I just recently spent two days in the hospital from Ezetimibe. Quick background; I’m 37 and have a genetic cholesterol issue that doesn’t seem to be impacted by diet. I started Atorvastatin 3 months ago. Started Ezetimibe 8 days prior to hospitalization.
On day six of the Ezetimibe (10 mg) my heart started fluttering a lot and I noticed a tightness in my chest. I ignored it the first day but noted it in my head. The next day the fluttering was worse. I’d get 5 minute bouts where my heart would just repeatedly flutter. It was so uncomfortable. The tightness was still there and then my vision started getting a bit blurry around the edges of whatever I was viewing.
I’ve never heard/seen anyone say anything negative about Ezetimibe. Just that it’s not used as a primary treatment but that it’s universally well tolerated and acts as a little booster to the statin. It clicked on me though that I had just started it so I looked up the side effects. All of these things are listed as rare but with the direction to immediately seek medical attention. So off I went to the ER.
My troponin levels were slightly elevated so they kept me there for two days. Once they gave me nitroglycerin (I think) my heart calmed down and the tightness went away. The further I got from taking Ezetimibe the better I felt. Went through all the tests and everything came back fine so they released me. I was given direction to stop the statin because my liver enzymes had tripled since starting it and to stop Ezetimibe for obvious reasons. I’m waiting on my cardiologist to decide the next steps but this is my second statin with unsustainable side effects.
I just wanted to put this story out for awareness. I am not anti-statin or medication, clearly, because I take it but I do think we should all be hyper aware of our bodies when taking any medication. There’s no telling for sure what would have happened had I ignored this but I feel as though it wouldn’t have been good. I’m grateful that my wife sort of forced me to go!

I brought home a ~2 y/o male shorthair on 6/1. I let him out to roam, he immediately took to the unfinished basement to hide. He hid so well I couldn’t find him and had to bring in help a few days later to locate him. He stayed in that spot for a few days, then found a new hiding spot Somewhere. I have a suspicion of where he is, but I can’t find him no matter how hard I look.
He is eating, drinking, and using the litter box. He’s even kept eating since I brought his food and water upstairs, as well as treats I leave out for him, so I know he comes up to explore.
Everything I read about acclimatizing a new cat says to sit in the room, where he can see me, and chat with him and offer him treats. I can’t do this if I have truly no clue where he is. I’ve been coming down to the basement and talking, but he might not even be down there. I could just be talking to myself.
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Some people are telling me to let him be and wait, but I’m worried about him hurting himself and I won’t know. Some people are telling me to start over and set him up in a room upstairs, but that requires me FINDING him first. I’m lost and worried about my boy.

So, eh, where to begin? I guess basics about myself is a good place to start. I enjoy playing video games a lot, I like to draw, I make music occasionally (music in general is something that brings me a lot of joy), and I go on walks every now and then (mainly when I have the energy to do so). Just a massive nerd all around really. I like to think I’m a pretty good listener all things considered. I genuinely put effort into getting to know someone. I always take an interest in other people’s hobbies. I like hearing about what other people like, it fascinates me.
I already know I’m going to be asked about this so may as well just toss it in here. As far as physical appearance goes, I have relatively short, ash brown hair with a left part, blue eyes, hooded eyelids, a slim physique, with a height of around 5’10, and a weight of around 128lbs. I’m also open to just sending a picture of myself if that would make things easier.
As for you, I don’t have too much preference in terms of appearance. All I can really ask is (at risk of sounding like an ass to some) that you’re a reasonable weight. Other than that, looks aren’t a big factor for me.
In terms of personality, I appreciate honesty and respect. Relationships should have a strong foundation of trust and honesty is required to form trust. This of course goes both ways and applies to me just as much as it does you. That aside, I don’t mind if you’re introverted or extroverted or anywhere in between, so long as you’re not the Anti-Christ we should get along just fine. Of course some shared interests would be welcomed (you get bonus points if you play on Xbox) but even if we don’t have too much in common, don’t let that dissuade you. Opposites attract as they say.
If you decide to reach out I would like to ask if you could perhaps give a little introduction of yourself and let me know what got you to message me. If you read through the whole thing then I’d like to thank you for doing so. Regardless of whether you decide to message me or not, I hope that whoever is reading this has a wonderful day, or evening, or night.

Hey there I’m looking for a movie (or it’s maybe a series) my sister and I remember it. But, I do not know what it is called.
It’s possibly Indian or Eastern European themed. I remember in the story, there are women who are dressed in rags at first, but then enter this magical pond, and come out with fine silks, jewels, and beautiful costumes. This must be at least 25 years or more or old.

I spent my two brain cells on this title! These things are hard to put to words, but I hope I can English out my point of view.
There was a post about "autism high heels" recently that made me feel things, lol. It's mentioning a mother of autistic child selling print on demand merch with "autism acceptance" logo on different goods. I don't blame her for making a living any way she can while caring for a disabled kid - do whatever you need to survive in this economy, dude! But I still have feelings about double standards in this type of commerce and I'll allow myself to discuss them.
This allistic mom can sell "autism heels" because her child is autistic and she's an ally, that money would buy him food. This product's main value is this "autism support" both in terms of monetary support of autistic individuals (indirectly) and overcoming stigma. Autism merch looks appropriate to general public. But if her son grows up to become a cobbler and make some nice shoes, how would it look if he put out his professional work as "autism shoes"? I honestly can't imagine that.
People with disabilities don't make extra profit by adding their disability label to the labour they provide for money. No "diabetic accountant", "cerebral palsy plumber" or "epileptic dentist" is going to get more money simply for the label. I once did autism construction engineering, lol, doesn't it inspire confidence?
I understand there's a difference between autism-themed and autistic-produced product in my previous examples, but I have more.
My birth country has a very beloved allistic managed autism organisation that sells cute/inspirational postcards and items with silly quotes of autistic adults in wonky font. I can't imagine selling my "autistic quotes" as inspirational and cute, deliberately framing how "pure" and "special" I am. Autism seems to be an appropriate marketable product only when removed from an autistic carrier and handled as an observed curiosity by a "normal" person.
I am a professional, autistic, I suffer from stigma and I'd like to be supported and included and acknowledged as an autistic person who creates value. But I can't imagine non-ironically selling "autism earrings" or offering "autism metalwork classes". It would sound comedic and reductive. If anything, it's autistic people who should have been granted support, inclusion and monetary benefits by attaching autism sticker to their work. But instead it is perceived to discredit our professionalism, humanity and agency because of infantalization. While people who use the label on our behalf don't get to compromise their professional image, their clients won't question if they are capable to provide service.

I’ve had issues with masturbating for a long time now, I’m almost 25(M) and been doing it for as long as I could remember. I try to go through streaks of 7-10 days of trying to stop but I would relapse and would get insanely demotivated knowing I have to start over. I consider myself to be a healthy person, I weightlift 5 times a week, don’t really eat shitty food, get a dose of L-citrulline from my pre-workout, and taking supplements like tongkat Ali, magnesium, and Vitamin D, but still have problems getting erections and keeping it hard.
I first realized I had an issue when I invited a girl over, got hard and ejaculated within seconds of being inside her. Finishing fast has always been an issue with me but usually I would be able to get it back up for round 2 almost instantly, but I was insanely flaccid and nothing she did could get it to go back up. I thought it was a one off situation but it happened again a few more times with different women. I don’t think I have ED or PIED but it definitely feels like it’s the start of it, and would like to fix it before it’s too late.
i know the easy answer is to stop PMO, but is abstaining gonna guarantee success? If so, how long till I see positive results? Is there anything else I should do one top of that to help me?

I can’t take monohydrate, so please no recommendations on switching.
I’m taking creatine for muscle/strength building as well as for brain health. I recently watched this video and they said you need a higher dose of creatine for brain health (10g mono). link to video
I was wondering what this dose would be in Hcl? My bottle’s dose is only 750mg, and that’s what I’ve been taking for several months. Online I’ve seen that it should be 1-2g Hcl. But in this sub I’ve seen people say it’s an equal dose of mono to Hcl (so 5g = 5g).
Does anyone have any links/sources to a definitive answer on this?
I honestly can’t imagine taking 10g Hcl. Even the 750mg is really acidic.

30th April, 2016

AH flew from LA to NYC in preparation for the MET Gala
Christian Carino and JD had the following text exchange

CC: Hey, just wanted you to know that if I can help with Amber, I am here for you.
JD: Thanks, pal. Weird shit. X.
CC: The three of us are all in New York City this week. If you want to go to dinner and try to sort it out, I would set it up if you want.
JD: No. I think the proverbial dukey has hit the fan this time. Thanks anyway. Big mucho, JD.
CC: Let me try. Okay for me to try?
JD: I wouldn't bother my brother. It's sad but necessary.

4th May, 2016

CC: Hey, she's really in pain. I've seen her hurting before, but not like this to the point where it scares me. She's completely devastated. I know it isn't my place to say this, but she needs you to be there for her. Regardless of whether you guys stay together or not, she needs you as a friend and as a husband to get her through. I know you love her and would do anything to protect her. She needs you now. I love you both. We can talk today if you want. Please just reach out to her. Find peace for each other whether it means together or apart. Love each other through the process. Please, JD, help my friend. Love ya, C."

May 5th, 2016

JD: What can I do, brother? I would do anything to take away her pain. I'd literally do fucking anything for her, especially from hurting. Though word on the street from NYC says that apparently she's all smiles, even bagged a meeting with Ralph Lauren. Aw, irony. Let me know. X, JD.
CC: I will call her later today. What city are you in? And just tell me you still love her.
JD: I'm in London and of course I love her. I would kill for her. At this point, I'm just not so enthused about dying for her over such ludicrous and petty wars.
CC: Okay. When are you coming home? I will get you together.
JD: I'm here until around the 15th and then in L.A. for like two days and then off for rehearsals and vampire tour. What the fuck is her deal, man? Did she tell you why we are where we are?
CC: Yeah, I've heard the story. I'm sure there are two versions. Here's what I know. You both love each other, and you both need each other, and you both need to change some behaviors if you want to be together. Simple as that. What are the two days you will be in L.A.?
JD: I'm back on the 16th, 17th, and 18th, but there will be no need for any of this at that point. I can only imagine what her version is, but I'm not going to live my life the way that I have been.
CC: Relax. Give me a minute. I'm going to get you guys to talk today, but you need to see each other sooner than that. But let's cross that bridge later.

May 7, 2016,

JD: Whenever mate. X
CC: Haven't gotten her yet. I'll let you know as soon as I do get her, but can't get through on your cell. Call me.

May 11th, 2016

CC: Hey, tried you. Change of heart. Are you still up to talk with her?

JD responds to message from David Heard

…’we’ve not spoken to one another since I left at 4.30am on the morning of the 22nd, her birthday, the argument , once again, brought her straight to that uncontrollable rage and she started throwing fuckin’ haymakers around again, I cannot allow ANYONE to believe that it’s okay to insult me, disrespect me and then feel as though she can apply violence to a situation that is already spinning out of control…’

References
Christian Carino Deposition Vol.2%20(OCRed).pdf)
Johnny Depp's Second UK Witness Statement.pdf)

I (F44) was dating a guy (M42) who seemed like he was a reasonable person. We had discussions about our relationship being closed, unless I “wanted a sister wives situation,” which I do not. Either we are open and supportive of each other wanting to sleep with other people (I am straight) or we are closed. He doesn’t get another girl if he’s not open to me having another guy. Before we started dating, my man asked for a topless photo. I told him no, that I was trying to be taken seriously. I did tell him that if he wanted a topless photo before meeting me, he could pay me 6.99 for such photo and we would probably never date. His response was, “I don’t pay for porn or to see girls naked.” Somehow, I was still interested in this man. We met, and he wanted something serious fast. Other than the topless photo comment, nothing this guy did or said gave me pause. He was super fun to be around and I was starting to fall fast and hard. Cut to a few weeks in, I ask him why he never sent me anything naughty but always demanded I send him notice if I did stuff to myself and wanted a booty pic of some sort every day. His answer was that it was his private time to get away and both his hands were busy. He made a joke and when I told him my question was serious, he told me he thought I was joking and did not mean to make me feel used sexually, but still failed to address the question appropriately or act like he would at least work on addressing my request. He would also immediately tease me when I sent something sexy, asking me who I was fantasizing about in said video… we were brand new and when I got confused as to why he’d ask that, because I made the videos for HIM, he treated me like I was stupid. We had conversations about not wanting to see people of the opposite sex rub up on each other. I couldn’t use the word train (like “I’m chugging along like a train to get my shit done so I can see you faster) because it conjured up images of a train being pulled on me, according to him. He told me he’d be the only penis I’d ever see again, and then almost next breath was “I’m gonna force you to watch porn with me.” I just thought it was a part of his control kink… I won’t get anything sexual unless HE provides it. That wasn’t a deal breaker for me as long as he respected my boundaries. A few weeks later, he told me that before he met me, he wasn’t into mothers, because being a mother was a flaw to him prior to meeting me, but now he checks out every woman pushing a stroller or with a gaggle of kids. To me, this was a direct violation of being in a closed relationship because he was actively (not passively) checking out women (almost in a fetishized way) and mentally keeping his options open. I thought maybe I was overreacting in my head, maybe I’m too sensitive, so I sort of brushed off the comment. I really did want to spark back with, “oh that’s funny, everytime I see pigeon toed man, I feel the same way,” but I wasn’t trying to disrespect him because I was upset he had been so callous, because I really loved him and who cares if he’s got flaws? I do too. Then when discussing a safe word (his request) and I told him “stop” works just fine. He told me it wasn’t enough. So I said “banana” as in “I will fuck up your banana if you don’t STOP.” I did not tell him my reasoning, only the word. I did not threaten his dick verbally. He ignored the suggestion, and asked what to do if I am gagged and can’t respond. I told him I hope he would just check on my safety frequently and stop and get medical help if needed. He said, “right…so finish, then do CPR” This post makes it sound like he’s just a raging butthole, but I thought he had a great personality if you set aside his “jokes.” Easy to be around. He did wake me up most mornings telling me he felt insecure in our relationship but after talking to me, would say it was just his anxiety. I would have to constantly reassure him. Then as a fourth date, he decided to ask if I wanted to go to a strip club. When I said LOL WHAT? He sent me the definition of a strip club. When I said LOL I know what one is, why are you asking me that, are you bored with me? He told me he was going to “keep to himself the rest of the day because I was insecure and ruining his chance for a peaceful weekend.” He said we do nothing but argue (this was the first and not even an argument, just stating boundaries and asking why he felt the need to joke in such a manner, I’m tired of being the butt of all the jokes) and he couldn’t win with me, he was in a lose/lose situation with me and refused to resolve the issue. He then said he wasn’t breaking up with me, merely wanted an undefined timeline of a break where neither of us dated anyone else and I needed therapy because I’m unhinged and too insecure. I told him that him withdrawing is withholding affection and not appropriate for the situation. Even longer story short, it’s been over a week and still not even a single word from this man. Even if he thinks he didn’t break up with me, I say he did. Am I being overly sensitive (I’m neurodivergent and he knows this)? AIO?

I don't care if you hated me for saying this, or even calling me a 'pengkhianat' but people that born here in Malaysia are Malaysian not a 'PeNdAtAnG' & f'you for calling them that.
^{p.s. I'm having a heat up argument with my friend over this topic & need to leave off some steam.}

I’ll start off by saying this is far from my first time watching this movie, but it’s my first time in quite a few years seeing it, and I walked in with some new information I didn’t know before. The new info? Well, I forgot the place where I read it exactly, but I remember reading an interview with Bob Rafelson & Bert Schneider where they talked about how they weren’t sure they were going to be able to make another movie after this one so they made as many movies as they could in one movie in case it was truly their only opportunity to make a movie, and boy does it show.
Let’s get this out of the way first and foremost; the music is fucking excellent. I’m a Monkees fan (…to a point, some of those reunion efforts were awful), so of course I’m going to love the music that was used in the movie, but it’s the visuals that were put together for them that absolutely stun. From the psychedelia of “The Porpoise Song” to the elaborate choreography of “Daddy’s Song,” this is a movie that put in as much effort into making it a truly visual experience as they did with making the songs as great as they are.
The movie itself is wonderful in that every Monkee gets their chance to stand out and shine with their acting skills; something that blows me away when I remember that only Micky and Davy were the only ones who had any acting background before the show started. Peter Tork in particular is my favorite part of the film as he uses his character to speak to the “meta” nature of the film, poking fun at how they’re characters in a movie and how The Monkees were a prefabricated image.
…speaking of prefabricated image, it becomes instantly clear what kind of movie we’re getting the minute that go into a twisted version of their TV show’s theme song, calling themselves “a manufactured image with no philosophies.” It’s no secret that the band was never a fan of the public perception towards them that they were just a couple faces for a made-for-TV band, but this movie so perfectly self-cannibalizes the image they’d cultivated up until that point. The ending sequence makes it so clear what the movie was all about as they run through the setting for every sequence they’re in before winding up in a black box, escaping, and then jumping off the bridge we see at the beginning before we see that they’ve simply gone from one black box to another before being pulled off the movie set in the back of a truck. Maybe I’m in the minority here, but to me it’s simply a heartbreaking moment from a band who became instant celebrities and then grew to resent it pretty instantly.
The cameos and bit parts of this thing are outstanding, too. Toni Basil, Annette Funicello, Sonny Liston, Frank Zappa, Dennis Hopper, Jack Nicholson (who also helped write the movie in one of his first major screenwriting gigs), and Victor Mature all round out some of the more surreal moments of this film and help make it the production that it is. Victor Mature coming out of retirement to, essentially, parody himself in both this and another movie two years earlier also feels somewhat meta considering how much of a vocal critic he was about his own acting career. Maybe he understood what The Monkees were going through at the time, just a thought.
Overall to the untrained eye it comes off like a movie that’s basically “plotless” and “about nothing,” but make no bones about it; this is a movie that’s about everything and anything. It’s a damn good movie and one of my favorite pieces of psychedelic cinema of all-time.

I’m newly out-ish as bi with a strong attraction to women, but I’m also married to a man (who is an ally). I come from a very homophobic religious background and only started accepting my sexuality slowly over the past 5 or so years.
So, I attended Pride yesterday with my 4 year old daughter and she had an absolute blast.
(She’s consistently said she wants to have a wife when she grows up, which could just be the whims of a 4 year old, but the fact that she sees absolutely nothing out of the ordinary with her marrying a woman someday is a pretty big deal and makes me feel like I’ve done something right as a parent.)
She got sparkly rainbow face paint and begged for her own pride flag and bracelet and danced around carefree to Katy Perry. That part made me very happy.
I, however, felt more awkward and like an outsider than I’ve felt just about anywhere. I saw a couple people I knew from the LGBT group I just joined and said hi, but mostly I just wandered around looking at vendors tables and trying not to have a panic attack.
I guess I kinda made attending Pride this big thing in my head and thought that if I went, I was going to suddenly feel less self conscious and more comfortable in my orientation and like I found somewhere I belonged, which sounds silly when I type it out, but yeah.

I saw the scene with Tariq killing Junior in Book II 4x01 and Tariq’s enjoyment of doing it on YouTube and I’m going to be honest Riq killing Junior because he’s related to Angela Valdez and his hatred for her to me is pathetic and ridiculous and before y’all say Angela ruin Riq’s life and broke up the St Patrick family save your comments because I don’t care. Junior had nothing to do with that shit
Tariq had no reason to kill Junior and I think the problem with Riq as character is that he still has the inner child in him and the people behind the scenes still write him as this spoiled gangster wanna be in the series which why I believe Power fans still find him annoying as a character because he’s still written as the spoiled kid mad at his dad blaming him for the downfall

• Now If you guys want to comment and if you disagree of what I said please reply respectfully

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was huddled in a local coffee shop, in-line to get my usual triple espresso to kick start my brain. The line was long, the barista was slow and to make matters worse - my favorite corner spot had been taken by some chap in a suit. I was in a bit of a pickle, my day was rapidly going down a rocky road. My brain was foggy and I needed to figure out how to make the situation better, but how?
Then it hit me, I decided to apply game theory. Now, game theory is basically about making strategic decisions to improve your situation, based on predicting what others might do. I thought, if I could predict what people in front of me were going to order, maybe talking to the right person might nudge things along faster. I started by observing people in line, their clothing, their demeanor, their order history if I happened to know it.
I noticed this one guy, seemed like a regular, chatting with the barista. He ordered an Americano. I bet you're thinking, "How's an Americano going to help you?" Here's the thing, the espresso machine for Americano is different from the triple espresso machine. So, I thought of a plan, a two-tier strategy: First, I started a conversation with the guy, mentioning how Americano is my second favorite. King of coffees, if you will. Secondly, since we were on a friendly term, I asked him if he wouldn't mind ordering a triple espresso for me when it was his turn.
Voila, my order was placed, while I saved myself time waiting in line. For the suit guy at my spot, I told him the wifi connection was better at another table. He bought it, moved, and I regained my spot.
Adapting to unexpected situations, I realized, can be improved by making strategic decisions with the help of game theory. It's quite the mental model, isn’t it?
P.S.: Was this a real story? Well, that's a secret I'll never tell. But, I will say this; no Americano-loving customers were harmed in the creation of this hypothetical scenario. And, if you ever find yourself in a crowded coffee shop with long queues, remember this tale.

Hey there!
So this is my first ever script and is sort of based on some fantasy scenarios that I have been using to help myself sleep since going on HRT last year (Wooo!) A lot of Trans stories I see in the ASMR community are about those who are just coming out or are dysphoria comfort etc.
And since its Pride month I thought I may as well share one of my own comfort scenarios in case anyone else may also find it so
Since, for my own personal journey, I just wish that someone could have seen the me that I hid behind the shell and veneer I showed to the world for 16 years after coming to terms with being Trans back in High School in like 07-ish. And hence why this is written this way. Anyone enough about me
To be clear, the listener does indeed know they are Trans feminine/Non-binary. I have tried to leave that a bit ambiguous, using only they/them/their pronouns from the speaker in regards to the listener. I am also fine with ANYONE voicing this regardless of gender identity and changing the speaker to fit such (Eg; Prince instead of Princess) and with this being explicitly labelled for TF or NB etc. Just please give me credit for the script if used
You may monetise this on any platform, if you do please give me a link.
I would also love any and all feedback and constructive criticism. (Spelling is in Australian English)
I think that's everything, so THE SCRIPT!!!
First Extra Details:
-dashes- indicate sfx (optional)
Names in [brackets] are fine to change
Princess Lee=P
[Mira} is optional lines for a second voice if wished but are COMPLETELY optional and the script should work with or without them.
[Mira] and Princess [Lee] share 1 short line that either or both can speak.
K=Knight/unnamed listener’s lines, Obviously these are unspoken but have “marks” to illustrate them as separate.
SCRIPT STARTS BELOW
-knocks on a door-
(slightly muffled)
Princess: You may Enter.

-Opening door creak-

P: Ah finally! You are the last one you know? Of course you do. I’m sure the disappointment of not being selected to be my personal guard has been spreading through all the other nominees as they returned to the barracks rejected, yes?

“K: It has your highness.”

P: (stifled chuckle) …Well then, take a seat on my couch, opposite me please. (give a few second pause for them to reach the couch and sit) As you may have guessed then, as the last potential candidate, you have been selected though to be honest it was always a bit, uh, rigged from the start?

“K: Rigged?”

P: Yes, you see, well, as I’m sure you are aware, all of us in the Royal Family already have our own specially trained Shadow. A personal right-hand to be our guard, our confidant…our friend. [Mira] over there on the recliner is mine…as again I am sure you are well aware. Apologies I am a bit more flustered than I thought I had prepared myself to be.

(Take a deep Breath)

P: You see these tests and checks we’ve been doing for the past month are … not really for choosing my additional guard for my time in the [Magic University] after all it is a very secure facility, and [Mira] would be able to accompany me to all classes and locations there anyway. Rather these were all tests to confirm whether my suspicions regarding you were true.

“K: What suspicions?”

[Mira]: Suspicions was probably the wrong word [Lee].

P: Oh no! I do not mean to accuse you of being a spy or anything of that sort! I trust with my entire being that you are more than loyal to this kingdoms’ people and my family. Rather I was referring to a … secret I believed you were withholding or, at least, one that you were not actively voicing or embracing of a more … personal nature to you. And if I am right, which I believe I am, then I fully understand. But before I say any more please know, whether I am right or wrong, this conversation will not leave this room. You are safe here either way. You have my WORD on that.

[M]: Both of our words.

P: You see, yes these tests have all been of a social engagement variety not only due to the environment at the [Magic University] not only to see how you would all behave as guards during such settings, but also as guests. After-all it is a primarily social form Academy, with the majority of students and teachers being women, and noble born ones at that. And as such rather than war rooms or sparring sessions, as you and the other knights would be used to, tea parties and balls are more of what would occur over the 3 years there.

[M]: You should probably elaborate more on the why not the school Lee.

P: Yes, you see this common knowledge was a helpful subterfuge for our actual tests. To see how well you could and would perform as the “guests” for the guards. And I do mean YOU specifically. Whilst we did pay attention to your fellow knights, it was mainly you we were paying attention to. How at the tea parties you sat so demurely and smiled, paying so much attention to the stories. Sitting with proper etiquette. How at the ball you hung back clearly uncomfortable in your suit … and your skin. Then when the dances came up, and we were partners… You let me lead.

[M]: Don’t worry, no one really noticed. Except for us, and even then, it is only because we were looking.

P: Your face during it. Your expression. You were so at peace. At all of these when you could fade into the background and enjoy yourself. Your face was always so … Happy. Whenever you didn’t have to play the knight. Having to be strong in front of everyone. Winning duels so that you can keep your hair as long as you like. Refusing promotions and the like so that you could stay safe and hidden. Turning down dates because they could only see the Strong Sir Knight resplendent in their masculinity…. But that’s not you is it? Not really.

[M]: Maybe you should start from the beginning Lee?

P: I began looking into year about 6 moths ago, when you turned down the promoting to lead your own platoon. I found it odd at first given that it would be quite an accomplishment for a knight as fresh as you into adulthood. But thought you were just holding out for something more or trying to just not be separated from your current squad yet. Being so involved in my own studies I didn’t think much more. UNTIL I was on a stroll through the gardens with [Mira] one afternoon as a break. When we came across you. Napping with your hair down in a very secluded spot. (warm giggle) with a cute flower crown and matching bracelet on.

[M]: No sword in view anywhere. Not often even a baby knight doesn’t trigger my alert or even “careful” radar. And ESPECIALLY one who has won even duels to keep their hair that long. Wouldn’t have seen you if we hadn’t decided to meander through the flower field

P: At first, we didn’t recognise you. You looked so different. So … androgynous and cute…. So feminine. So vastly different in comparison to how you hold and present yourself with the other knights. You were at so much peace then too. Not like the quiet conflict I realised you were showing all other times. In the following weeks we looked more into you as the sight became so burned into my memory.

[M]: Nothing too invasive. Well except….

P: [Mira] investigated your room in the barracks. Just a spot check. Comparing to the other knights. She didn’t go through your draws or anything. It was bare. No Decorations. No displayed gits or ornaments. Just some books, haircare products and a chess set. So barren and empty, in stark contrast to your fellow knights. No mirror either. Your Commander said you had it removed as it reflected the lights poorly and hindered your sleep.

[M/P]: But that’s not true, is it?

P: In truth, you find looking in the mirror to be stressful and/or weird. Like something doesn’t fit right. And it’s your reflection, isn’t it? It’s not what you see you as in your own head is it? It began to click for me at that time. Then we found out the knights had taken you in as one of their recruited volunteers from the Orphanage to help make space there for younger children. They took you in and raised you. Trained you to be the knight sitting before me. A path you would not have chosen otherwise, I’m sure.

[M/P]: Stuck in a role you do not want. With nowhere to return to. No other skills to utilise or survive on. Trapped.

P: But here is where I can offer you an escape. Another chance. Another way. First, I will let you know that no matter what, [Mira] and I will not be returning to the castle again. My Elder siblings can all fight for the throne, they are well aware that I will not come for it unless they hurt or threaten the people of our kingdom with malice. So this deal is a one time thing AND you must decide pretty much now. As such…

-clinking glasses-

P: In this vial that I will place to your right is a potion that will give you amnesia from the events of the last 24 hours. You will not remember this day, or this conversation [Mira] and I will claim that you tested a wine for me and discovered it was poisoned, saving me. We will leave the palace immediately with the rest of our wagon to [the Magic University], whilst you will be hailed as a hero and able to return to your current life.

-more glass clinking-

P: Whilst in this vial I will place to your left. If you choose this one you will come with us. We will still leave in the but in the morning, and you will have a new future and a chance to live. However, the reason we will leave in the morning rather than immediately? This is due to the vial containing a very potent potion that will flow your mana into me and WILL cause you to pass out. But by drinking this your mana won’t become mine but rather it will be…subservient to mine I can loan it or grow it with my own, but I will also be able to find you for the rest of our lives. And by choosing this you choose to become mine. For all intents and purposes you will be essentially be My Possession. My Pet. My Property. If you wish you can even be MY Princess. A new life and chance. But you must choose it.

**Give a 5-10 second pause here**

P: You are hesitating. Which in itself is an answer, isn’t it? Hey look at me. Here let me hold your face - Huh your check is so warm, and your eyes so beautiful... I promise you, By taking this yes, you will become mine, but that does not mean I will force you to become or do anything that you do not want to do. I want to you to be by my side yes. I want to watch you live and grow and become so much more than the knight-shell that sits before me. But YOU get to make that choice. I can only offer you it. As well as the unconditional love and support of having us there to help you become …well YOU.

-Glass clinking as the left vial is taken and drunk-
-Ruffling and moving as Princess Lee rushes to their side-

P: Oh, thank you for trusting me. Here Let my hold you as you drift off. I promise you that everything will be ok now. You can be whoever you need to be. And I will be there to love you my pet. Whoever you are. Whoever you will be. Tomorrow your new life, your true life can begin.

A member of my family is an alcoholic. He has two children, both at school. He is a single parent. He has recently lost his job. He has a large mortgage to pay and lots of bills. He is basically too ill to work now. He refuses treatment for his alcoholism although he does try to stop, which he manages to do for a day or so at a time.
He wants his parents to sell their home and move in with him so he can keep his house. And pay off his mortgage and help pay bills , they are both on pensions. He could downside to a smaller property and be mortgage free but he doesn’t want to.
Does anyone have any advice about what we can do to get him treated and any opinions about parents moving in? I don’t think they want to but there doesn’t seem to be an alternative.
Can he claim benefits? Is there a charity that can help him? The doctors just say he has to want to get better but he’s just too ill now to know what he’s doing. What can we do?

sorry if this is a stupid question. turns out I’m amaregender (gender changes depending on who I’m attracted to or hanging around). Would be weird saying I’m straight or gay considering I can be considered either a man or woman, or even neither depending on who is talking about me, so I was wondering if there’s a term for such a thing, or if there’s a common term and I’m just being stupid LOL

It’s relevant to say the Instagram account that shared the photos has over 350K followers. It’s one of those ‘explore X city’ account where they share events, places to visit and curiosities about a city.
I’m working inside of a private building (it’s not an office or customer service-related) and they took photos of me when I was working from the street through a window without my consent and then they shared the exact location of the building on the description. They took several pictures of the building from different angles and made a video as well. It’s extremely easy to find. My co-workers are also in one of the photos.
I’ve contacted the owner of the account many times ( through instagram, email and FB) for them to take it down stating the obvious issues of the post and they never responded. I’ve also reported to Instagram several times saying that I’d given no consent for these photos to be taken or shared and every time instagram reviewed it they said the post is not breaking any rules or Instagram guidelines. Which is obviously not true. I’ve refuted their review and nothing ever happens, I just get the same answer
I am based in the EU
After 6 months the post is still there with thousands of likes and comments. I don’t know what else to do to make instagram take it down.

My fiancé and I are parents to a toddler and we’ve become kinda of complacent right now. He’s spending a lot of time with his brothers and I support it all the time. I clean up after and feed them and basically take care of our kids alone since im the SAHM right now. I don’t care what anyone says, is doing groceries or him hanging out while I cook and clean and balance everything for everyone isnt is spending time together. Us watching a show while I eat half a meal so I can get our kid to bed on time by myself isnt spending time. But I’m ungrateful.

Not sure if you saw my post from the other week as I’ve now deleted it. Essentially an MB wrote up a formal document with red x’s all over it saying I was putting her baby to sleep the ‘wrong’ way. I was following safe sleep protocols such as not allowing a newborn to sleep with a blanket, not over-layering them, not allowing stuffed animals in crib with baby, and NOT place them on their tummy to sleep. All of which she put big red x’s beside (she wrote « laying baby in crib without blanket » *big red X drawn beside that, and then wrote « putting duvet on baby once she is sleeping on her tummy » *big green check mark beside that.) She did this all over the page regarding the safe sleep procedures above that I follow, but she put x’s beside and told me to do the opposite. On top of this she titled the document « not all babies are the same. What works with your other babies might not work with mine, so do this instead ». I wish I could make this $hit up. For reference I’m a former nicu nurse of 32 years, I’d like to say I have a bit of an idea of what I’m doing.
Hoping some of you remember my post! I appreciate all the validation and advice I received on it. As such, I’ve decided to quit. MBs attitude, unprofessionalism and snarking is one thing, but refusing to accept my education and suggestions on safe sleep is not a position I can continue with. I politely gave MB 2 weeks’ notice and solely blamed my resignation due to personal family issues. I’ve made it clear previously that I do not agree nor condone with her sleep practices and I’ve given her resources to safe sleep, however I kept that out of my resignation. I kept it solely professional with none of that included, and said it was family issues causing me to resign. This was a lie and I was quitting because of MB but I chose to leave that out as I predicted her reaction might not be professional.
She was offended by my resignation and told me not to come back for my next shift. Which is fine. HOWEVER she’s refusing to pay me the $300 she owes me from before I put in my notice.
Legally I’m not aware of what I can do regarding the $300, I guess it’s a loss I have to accept. But I have so many sad emotions coming out of this. Man oh man.