provide protection against negative energies and evil spirits. Tying a Rudraksha Rakhi signifies not only a sister’s love but also her prayers for her brother’s safety and well-being.
2. Health Benefits: Rudraksha is known to have therapeutic properties. It is said to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and enhance concentration and mental clarity. Wearing a Rudraksha Rakhi can contribute to the overall health and well-being of the wearer.
3. Symbol of Strength and Peace: Rudraksha is often associated with strength, tranquility, and resilience. Gifting a Rudraksha Rakhi symbolizes the sister’s wish for her brother to be strong and at peace in all aspects of life.
4. Eco-Friendly Choice: Rudraksha beads are natural and biodegradable, making Rudraksha Rakhi an eco-friendly option. It aligns with sustainable living practices and shows a commitment to preserving nature.

Types of Rudraksha Rakhi

1. Single Bead Rudraksha Rakhi: This is the simplest form, featuring a single Rudraksha bead in the center of the Rakhi. It’s elegant and carries the essential spiritual benefits.
2. Multi-Bead Rudraksha Rakhi: This Rakhi features multiple Rudraksha beads, often combined with other decorative elements like metal charms, colored threads, and beads. It adds a touch of style while retaining its spiritual essence.
3. Rudraksha with Gemstones: Combining Rudraksha with gemstones such as turquoise, amethyst, or jade enhances the Rakhi's aesthetic appeal and introduces additional metaphysical properties.
4. Rudraksha Bracelet Rakhi: This style combines the traditional Rakhi with a modern bracelet design. It can be worn even after the festival, serving as a constant reminder of the sibling bond.

How to Celebrate Raksha Bandhan with Rudraksha Rakhi

1. Rakhi Selection: Choose a Rudraksha Rakhi that resonates with your brother’s personality and preferences. Consider the type and design that he would appreciate and be comfortable wearing.
2. Personalized Touch: Add a personal touch to the Rudraksha Rakhi by including a heartfelt note or a customized charm. This can make the Rakhi more special and memorable.
3. Rituals and Prayers: Perform the Rakhi tying ceremony with traditional rituals. Begin with an Aarti (a ceremonial prayer), apply a Tilak (a mark on the forehead) on your brother’s forehead, tie the Rudraksha Rakhi on his wrist, and exchange sweets.
4. Gifts and Tokens of Love: Complement the Rudraksha Rakhi with a thoughtful gift. It could be something he has been wanting for a while or a personalized item that holds sentimental value.
5. Virtual Celebration: If you and your brother are miles apart, consider celebrating Raksha Bandhan virtually. Send the Rudraksha Rakhi via post or courier and perform the rituals over a video call. This keeps the spirit of the festival alive despite the distance.

Rudraksha Rakhi from Rakhi.com is more than just a thread; it’s a symbol of spiritual protection, health, and well-being. It combines traditional values with modern sensibilities, making it a perfect choice for celebrating Raksha Bandhan. By tying a Rudraksha Rakhi, sisters not only express their love and care but also bestow their brothers with the blessings of strength, peace, and protection. This Raksha Bandhan, choose a Rudraksha Rakhi to honor the sacred bond you share with your sibling, creating lasting memories and reinforcing the spiritual connection.

Grave is i think my favorite OSR game. it's a lesser-known hack of Knave 1e designed for dark souls inspired games and i've been running a campaign of it for roughly 2 years now. i praise it here every time i get the opportunity - i've ended up liking it so much, actually, that i really wanted it to be the default system i use for D&D-style fantasy.
this is a bit of an issue as the dark souls elements (souls as both currency & XP, PCs getting multiple deaths, etc) are a pretty specific flavor, so it requires some tweaking. but i want to talk about why i like the system so much before talking about making it work more seamlessly for vanilla fantasy.
good stuff unchanged from Knave: knave 1e is popular enough here that i probably don't need to introduce it, but in case anyone is out of the loop, here you go

• super lightweight, as knave's only 7 pages long
• rather than picking a class, your character is defined entirely by randomly rolled stats & gear. you be a fighter by spending your limited inventory on a big sword & armor and having good strength, you play a wizard by carrying a bunch of spellbooks and having good intelligence. etc etc. very elegant and streamlined
• simple, quick iterations on various old-D&D mechanics, like reaction rolls, morale, monster stats, etc. one-roll side-based initiative. i tend to prefer these over actual D&D/retroclones since they're so clean and easy for new GMs and players to remember

reasons i like Grave specifically:

• PCs have stamina - a resource for spells/combat maneuvers - equal to their empty item slots, adding an axis of customization where a fighter might be more heavily armed & armored for bigger numbers with fewer maneuvers, or play a more nimble swashbuckler for lower numbers with a lot more maneuvers.
• spells are divided into wizardry (INT), theurgy (WIS) and witchcraft (CHA) which adds much more diversity to casters. a wizard and cleric now feel different whereas in knave 1e all spellcasters are largely interchangeable. combined with the stamina mechanic this gives grave vastly more PC diversity than knave while adding very little extra crunch, which i think is super impressive
• grave adds premade packages of starting stats/gear as an alternative to rolling (though you can still roll), essentially adding back character classes. this is really nice, especially when running for new players whose expectations are closer to something like 5e.
• multiple second chances at death per PC (because dark souls) - a little anti-OSR, but i really like it for giving new players a bit of a buffer & time to get invested in their PC. importantly, this only ever goes down as you die, never up, so you have this really nice ticking-clock thing going on as you die more often. it is still way too generous with extra deaths tho, if you run grave i recommend cutting the amount of second chances in half
• whole page of 50 magic items that are all cool and flavorful. the $2 PDF price is probably worth it just for these honestly
• sands off a couple of knave's oddities, like using wisdom for ranged attacks instead of dex. this is an upside or downside depending on preference, but i find it more intuitive to new players

seriously you should play grave. it's so good

my houserules

with 5e being my first ttrpg, that slightly more heroic-fantasy vibe influenced my design here a bit; my goal was to essentially replace 5e with grave as my go-to system for people new to RPGs. you can find the full PDF here!

• diceless skills: i really like skills as a way to customize PCs a little further, but i dislike defaulting to a die roll for task resolution. so instead the game uses a spin on joseph manola's skill system, i.e. if you have the skill on your sheet, you're just considered really good at that thing for the purpose of the GM's rulings. & that's the whole mechanic.
• weapon traits: easy-to-remember, one-sentence traits like crushing weapons being good against armor, rapiers giving you more maneuvers, axes cleaving through enemies, spears having extra reach, etc. weapons deal more damage if they're heavier or don't have traits. the goal is for weapon choice to feel impactful without there being an obvious best one.
• dungeon crawl procedure: this is something knave & grave lack and it's the only thing i feel is really missing from them. i don't really like super-structured dungeon turns with each PC picking exactly 1 action/movement each 10 minutes, so here the referee just marks off 10 minutes behind the screen as appropriate.
• balance adjustments: i love getting to discover characters instead of hand-craft them, so i kept the rolling option on top of grave's classes. but it is reworked so now it gives you the same amount of stats as everyone else, just randomizing where they go instead of how good or bad they are, since i've never liked that power variance. HP is also standardized now.
• ticking-clock deaths: i wanted to keep grave's feeling of gradually getting closer to death the more you fall in combat, even though there's no extra-lives thing built into the lore here. instead you take a mortal wound each time you reach 0HP, and when you hit 3 wounds, you die. they never go away. i like it better than straight death at 0HP because it gives new players a chance to make mistakes without instantly dying, but is still an impactful, permanent consequence.
• other additions: different playable creatures like elves/goblins/etc, a little bestiary, some GM advice, a d50 potion table, proper XP-for-gold rules, free maneuver on to-hit rolls of 20+ (stolen from knave 2e), and a simple character sheet.

i've run this version of grave for kids a few times and it's gone really well. ben milton & jason tocci (knave and grave designers respectively) deserve most of the credit here, since i'm just building on their work and creativity. huge thanks to both of them

Father's Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring fathers and celebrating their contributions to their families and society. It's a day to express gratitude and love for the men who have played a pivotal role in our lives. While the date of Father’s Day varies across different countries, the sentiment remains universally cherished. Here’s a guide to when Father's Day is celebrated around the world and some ideas on how to make it special.
Father's Day in the United States and Many Other Countries
In the United States, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. This tradition is followed by many other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, India, and most European and Latin American countries. For 2024, Father’s Day in these regions falls on June 16th.
Origin of Father’s Day in the United States
The idea of Father's Day in the U.S. was inspired by Mother's Day. The first Father's Day celebration was held on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington, spearheaded by Sonora Smart Dodd, who wanted to honor her father, a Civil War veteran and single parent who raised six children. It wasn’t until 1972, however, that Father’s Day was officially recognized as a national holiday by President Richard Nixon.
Father’s Day in Different Parts of the World

When is Father's Day: Celebrating Dads Around the World

Father's Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring fathers and celebrating their contributions to their families and society. It's a day to express gratitude and love for the men who have played a pivotal role in our lives. While the date of Father’s Day varies across different countries, the sentiment remains universally cherished. Here’s a guide to when Father's Day is celebrated around the world and some ideas on how to make it special.
Father's Day in the United States and Many Other Countries
In the United States, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. This tradition is followed by many other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, India, and most European and Latin American countries. For 2024, Father’s Day in these regions falls on June 16th.
Origin of Father’s Day in the United States
The idea of Father's Day in the U.S. was inspired by Mother's Day. The first Father's Day celebration was held on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington, spearheaded by Sonora Smart Dodd, who wanted to honor her father, a Civil War veteran and single parent who raised six children. It wasn’t until 1972, however, that Father’s Day was officially recognized as a national holiday by President Richard Nixon.
Father’s Day in Different Parts of the World

1. Australia and New Zealand: Father's Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in September. This year, it will be observed on September 1st.
2. Brazil: Known as Dia dos Pais, Father's Day in Brazil is celebrated on the second Sunday in August, aligning with the Catholic feast day of St. Joachim, the father of the Virgin Mary. This year, it falls on August 11th.
3. Germany: In Germany, Father's Day, or Vatertag, is celebrated on Ascension Day, which is the 40th day of Easter. It’s also known as Men's Day (Männertag), and this year, it will be celebrated on May 30th.
4. Thailand: Father’s Day in Thailand is celebrated on December 5th, coinciding with the birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It is a day of national celebration and respect for fathers.
5. Russia: In Russia, Father’s Day is observed as Defender of the Fatherland Day on February 23rd. It honors men in general, especially those serving in the military.

How to Make Father’s Day Special
Regardless of when you celebrate Father’s Day, here are some thoughtful ways to make the day memorable for your dad:

1. Personalized Gifts: Custom-made gifts such as photo albums, engraved watches, or personalized mugs can add a special touch.
2. Quality Time: Spend the day doing something your dad loves, whether it’s fishing, hiking, watching a movie, or playing a sport.
3. Cook a Special Meal: Treat your dad to a homemade meal with his favorite dishes. You could also host a barbecue or picnic if the weather permits.
4. Handwritten Letters: Write a heartfelt letter expressing your gratitude and love. Sometimes, words from the heart mean more than any store-bought gift.
5. Experience Gifts: Plan an experience rather than a physical gift. Consider activities like a day trip, a concert, or a cooking class.
6. Virtual Celebration: If you’re far away, set up a video call and celebrate together virtually. You can still share a meal, play games, or watch a movie simultaneously.

Conclusion
Father's Day is a wonderful opportunity to show appreciation for the fathers and father figures in our lives. Whether your dad is near or far, there are countless ways to make the day special. Understanding when Father’s Day is celebrated around the world helps us appreciate the diverse ways in which this important day is honored. No matter the date, the essence of Father’s Day lies in expressing love, gratitude, and respect for the men who have guided, supported, and loved us unconditionally.
Father's Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring fathers and celebrating their contributions to their families and society. It's a day to express gratitude and love for the men who have played a pivotal role in our lives. While the date of Father’s Day varies across different countries, the sentiment remains universally cherished. Here’s a guide to when Father's Day is celebrated around the world and some ideas on how to make it special.
Father's Day in the United States and Many Other Countries
In the United States, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. This tradition is followed by many other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, India, and most European and Latin American countries. For 2024, Father’s Day in these regions falls on June 16th.
Origin of Father’s Day in the United States
The idea of Father's Day in the U.S. was inspired by Mother's Day. The first Father's Day celebration was held on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington, spearheaded by Sonora Smart Dodd, who wanted to honor her father, a Civil War veteran and single parent who raised six children. It wasn’t until 1972, however, that Father’s Day was officially recognized as a national holiday by President Richard Nixon.
Father’s Day in Different Parts of the World

When is Father's Day: Celebrating Dads Around the World

Father's Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring fathers and celebrating their contributions to their families and society. It's a day to express gratitude and love for the men who have played a pivotal role in our lives. While the date of Father’s Day varies across different countries, the sentiment remains universally cherished. Here’s a guide to when Father's Day is celebrated around the world and some ideas on how to make it special.
Father's Day in the United States and Many Other Countries
In the United States, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June. This tradition is followed by many other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, India, and most European and Latin American countries. For 2024, Father’s Day in these regions falls on June 16th.
Origin of Father’s Day in the United States
The idea of Father's Day in the U.S. was inspired by Mother's Day. The first Father's Day celebration was held on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington, spearheaded by Sonora Smart Dodd, who wanted to honor her father, a Civil War veteran and single parent who raised six children. It wasn’t until 1972, however, that Father’s Day was officially recognized as a national holiday by President Richard Nixon.
Father’s Day in Different Parts of the World

1. Australia and New Zealand: Father's Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in September. This year, it will be observed on September 1st.
2. Brazil: Known as Dia dos Pais, Father's Day in Brazil is celebrated on the second Sunday in August, aligning with the Catholic feast day of St. Joachim, the father of the Virgin Mary. This year, it falls on August 11th.
3. Germany: In Germany, Father's Day, or Vatertag, is celebrated on Ascension Day, which is the 40th day of Easter. It’s also known as Men's Day (Männertag), and this year, it will be celebrated on May 30th.
4. Thailand: Father’s Day in Thailand is celebrated on December 5th, coinciding with the birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It is a day of national celebration and respect for fathers.
5. Russia: In Russia, Father’s Day is observed as Defender of the Fatherland Day on February 23rd. It honors men in general, especially those serving in the military.

How to Make Father’s Day Special
Regardless of when you celebrate Father’s Day, here are some thoughtful ways to make the day memorable for your dad:

1. Personalized Gifts: Custom-made gifts such as photo albums, engraved watches, or personalized mugs can add a special touch.
2. Quality Time: Spend the day doing something your dad loves, whether it’s fishing, hiking, watching a movie, or playing a sport.
3. Cook a Special Meal: Treat your dad to a homemade meal with his favorite dishes. You could also host a barbecue or picnic if the weather permits.
4. Handwritten Letters: Write a heartfelt letter expressing your gratitude and love. Sometimes, words from the heart mean more than any store-bought gift.
5. Experience Gifts: Plan an experience rather than a physical gift. Consider activities like a day trip, a concert, or a cooking class.
6. Virtual Celebration: If you’re far away, set up a video call and celebrate together virtually. You can still share a meal, play games, or watch a movie simultaneously.

Father's Day from Rakhi.com is a wonderful opportunity to show appreciation for the fathers and father figures in our lives. Whether your dad is near or far, there are countless ways to make the day special. Understanding when Father’s Day is celebrated around the world helps us appreciate the diverse ways in which this important day is honored. No matter the date, the essence of Father’s Day lies in expressing love, gratitude, and respect for the men who have guided, supported, and loved us unconditionally.

I will say this at the start, I do understand being unsure of mixing business with family. Also, there is no guarantee everything will work out perfect. That said... yeah this is a perfect case of women not caring about how much us men sacrifice for their well being.
My mother in law is medically fragile, has been so for years. Father in law dotes on her every need and buys nice furniture she wants, getting her hair done so she can pretend she isn't going gray, and vacations and other things all the time for her. They live above their means because of her. A few years back he talked about seeing HIS family for a change with the stimulus (they had basically no money in the bank at this point) and she threw a fit.
This man has been providing for his family for years and sacrificing his desires and his dreams and even his well being. Despite his working two jobs for decades they don't even own a home (and he makes a reasonable salary) due to the expense of her medical care while she has no job or even seems willing to try.
All of that is all well and good. You say in sickness and in health and all that. She does have some mobility issues and such, though sometimes I wonder if she just likes the attention.
The one thing she HAS been doing is selling bakery goods. She is really good too. I mean, professional grade, no lie. Her husband has bought her all the stuff to do it, invested in getting her cards, etc. She's been selling her confectionaries around town and making some slight return, but not much.
A more well to do brother in law of hers just offered to invest half a million and help her get her business to the next level. Even when I suggested just sell your recipes, work for him a couple years training whoever he hires, and then get out she was like "but I just don't want to do that…you don't know him...he's all about money money money”. I said, with that kind of money you could get a house, "I like our house". I said then buy the house you're renting like you and your husband have been talking about. "Oh I just want to have a little business, I don't want some big thing”.
Idk, if I was my father in law who will never be able to retire and who has supported her all these years and everything, I might just be telling her she's on her own with the medical care from now on or something. This guy has serious health issues and she just doesn't feel like shouldering some of the financial burden. We really are just a meal ticket to women aren't we?
I’ll also add that 4 years ago I approached them with the idea of living in a duplex I owned for free if they just kept an eye on things for me a bit. By now they would have saved enough down payment to easily purchase their own home, even in this economy. Some people just don't want to be helped.

I‘ve always been a huge fan of HTTYD. It all started with the first Movie in 2010, it really felt special to me as a kid. Watched it twice in the cinema with my parents and it used to be my favourite Movie until Dragons 2 came out in 2014. I basically grew up with HTTYD, I watched every Movie, every series except for T9R and every special. I had, and still have merch. Toothless always was and probably always will be one of my favourite characters ever if not my favourite character ever. The way Hiccup and Toothless‘ bond is depicted in the Movies just always felt special to me. The way Toothless and Hiccup develop this almost symbiotic relationship is unique in any way. HTTYD is THE ONLY franchise of animated films I still like to watch as of now. Growing up to this amazing franchise with HTTYD 1/2, RTTE, ROB and DOB and GOTNF really defined my childhood so I still am very emotional and nostalgic about the whole franchise. I grew up, moved out of my parents house and studied, but I didn‘t forget about HTTYD. I took all of my merchandising and collectibles with me into my apartment and waited for HTTYD 3 to release. I have to admit, I didn’t really inform myself about Dean DeBlois interviews concerning the future of HTTYD in about 2014, since I‘m not a native English speaker and the interview didn’t really circulate through German movie news and I was simply too young to really get into Movie news and especially on English platforms and such stuff as of 2014, so I totally missed that. So I really didn’t know what to expect from THW. I simply waited for it to release. Originally it was scheduled for 2016 and then delayed to 2017 if i remember correctly, so basically it would’ve come out in my teenage years. Then it was delayed to 2019 and well, as soon as it got into the cinemas here in Germany I simply felt like I had to go and watch it. I reserved me some tickets for the movie for the launch day and just went. Again, I really didn't know that THW was always planned as the end for this amazing series of Movies. My expectations were high. As soon as the movie started and I got into the Storyline I felt involved into plot and the events of the Movie. I felt nostalgia and excitement at the same time while watching the movie. I was really having a great time, not expecting what was to come. Then right about when the Light Fury saved Toothless and the music started to get sadder I thought there was something off. And well, there was. Hiccup and all the other Berkians saying farewell to their beloved dragons. To be totally honest I didn't really care for any dragon except for Toothless at the time being and I probably still don‘t really care for any other dragon. I started to really get emotional, not really questioning the whole Event just feeling parted between anger because of the way this movie was ending and sadness because Toothless basically was gone forever. I left the cinema before the part with the reunion of Hiccup and Toothless ten years after the main plot simply because I was so annoyed. I really felt down for the next couple of days, really thinking about the ending non stop, but I still saw no sense in doing it like it was done. I tried to ignore the fact the ending seemed so definitive and is planned as a way to really conclude the movie series, still hoping for more to come. I didn't watch the Movie for four years straight, completely ignoring it, only watching HTTYD 1/2, the variety of series and the special GOTNF. I rediscovered the movie in summer 2023. I saw the 4K version on sale at Amazon and thought: „Why not give it another shot?“, I ordered it as the Steelbook version to add it too my collection and was hyped for the delivery. I rewatched HTTYD 1 and 2 and at the weekend it finally was time to give THW another chance. Once again, I enjoyed the movie, had a great time, but I couldn’t stop noticing the way the whole movie seems to want to introduce the viewer to a Hiccup without Toothless. I really started getting upset, every single event seemed to be an introduction to the grand finale, especially when Astrid talks to Valka about the way Hiccup needs to learn he’s the same great Person and leader without Toothless. I started crying and sobbing a bit about halfway through the film, knowing what was going to happen. I still tried enjoying the movie. But then again, this really emotionally distressing scene. I really cried my eyes out. But then I noticed the movie wasn’t over yet. I felt the same emotions that I had the first time I watched THW after Toothless left, not really caring for Hiccup‘s and Astrid‘s wedding. Well, then Hiccup came, now with his mighty beard and all grown up, looking into the distance and telling a tale of how dragons used to live in their world. The camera focuses on a nearby isle, covered in fog and… I didn’t really trust my eyes at first… Toothless! I felt euphoric, really happy that I discovered this scene. But it was bittersweet, knowing this still probably is the ending to the Trilogy. Anyways… what am I trying to say? I am trying to say that I hate the way this movie and so the Trilogy ends. I not only hate it because I‘m a fan or because I‘ll miss Toothless. No it just didn‘t really make sense to me. It didn‘t felt like it was supposed to already be the end of this Movie series. I started looking up if there were more movies planned and only now discovered those interviews I mentioned earlier, where Dean DeBlois states that THW is going to be THE END. I learnt to somewhat live with the ending. I just watched the movie again a few days ago… mistake…mistake…mistake! I always feel down after watching it, no matter how often I watch it. But now I really started thinking about the ending and why it didn‘t seem like the right way to end this great critically acclaimed Movie series. Reading some old German and English reviews and YouTube video of people reacting to the movie. It seemed like almost anyone was kind of okay with the ending, not noticing how it pretty much had so many flaws in it, at least thats what I think, that I really started thinking: „Are you the only one who hates this ending? Are you stupid? Didn't you get it? Come on, this can‘t be true.“
So I decided to ask you, fellow Redditors here on httyd about your opinion: Did you feel like ending was rushed? If so, feel free to comment what bothered you most and what you would've preferred the Movie/the movie series to go on or end. If you don't feel like that and actually enjoy the ending, also feel free to comment why you liked this ending or why you felt like it was necessary. Disclaimer, please don‘t talk about the way a possible continuation of the movies could've felt like a cash grab or that DeBlois wanted the movies to end like the book, I already know those two arguments, get creative, guys!
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How do you care for your work wear? My uniform is black scrubs but I’m finding white stains on them as they finish drying. I’ve been using scrub bottoms for a while and never had an issue but these black shirts are really.. idk? They just get white residue and so I’m having to do an extra step after wash which is add them in diluted vinegar solution (which I read online) Anyways, I do use powder detergent but I’ve been using it on my scrub bottoms and they come out fine… am I doing something wrong? How do you wash yours? I read the instructions on the shirts but is there anything anybody out there can recommend that might help? Thanx in advance

I’ll try to keep this short but there is a lot of nuance. In the past 1-2 years I have recently reconnected with some friends from my younger days (high school into young adult hood). We will call them Aaron (27 M) and Ashley (28->29 F) and I am 28 F. I previously stopped talking to both of them because of unfulfilled promises. Back in 2018, Aaron’s fiancé had moved to another country with his son and my boyfriend of 1 year plus had left to attend a family wedding and would be gone for close to a month.
Aaron and I in our mutual distress wanted to figure out a solution to our problems. Aaron was unable to fly due to not having papers as was worried his fiancé was lonely and I wanted to be with my partners family. Aaron had promised he would have paid for me to go on my trip before everyone left so my boyfriend’s dad did not count me in the budget for the tickets. With his fiancé leaving it then became I would go be part of the wedding then go stay with his fiancé for a bit. Aaron eventually ended up trying to proposition me for sec in exchange for the spend and that did not rub me right. This eventually carried forward into other issues tied to his affections and expectations of me which resulted in us no longer being friends.
We reconnected in 2022 where he apologized and explained more why he did what he did. My boyfriend asked if I was sure I wanted to welcome him back into my life and that he would trust my judgement if I choose to, which I did. Ashley and I stopped being friends back in 2017 because we had planned a trip for us and our partners. She stated she would use her buddy passes since she was a flight attendant to make the ticket costs cheaper.
The week before the trip it becomes I cannot bring my boyfriend. I was very confused by this. Severely confused by this so I asked why she said she didn’t feel comfortable with it. So I said okay. Don’t use your passes. We will pay for our trip and we can stay with his family. She said she still wanted me to stay with her. So I said okay. We will come, he stays with his family and I stay with you. We can all hang out and grab lunch and stuff and him and I go on dates and such.
Then she explicitly states the trip will not happen if I take him with me. Then she tries to turn it into a trip with people we have not seen from high school to recreate a sleepover we had in the 8th grade that got ruined by our parents. (That’s another story. I will add here my mom does not like Ashley never has) in the end it was all just too much and I decided that I no longer wanted to be friends with her because what she was doing was messed up especially so close to the trip. This on top of all the on and off issues I had with her through the duration of high school just didn’t seem worth it to take into adulthood.
Now 2023 Ashley reached out and apologizes. I was very torn up about the decision but after speaking with my therapist and weighing the risks decided it couldn’t hurt to try again. Both my gf and my bf were opposed to the decision but at the end of the day the choice was mine and I chose forgiveness.
Fall of 2023 my gf and I were planning a Christmas trip and Ashley said she didn’t get to see me while she was I my country because of the traumas she was dealing with with her mom so she would like to see me now. I told her I was going to fly out to spend the holiday with my gf so I didn’t think it would be possible. She stated she would see me in the time before I went to see my GF. I told her because of the trip I couldn’t afford it. She said that’s fine.
She would pay for the ticket for me to see her and I worked out an arrangement with my girlfriend where we would split the fair for the flights between all three locations and said her to do what happened the last time and I said yeah I can trust her. It doesn’t happen and that will be that. Lo and behold it does not happen because Ashley says to me two weeks before oh I overdid my shopping on Black Friday so I can’t buy your plane ticket. Ofc this makes me gf big mad and she says see I told you so. She was also confused why I was not upset. I explained that it wasn’t that I was not upset simply that it doesn’t really change much. I just won’t ask her for anything again. Which I haven’t and won’t.
Fast forward to spring 2024. The group is back together, we’re having weekly calls and our group chat chatting and having a blast. We decide we haven’t spent time as a group since 2017 so we should go see Aaron where he lives. I state very openly that I won’t be able to afford this trip. (Both Aaron and Ashley make a minimum of twice my income). Aaron says that’s fine I’ve got you covered. I question it and explain my hesitances because of both past situations. He said that’s fine don’t worry. I said okay. Let’s do this. The trip is slated for now (may 2024) and encompassed Ashley’s birthday.
A lot of things start happening in Aaron’s life and the ticket purchase gets repeatedly pushed off. This starts to make Ashley antsy so she buys her ticket hoping it pushes Aaron’s to buy my ticket. It does not. In moment of anxiety Ashley starts booking airbnbs for her self and asking how much I trust Aaron to follow through. I assure her that I do trust him follow through which I did. Because outside of the one trip he hasn’t not come through when I needed him too. I also stated at worst I end up buying my own ticket but I need to see what my expenses will look like in the end.
We are down to the wire my ticket is not bought so I start adjusting my bills. In the end I am not able to afford the ticket because even after short paying my bills I was left with roughly $120 which isn’t enough to book a flight or an airbnb for a week.
I told Ashley I would still try to figure it out and reached out to Aaron once more. He said yeah he has the money now but it doesn’t feel like a good time. The energy is off and he wouldn’t want me to come and something bad happens. I agree because what else would I do? It’s not my money nor does he actually owe me anything.
Ashley reaches out because I forgot to get back to her. To confirm The plan and I explain that I won’t be able to come because I really can’t afford it and it doesn’t make sense for me to put myself in a situation to be in a strange country with no emergency funds.
Ashley decides my friendship with her will fully change and she won’t take my word for anything again because I didn’t come to avoid having a bad trip not taking her feelings into consideration.
In the midst of this I start feeling anger towards both of them because Aaron didn’t come through as promised and Ashley has written me off over choosing responsibilities. My boyfriend said to speak to both of them and express what I am feeling to see what happens. I was able to resolve things with Aaron and come to a mutual understanding. However when I reached out to Ashley, she said she is on a high and doesn’t want to deal with this right now. She is making new friends and would like to clarify that I am no longer her best friend. She will listen to me when I talk but that’s about it. In my eyes that is a therapist not a friend and I already pay someone for that.
Am I wrong if I decide I don’t want to fix things with Ashley? Is she right for deciding I am not worthy of actual friendship?