I’ve been seeing this girl I met online and everything seemed fine in the beginning. However I have an intuition that something is off about her. She never asks how I’m doing and I sense a feeling of coldness from her let me explain. One night she came over to my house for the first time we started making out then she stops me and tells me “I don’t want to waste your time” I ask her what do you mean she tells me I like you and I want to take things slow. I say I respect that then stop kissing her then talk for a little bit then drop her home (My friends told me she could have worded it any other way 😭). Another time we are discussing cooking recipes she sends me on instagram then I mention hey we could probably try this in my kitchen. She then says “yeah by two months you should learn how to cook atleast two things. In my head I think she’s implying after two months she’s not going to know me anymore. All I say is wdym by that she says nvm and laughs. Fast foward two weeks we end up sleeping with each other and the following week is my birthday so we agree on going out for dinner she makes a surprise reservation for me with her email and says “don’t spam my email you fan”. Which completely threw me off because I never showed fan/ simp behavior. I tell her I’ve never spammed anyone in my life she me “That would be your final option of contacting me” then once again quickly transitions to another topic when I ask for clarification. Which was so out of line for no reason and off tempo to a light conversation. Reason why I’m asking you guys is because I’m a 24 year old with my life together who busts his ass working hard and I genuinely don’t want to waste my time with the wrong person and don’t know how to go about this. I have a feeling she is breadcrumbing me. I don’t mind dropping a person out of my life if I have to just wanted more experienced answers before making a decision.

Making this post because I had a less-than resouceful friend buy herself the boneless, skinless chicken thighs for way more than she should’ve. These tips also work for different cuts of chicken with skin and bones (though with drumsticks I usually just cook them in soup as-is).
Yes, the ones with skin on and bones included are cheaper by weight than the alternative, but if you’ve been just throwing the skin and bones away, stop! I have some budget friendly tips for you.
1) Collect the skin and bones and put them in separate gallon-sized freezer bags. You will be adding to them as you get more chicken. For the skin, keep adding chicken skins and fat to them. For the bag with the bones, you will also want to add veggie scraps such as the skins of onions, garlic, carrots, ginger, and celery. There are others you can add, but if you aren’t familiar with cooking times and qualities of vegetables yet, I’d try to just stick with those. Again, it’s better to use organic veggies or ones sourced from someone you know uses less pesticides when growing as you’re using the skins for this.
2) when you have a good amount of skins(like 3/4lbs or more), make shmaltz (rendered chicken fat). It’s basically the Jewish alternative to lard and tallow. It’s healthier than most cooking oils aside from avocado, olive, and coconut. It has a high smoke point so you can use it to fry, roast, bake, or whatever it is you do with your cooking oils. Because it is animal based, the chemical structure is easier to digest. You might want to steer clear if you have heart problems, though. I used a recipe from Serious Eats which goes like this:

• heat up a saucepan with about a cup of water over medium high heat and put in the chicken skins + fat, stirring occasionally until it starts to boil.
  
• turn heat down to medium low and continue to stir occasionally until the chicken bits start to turn brown and crispy and the water is evaporated (about 50 minutes). Some people like to add chopped onions around the end for extra flavor.
  
• filter with a sieve/muslin cloth over a heatproof container. If left in an airtight container in the fridge, sources say you can store from a week until a few months, depending on how secure and refined your shmaltz is after rendering. If you want, you can also snack on the chicken bits as a crispy snack!
  

3) When you eventually collect enough bones and scraps to fill the ziplock bag, you can make bone broth (or stock, for the anti-hippies). I sometimes add pork bones if I get any with my meat. I make mine in an instant pot so I’m going to use that recipe.

• Dump contents of stock bag into instant pot and cover with water (filtered is best). You can also add aromatics like bay leaf and peppercorns in, though some people like to drink it like a tea, so you could omit.
  
• Set to high pressure for 1.5 hours. Natural release (just don’t touch it til the pressure indicator falls down).
  
• Filter with a sieve to a separate container and not your sink! You can freeze portions for later. Salt to taste.
  

Bone broth(stock) is really good for your bones and adds a really nice flavor to whatever you use it for. Consider using it instead of store-bought stock or Better than Bouillon. You can use it for a healthy egg-drop soup. Supposedly some people use it in smoothies, but personally that’s not for me!
I like to get the crunchier packs of chicken when I can afford to (think free-range, organic, locally sourced), and if you have the means to, you should too since you can utilize all parts of the cut.

Ok so we have a family recipe for Crunchy Garlic Chicken that I'm playing around with an I decided I wanted to make the mix for it but instead of coat a chicken breast with it, I would instead mix it into ground chicken then make it into a patty and cook it. Now my question is how best would I cook this? Should I cook it like a hamburger patty or place it into the oven and cook it like the recipe says (at 425 for 35 minutes until cooked through). I should also add that I am using ground turkey this time as I couldn't find ground chicken anywhere and don't own any kind of meat grinder nor can I afford one.

I sold a pair of Le Creuset knobs to someone and now that she’s opened them and put them on her pots she doesn’t want them.
My problem is that she’s opened the packaging. It’s not one of those plastic inserts you can just snap back closed, it’s sealed to the point you have to cut it apart. If I take the knobs back then I technically CAN’T repost it as “new in packaging” even though she probably hasn’t cooked with them. The listing literally had all the specifications on it including the measurement size on the package which was included in the picture.
What do I do? Should I go through with giving her a refund and take a loss or just let her deal with it? Btw I only sold the pair for $25 so it’s not like I’m getting over on her.

So there I am, The Desi Playboy, back in my scrawny college days, just a couple of lean dudes fresh off a bar-hopping spree, chilling at the bus stop. Out of nowhere, this hulk of a caucasoid frat bro comes up, gives me a slap on the back that damn near sends me flying into next Tuesday. "Owww!!" I couldn't help but yelp. Dude struts past us, throwing over his shoulder, "Time to hit the gym, boys!!" I brushed it off, ego slightly bruised. After all, I'm the guy who’s been repping out with 20 lb dumbbells in my apartment gym like I’m training for the Olympics. That’s got to count for something, right?
Growing up, our idea of exercise was running away from aunties at family gatherings or maybe the occasional cricket match that was more about snacks than sports. The gym? That was uncharted territory. Our parents, bless their hearts, equated physical fitness with being able to sprint for the bus without wheezing. The notion of lifting weights, tracking macros, and chugging protein shakes was as alien to them as ketchup on biryani.

Attraction: It’s More than Just Physical

Have you ever had a girl flirtatiously squeeze your biceps, reinforcing the stud that you are? How about playfully slapping your ass when you’re not looking? That moment, my man, is raw, primal attraction at its finest—a kind of magnetism most men sadly never get to feel. Are you getting that type of attention from the ladies? Going to the gym and lifting weights is the first step into becoming that fuckable specimen. Picture this: you're strutting around, radiating confidence, and women gravitate to you, captivated, before you even utter a word. Arguably, muscles on a man is the equivalent of nice tits and ass on a woman. It's like you've got this invisible force field of allure, and all it took was a little sweat, discipline, and iron at the gym.
Think about it. In a world where first impressions are made in the blink of an eye, your body speaks volumes before you've even had a chance to dazzle with your wit or charm. It's not superficial; it's literally science. Physical fitness signals health, vigor, and, let's be real, the ability to handle business, whether that's lifting heavy things during a move or just looking damn good in a fitted shirt. An unfortunate reality is that women often manipulate men to get their needs met. However, men can simply manipulate the environment themselves to get their needs met. You think your crush is opening those pickle jars by herself? A nice, jacked body signals to women that you are good at manipulating your immediate physical surroundings.
So, if you're lounging on the fence, wondering whether hitting the gym is worth it, let me spell it out for you: Hell yes, it is. Not for the fleeting attention or the shallow compliments, but for the undeniable boost in how you perceive yourself and, subsequently, how the world sees you including women. It's about becoming a magnet not just for looks, but for respect, confidence, and yes, a whole lot of that good old-fashioned primal attraction.
Get ready to be the guy who walks into a room and commands it, not because you demand it, but because you've earned it, one rep at a time. Let's ditch the excuses, embrace the grind, and transform not just our bodies, but our entire damn aura. The iron calls, gentlemen.

Built Different

Our Desi genes serve us a mixed platter when it comes to body types. Some of us are fat fucks, while others are fragile twigs no matter how many samosas we demolish. For those of you guys on the overweight side.. Do you have Ananth Ambani money? No? Then you literally can’t afford that body if you want pussy. And if you can afford that body it is gonna bite you in the ass when you have heart disease.
Those of you scrawny sticks? Stop looking down at the more muscular bros and start looking at the women they’re pulling. Don’t get me started on that weird gray area a lot of us brown dudes fall into. I’m talking about the skinny fat phenomenon—a term as oxymoronic as 'jumbo shrimp'. It’s that peculiar body type where you look slim clothed but are a marshmallow in disguise. It’s the bane of many a Desi dude, a sneaky reminder of all those laddoos and no leg days. Ready to get rid of the bitch tits?
Look around at the next family gathering. Notice how cousin Rohan is built like a tank, but you got that uncle bod? That’s your first clue that genetics play a bigger role in this game than you might’ve thought. Tailoring your workout to your body type isn’t just smart; it’s crucial if you want to see real, lasting results.
Custom Cuts: Here’s the deal—

• Ectomorph Bros (The Lean Machines): You’re the guy who can inhale a whole pizza and not gain an ounce. Your mission? Focus on strength training to build mass and incorporate calorie-dense foods to support growth. Less cardio, more lifting.
• Endomorph Gang (The Easy Gainers): You look at a donut, and it goes straight to your hips. Your path? A mix of cardio and strength training to shed fat while building lean muscle. And yeah, keeping an eye on those calories is key.
• Mesomorph Legends (The Natural Athletes): You’ve got the best of both worlds but don’t get cocky. Balance is your best friend—equal parts strength, cardio, and a diet that fuels both muscle building and fat loss.

Alright, which of these body types are you rocking? Lean Machine, Easy Gainer, or Natural Athlete? Time to design a workout routine that suits your unique build. Yes, The Desi Playboy is dishing out homework, but trust me, it’s for a mighty good cause: to make you irresistible to the ladies. Now before we actually start integrating that workout routine let’s not forget to revisit the food on our plate.

Desi Diet Doom

The Desi diet is a freakin’ carb fest—a glorious, tasty trap that’s basically a middle finger to your muscle gains and fat loss goals. You probably recognize the following: plates piled high with rice, naan, and rotis, with a side of “Are you even eating enough?” from every relative. Navigating this when you’re trying to get ripped or ditch the belly fat is like being on a diet in a candy store.
Every meal’s a carb carnival, and while you love it, your body’s begging like, “Bro, where’s the protein?” It's like trying to build a house with all bricks and no cement. And oh, the ghee and oil. Delicious? Hell yeah. Conducive to abs? Hell no. It’s like slathering your goals with butter—tasty but terribly counterproductive. Add to that the mountain of sweets at every family function—those jalebis and gulab jamuns are seductive, but they’re saboteurs hiding in plain sight, wrecking your waistline one sweet bite at a time. If you’re gunning for that sculpted look, it might be time to negotiate a peace treaty with your sweet tooth and get serious about sneaking more lean meats and greens onto your plate.
Now let’s be honest, are you cooking all these Indian meals yourself? Or have you become completely dependent on your mom’s cooking? Is the extent of your cooking skills limited to boiling water and maybe, on a good day, making a mean cup of chai? Let me guess you top off the chai with some of Amma’s sweet sweet titty milk too? Listen up, because here’s the deal breaker—women are attracted to guys who’ve got their life sorted, including what’s on their plate. And if you’re letting mom choose whether it’s dal or paneer for dinner tonight, don’t be surprised if she’s also the one choosing your bride.
This, my dudes, is precisely why I’m all about preaching the gospel of DIY in the kitchen. It’s more than just about mixing spices; it’s about mixing independence into your life recipe. Grabbing the reins of your culinary journey isn’t just about impressing dates; it’s about fueling your body right, especially if you’re looking to bulk up and carve out those gains.

Protein Power Moves

There’s a way to keep the flavors of home without turning into a samosa yourself. It’s about being smart with your choices, making swaps, and still being able to face your grandma without guilt.
Lean and Mean: Start mixing in more lean meats, tofu, and legumes. Think chicken tikka, dal tadka with less tadka, and grilled paneer. Your muscles will thank you. But why stop there? Venture beyond with dishes like Thai grilled chicken or Turkish lentil soup. These global cuisines offer high-protein dishes that still dance on the tongue.
Smart Swaps: Ditch the white rice for quinoa or brown rice. Swap some of those rotis for a big-ass bowl of salad. Sprinkle some Mediterranean zest with a Greek salad, or bring a burst of Japanese flavor with a side of edamame. It’s about keeping the essence of Desi cuisine but making it work for your gains.
Supplement Smartly: Yeah, protein shakes might look like drugs to your folks, but they’re your BFFs on this journey. Mix that stuff with some milk or water, and chug. Think of it as a cheat code for muscle building—quick, efficient, and straight to the point.
Explore and Expand: Don’t be shy to sprinkle some culinary curiosity into your diet. Try Korean BBQ for a protein-packed meal, or if you're feeling adventurous, a Peruvian ceviche can offer a refreshing twist packed with high-quality protein. These flavors not only enhance your palate but also fuel your fitness goals.
So, there you have it. Turning the Desi diet dilemma into a muscle-building manifesto doesn’t have to be a soap opera. Keep the flavors, ditch the excess carbs and fats, and for the love of all that is holy, make protein your main homie. Expand your culinary horizons to keep your meals exciting and your body guessing.

From Diet to Dates

Alright, my fellow Desi bros, let’s wrap this up. If you’re serious about leveling up your game with the ladies, it’s time to get real about your diet, fitness, and lifestyle. Tailor your workout to your body type—whether you're an ectomorph, endomorph, or mesomorph—and make the gym your second home. Ditch the carb-loaded Desi diet for protein-packed meals. Whether you’re eating lean meats or are a vegetarian, make smart swaps like quinoa for white rice and grilled paneer for fried snacks.
Start cooking for yourself to fuel those gains and show you’ve got your life together. These changes lay the foundation for attracting women by boosting your confidence and health. The journey starts now. Let’s make those gains and turn some heads. The iron awaits, gentlemen.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive into lifting and integrating your workout routine to get you on track.
Check out the full article here: https://open.substack.com/pub/desiplayboy/p/iron-and-spices?r=k8bgi&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
For more such insights and to continue the conversation, follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/TheDesiPlayboy.

Hey there everyone, I never know how to start these, so I'm just going to jump right into it! My name is Austin, I'm 31 years old, and I live in Orlando, FL! 🌴
Here is me: https://imgur.com/a/N8qZDCi I'm on a journey to find that special someone who makes my heart skip a beat. I believe in creating a safe and nurturing emotional space in a relationship, where we can be vulnerable, open, and truly ourselves. Let's build something amazing together and have a ton of fun along the way. Whether it's sharing our deepest feelings or just laughing at YouTube videos and memes, I'm all in!
One of my life goals is to have a family and kids. If that's not your cup of tea, no worries – it's not for everyone, and I respect that. 😊
Here's a quick snapshot of the things I'm passionate about:
🍳 Cooking: I love whipping up delicious dishes, and I'm always up for trying new recipes. Let's cook up a storm together!
🎮 Video Games: I'm a gaming enthusiast and can't resist a good gaming session. Whether you're a fellow gamer or just curious to learn, I'd love to share the joystick with you.
📺 TV/Anime/Movies: I'm a big fan of all things screen-related, from binge-watching TV series to exploring the captivating worlds of anime and film.
🏋️‍♂️ Going to the gym or Batting Cages: Staying active is important to me, and I used to play baseball. I'd love a workout buddy or someone to join me at the batting cages.
🐱🐶 Playing with my cat and dog (Licorice and Wade): My furry friends are a big part of my life, and I hope you'll adore them as much as I do!
🎺 Playing my trumpet (recently started again from high school): I've picked up my trumpet again, and I'm eager to share some tunes with you. Maybe you can be my number one fan!
🎶 Music: If music could be a love language, it would be my top choice! I'm a massive music lover, and I'm always excited to share playlists and discuss our favorite artists. My musical taste is pretty diverse, but I particularly enjoy Rock, Metal, EDM, Punk, and Musicals.
If you're looking for a partner who's genuine, caring, and ready for a serious and fun relationship, let's chat and see if we click. I'm excited to get to know you, share experiences, and build a future together. Feel free to reach out, and let's start this adventure! 💫

So, I'm in an unfortunate living situation for several reasons. The main one being that I wanted to try to get back together with my ex. Which is the WORST idea I've had in my life BTW, but that's what lead me here living with his brother and his step-dad. So- I've already asked nicely on more than one occasion for them to not eat my groceries because they're not considerate (AT ALL) I can buy a 5lb bag of french fries and get only literally ONE serving out of a 5lb bag of fries and they will eat all of the rest of them. (This has happened TWICE) it's incredibly RUDE, DISRESPECTFUL and INCONSIDERATE. I don't appreciate it at all. They'll take my microwavable breakfast bowls- which I very clearly and obviously bought for myself when I bought the microwave. Individual meals. Then when I ask them not to touch my food, as a deliberate "screw you" they cook and eat the last two hamburger patties that I had in the freezer. While I'm gone out to a job interview. They NEVER replace anything that they take or ruin. They've ruined cooking pots and never replaced them, the brother will bum cigarettes, pop, laundry detergent and never replace it. He bummed cigs from me for 4 days in a row here recently and already after the 2nd day you're just already like "wow- really? You just gonna KEEP asking?" And whenever he got paid he gave me 3 back. Lmao. Any decent person would have bought you a pack to replace 4 days of bumming cigarettes from you. I gave those 3 to someone else. It's annoying. So after I go to the store and bring back just a little bit of stuff that's supposed to last me two weeks and they STILL haven't been to the store and like I said they ate the very last of my food while I was gone prior to this-- and you STILL have the audacity to KEEP taking my things from the fridge when I've already made it crystal clear that I don't want you to touch my food?!?!? Excuse me- but NO. So I said- "you ever gonna go to the store and get yourself some groceries or are you really just going to KEEP taking mine?" BOTH of these assholes were up in my face yelling and screaming at ME as if I am in the wrong and furthermore trying to kick me out. All because I refuse to allow you to continue to eat up and drink up the tiny amount of groceries that I have to feed myself for 2 weeks?!?!?!?! They threw a couple of my belongings outside, and the 70 year old step-dad of my ex put his grimey disgusting hands on me- trying to push me out the door- ripped my shirt AND left scratches on my arm...... The brother called the cops. Or at least pretended to. They never showed. 🤷🏻‍♀️ ALL because I won't just sit back and allow them to continually disrespect me and take- take- take- take from me. Wow. Such. Fucking. ASSHOLES. !!!!!! Yea- go ahead and kick me out because you can't just keep taking from me. Because that makes perfect sense. 👌🏻 Make it make sense. I definitely want to say here, that REAL MEN don't act like that or treat people like that. I can't stand it. Now I'm trying to find another place to go. I might have to go to a shelter. If I stay here they're just going to keep doing the same thing and god only knows what else. I'm not going to stick around to find out or allow either one of them to put their hands on me AGAIN. Said "boyfriend" is such a low life that he knows that all of this happened and ue won't even come pick me up with my belongings to help me get somewhere else that's safe. Needless to say- he and I will never be together again. I never should have come here in the first place. Can't wait to leave here and NEVER see any of these pieces of shit again in my life.

I (24m) am considering taking a break with my gf (25f) because her family sucks. Let me explain.
I’ve been dating my girlfriend for about three years now, and it’s been great. We go on dates often, communicate well, and have a great connection. Currently, we are in the “messy middle,” where we both live at home with a long distance separating us. It can be inconvenient at times, but we usually meet up every weekend or so as we save for a house or apartment.
The issue isn’t her, it’s her family.
Her brothers are the least motivated and accomplished people I know. One spends hours at a time packed away in his room gaming away, with no sense of the world. The other is distant, ignoring calls and texts until a bank transfer is needed.
Her mother is newly engaged and barely spends time at home, so this behavior goes unchecked. My girlfriend has to take care of everything at the house— cooking, cleaning, laundry, and so on. Currently, neither brother is working (despite being out of college for over a year each), and they wake up at 5-6pm, expecting their every whim to be taken care of. They don’t even mow the lawn, the one semblance of responsibility they have.
When her mother does come home, she dumps her laundry, pots, pans, and everything off at the house, expecting my girlfriend to take care of it. The stress is debilitating, and she feels no escape. Unfortunately, we both are still in a position where we cannot yet move in together.
It’s gotten to the point where each time I call to check in with her, she’s crying about her family and how she’s treated (yes, almost every day, multiple times a day). Initially, I was able to offer support and visit, spending time to make sure she’s okay and feels appreciated. More recently, I’ve been admittedly short with these calls and complaints. I still listen to her concerns, but I’m struggling to sympathize anymore; it feels redundant, and I can’t comprehend a family being so vindictive and lazy. At this point, I occasionally question the “truths” I’m being told, as there’s surely no way I’m getting the full story, right? It seems like a modern-day Cinderella story.
This complaints have been ongoing for the past six months, with no end in sight, and it’s draining to think about. I’m an easygoing and tolerant person, but I have my own concerns to voice as well, and I recently have felt that I can’t share those stresses, as it seem infinitely lesser in comparison to her situation. This has taxed my mental health, and I’m at the crossroads of standing up to her family, or taking a break (or more) on the relationship.
Does this make me the asshole? I understand as her partner I should listen and care for her concerns, but when it’s reoccurring so often, I can’t help but mumble and grumble. What’s truly been eating away at me is the thought that down the road, these people could be uncles, grandparents, or godparents to my kids. It scares me, because I don’t foresee any change.
I appreciate any advice, recommendations, or reality check the community can offer, and will happily provide additional details if needed.
TLDR: My gf’s family is among the laziest and most inconsiderate people I know. While it isn’t my gf’s fault, it makes me consider taking a break on the relationship, or just up front telling her they need to be better. WIBTA for this?

I've grown a single shishito for the last two years, and had great harvests, which I freeze whole. They've lasted me almost all year. This year I'd like to switch it up. One downside to shishitos is the roulette aspect where one in ten is really hot. I'm cooking for some spice wimps, and even tasting carefully in advance, I've sometimes added too much heat. So I'd like a replacement which is consistently mildly hot, which I intend to pick green and use for flavoring the Thai/Mexican/Indian food I cook frequently. I'm in the Seattle area and will grow it either in a pot or one of my new raised beds (yay!), and will buy a start from Carpinitos or another local grower this weekend.
Oh! I'm also considering the "lunchbox" style peppers, sweet and small. Got a rec for those? Last year my King of the North bells only got about lunchbox sized anyway...
TIA!

I have a recipe in mind but need other opinions, suggestions, and corrections. I will compete in a 4 man team.
app: salmon tartare with a vinaigrette sauce on a flatbread cracker and white fish tartare (still haven’t decided on which white fish) with a orange sauce also on flatbread cracker
entree: duck confit on a farro salad (probably not gonna do it cause it takes too long)
dessert: napoleon crème brûlée ( found it in a cook book)
requirements - 1. semi low cost so we are able to practice a lot (around 25 total cost can go a little over)

1. must be completed in one hour
   
2. we are only able to use 2 burners
   
3. no electrical equipment but can use dry ice if needed
   
4. not too complicated yet not too simple (able to display skills)
   
5. must follow a theme ex. french, asian, Italian, etc. can be fusion.
   

Thank you.

My favorite food is lasagna spaghetti because it's one of my mom's recipes from when I was 7 years old, and I liked it. And I know how to cook lasgna spaghetti
-JANA MATIAS

Hey there everyone, I never know how to start these, so I'm just going to jump right into it! My name is Austin, I'm 31 years old, and I live in Orlando, FL! 🌴
Here is me: https://imgur.com/a/N8qZDCi I'm on a journey to find that special someone who makes my heart skip a beat. I believe in creating a safe and nurturing emotional space in a relationship, where we can be vulnerable, open, and truly ourselves. Let's build something amazing together and have a ton of fun along the way. Whether it's sharing our deepest feelings or just laughing at YouTube videos and memes, I'm all in!
One of my life goals is to have a family and kids. If that's not your cup of tea, no worries – it's not for everyone, and I respect that. 😊
Here's a quick snapshot of the things I'm passionate about:
🍳 Cooking: I love whipping up delicious dishes, and I'm always up for trying new recipes. Let's cook up a storm together!
🎮 Video Games: I'm a gaming enthusiast and can't resist a good gaming session. Whether you're a fellow gamer or just curious to learn, I'd love to share the joystick with you.
📺 TV/Anime/Movies: I'm a big fan of all things screen-related, from binge-watching TV series to exploring the captivating worlds of anime and film.
🏋️‍♂️ Going to the gym or Batting Cages: Staying active is important to me, and I used to play baseball. I'd love a workout buddy or someone to join me at the batting cages.
🐱🐶 Playing with my cat and dog (Licorice and Wade): My furry friends are a big part of my life, and I hope you'll adore them as much as I do!
🎺 Playing my trumpet (recently started again from high school): I've picked up my trumpet again, and I'm eager to share some tunes with you. Maybe you can be my number one fan!
🎶 Music: If music could be a love language, it would be my top choice! I'm a massive music lover, and I'm always excited to share playlists and discuss our favorite artists. My musical taste is pretty diverse, but I particularly enjoy Rock, Metal, EDM, Punk, and Musicals.
If you're looking for a partner who's genuine, caring, and ready for a serious and fun relationship, let's chat and see if we click. I'm excited to get to know you, share experiences, and build a future together. Feel free to reach out, and let's start this adventure! 💫

My favorite take out foods are Pad Thai, mussels, and tikka masala. About a year ago, a friend told me how easy Pad thai was and I didn't believe them until I saw a Halfbakedharvest recipe and it was super simple and tasted amazing! That built up my confidence to try and make white wine garlic mussels and I was blown away by how simple and delicious they were so the next week I tried chorizo mussels. Since then, I've conquered various desserts like lemon loaf, worlds vest chocolate chip cookies, brookies, various blondies, etc. My confidence has grown with each recipe. I even made thai mushroom soup! I made olive gardens Tuscan kale soup.... and this last week I finally mastered tikka masala on the first try. I was certain the first one would be a practice run but it was perfection! The homemade naan wasn't great but bread sucks anyway. Cooking has become my favorite hobby and it's so fun to see something and simply make it. My lebanese father in law is going to be so happy when he tastes the homemade baklava I made last night!!!

There's a lot of Crumbl cookies, cookie dough, shamrock shakes, etc. and not a ton of produce from what I've seen. Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems some of her older content didn't include as many sweets and was more balanced. I think it is good to destigmatize eating processed food and desserts. And there aren't zero veggies, Colleen's made salads and she eats those small peppers and cauliflower, but I've definitely seen other dieticians promoting a more varied diet with more produce. Abbie Sharpe isn't perfect but she definitely includes fruits and vegetables in a lot of her recipes and meals and talks about the importance of them. As does Nutrition by Kylie. Both are also registered dieticians and speak about nutrition from multiple angles and cover a variety of topics. Kylie talks about incorporating foods from her culture and how to cook on low energy days. Abbie delves a lot into what the research says on different foods and diets. It seems much of Colleen's content is very one note, that note being anti-diet culture. That's a fine message, but with how much content she puts out there and how long she's been doing it, it's surprising how little information is provided considering she has the credentials and education. Maybe it's because she's selling her coaching or meal plans or app or whatever, so why give away free tips/info?

First of all I want start by mentioning I have not been formally diagnosed yet but my family thinks I have OCD tendencies. Is this normal behavior, tbh I don't see it as abnormal but looking for feedback.

1. I have a fear of getting sick. For example, I might eat mac and cheese and I am scared I will get sick. I have this a lot and this restrict what I eat due to my fear of getting sick.
2. I cant cook in the same kitchen as my parent and also their ingredients cannot touch mines, not sure why. I am also very particular about my pans and pots when I cook.
3. No one can come into my room and touch my belongings or I freak out tbh. I freaked out the other way because my mom touched my hair tie.
4. No one can touch my clothing or actually wash my clothes or again I tend to freak out. I have insistences where I washed clothes twice because someone else touched them..

Im 26f and i just started my first sous position at a resort lodge. I was only a cook there for 6 months and then we shut down for renovations. It was brought to my attention right before shutdown that i would be next best pick for sous, as the previous chef had family troubles and had to move back across the country. I never went to culinary school but gained line cook experience for about 8 years. I definitely feel i have a calling in this field, and its not just i love to cook, i want to learn everything down to the science and create something of my own rather than copy and execute others' recipes, but for now im limited. The new chef is really throwing me a bone and working with me and how to manage a kitchen, giving me the basics of the culinary world, and I know what i should do, but i have one issue. I lack confidence and some social skills, especially if im going to be in management.
My question is, have any of you experienced this same feeling? And how were you able to overcome it? Any and all advice and constructive criticism is appreciated!

First of all I want start by mentioning I have not been formally diagnosed yet but my family thinks I have OCD tendencies. Is this normal behavior, tbh I don't see it as abnormal but looking for feedback.

1. I have a fear of getting sick. For example, I might eat mac and cheese and I am scared I will get sick. I have this a lot and this restrict what I eat due to my fear of getting sick.
2. I cant cook in the same kitchen as my parent and also their ingredients cannot touch mines, not sure why. I am also very particular about my pans and pots when I cook.
3. No one can come into my room and touch my belongings or I freak out tbh. I freaked out the other way because my mom touched my hair tie.
4. No one can touch my clothing or actually wash my clothes or again I tend to freak out. I have insistences where I washed clothes twice because someone else touched them..