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Judge redditors based solely on a picture

2011.04.24 01:26 Deli1181 Judge redditors based solely on a picture

Tell Redditors who you think they are based on their picture.
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2009.11.10 18:55 kickme444 reddit Secret Santa

/secretsanta and Reddit Gifts were started in 2009 to provide a Secret Santa exchange for the Reddit community. On January 24, 2022, Redditgifts was officially closed and we are no longer running exchanges. LONG LIVE REDDITGIFTS!
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2016.05.29 08:50 onedeeone Paizo's Starfinder RPG

The Unofficial Starfinder Subreddit
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2024.05.16 14:49 TheUndergroundManlet Ever have any actual success with therapy?

Maybe I'm just not so good at articulating myself or maybe I live in Joker world or some shit, but short of telling these people that I have a body in the trunk of my car I really don't know what it takes to be considered seriously by them. The fact that all of them are so clearly just watching the clock tick by until I leave doesn't help either.
I'm almost at the point where I'm starting to think that therapy is just a normie thing where the therapist compliments you until you feel better. Which isn't at all what I'm looking for. I need serious psychological insight from a serious, qualified professional. Not condesending bottom of the barrel CBT that I could get from a reddit stranger in a mainstream depression sub. Honestly, the impression I get right now is: 'we don't care that you’re sick. either act up and get locked up or be quiet and deal with it on your own, because we don't give a fuck about you.'
submitted by TheUndergroundManlet to doomer [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:48 Powerful_Contract501 Saw my ExWBPD Yesterday and regret saying some things

My ex left (discarded) about a month ago, which was the 3rd time in the last year. We had been together for 4yrs up until that point, in which the first few years were the idealization stage. She wanted to spend every minute with me and sex was flowing. Looking back there were episodes all of the time but the repairs were so quick it became normal. Then the year before the first time we left I noticed a big shift. Mostly in regards to sex. She would make comments how it hurt or she would try to avoid it. Fast forward to the end of that year and she cheated with someone from an app that lived 1200 miles away. They started a long distance relationship and she left. 2 months after she left she came back and we gave it another go but intimacy was a big issue. She said she wanted to have sex with me but couldnt for some reason. We would try but she would get uncomfortable and want to stop. After 2 months she left to be with the guy and oddly enough the day before she left we had the most intense passionate sex and she told me how much she loved me and was crying during it. I felt totally blindsided. This time I swore I was done and went no contact. I found out through my daughter she was trying to introduce the long distance guy to her on facetime and at that point I broke no contact to ask her to talk. She ended up coming over to discuss how we should introduce people to our daughter and she ended up catching feelings again and long story short we gave it another go. It started off ok but quickly realized we still had intimacy issues but everything else was fine. She always wanted to cuddle and hang out so it seemed like she was ok with childlike affection but couldnt kiss or have sex. Our couples counselor said to be patient and focus on connecting without sex but after 6 months she left again and of course shes talking to this guy once more. I went as no contact for the last month and then yesterday i attended a school function for our daughter and she was there with her family who loves me. I made it a point to stand far away and then she walked over to me and asked to talk. I declined but then afterwards she asked again and its very hard to resist so I obliged. She told me how she wished we could work but that she needs to heal and then asked "if you were dating someone else and I wanted to come back would you leave them" lol.
We then spoke for an hour after the event and in the moment I was caught up but held my ground and said im sorry but you left our family 3 times. I told her how I dont hate her and I know she does the things she does to absolve the pain. These relationships are such a cruel trick because when youre with the person (at least in my case) its not obvious that there's something wrong. My ex was diagnosed at 15 but now she thinks she doesnt have it or that was an incorrect diagnosis. She's also very young (early 20's) so its tough to discuss BPD with her. I did say if there was a path back to us she would have to attend this inpatient program recommended by our couples counselor but even then it wouldnt make much of a difference.
The point of this post was to reiterate no contact is the best way to heal and going forward im going to avoid her unless absolutely necessary even if that means missing some events. I regret even mentioning theres a path back to being together because in a couple of months I wont want that. Even now I realize how sick it is to want that with someone that treats you poorly.
submitted by Powerful_Contract501 to BPDlovedones [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:47 Resident_Camel5323 AITA: telling my friend we can’t live together because of her

I 24F have been living with a housemate 27F with a drug addiction for the past year and last night I spoke to her about things I don’t agree with as a result to her addiction. Part of this is I no longer want to resume living with her when our tenancy runs out in 3 months time. This was a sudden decision but I need to get away from the situation before I feel trapped or out friendship gets strained further and I don’t want to leave her with false hope that if she gets clean I’ll change my mind because if she doesn’t I have to have this conversation again with even less notice. I understand her anger at me for discussing what I did with her but she argued over not talking about it sooner. Which yes in hindsight would if been better to handle the situation but i don’t know how to handle addiction. I have luckily never had to be in this situation before. I wasn’t fully aware to get extent it had gotten and I also spent a long period of time not in the house due to issues with the property around 2-3 months at the start of the year but this conversation had to happen now before it was too late.
However after the conversation I am wracked with guilt that maybe I should have said something sooner but whenever I tried I either got told not to worry about her or she’d say she’s fine so I would leave her as I believed her and wanted to believe she was ok. I feel horrible for having to tell her but throughout the conversation she just said why didn’t I talk to her sooner but I tried in the past. she just got angry and doesn’t seem to understand it wasn’t said to hurt her. I tried my best to talk calmly and while reading the letter to her I cried but was met with anger understandably so. I don’t hate her despite what she must think and at this time I am respecting her space and whenever she wants to talk I’ll listen I don’t think I have done everything right in this situation but i also dont know if the result would of been any different if I had done earlier. I don’t want to fallout over this as I consider her my close friend but maybe I left it too late to have this conversation. This morning I woke up to her partner who also was present as a support for her if she needed it has called me disgusting childish and said that this was a facade and basically dragged the conversation into a group chat with those who were not involved and having ahi I haven’t responded besides saying please do not do this over text and that I’m happy to discuss their feelings in person but to not drag anyone who was not there into it and for everyone to just stop then I left the group. AITA
submitted by Resident_Camel5323 to AmItheAsshole [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:47 LateResort752 Final wishes

Me and my ex broke up and I wrote letter to get thoughts off my mind that I wanna post to her household (see below)
Me and my ex broke up after 3 years about 3 weeks ago, she's started spending time with another man but I've wanted to get some stuff off my chest and to her family, I've written 2 separate letters one specifically for her and one for the family which I'm going to post after both of our exam periods are over but I'm second guessing myself, we broke up because she got exam stress anxiety and said she couldn't handle a relationship RN but messaged me saying that she wouldn't get over me if she didn't move on and that I should see her as a C*nt because she's started spending time with another man, but I still feel for peace at heart I need to send these below, I never had it in me to introduce her properly to my side of the family because I was scared by their views but now that it's past that point ive realised I had nothing to lose.
Letter to her
Dear "name", I hope you have it in you to read one final letter from me. Are you doing doing better now without exam stress or anything? the first month after we broke up was unbearable for me, I think you found comfort through another guy which I'm happy for you I hope he's giving you what I regret not being able to give you and more. I finally understand how you felt whenever you said you couldn't stomach food and you couldn't sleep cause you'd have too much running through your head keeping you up crying, I didn't ever think I'd end up experiencing them things but I realise now how much I really loved you, I'm doing better now and I hope it's the same for you and I just wanted you to know that even though we are ex's if you ever hit a dark spot in your life and you need someone to talk to feel free to contact me whenever no matter when it is I'm more than happy to help you, we ain't strangers after all and I hope you don't view us that way we did have some amazing times together remember. I know my biggest mistake was always being too scared to show you to the world and ik that I realised too late, it's my biggest regret and in a heart beat I'd reverse it because you were worth spending my life with regardless of what other people thought. I told you countless times not to let others dictate our relationship without realising I was doing it myself aswell so I'm sorry. If you do read this letter through and don't just get rid of it without second thought i hope you're in a better place now, wherever you are mentally and whatever you're doing physically I hope you're happy without regrets because they eat you apart don't let the past stop you from enjoying your future. N x
Letter to parents
"Name and "name", Thank you for accepting me over the past few years and welcoming me into your home, I'm sorry I couldn't do the same for your daughter with my life and I truly regret it but ill live on with it knowing I should of taken that chance because I really wanted her forever, I'm really going to miss the company of you and the girls and I hope you can all forgive me for not giving your daughter what she wanted and needed, I've realised in the past month that I've never loved someone as much as her and it's been really hard seeing her carry on with life while it feels like mines stopped, if "name" ever ends up low and in need of someone to chat too please remind her that wherever and whenever she can talk to me, I'd hope I'm not treated like a stranger whenever it may be. if you read this letter know that I absolutely cherished and adored your daughter from the bottom of my heart, I hate that I can't see the girls grow up cause I absolutely loved seeing them all, talking and spending time with the whole family, I really will miss you all and I wish you all the best. N x
submitted by LateResort752 to BreakUps [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:47 _prettygirlrock Major cons of Marriott Voyage program

If you are looking at the Marriott voyage program I am going to list some cons for you and give background IF you’re in the same boat. If your passion s truly in hospitality and you are a loyal Marriott worker then this post is probably not for you.
  1. Coming fresh out of college, I was met with a lot of disorganization in the hotel. Half of the workers (the ones that oversaw me) didn’t even know what a voyager was and these were my supposed “coaches” and “champions”
  2. You will get the worst shifts with very low pay. I worked in both Banquets and F&B (hotel restaurant) and was receiving way less than my counterparts but also significantly less than the employees I was overseeing. Our bonus was a joke and the raise (the one your relocation recruiter will hype up as part of a specialty for voyagers) was a joke.
  3. If you come in during busy time you will get little to no training and will be expected to handle 80% of the operational and guest satisfaction issues. this being my first time at hotels with this brand specifically was very challenging. I called out my coach multiple times on why he did not train me according to brand standards. even small things like getting my micros or atlas access as a manager I did not receive until it was time for me to switch departments.
  4. You have to beg for time to complete your online training if you are in f&b.my director just did not like being on the floor so I found myself having the run shifts and somehow complete 40+ hours of online training at the same time.
5.you may or may not actually rotate throughout the departments in the hotel. My f&b director admitted she didn’t know much about what a voyager was to me and the 3 other voyagers there during our TENTH MONTH and Tried to cram the rotations in three days. So what should have been 8 hour shifts with each department turned into 1 hour sessions of decks presented by the departments heads. My brain was fried by the end of each of those days.
  1. If you’re in Chicago like I was , the fair work week labor laws will probably not be applied to you or many other ambassadors unless you’re in a union property. I never got paid premium pay for shift and schedule changes even though I was making less than the amount mandated. My HR director also did nothing about this.
All in all if you see yourself staying in hospitality then sure go ahead and sign the year long contract because it does open door for your within the brand but if you’re on the fence or just want to have a taste of hospitality then I would not recommend this program. I met with other voyagers in the Chicago land area during my time and most of them had the same exact issues in their departments if not worse. A couple even left and ended up paying back their relocation fees.
submitted by _prettygirlrock to marriott [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:47 Superlegalai Spend time on construction, not legal

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submitted by Superlegalai to Construction [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:46 allinthejourney Visiting in June for the first time in YEARS. Help me plan an itinerary!

Hey friends,
I grew up in Fargo and moved away after college in 2010. I’ve visited a few times since then, but this June I’ll be bringing my husband and our 9 month old to Fargo for the first time. We’re mid/late 30s. My husband is from Houston and we live outside Austin now - the closest he’s been to Fargo as a weekend in Minneapolis. We’ll have three full days to explore (Sunday to Tuesday) and I’ve got the following things on the agenda.
I’m trying to piece together a quintessential Fargo experience so any other recs y’all have would be appreciated!
submitted by allinthejourney to fargo [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:46 hopechalmers1 Why would he give me a ring

So basically I'm 21 he's 20 he proposed on our 2 yr anniversary when i was just 2 weeks shy from my due date. I felt like he didn't want the responsibility of being a father when I was pregnant so for the 1st 8 months I told him I wont hold it against him and he can leave and I'll raise her by myself with the help of my mom, and he wont have to pay child support, and on the brith certificate it would say unknown father, but he stayed and for the most part he's proved that I was right he didn't want and/or can't hadled the responsibility of being a father. Anyways I got curious why he's been ignoring so much lately I kept telling myself he's just to invloed in his game but my curiosity got the better of me and now I feel so hurt and betrayed he's been talking with some random girl on discord about me.. saying I can't cook and I need to get a job rather then just taking care of are 4 month old daughter, after he was suspended from his job non the less and I didn't even get mad at him Infact I told him I would get a job while he waits for the job to let him back in stepember so long as he can watch our daughter more, but he cant so we are liveing off welfare, ei, and family support atm. He was also telling her that he ignores me alot on propose because, he's to young to have a baby and a fiance, and he doesn't want to get married. no one forced him to give me a ring infact his mom told him infornt of me to never give me a ring, like he was making it sound like someone put a gun to his hand and said give her a ring. he was also telling her about our sex life and that the only reason he gets off his game is because he "needs to proform his duty" theirs more but I don't want to put it all on the internet, anyways any one have ideas why he did this of what to do beside leave him because I've tried and my abandonment issues got in the way so we will only break up if he does something to our baby our dog or he leaves me.
submitted by hopechalmers1 to helpme [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:46 SaxoReddit All That Glitters Ban Metagame Predicament

UW Glitters, which was a highly explosive deck that I personally played even before it was considered busted because as a Grixis Affinity and Bogles player, I understood its potential before UW lists began to gain traction, shook up the format by polarizing decks to become faster with turn 1 and 2 responses to render it defenseless (which is why ultimately Glitters Affinity wasn't even considered Tier 1 anymore and was replaced by the Boros Glitters version). This step back on Glitters will lead the meta to return to the slowness of the polarized era, focusing primarily against only Mono R Kuldotha, the only stable deck for playing Aggro, and personally, I've never liked playing Red as the sole Aggro alternative in the entire format. Now games, as they did back then, will last until time, with many matches ending in 1-0 or 1-1, putting stress on the slowness of every single play. If, as they say, they want to nerf Mono R again for the third time in a few months (Monastery, ___Goblin, and now even more), it will lead Pauper to not have a performing Aggro deck further slowing down the meta, not even coming close to imagining a 2-1 at the end of a game within the time limit, making just the idea of taking one's deck to the local store for a tournament stressful.
Obviously, everything will focus on decks like Boros Synth, which was already too strong back then and never received any nerfs, ON THE CONTRARY, it received the additional 4 Thrabens and tap lands that deal 1 damage, and since mono R is nerfed, it will become a Tier 0 deck much more than it has been in the past, since the only "new" deck is Orzhov Blade, and the latter loses very easily to Boros.
I understand banning a strictly polarizing deck, but let's remember that any Aggro that works becomes automatically polarizing, needing to speed up the meta.
Obviously, after the All That Glitters ban, people who want to play Aggro have only one option, and this option has a 20% presence among the decks in the entire format.
And now they're even thinking of wanting to ban the Basic Artifact Lands, which would further slow down Mono R, even eliminating Grixis Affinity from the meta entirely, slowing down Rakdos Madness and Boros Synth, causing an even worse disaster, namely that a single round starts at 9:00 p.m. and ends at 10:00 p.m.
(of course, I'm exaggerating about the duration, but not that much, huh)
They had the choice to speed up the format and instead they are reflecting on how to make it even slower than in the past, since the meta is formed by so many aggro decks, right?
submitted by SaxoReddit to Pauper [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:46 ClockMajor7250 Dick of my life

a 27 year old male living in the uk. My mental health hasn’t been great the last 10 years, and it has got significantly worse in the last two years. I have always had severe anxiety and depression. Although never diagnosed. All my life, I have been very insecure about who I was. I believe I am dumb, ugly, unlovable and unworthy. As a result I never really made an effort with anything. I never had any dreams or aspirations. I never dated or formed quality friendships. I don’t even have a career. I am a working a dead end warehouse job and I don’t see a positive future for myself.
Growing up I did poorly at school and never really excelled at anything. I could never find something I was good at and always felt incompetent. I have issues managing stress and every task overwhelms me.
I have self image issues and hate the way I look. I hate going out in public especially in the summer due to body issues. I am slim and struggle to gain weight. I also started balding very young and had severe acne growing up. I have blown thousands on fixing my appearance. Skin treatments, personal trainers, new clothes and eyebrow grooming. I have nothing to offer I might as well be pretty lol. 0 savingsa and now money issues. Tbh I still feel crap about my looks. Money wasted I guess…
To make matters worse, I have a speech impediment (stammer) that makes speaking incredibly difficult. I am so ashamed of my stammer that I hardly talk, and as a result have no friends or close connections. I feel so lonely. I never dated or had any romance. I am a closeted gay from religious Muslim family. I didn’t come to terms with my sexuality till age 22. I want to experience love. I honestly feel like I missed out. I am nearly 30 and it feels as if I will never meet anyone. Every guy I talk to I push them away, because I don’t feel good enough. I have hurt so many guys by ghosting them or blocking. I feel too ugly, dumb and unaccomplished in life. Who wants to date some loser 27 year old? With a stutter, no proper career and 0 friends.
Sad reality is I put myself here. My actions and decisions in life lead me here. I was weak and I allowed life to fuck me up. I have missed out on so much living. From age 16 to now it’s like I have been dead. Just a walking flesh. I pity my parents for having a son like me. But I resent them for just watching me become a car wreck. I don’t know if I have autism or adhd. Something is wrong with me. I have always felt different. I struggle with focusing on everything. Today I broke down in tears in my room. I feel anger, bitter and broken. I hate myself tbh. I have no purpose. I have reached my breaking point. Rock bottom. 27 years of rubbish. I don’t think I will ever be happy. I am not 18 or 21 it’s too late for me to get my life together. I can’t sleep at night and wake up with panic attacks because of how life has turned out. Writing this with tears as a grown man because I so desperately want out of my situation but I don’t know how….
submitted by ClockMajor7250 to depression [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:45 ankitam280 Why men get lonely and how to avoid it

Man is a social creature and it is usually uncomfortable for him to live alone. There are many reasons for loneliness, including unsuccessful experiences in relationships, prolonged searches for the ideal soul mate, and lack of self-confidence. It is possible to overcome this condition and it is not so difficult to do. We’ll tell you how.
Why is loneliness so bad?
In fact, the answer is not as obvious as you might think. In addition to not having a loved one nearby, there are other negative consequences. If you don’t see your friends often and are focused only on work, your social skills are lost and you become more withdrawn.
Temporary loneliness develops into chronic — it is simply difficult to let another person into your life, even if you want to. Over time, a career will cease to bring joy, and without support at home, problems will begin in it.
Living only for yourself, there is a higher risk of acquiring a destructive addiction, for example, to alcohol, which will affect all areas of life. Also, a significant disadvantage of such a life is the immediate absence of a large number of advantages that stable relationships provide: mutual assistance — domestic and financial, support, and more varied leisure time. In addition, it has been proven that people who are happy in their personal lives live longer.
Of course, there will be those who will say that single life also has many advantages, and will not want to change anything. But if you are reading this article, most likely the problem of loneliness is relevant to you. First, it’s worth figuring out whether this is a pattern or a pure coincidence.

The main reasons for loneliness

Single men are not uncommon these days. More and more representatives of the stronger sex are choosing a bachelor lifestyle, ignoring any attempts by women to involve them in a serious relationship. Sometimes the reason for this lies in deep psychological trauma, which must be dealt with exclusively with the help of a therapist. It could be loneliness syndrome, chronic depression, or something similar. But most often the desire to remain single is caused by social factors. Let’s consider the main ones and solutions.

High expectations

If your image of an ideal life partner has little in common with reality, finding “the one” can be extremely difficult. When setting any requirements for a future girlfriend, you need to clearly answer three questions. Are these qualities really important to you, and not imposed by someone? Are there even women who combine such qualities? And do you yourself meet such high criteria?

Failed Relationships

If a person’s past relationship ended badly, he will not strive to enter into the next one, so as not to get burned again. Usually, it takes time for mental wounds to heal; you definitely don’t need to overpower yourself and look for a new girl immediately after a breakup.

Reluctance to get married and take responsibility

The world is changing rapidly and marriage is no longer the only possible option for two loving people. But here it is important to distinguish your desires from imposed stereotypes. Even in a situation where you are firmly convinced that marriage and children are not for you, it is not at all necessary to remain single. You just need to find a girl whose values ​​coincide with yours. Or maybe you really want a family, but are afraid to destroy the image of the “alpha male”? You shouldn’t give up happiness in order to meet someone else’s expectations.

Lack of financial well-being

If you understand that family is a big responsibility, including finances, that’s good. So you are an adult. The lack of a stable income or the desire to live for oneself for now are fair reasons to avoid a serious relationship. It is important that you continue to develop so that by a certain age you can still achieve financial stability.

Benefits of Solitude

It’s hard to argue that there are many advantages to a single life: freedom, the opportunity to lead a wild life, or, conversely, to be in complete peace 24/7. But many are so carried away by them that they acquire the habit of always living independently. Is this your case? Think about it: do you still want to start a family in the future? If the answer is yes, the main thing is not to prolong this pleasant solitude. After all, sooner or later it will stop making you happy, and there is a risk of missing out on happiness.

How else can you cope with loneliness?

Play sports
An active lifestyle is the best cure for any emotional distress. So, when in doubt or after a serious breakup, sport is especially indicated. And in the gym or in the park you can meet the same active girl.
Look for new hobbies
Communication based on common interests can be a great start to a long, happy relationship. Or you will find a new talent or even a calling. Don’t close yourself within four walls, try different hobbies. Not in order to definitely meet someone, but so that life sparkles with new colors.
Focus on work
A career is a good way to distract yourself if things are not going very smoothly in your personal life. This will also allow you to gain financial independence, which will also be a plus when you finally want to start a family.
Meet with friends
Even if you don’t have a significant other right now, this is not a reason not to communicate with other couples. Who knows, maybe, looking at the relationships of your friends, you yourself will want such stability. And your bachelor friends will definitely help you take your mind off any dreary thoughts.
Get a pet
When the feeling of loneliness becomes too strong, you should get a pet. It doesn’t have to be a big dog right away; even small animals will make your life more meaningful and rich. And if you are already so used to loneliness that you don’t know how to start making acquaintances, definitely get a dog. You will have to walk a lot with her and periodically communicate with new people who will not be able to resist your four-legged friend.
So, have you realized that being alone has more disadvantages than advantages for you, and are you ready to change the situation? Then it’s a matter of time. An active social life and a positive attitude will be the first steps towards a new relationship. But if you feel that some internal complexes are preventing you from moving forward; or you have developed a strong fear of loneliness, you literally cannot be left alone — this is a signal that you should consult a psychologist. As we noted above, psychological trauma is sometimes to blame for chronic loneliness, and only a specialist can help cope with it. Why men get lonely and how to avoid itMan is a social creature and it is usually uncomfortable for him to live alone. There are many reasons for loneliness, including unsuccessful experiences in relationships, prolonged searches for the ideal soul mate, and lack of self-confidence. It is possible to overcome this condition and it is not so difficult to do. We’ll tell you how.Why is loneliness so bad?In fact, the answer is not as obvious as you might think. In addition to not having a loved one nearby, there are other negative consequences. If you don’t see your friends often and are focused only on work, your social skills are lost and you become more withdrawn.Temporary loneliness develops into chronic — it is simply difficult to let another person into your life, even if you want to. Over time, a career will cease to bring joy, and without support at home, problems will begin in it. Living only for yourself, there is a higher risk of acquiring a destructive addiction, for example, to alcohol, which will affect all areas of life. Also, a significant disadvantage of such a life is the immediate absence of a large number of advantages that stable relationships provide: mutual assistance — domestic and financial, support, and more varied leisure time. In addition, it has been proven that people who are happy in their personal lives live longer.Of course, there will be those who will say that single life also has many advantages, and will not want to change anything. But if you are reading this article, most likely the problem of loneliness is relevant to you. First, it’s worth figuring out whether this is a pattern or a pure coincidence.The main reasons for lonelinessSingle men are not uncommon these days. More and more representatives of the stronger sex are choosing a bachelor lifestyle, ignoring any attempts by women to involve them in a serious relationship. Sometimes the reason for this lies in deep psychological trauma, which must be dealt with exclusively with the help of a therapist. It could be loneliness syndrome, chronic depression, or something similar. But most often the desire to remain single is caused by social factors. Let’s consider the main ones and solutions.High expectationsIf your image of an ideal life partner has little in common with reality, finding “the one” can be extremely difficult. When setting any requirements for a future girlfriend, you need to clearly answer three questions. Are these qualities really important to you, and not imposed by someone? Are there even women who combine such qualities? And do you yourself meet such high criteria?Failed RelationshipsIf a person’s past relationship ended badly, he will not strive to enter into the next one, so as not to get burned again. Usually, it takes time for mental wounds to heal; you definitely don’t need to overpower yourself and look for a new girl immediately after a breakup. Reluctance to get married and take responsibilityThe world is changing rapidly and marriage is no longer the only possible option for two loving people. But here it is important to distinguish your desires from imposed stereotypes. Even in a situation where you are firmly convinced that marriage and children are not for you, it is not at all necessary to remain single. You just need to find a girl whose values ​​coincide with yours. Or maybe you really want a family, but are afraid to destroy the image of the “alpha male”? You shouldn’t give up happiness in order to meet someone else’s expectations.Lack of financial well-beingIf you understand that family is a big responsibility, including finances, that’s good. So you are an adult. The lack of a stable income or the desire to live for oneself for now are fair reasons to avoid a serious relationship. It is important that you continue to develop so that by a certain age you can still achieve financial stability.Benefits of SolitudeIt’s hard to argue that there are many advantages to a single life: freedom, the opportunity to lead a wild life, or, conversely, to be in complete peace 24/7. But many are so carried away by them that they acquire the habit of always living independently. Is this your case? Think about it: do you still want to start a family in the future? If the answer is yes, the main thing is not to prolong this pleasant solitude. After all, sooner or later it will stop making you happy, and there is a risk of missing out on happiness.How else can you cope with loneliness?Play sportsAn active lifestyle is the best cure for any emotional distress. So, when in doubt or after a serious breakup, sport is especially indicated. And in the gym or in the park you can meet the same active girl. Look for new hobbies Communication based on common interests can be a great start to a long, happy relationship. Or you will find a new talent or even a calling. Don’t close yourself within four walls, try different hobbies. Not in order to definitely meet someone, but so that life sparkles with new colors.Focus on workA career is a good way to distract yourself if things are not going very smoothly in your personal life. This will also allow you to gain financial independence, which will also be a plus when you finally want to start a family.Meet with friendsEven if you don’t have a significant other right now, this is not a reason not to communicate with other couples. Who knows, maybe, looking at the relationships of your friends, you yourself will want such stability. And your bachelor friends will definitely help you take your mind off any dreary thoughts.Get a petWhen the feeling of loneliness becomes too strong, you should get a pet. It doesn’t have to be a big dog right away; even small animals will make your life more meaningful and rich. And if you are already so used to loneliness that you don’t know how to start making acquaintances, definitely get a dog. You will have to walk a lot with her and periodically communicate with new people who will not be able to resist your four-legged friend.So, have you realized that being alone has more disadvantages than advantages for you, and are you ready to change the situation? Then it’s a matter of time. An active social life and a positive attitude will be the first steps towards a new relationship. But if you feel that some internal complexes are preventing you from moving forward; or you have developed a strong fear of loneliness, you literally cannot be left alone — this is a signal that you should consult a psychologist. As we noted above, psychological trauma is sometimes to blame for chronic loneliness, and only a specialist can help cope with it.

The best tips for a vibrant intimate lifeThe best tips for a vibrant intimate life

submitted by ankitam280 to sexualtipsss [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:45 Girlwithasquirrel654 Cost of raising half the roof in a bungalow

I live in a bungalow we are planning on moving the master bedroom up there (right now it’s my kids bedroom). The ceiling is regular height in the middle and slopes down on each side. We are going to put a new roof and siding on the house this summer so I think it’s a good time/idea to inquire about how much it would cost to raise and square off the back side of the roof. We wouldn’t be adding anymore floor space just raising the entire back part of the roof to square it and make the ceiling height consistent. We would do all the finishing inside ourselves (electrical/drywall/flooring). This is the side of the house with the chimney and toliet stack so I know those would have to be extended. We are in Ohio for reference. Any ideas on what something like this would cost????
submitted by Girlwithasquirrel654 to Remodel [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:44 TheSexyMario777 Theory: The ORIGIN of W.D. Gaster!

Theory: The ORIGIN of W.D. Gaster!
(And in case you're wondering, the answer is yes; we're doin' a sequel. 😎)
Hello Internet, welcome to 😳
Gaster. The most mysterious character in all of Undertale. Nobody knows where he comes from. Nobody knows where he went. Nobody knows who or what he is. We're not even sure on what he LOOKS like. from. Well, my loyal theorists, today I believe I have a theory on EXACTLY who and what Gaster is, where he came from, and where he is now. And spoiler alert, it's NOT from the Underground.
If you're reading this, you're probably wondering: "If Gaster isn't a monster from the Underground, then where is he from?" Some people believe that Gaster is actually the father of Sans and Papyrus. That's ridiculous, of course, because in our last theory, we established that Sans and Papyrus are actually Mario and Luigi, and thus can't be the sons of Gaster. (One loyal theorist by the name of Marfanis788 on fandom concluded that Papyrus might actually be the great Waluigi, but that's a theory for another day.)
Anyways, while this may be a bit of a controversial theory, but I believe that Gatsir is none-other than the GH(ass)T from MINCRAFP!!1! Now, I know what you're thinking: "That's preposterous! There's know way that gatsir is the ghast from minecrap." Well, with this evidence, I bet you'll be thinking differently.
For one, Ghaster and Gast have very similar names. They both originate from indie-games that have left a very significant mark on pop-culture of this generation, including some of the most recognizable characters in video game history. They both live in vast realms underground that have a close resemblance to hell, and they're both monsters. You still don't believe me? Well, consider the fact that BOTH characters are PALE-WHITE. 😱😱😱
Well, how could this have possibly happened? How could the iconic Ghast have possibly gone under such a transformation to become Gaster? Well, before we get into that, I have an announcement to make.
You've all been waiting for it. THAT'S RIGHT! MERCH!!! MERCHANDISE! MARKETING!!!!1! Now, you can get your very own StillBetterThanYouLolz T-SHIRT!!!!
https://preview.redd.it/aidsr0z6bs0d1.jpg?width=984&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2661f82cee46ade56504de0a290c228e101465cb
"Why in the world would I ever buy this?" You may be asking yourself right now. Well, I'll have YOU know that this T-Shirt is actually worth more than your ENTIRE BLOODLINE**.** So what are you waiting for? Come on down and sell your soul for some MERCHH!!!1! Only $9,000,000! Link is right here! BUY NOW!!!11!
Now, back to the theory. The Nether takes place in a different dimension than the Overworld. So how would a Ghast get to the Overworld? Well, how does one cross from the Overworld to the Nether? A Nether Portal. One day, the Ancient Builders from Minecraft (get caught up on minecart lore) are exploring the Nether, when one day, a few Ghasts cross through the portal. When the Ancient Builders come back after exploring, they find that the Ghasts had killed their most prized possesion; their Minecraft Dogs**.** All of them. All of the dogs were dead. The builders think that these were Overworld monsters doing personal attacks against them, as they never went to the Nether Wastelands when in the Nether. So, they declare war against all monsters that they find, monsters that they were once at peace with. And yes, the Human-Monster War all started because somebody killed their Minecraft dogs.
The Ancient Builders begin a plan to force all of the monsters undeground, starting with the Ghasts. Most of the Ghasts end up dying out, as they can't survive without the intense heat of the Nether as their climate. However, a few had been able to survive and evolve. They had gotten smaller, and were able to use some of their tentacles as hands. They had also developed critical thinking, similar to that of humans and overworld monsters.
Now at this point, generations have passed, and the Human-Monster War has ended. The next few parts of this theory take place far after the events of Minecraft, as the Human-Monster War is still going on at that point. We know this as monsters still roam the Overworld at this point, and they attack humans on sight, so we know that they're at war. We can also tell that the war is almost over, and the humans are winning, as the monsters are so weak that (with a few exceptions) they can only come out at night time.
Now at this point, there is only one Ghast left. And his name is Gaster. Gaster had blown through most of the Underground, making most of it one massive cave. (Also, one part became really cold and started snowing for some reason, while the other part basically became the Nether because climate change = yes. Also, to help survive, Gaster moved to the Hotlands because Ghasts need that hot climate to survive, as I mentioned earlier. He also built his lab there.)
Anyways, Gaster had been looking for redstone while in the Underground. And after years of searching, he finally had enough to use for his project. Using Redstone Technology, Gaster had created a machine that would turn him into a human so that he could finally leave the Underground and get revenge on the humans who forced him and his people to flee underground all those years ago. Using a tooth from one of the Ancient Builders from all those years ago, he used the DNA to turn himself into a human. However, the experiment went wrong, and his Ghast form instead merged with the human DNA, turning him into a humanoid Ghast.
However, Gaster was not ready to give up just yet; for he had an idea; an evil, cunning plan to build the most powerful machine in existence; so powerful, it could wipe out entire species. He was planning on building a time machine**.** He was going to use this machine to destroy all humans; not just in this dimension, but in every theoretical timeline**.**
Eventually, he was found by Asgore (who we discovered was actually the Evil Koopa King Bowser in our previous theory). After the death of Asriel, the son he had with Toriel (who we also discovered was actually Princess Peach in our last theory), Asgore grew mad with rage, and wanted to destroy all humans for what they had done to their kind and their family. Gaster had presented his idea to the angry king, who liked the idea so much that he appointed Gaster to the Royal Scientist of the Underground.
Gaster worked and worked, until finally, the time machine was finished. However, it was very unstable. The experiment failed, and instead of wiping humans from time, Gaster became time. The time waves also sent back Bowser and Peach back to the beginning of time, so that they could become Asgore and Toriel again, creating a time loop instead of a paradox.
Gaster was witnessed by different characters in four separate (theoretical) timelines. These witnesses scarred the characters, and they instantly started following Gaster. Some of these theoretical characters can be witnessed in the main timeline. They started spreading the story of Gaster to a select few in the main world.
These main world characters then started spreading the story to others, and the story eventually became well known among the Underground monsters. People started calling him Warped Doctor Gaster, or W.D. Gaster for short, as he was warped across time and space.
Still don't believe me? Still think that I fabricated this whole story to sound as ridiculous as possible while still having a kind of coherent plot line? Well, think back to Entry 17. Now, think of Entry 17 being connected to this WHOLE THEORY. "Darker, darker, yet darker. The darkness keeps growing. The shadows cutting deeper." It references Gaster being forced into the Underground by the Ancient Builders; the darkness of the cave consuming him, and the shadows of his past cutting deeper into his mind, piercing him with the trauma he felt on that fateful day.
Now, the next part of the entry reads "Photon readings negative. This next experiment is going to be very, very interesting...." refers to Gaster first working on his time machine, as it took so much energy to run that each experiment he ran on it failed...until it didn't.
Now, the last part of the theory is what stood out the most to me. At the very end of the entry, Gaster says "What do you two think?" Now, many people think that this is Sans and Papyrus. However, in our previous theory in which we proposed Mario and Luigi as Sans and Papyrus, we discussed that Sans and Papyrus would've just been entering the Underground when Gaster got warped. So it can't possibly be them, as the timing just doesn't match up.
Well, who else could it be? It might've been Asgore and Toriel, except that Toriel had likely already divorced Asgore at this point. So what other duo do we know in the game that he could be talking to? Could it be characters we haven't been introduced to yet? Well, you see, I believe that the answer is much more simple than that. I believe that the people he's referring to is actually none other than KRIS AND SUSIE FROM DELTARUNE!!!!!!!!!!11!🤯🤯🤯🤯
But that, my friends, is a theory for another day. 😏
So, there you have it, folks. Gaster is actually a Ghast and the Human-Monster War was started because he accidentally killed the Ancient Builders' dog in Minecraft.
bUT hEY, tHAt'z jUst a tHEoRy, a gaYm thEOrY!!!11!!!
comment if you want part 2
submitted by TheSexyMario777 to Undertale [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:44 urs1ne (Sober house Final Update) Huge thank you to this community!!!

This community has been nothing but amazing! We ended up adding a TP Link OC200 network controller and switched to fiber internet since my last update. Now managing the network is super easy, firmware updates are cake to apply, and we only have one SSID instead of a 2.4GHz and 5GHz. I don't even think upgrading to fiber was necessary but I am happy to not be stuck using Spectrum if nothing else.
We went from 2 people not even being able to watch Netflix at the same time, to last night having 2 people watching sports on the living room TVs, 3 people watching streaming services, and 2 people playing XBOX online with their kids, ALL AT THE SAME TIME! And that's not counting all the other people doing whatever else online.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you! I was hoping to help make this house a place where people could focus on the bigger problems in their lives and not worry about smaller issues like whether or not the internet was working. You have all played a part in that dream. <3
submitted by urs1ne to HomeNetworking [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:44 Foreign_Letter_9999 AITA for telling my friend his wife made him a better person by domesticating him?

Throwaway
Last night, I (M36) was out having dinner with two of my close friends, Rob (M33), and Elliot (M35). Rob was complaining to us about his relationship troubles with his wife, Kay (F35).
Now before I get into the troubles, I'd like to take some time to provide more context on Rob
Rob is kinda a manly man. He'd hold his past gfs to ridiculously high standards (which he wouldn't hold for himself) and when the relationships would fall apart, it'd always be their fault. He's a decent-looking guy and has an excellent job so it wasn't like he had too much trouble starting a relationship, it was holding them down that was the problem and this made him very frustrated.
About two years ago, one of his coworkers introduced him to one of her friends named Kay. Now Kay is a no-nonsense type of person which makes sense since she had two jobs and was raising two kids alone. Despite his reservations, Rob decided to give it a chance and very quickly he realized Kay wasn't going to put up with any of his nonsense or unreasonable standards. She'd clap back at him whenever he'd try and very quickly he became highly respectful of her. My friends and I would always joke that clearly he was a little intimidated by her, and that he seemed to like that, but he'd always deny that. They got married after a few months of dating and the four of them have been living together in Rob's house pretty happily.
Back to last night
Now, after being married for around a year and a half, Rob seems a little disillusioned with the relationship. He loves Kay and the kids with all his heart, but working full-time, being a husband, and father exhausts him. He told us about how the day before yesterday, he and Kay had an argument. She thought he didn't do enough around the house. He argued that he was exhausted from work, playing with the kids, helping them with their homework, etc. They argued but long story short, it ended with him sleeping on the couch.
Rob was fuming and started going on and on about how if any other woman tried he'd be finished with her, but Kay seems to have some sort of control over him that makes him uncomfortable.
Not gonna lie, it was pretty hilarious seeing Rob act like this so I laughed and told him Kay had domesticated him and that he just needed to roll with it after all nobody made him accept all these responsibilities.
He seemed annoyed with my response and Elliot told him that he agreed with me and that he should just apologize to Kay and help out more when he can.
Rob got upset with this and started saying things like he already does enough, how he wouldn't tolerate this from another woman, etc. I told him that Kay had made him a better person by tempering his low-key toxic traits and that he should just deal with it, for his family's sake.
He got upset with this and said Elliot and I were assholes.
IDK, it seemed like everything I told him was normal.
AITA?
submitted by Foreign_Letter_9999 to AITAH [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:43 AltCocoAndCo Error Cocode [Coclones Origin Lorepost + TLDR]

Error Cocode [Coclones Origin Lorepost + TLDR]
/uw TLDR: A bunch of Cocos from alternate timelines and dimensions fall through a rift and land in this current world. They all have slightly different personalities and hobbies, and go their own separate ways. All of their stories are told on this account, while the original Coco's story remains on the main account. /rw
“And… hah… why are we hiking up a mountain for this?”
“Because his ability will affect basically anything near him. Out here, his powers won’t bring about too much chaos… Thank you for bringing those fruits here, Coco. It means a lot.”
The two women, dressed in black and white, stood out like a sore thumb amidst the greens and browns of the forest leading up the mountain. Coco trailed behind Alentu as they ventured higher, her exhaustion quite apparent compared to the latter’s calm and collected steps. Though their physical capabilities seemed miles apart and their gaits completely unalike, there was an invisible harmony to their movement. This ironic harmony extended to their clothing, their outfit and hair colors the exact inverse of each other. In Coco's hand was a basket of various fruits, freshly picked to be delivered to a certain someone.
Today was an unfortunate day for the Ventures. One where each would 'pay the price' for their position in the family. All except Alentu, who took it upon herself to look after her family at their weakest and most vulnerable. She had, by chance, also ran into Coco that day, who she had forged an unexpected bond with, one almost unimaginable to anyone who knew her well. They agreed to meet at the outskirts of the forest to bring some goods to Error, who had isolated himself in a cave atop one of the mountains within the grove.
It was late afternoon, and they were now halfway to the peak where the cave resided. They had walked uphill for well over an hour, and the incline only grew steeper. To try and ignore the numbness of her feet, Coco tried to strike up a conversation.
Coco: "So Alentu, do you... T-think they'll... accept us together?"
Alentu: "Accept?" She giggled. "I was the head of the Venture family long before many of the rules were in place, so you have nothing to worry about. You won't go forgetting about me anytime soon, even if you don't officially marry into the family. And after today, you'll see why I don't want you becoming a Venture, for your own sake."
Coco: "Ah, yeah... I-I was more meaning, like... Would your family... Like me?"
Alentu: "Hmm... It'd be hard to tell without you talking with them one on one. But if we're talking about Error, you've got nothing to worry about, Coco. He certainly isn't as scary as he looks, even today!"
Coco: "R-right. Well that's good... To be honest, I have been a bit nervous about it all... Not just meeting your family, but telling them we're p-"
Alentu: ahem "M-maybe not that part yet... One thing at a time... Let's just focus on first impressions and making sure he's doing alright, okay?"
Coco: "Oh, sure- HUH?"
Coco's exclamation made them both stop in their tracks. Alentu turned her head quickly, but Coco's finger pointed her gaze ahead of them to a nearby waterfall, or what would be one, if it hadn't been flowing up into the sky. That wasn't all. Loose rocks and trees floated around the mountain's peak, birds flew through the air backwards, and the stone faces of the mountain were jagged and blurry. It was as if they had walked into an unstable simulation of reality. Coco stood in shock as she tried to comprehend what she was looking at, but a tap on her shoulder brought her attention back. Alentu signaled to keep walking and stay cautious, taking her hand and leading her through the lawless, almost artificial world they had entered.
As they neared the peak, the anomalous sights grew more and more common, and the terrain more and more hazardous. They carefully climbed the last incline, and atop the mountain awaited a beautiful mess of nature. A sea of flowers and grass covered the ground, the variety of which was exotic and almost timeless. The local flora was still intact, but among it grew untamed vines, metallic displays that mimicked plants, and all kinds of life that had never once grown in that area. There were also several shrines in the area, each having the same features, colors and style, but of completely different makes and materials.
Coco: "What the... I-is this what Error is capable of? Holy shit..."
Alentu: "Yes... It's just as bad with everyone else... Having such little control over such strong powers... It's why today's so important for me. I have to protect everyone..."
Coco: "Alentu... I-I'm so lost in what... What this is. Everything feels so... broken..."
Alentu: "...We should head into the cave. Watch your step, and whatever you do, do NOT go near any smoke. Understand?"
Coco: "I do..."
Alentu wrapped her arm around Coco and helped her across the dense foliage. They soon reached the cave, and in it layed a blurry mess of static and black smoke. Heeding the warning, Coco kept her distance, averting her gaze from the eyesore within, while Alentu called out into the darkness.
Alentu: "Error? Are you okay?"
Error: Am I...
Alentu: "Error! What's wrong?"
Error: Am I so hideous you have to look away!?
Alentu: "...Seriously?"
Error: "Sorry, sorry! He laughed. Just wanted to lighten the mood. You've had a busy day, haven't you Alentu? Oh... And who's this you've brought with you? Do ya live around these parts? Sorry about the mess, everything will be back to normal by midnight! Well, probably..."
Coco: "O-oh, I don't... I-I came here with Alentu to bring you some food. S-she's my... My..."
Alentu: "Coco's my wife."
Error: "Oh, I see! Wait... WHAT? You? Wife? After all this time?? Oh, I see! Getting me back for my joke-"
Alentu: "I'm not joking. It won't be official, but... We both found it in our hearts to share our love with another."
Coco blushed from the sudden introduction, having never heard her say those words in public, and while Alentu had a confident demeanor and tone, even she looked a bit anxious. The cave was silent apart from the crackling of the rifts forming in reality, as no one really knew what to say next. After a long pause, Error finally came to process what she had said.
Error: "I hope Conat's watching... I think he'd be happy knowing his wife found love again... As am I."
Alentu: "Thank you... I hope he is watching, too..."
Error: "Now, I would say celebrations are in order, but... Well, I'm sure you know why I can't hand ya a cold one. I am, however, very hungry, so let's have a little picnic, shall we? That'll give us the chance to get to know each other and such...
Coco: O-oh, s-sure! I'd be happy to!
Alentu: "But I really should... Ah, I've already checked up on the others at least once today... Alright, but I need to be back by evening, for everyone else's sake. Today's not a day I can slack off, you know."
Error: "You got it, ma'am! Nice and quick. Now, let's see if I can peel an orange or two without sending it to another dimension!" He chuckled lightheartedly.
Coco and Alentu took a seat at the entrance of the cave, sitting in a patch of stone untouched by the smoke. They unpacked their basket of fruit, dividing up the softer fruits between the two, while rolling the ones with peels to Error for him to reach himself. Most of the food he touched was whisked away through time and space, or replaced with another version too unripe or rotten to eat. He did, however, experience the opposite as well, having fresh fruit pop into his hands out of nothingness. It was at least enough to not go hungry for the remainder of his voluntary exile.
During their picnic, they chatted about how Coco and Alentu met, skipping over the more intimate details, and sharing stories from their life to break the ice. Everyone got along well, and though Error couldn't even be seen, it was clear he greatly valued the company. Sooner than anyone would've liked, the banter and fruits were no more, and the time to leave was upon them. The sun had fallen low enough to be visible from the cave, and the breeze began to pick up. Coco began to pack the leftover peels and stems back into the basket as Alentu stood up, walking into the sunlight as she stretched.
Alentu: "Ah~ Alright, it's best I head back now... I hope you don't get too cold when night comes, Error. It feels like it's gonna be a windy night..."
Error: "Oh, don't worry about me. Thank you for the food. Especially you, Coco, you don't know how happy I am to meet you!"
Coco: "Oh, you're fine! I share what I grow at home with everyone! It was nice to meet you, too!"
Error: "Pleasure is all mine... Damn, I can feel the breeze even in here... The breeze... THE BREEZE! GET OUT!"
Alentu's eyes widened, turning around and running towards the cave, reaching out for Coco.
Alentu: "COCO! RUN! The wind is gonna push the smoke into us!"
Coco looked in horror at the floor under her, their unaffected safe spot having shrunk to just the space she occupied. Black smoke began to blow around the cave, trapping her in a hazy web. She looked to Alentu, her eyes desperate and in disbelief as her heart sank. What would happen if she got touched? Would she disappear forever? Would she be thrown into another time and space with no way home? Would she be transformed beyond recognition? She screamed in terror and made a run for Alentu, ducking low and reaching out for her. Their hands stretched out for each other, but just as they almost touched, a veil of smoke covered her vision. The smoke had consumed her.
When she opened her eyes, she was standing on a bridge in an endless void. There was no land in sight whichever way she turned her head, and the sky was a starry night completely alien to her. Her fear made her too scared to open her mouth, let alone yell for help. She looked down, and saw her reflection rippling in the darkness... No, multiple reflections. The void became a sea of her form. Terrified, she stumbled back, but tripped over the rope suspending the bridge, causing her to fall in.
As she fell, she felt her body get caught up in a mass of limbs and hair. These body parts were connected to her reflections, and as one began to scream, the rest followed. They fell together for what felt like forever, but as Coco looked up, she saw the other countless reflections looking back at her, slowly fading from view. She closed her eyes, accepting what was likely her demise. Eventually, she hit the bottom, but instead of the cold impact of death, she fell into a warm embrace, and instead of falling straight down, she fell forwards.
Alentu: "Coco! Coco, are you o- AH!"
Coco's eyes jolted open, and before her was Alentu, holding her like she never wanted to let her go again. Their hug was tight, but behind her black hair, she saw the familiar sight of the corrupted mountaintop.
Coco: "A-Alentu... A-am I still here with you?"
Alentu: " Y-yes! T-thank god you're safe, if you had disappeared for good- I-" Alentu's eyes were teary, and her voice unusually shaky. "You only vanished for a second, but that was one of the scariest moments in my life... B-but now..."
Coco: "Alentu, I-I was so scared, I-I don't know what happened..."
Error: "That's a relief... It seems only your jacket was lost... but... Miss Coco... Please turn around."
As instructed, while still hugging Alentu, she turned her head to look behind her, and realized the nightmare she experienced really did happen. The reflections she saw were real. The bodies she got tangled up with were even more real, and they were all right behind her.
https://preview.redd.it/g7j91mvnas0d1.png?width=1024&format=png&auto=webp&s=2448c5e661a34adb003dfa39743f611ed0cfb6a9
One by one, her mirror images began to climb up from their dog pile. They were all as confused as she was, though they didn't seem to recognize where they were. Getting a good look at them, she could see that they were almost exactly alike, at least in terms of appearance. Once they all realized they were looking at replicas of each other, their panic ensued.
"W-what the fuck is this? God damnit, did I drink too much?"
"Ah- Mom? Where are you? Where did you go? W-why am I here?"
"Mimics? Damnit, what have I gotten myself into?"
While their appearances were quite similar, they all seemed to have slightly different personalities and reactions. Some were confrontational and agitated, some were lost and scared, and some were speechless, still trying to understand what happened. The original one stayed in Alentu's arms, holding her close as she watched the unbelievable scene unfold.
Error: "I see... It appears that when Coco contacted the smoke, she became a bridge to other versions of herself in different times and dimensions."
Alentu: "W-what... S-so, t-this Coco is fine, b-but all of these others have..."
Error: "Have been snatched away and thrown here, it seems. All from different times and dimensions..."
Alentu: "And these other Cocos... They can't go back, can they?"
Error: "Not by me. Safely, anyways..."
The crowd of altworlders began to yell and shout at the voice in the cave.
"What the hell? You brought us here, but you can't bring us back?"
"Shit! I have to get back home, now! I don't care if I need to give my soul to a chronomancer..."
"T-this is the future? O-Or the past? Or even a d-different dimension?? No, that can't be!"
Error: "Hey, wait a second! If a bunch of clones start running off on their own-"
"I'm not a god damn clone!"
One by one, they ran away, each resolved to accomplish something different. The sudden crowd poured down the unstable mountain, until only one remained, staring back at Coco and Alentu in disbelief.
Alentu: "And you?"
AltCoco: "Alentu... T-thank god you're here, too?"
Alentu: "Hm? Ah, so we've met in your world... Since you're here, I think we need to figure out how we're gonna fix this mess. Please, come with me..."
They moved to sit by one of the many shrines near the mountain path. Alentu then led a discussion between the three, asking the other Coco what she remembered about her own world's history. Her description appeared to describe a similar reality to their own, but at an earlier point in time. As such, the events that lead her life were different, and she was only able to recognize Alentu. The two forms of Coco began to discuss more specifics about their own lives.
AltCoco: "Huh, s-so you're getting married to someone else, and have a family of your own already... B-but, you're also with Alentu?"
Coco: "Yes... But I'm honestly amazed to hear how differently my life could have been if I was born only a few decades earlier..."
Alentu: "Where you only met me..."
AltCoco: "Yes- A-and Alentu, y-you're almost exactly the same as the one I know... I-it's like I'm talking to the same person. Everything we did together matches up too... B-but now she's..."
Alentu: "I'm sorry, Coco... There's not much we can do. I still love you, but..."
AltCoco: "Wait! Please! Let me stay with you, Alentu! E-even though we're from different worlds, you're still the same woman I love! Please..."
Alentu: "But this world's Coco is..."
All three fell silent as an uncomfortable truth settled in: There were two Cocos, but only one Alentu. That wasn't even mentioning the fact that even more were out there in the world, with absolutely no way to control their actions, however reckless they may be. Despair began to creep onto the altworlder's face, tears falling from her eyes as she began to accept her cruel fate. Coco's own face was clouded deep in somber thought, but after gathering her resolve, she spoke up.
Coco: "I... I have a proposal, but... You might not like it, Alentu. And it doesn't really solve our other problem..."
Alentu: "We're already in a shitty situation. Please, just tell me."
Coco: "My family at home needs me. I'm about to have little Iza, and... Since this Coco was ripped away from her own family... Well, I don't think she should be deprived of that joy... You should also be able to spend time with your kids..."
AltCoco: "Y-you want me to raise this Alentu's kids instead of you?"
Coco: "And... Stay with her... Be a good wife to her, so we all can get a happy ending..."
Alentu: "But Coco- A-are you saying you want her to take your place beside me? But that would mean you, yourself, wouldn't be with me... This hurts you more than any of us!"
Coco: "I suppose so... I do really care for you, but... I'm the only one that can be there for Mikhail and the kids I planned to raise with him. If we want to spend as much time as possible with family, you, Alentu, are the only family this Coco has. I don't want either of the people I care about to feel like I'm not there for them, so..."
AltCoco: "I... I understand... If you're really okay with it, both of you, then... I'd be so happy... I'm honestly scared to think about what I left behind, but, if I can be with Alentu, no matter what time or place..."
Alentu: "I'm okay with that... This feels... strange, but... I think it's for the best for each of our families. I love you, Coco, but I know your family needs you. I wanted to make it work despite that... I didn't want to lose you, but-"
Coco: "Don't think like that, Alentu! Let's not look at this as a mistake, but a blessing... One that lets everyone find their own happiness. You didn't lose me! Instead, you'll now be able to spend all the time you like with your love! I want to protect your smile no matter what, and leaving it in the hands of someone I know will bring you happiness... I can't possibly be sad about that."
AltCoco: "I agree... It means neither of our families will worry... This world's Coco can be with her family, and I can become yours, just as it was before with both of us. I want to make this work, for everyone's sake!"
Alentu: "Hah... Coco, that's why I love you. You always know how to cheer me up, and make me feel loved. When I'm with you, my worries always seem to melt away... I accept your proposal. You're both my lover, so I could never look at either of you any differently. To a bright future with our families..."
Alentu pulled the two in for a big hug, and gave a kiss to this world's Coco. The two shared their goodbyes and well wishes to each other before Coco sat down in front of her counterpart, a happy look on her face that inspired the other to brighten up. Alentu stood up and ruffled both of their hair, leaving the two by themselves as she waited nearby. The Cocos then turned to each other, smiling as they shook hands.
Coco: "To a bright future with our families"
AltCoco: "To a bright future with our families"
https://preview.redd.it/klgk6wclas0d1.png?width=1024&format=png&auto=webp&s=100636d165f5d3dc02cc4cdd902b16a285b56fe0
submitted by AltCocoAndCo to wizardposting [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:43 Isanakoona How do I cope with my recent breakup?

I couldn’t sleep last night.
I had been feeling anxious since evening. No particular reason sometimes it just happens.
At around 12.30 AM I came across a picture of me and my ex bf in my gallery.
Anxiety was through the roof now.
Oh god! How is he? What is he doing? Does he miss me? Has he found somebody else? What would I do if I hear from him or see him?
Look at his big eyes and how he smiles when he jokes. I suddenly remember how he smells and how he loved how I smelled.
I remember our college days. How did we even end? Weren’t we supposed to last forever? I loved him with every cell in my body why did we leave?
Then my mind walks in …….
Remember all the times he switched off his cell when you were dying to talk to him?
Remember how he never gave a hoot about communicating?
Remember how he Lied when he said that he was just friends with her?
Remember how he broke each and every promise he ever made?
Remember how you didn’t sleep and so many nights after that fight while he was out there chilling?
Remember crying sitting in a cafe looking at what he had become?
Remember how he always used to smoke and drink when he knew you hated it?
Remember feeling nothing when he touched you on the last day you saw him?
Remember crying till your eyes had no more tears left?
Remember feeling numb?
Don’t ever forget it and don’t fall back in this trap.
It’s been sometime now that we broke up.
Some days are bad I will agree. But look at all the other days that you have lived without him. Look at that all that you have become since he left.
Look at all the happy pictures and great accomplishments of your life after he is gone.
Look at how well you feel when you wake up, look how well you sleep.
No longer looking at phone waiting for his call or messages. No longer being on social media watching his every move.
No more trust issues. No more lying.
I know it feels like you would die without him but I assure you, you won’t. Just try to be on your own it’s tough but not impossible.
It’s just YOU now.
And trust me this is a blessing. Be your own hero and date your own damn self. Take yourself out on dates and do something that you love every single day.
Start working out and wake up with the sun.
Meditate. Breathe. Ground yourself.
Look within. Look deep within.
Look at all the places that needs your attention and try to release healing energies.
Let go of emotional burdens. He is gone. Let him be gone.
One day you and I are going to find someone again.
We will fall and rise in love again and hopefully this time it would last.
He was perfectly sure but there’s someone out there who is much much better for you and is going to treat you the way you deserve to be treated.
But until then, heal yourself and move ahead.
Don’t look back because that’s not where we are going :)
You have got this and this is going to get better I promise you :D
Just look at all that you are. Wow!
submitted by Isanakoona to BreakUps [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:42 Unusual-Link4427 Google I/O 2024 Project Astra, Veo, Android 15 and other Updates

Google I/O 2024 Project Astra, Veo, Android 15 and other Updates
https://preview.redd.it/etqq1gboas0d1.jpg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a8664a5a84f61544bee5cbfc39d3f089ac670432
While the usual hardware announcements were absent, Google I/O 2024 was a sensory overload in the best way possible, showcasing a future powered by multimodal AI. Here's a deep dive into the announcements that stole the show, alongside the low-key arrival of Android 15

Project Astra

Imagine an AI assistant that doesn't just answer your questions, but sees the world through your eyes. Project Astra, powered by the ever-evolving Gemini AI, promises to do just that. Hold up your phone and point the camera at anything – a confusing piece of code, a forgotten object you desperately need – and Astra will analyze it in real-time. Need help with a complex coding problem? Astra can identify the code and provide explanations. Lost your glasses and can't remember where you put them? Astra might just be able to find them by scanning your surroundings. This revolutionary feature hints at a future where AI seamlessly integrates with our daily lives, becoming a truly helpful companion.

Gemini Gets a Multimodal Makeover

Google's flagship AI model, Gemini, isn't just getting faster and more powerful; it's also becoming more versatile. While previous versions focused on text-based interactions, Gemini Nano, the on-device AI model found on some Android phones, is receiving a major upgrade. It can now process information beyond text, understanding the world through sights, sounds, and spoken language. Imagine asking your phone "What's that bird singing outside?" and having Gemini Nano not only identify the bird but also show you pictures and videos. This multimodal capability opens up a world of possibilities for on-device AI assistants, making them more responsive and helpful in everyday situations.

Veo

OpenAI has Sora, Google now has Veo. This groundbreaking text-to-video generation model lets you unleash your creativity like never before. Simply type in a scene or description, and Veo will transform your words into a stunning 1080p video. Want a timelapse of a bustling city street or a serene aerial shot of a landscape? Veo understands cinematic terms like "timelapse" and "aerial shots," allowing you to create professional-looking videos with ease. It even understands how to generate realistic movements of people, animals, and objects. This powerful tool has the potential to revolutionize content creation, making it accessible to anyone with an imagination.

AI Search

Google Search is no stranger to AI, but I/O 2024 showcased a deeper integration of intelligence into the search experience. AI Overviews, summaries generated by Gemini specifically tailored for your search queries, are now rolling out globally. No more wading through endless text – AI Overviews provide concise overviews, helping you quickly understand the information you need. But the AI doesn't stop there. Google Search is getting even smarter with AI-powered planning. Planning a trip? Search can now create customized itineraries based on your flight information and preferences. Craving a delicious meal but short on inspiration? Search can generate a meal plan with recipes tailored to your dietary needs. This focus on AI-powered planning tools streamlines everyday tasks and makes Google Search an even more valuable resource.

Android 15

While the spotlight was on AI, Android 15 did make a quiet appearance. Currently in beta, the new iteration of the mobile operating system focuses on improvements under the hood. Users can expect better integration with Gemini, potentially making it the go-to AI assistant on Android devices. Additionally, features like Private Space for hiding sensitive apps and Theft Detection Lock utilizing AI are on the horizon.

AI in the Future

The announcements at Google I/O 2024 were more than just flashy demos. They paint a picture of a future where AI seamlessly integrates with our daily lives, making tasks easier and creativity more accessible. From Project Astra's contextual understanding to Veo's video creation capabilities, Google is pushing the boundaries of multimodal AI. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Google's focus on responsible AI development and user trust was evident throughout the conference, a crucial aspect as these powerful tools become more prevalent. The future of AI is exciting, and Google I/O 2024 has given us a tantalizing glimpse of what's to come.
submitted by Unusual-Link4427 to u/Unusual-Link4427 [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:42 FragrantSea7741 Should I just move on?

My now Ex (M, 29) and I (MTF, 24) broke up a couple days ago. We dated for 7ish months and went through some tough times together. Both of us getting laid off job wise, and him breaking up with his other serious partner he had a 4 year on / off relationship with (we are polyamorous). All of which we supported / loved each other through.
Things shifted when I became his only serious partner. It felt like there was more pressure on the relationship to some degree / that my flaws were suddenly more highlighted (his other ex has BPD so I was a rather calming / grounding force to contrast).
We eventually took new jobs, mine a typical 9-5, whereas his hours are now 3pm to 10pm or 10am-10pm (works as a restaurant manger) 6-7 days a week. On top of this he lives in a different state (45min-hour drive distance ). This left us very minimal quality time to spend together / go on dates and him with little free time to divide to other areas of his life.
This caused a build up tension. I knew friends, family, hobbies, etc. needed to be priorities too but overtime I felt no attention was being put on us reconnecting. Things came to a head when he bailed last minute (at 11:50pm) claiming he felt sick / was having a panic attack and could not sleep over the night before my birthday. I was beyond crushed and totally snapped, he called me selfish for not taking into his health/ the drive so I offered to come to him.
He told me how stressed / burnt out work was making him, that he had no time and that he didn’t wanna take days off anymore / felt like we shouldn’t see each other after his shifts. This made me suggest we breakup to which he was opposed to.
We took a week apart. A couple days ago he took a day off from work. I thought this indicated him making time ( I was wrong ). We had a wonderful night together. Pet names, physical affection, “I love you’s” but something felt off.
We began having sex and right in the middle he started dissociating. I called it out and that when he told me he’d felt disconnected and that we’d been fighting a lot and couldn’t give me what I needed / a future. He told me he still was attracted to, in love with me / had feelings but that work was his priority and didn’t want or feel like he could be a partner / BF to anyone and that he felt like he could offer me only breadcrumbs of time. He said he felt like we had nothing to talk about and that the spark was sometimes there sometimes not.
He then however stated that if he had more time off from work he would feel different about our relationship and that he saw us being together when his schedule was not like this and how much it sucked because of how compatible we are as people.
We are currently in no contact (my choice) but I’d like to win him back or should I just try and move on? We had plans for his birthday the first week in June
submitted by FragrantSea7741 to BreakUps [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:41 Aggravating_Elk_3698 SOS can anybody show me their best deck with the rail gun?

There was a time when I could use it effectively but now idk what’s going on , I think the start up for the rail gun is kinda slow for such an expensive card . Also I noticed the higher you go in rank lol those same shitty decks won’t cut it
submitted by Aggravating_Elk_3698 to TransformersTactical [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:41 Arbrand The Trickster's Veil

As far back as I can remember, I had always been passionate about the great outdoors. My love for the wilderness began when I joined the scouts, exploring the diverse landscapes of Southern California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. I was never a huge fan of the dry, barren landscapes, but camping provided a much-needed escape from the monotony of Orange County suburbia.
The first time I visited the Pacific Northwest, I was enchanted. The scenery was breathtaking—majestic mountains, lush fields, and meandering rivers. It was clear that anyone who praised the desert's beauty had never laid eyes on the Cascades. Seeing grass and wildflowers growing without irrigation was practically a revelation.
When I was old enough, I moved to Washington state, immersing myself in nature every weekend. My adventures took me hiking through dense forests, camping by serene lakes, and occasionally taking mushrooms under peaceful waterfalls.
I joined several online forums dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts. One community that particularly fascinated me was the Northwest Tomb Raiders. This group of history buffs and thrill-seekers was dedicated to uncovering artifacts, whether Native American relics or treasures hidden in modern ruins. Many members were collectors, fencing their finds to museums and archaeologists, which made it a rather profitable side gig, should you be lucky enough.
In the fall of 2009, an intriguing post appeared on the forum. A user named Lokk claimed to have discovered a cache of artifacts with Scandinavian origins. He couldn't carry everything back due to the treacherous terrain and his age, so he shared the coordinates, hoping someone else could retrieve the items. I scrolled down to see a few posts of people planning to loot it in the Spring, when the paths have reopened. One user, Patagooner, planned on going as early as possible.
Excited by the prospect, I gathered my two friends, Carl and Noah, for the expedition. They weren't as enthusiastic about camping as I was, but after I told them how much a single arrowhead goes for on the black market, they were on board. It was the start of winter now, which had its advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, the rangers would have a harder time spotting us. On the downside, the harsh conditions posed a serious challenge for two inexperienced hikers.
I must’ve blown about four grand at REI on gear for them, justifying it with the knowledge of how much more I would make with two extra packs. That is of course assuming there really were as many artifacts as Lokk had said, and Patagooner hadn’t beaten me there.
The journey began like any other. We met in the pre-dawn darkness and went over our supplies, ensuring we had everything we needed. By mid-morning, we were on our way, my pickup truck winding up the mountain paths. The roads of Olympic National Park were the epitome of the raw, untamed beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
They snake through ancient forests, where towering Douglas firs and Western hemlocks create a verdant canopy overhead. Mist clings to the trees, giving the landscape an ethereal quality. Occasionally, the forest would open up to reveal breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks and deep, shadowy valleys.
As we climbed higher, the landscape grew increasingly desolate. The dense forest thinned out, replaced by rugged terrain and jagged rock formations. The air grew colder, and the first flurries of snow began to fall, dusting the ground in a thin, white layer. The road became narrower and more treacherous, winding precariously along the edge of steep cliffs.
Finally, a road closure blockade signaled the end of our journey in the truck. We unloaded three dirt bikes—one mine, two rentals—and continued up the trail. The bikes roared to life, carrying us several more miles into the wilderness. The trail twisted and turned, cutting through dense underbrush and over fallen logs. The snow began to fall more heavily, blanketing the forest floor and muffling the sound of our engines. The world around us grew quieter, more isolated.
Eventually, the snow became too deep to traverse by bike. We dismounted and prepared to continue on foot. The silence of the forest was profound, broken only by the occasional rustle of branches in the wind. I checked my modern GPS, its screen displaying the coordinates and a relief map of our destination.
The cold air bit into our cheeks as we trudged through the snow-laden forest. The silence was almost oppressive, broken only by the crunch of our footsteps and the occasional call of distant wildlife. The GPS indicated we were close to our destination, but the dense underbrush and uneven terrain made progress slow.
Suddenly, Carl's excited whisper cut through the stillness. "Hey, look at that!"
He pointed to a small, furry creature ambling through the trees. It took a moment to realize what it was—a bear cub, innocently exploring its surroundings.
My heart sank. "Carl, get back," I hissed, my voice low but urgent. "Where there's a cub, there's a..."
Before I could finish, a massive shape exploded from the trees. The mother bear, easily three times the size of the cub, charged at Carl with a ferocity. She was a blur of dark fur and powerful muscles, her roar echoing through the forest.
"Run!" I yelled, but it was too late. The bear was upon Carl, swiping at him with her massive paws. He screamed as he fell to the ground, the bear towering over him. Desperation and adrenaline surged through me. I grabbed the nearest heavy branch and swung it at the bear, hoping to distract her.
Noah joined in, shouting and waving his arms. We had to be careful; one wrong move and she would turn on us. The bear snarled, turning her attention away from Carl for just a moment. It was enough for him to scramble backwards, clutching his bleeding arm.
"We have to get him out of here," I shouted to Noah, who nodded, fear etched on his face. The bear, still enraged, seemed torn between attacking us and protecting her cub.
Using the brief respite, we hauled Carl to his feet. His face was white, and he was clearly in shock. Blood soaked his sleeve, dripping onto the snow. "There's a ranger station about two miles from here," I said, my voice shaking. "We need to get him there. Now."
We half-carried, half-dragged Carl through the forest, every shadow and sound heightening our paranoia.
Finally, after what felt like forever, the small, wooden structure of the ranger station came into view. We had been avoiding the rangers to keep our expedition secret, but now it was our only hope.
Pounding on the door, I prayed for a quick response. The door creaked open, and a weathered face appeared. "What happened?" the ranger demanded, taking in the sight of Carl's bloodied form.
"Bear attack," I gasped. "We need help."
The ranger's expression shifted from suspicion to urgency. "Get him inside. We've got a first aid kit and a radio."
As we eased Carl onto a makeshift bed, the ranger inspected his wounds. "You're lucky," he said after a moment. "The cuts are deep, but they missed any major arteries. He'll need stitches, but we can handle that here. No need for an airlift."
The ranger's face darkened as he turned to me. "What the hell are you boys doing out here?”
I hesitated, "We... we were just exploring."
The ranger's eyes narrowed, his anger palpable. "Exploring? In a restricted area? In the middle of winter? Are you out of your minds?"
He worked quickly and efficiently, cleaning and stitching Carl's wounds. Carl winced but stayed silent, his eyes closed in pain.
"Do you have any idea how dangerous it is out here?" the ranger continued, his voice rising. "The storm, the wildlife... This area is off-limits for a reason! You should have known better." he said, pushing a finger into my chest.
"We'll stay here for the night," he continued, "The storm's getting worse, and it's too dangerous to move him now. We'll reassess in the morning. And count yourself lucky I don't arrest your asses."
Night fell quickly, the storm outside growing more ferocious with each passing minute. The howling wind battered the small ranger station, and the walls creaked under the pressure. We huddled in the main room, the tension thick in the air.
The ranger looked at us sternly. "I need to check the perimeter and make sure everything is secure. There are things out there you don’t want to encounter, especially in this storm."
"Things? What do you mean?" Noah asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The ranger's expression hardened. "Just stay put. No matter what you see or hear, do not leave this cabin. Understood?"
We nodded, the seriousness in his tone leaving no room for argument. "We'll stay put," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt.
The ranger grabbed his coat and shotgun. "I'll be back in an hour. Do not leave this cabin." With that, he opened the door and stepped into the raging storm, disappearing into the darkness.
As soon as the door closed, I turned to Noah. "We need to go. Now."
Noah's eyes widened. "Are you crazy? He said to stay put."
"If we wait until morning, we'll be escorted out of here and lose our chance. This might be our only opportunity to find those artifacts."
Noah hesitated with uncertainty "But... what about Carl?"
"He'll be fine here. The ranger can take care of him. We have to do this now."
Reluctantly, Noah nodded. "Alright. Let's take what we can and go."
We quickly looted extra gear from the cabin. I checked the GPS one last time before we slipped out into the storm, the cold wind battering us.
The snow fell heavily, obscuring our vision as we slogged through the forest. The ranger was nowhere in sight as we made our way towards the our destination, each step filled with trepidatious excitement.
The storm began to die down as we approached the coordinates. We stepped into a clearing where the undisturbed snow lay like a pristine white blanket. In the center stood an ancient, weathered stone altar, encircled by intricate wooden carvings, delicate metalwork, and beautifully crafted statues. The sight was breathtaking, a treasure trove, a veritable museum of paganism.
Noah and I exchanged glances, our eyes wide with amazement. "Do you see this?" I whispered, barely able to contain my excitement.
"We're going to be rich," Noah replied, his voice trembling with awe. "These must be worth a fortune!"
We approached cautiously, as if the vision before us might disappear. The craftsmanship was stunning. I reached out to touch a carved wooden idol, marveling at the detail. "This is incredible," I said, my voice barely audible.
We began to load our packs with as many artifacts as we could carry, each one more exquisite than the last. It was beyond our wildest dreams. We were so engrossed in our task that we didn't notice the small figure watching us from the ridge.
It wasn't until I turned to leave that I saw her. A young girl, maybe eight years old, stood there, her blue eyes wide with curiosity. She was dressed in simple, rustic clothing, her blonde straight hair blowing gently in the wind. For a moment, we just stared at each other.
"Noah," I whispered urgently, nudging him. "Look."
He turned, his eyes following my gaze. "What the...?" he muttered, his voice trailing off.
The girl took a tentative step forward, her eyes fixed on the items in our hands. There was no fear in her gaze, only a quiet intensity that made my skin crawl.
"Who are you?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
She tilted her head slightly. "My name is Sigyn."
"What are you doing out here, Sigyn?" Noah asked, his voice shaky.
"I live here,"
"You live here?" I echoed, incredulous. "Is there anyone else around?"
"Yes," she whispered.
"Where?" Noah demanded, looking around nervously.
"Everywhere," she said with a giggle.
The way she said it, so matter-of-factly, bothered me deeply. Noah and I exchanged a look, both of us trying to figure out what to do next.
"We can't take her back to the ranger," Noah started, "We'll lose everything."
I nodded, my mind racing. "Sigyn," I said slowly, "we need to know who else is here. Can you help us?"
She looked at me with her piercing blue eyes, then said, "I'm sorry."
"For what?" Noah asked.
"For what's going to happen to you," she replied, her voice tinged with sadness.
"You need to tell us what's going on," Noah said, grabbing her arm roughly. "Why are you out here alone?"
She looked up at him, unperturbed. "I am not alone," she said softly.
Before we could press her further, a loud, guttural mooing sound echoed through the clearing. We turned towards the direction the girl had come from, and there, emerging from the shadows, was the silhouette of an elk. As it approached, my stomach dropped. Its body was a grotesque amalgamation of life and decay. Its skull was fully exposed, the eye sockets dark and empty. Large patches of its ribs were visible, the flesh around them rotted away.
The elk's movements were slow and deliberate, its head swaying as if in a trance. It walked directly towards us, its hollow eyes fixed on Sigyn. The closer it got, the more the stench of death filled the air—a nauseating mix of decay and earth. I fought the urge to retch.
Sigyn stood up, her expression calm. The monster sniffed her gently, its nostrils flaring. Without a word, she climbed onto its back, mounting it like a horse. It was a surreal and horrifying scene ripped straight from a nightmare.
As she settled onto the elk, she looked back at us, "A thief in the night shall reap what he sows," she said, her voice carrying an otherworldly echo. "Beware the price of stolen dreams."
With that, the beast turned and began to walk away, Sigyn riding it into the shadows of the forest. We stood there, frozen in place. The realization that we were in far over our heads began to sink in. This started to feel like a trap.
We need to get out of here," My voice trembling. "Now."
We turned to leave, our packs heavy with the pilfered goods. But as we took our first steps, the forest around us seemed to come alive. Shadows moved among the trees, and whispers floated on the wind. I quickened my pace, glancing nervously over my shoulder.
"Did you hear that?" Noah asked sharply,
"Just keep moving," I commanded.
A figure emerged from the shadows, blocking our path. It was a man, tall and gaunt, his eyes burning with an intense light. "Where do you think you're going?" he asked, his voice cold and menacing.
"We're leaving," I stammered. "We didn't mean any harm."
The man smirked, and with a swift motion, he raised his hand. More figures appeared, closing in on us from all sides. We were surrounded.
"Run!" I shouted, shoving Noah forward.
We sprinted through the forest, branches whipping at our faces and legs. The figures pursued us, their footsteps silent and relentless.
Noah stumbled and fell, his pack spilling open. Statues scattered across the ground, glinting in the moonlight. "Help!" he cried, scrambling to gather the items.
"Leave them!" I shouted, pulling him to his feet. "We have to keep moving!"
But it was too late, their hands seizing us. I struggled, kicking and thrashing, but their grips were too strong. They forced us to the ground, binding our hands with rough, coarse ropes.
"Please," I begged, "Don't hurt us."
The man who had first appeared stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "A thief in the night," he mocked.
They dragged us through the forest, the trees closing in around us like a cage. We were at their mercy.
In the distance, I could see the elk standing at the edge of the clearing, Sigyn still astride its back. Her eyes met mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of pity. But then they turned away, disappearing into the shadows once more.
We were dragged into the heart of the forest, our struggles futile against the unyielding grip of our captors. As we broke through the treeline, a massive bonfire came into view, its flames licking the night sky. Shadows danced around the clearing, cast by the flickering light. A woman stood at the forefront, her presence commanding.
Her eyes were milk white, devoid of pupils, and her long, flowing white hair cascaded down her back. She was completely naked, her skin pale and marked with intricate symbols. Atop her head, she wore an elk skull, its antlers extending like eerie, skeletal fingers. She beat a drum emblazoned with more of the same cryptic symbols, each thud resonating deep within my chest.
Around the fire, about two dozen people stood, all drinking from crude, horned cups. Their faces were solemn, eyes fixed on the woman as she led them in a haunting chant. The atmosphere was thick with a mix of reverence and intoxication.
We were forced to our knees before the woman, who paused her drumming to look down at us. Her gaze was haunting, as if she could see into the very depths of our souls.
"Who are you?" Noah demanded, his voice trembling.
The woman ignored him, raising her arms to the sky. The chanting grew louder, the rhythm of the drum faster and more frenzied. The air around us seemed to vibrate with energy, the flames of the bonfire growing higher and more intense.
I glanced at Noah, fear mirrored in his eyes. The woman began to speak, her voice low and melodic, but filled with power, in a language I couldn't understand. Suddenly, she stopped, lowering her arms. The chanting ceased, and an silence fell over the clearing. She looked directly at me, her white eyes unblinking.
En tjuv i natten skördar vad han sår, akta dig för drömmar som du stjäl och får.
Hans skratt bevakar lundens gömda stig, där skuggor sveper över skogens liv.
För varje stulet andetag och svek, måste en tjuv möta sitt smärtsamma ödelek.
Tricksterns vilja, vår ande här, så i hans nåd, våra liv bär.
I was terrified and confused. She started again, softer, in a way I could understand.
A thief in the night shall reap what he sows, beware the price of stolen dreams.
His laughter guards our hidden groves, where shadows cloak the forest's seams.
For every stolen breath and lie, a thief must meet his painful end.
The tricksters will, our spirits tie, so in his grace, our lives suspend.
The crowd surged forward, grabbing Noah first. He screamed, his terror echoing through the trees as they pulled him towards a makeshift altar beside the bonfire. The woman chanted louder, her voice rising in a hypnotic rhythm as they began their gruesome work.
They stripped him of his shirt and bound his arms to a wooden frame. I tried to move, to help him, but the grip on my shoulders tightened, pinning me to the ground.
The woman approached Noah, holding a knife with a blade that gleamed in the firelight. She started to slice into his back, her movements deliberate and unhurried. Noah's screams pierced the night as she methodically carved the shape of wings into his flesh.
Blood poured from the wounds, soaking the ground beneath him. The crowd's chant grew louder, almost drowning out his cries. I watched in horror as the woman reached into the incisions, breaking the ribs and pulling them outward, creating a parody of wings.
Noah's agony was unbearable to witness. His screams turned to whimpers, his body convulsing in pain. The woman didn't stop until the work was complete, his lungs exposed and hanging grotesquely from his back.
They lifted Noah's broken body and placed him over the fire. The smell of burning flesh filled the air, making me gag. His life ebbed away as the flames consumed him, the once vibrant light in his eyes fading to nothing.
The woman turned to me, her expression devoid of mercy. "You will meet the same fate," she said, "He demands it."
The smell of burning flesh and the sight of his broken body over the fire was seared into my mind. Despair settled over me as I closed my eyes.
A deafening blast shattered the night. My eyes flew open to see the shaman stumbling backward, a gaping wound in her chest. She collapsed to the ground, her white eyes staring lifelessly into the void.
The villagers turned in shock as another shot rang out, this time hitting one of the men holding me. I twisted free from their grasp and saw the park ranger standing at the edge of the clearing, a pump-action shotgun in his hands. He fired again, the sound echoing through the forest, before one of them tackled him to the ground.
"Run!" he shouted, his voice raw and desperate. "Get the hell out of here!"
I didn't need to be told twice. I sprinted into the darkness, the chaos of the clearing fading behind me. Branches whipped at my face, and the snow underfoot made every step a struggle. I could hear the sounds of fighting and gunshots, but I forced myself to keep moving.
The cold air burned in my lungs, but adrenaline pushed me forward. I didn't stop until I reached the station, my legs threatening to give out from under me. I burst through the door and slammed it behind me.
Inside, Carl lay where we had left him, his face pale and twisted in pain. I stumbled to the radio, my hands trembling as I fumbled with the controls.
"Mayday, mayday!" I yelled into the microphone. "This is an emergency! We need help! Please, someone, come quickly!"
Static filled the room, punctuated by my ragged breaths. I repeated the call, my voice growing more frantic with each passing second. Finally, a voice crackled through the speaker. "This is Ranger Station Bravo. What's your location? Over."
I could barely form the words. "Olympic National Park! The ranger station near mount Christie! We're under attack! Please, send help!"
"Copy that. Help is on the way. Stay put and stay safe. Over."
I collapsed to the floor, my body trembling with exhaustion and fear. Carl moaned softly, his eyes fluttering open. "What… What happened? Where's Noah?”
Tears streamed down my face and I found myself choked up. “He’s gone, man. Help is coming.”
The minutes stretched into an eternity as we waited. The wind howled around the station, and every creak and groan of the structure set my nerves on edge. I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched, that the forest itself was closing in on us.
The radio crackled again, this time with a different voice. "Helicopter en route, ETA fifteen minutes. Prepare for extraction."
I glanced at Carl, his eyes filled with confusion. "Hang on. We're getting out of here."
As the minutes ticked by, I couldn't help but think about the ranger. He had saved my life, but he hadn't made it back. My mind conjured up images of what might have happened to him, the cultists overwhelming him in the darkness. A sense of guilt gnawed at me, knowing he had sacrificed himself for us.
The sound of rotors cut through the night, growing louder as the helicopter approached. I ran to the window and saw its searchlight piercing the treetops, scanning for the station.
I helped Carl to his feet, supporting his weight as we made our way to the hatch. The helicopter hovered above, lowering a rescue basket. The wind from the rotors whipped the snow into a frenzy, but I didn't care. Salvation was finally here.
We secured Carl in the basket first, and I watched as he was hoisted up, disappearing into the safety of the helicopter. My turn was next. I realized that I was now alone and exposed. Fear coursing through me as I scanned around the edge of the forest, expecting to be grabbed and taken seconds before my rescue. But the moment never came. As I gripped the rope, I took one last look at the forest below. The flames of the bonfire still flickered in the distance.
I was lifted into the air, the ground falling away beneath me. The helicopter's crew pulled me inside, and I collapsed onto the floor still holding onto my pack, my body finally giving in to exhaustion. The doors closed, and the helicopter banked away, leaving the horrors of the park behind.
Weeks had passed since the harrowing events, but the memories clung to me like the bitter cold. I had returned to civilization, seeking solace in the familiar chaos of the city. I found a wealthy collector through a network of contacts. The artifacts fetched a price tenfold the cost of gear. The money was substantial, but as I held the cash, it felt like a hollow victory.
Noah's absence weighed heavily on me. His disappearance was chalked up as a missing persons case, and despite my best efforts to explain what had happened, no one believed me. The authorities conducted a search of the area, but they found no trace of the cult, the artifacts, or the clearing. It was as if the forest had swallowed up all the evidence.
I returned to the site where we had parked the truck. The dirt bikes were gone, stolen by opportunistic thieves, but the truck remained. I drove back in silence, the road winding through the dense forest. For a moment, I thought I saw the girl watching me from atop a ridge until I realized it was just paranoia. I stepped on the gas a little harder.
Back home, I checked the Tomb Raiders forum again. The post that had led us into the forest was gone, deleted without a trace. I messaged the mods, but apparently, they don’t keep records to maintain confidentiality. I wrote about our experience, detailing every terrifying moment, but the responses were skeptical at best. Most dismissed it as a work of fiction or a desperate cry for attention.
Time passed, and I tried to return to a semblance of normalcy. Yet, the wilderness called to me stronger than ever. It was my sanctuary, the only place where I could find peace amidst the turmoil. I spent more and more time outdoors than ever before, but now it always felt like I was just running from something.
Determined to prove what had happened, I returned to the forest with a camera and recording equipment. This time, I documented every step, capturing footage of the trees, the snow, and the eerie silence that hung in the air. I retraced our path, hoping to find the clearing again. But each night, as I reviewed the footage, something strange would happen. The files would be corrupted or entire segments missing.
I pressed on. I found the site where Noah had fallen, the ground still bearing faint traces of what had happened. I set up the camera and began to speak, recounting the events in detail. As I spoke, a cold wind swept through the clearing, and the camera's screen flickered. I finished my account and turned to check the recording, only to find the file corrupted once again, the footage replaced by static and a faint, mocking laughter.
I returned home, defeated and exhausted. My attempts to share what I had experienced were met with disbelief and ridicule. The files I managed to save were corrupted beyond recognition. It was as if the forest itself was conspiring against me.
Almost exactly one year later, as I browsed the forums, a new post caught my eye. It was cryptic, eerily similar to the one that had led us into the nightmare. It spoke of another trove of artifacts, hidden deep within the wilderness, waiting to be claimed.
The post was signed with a new name: Skygge. Different handle, same style. Another trap. They had taken so much from me, left scars that would never heal. I opened my drawer, my fingers brushing over the cold metal of my weapons. This was the moment I had been waiting for. This time, I'll be ready.
The forest’s secrets won't remain hidden forever.
submitted by Arbrand to nosleep [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 14:40 Used_Establishment92 I can't wait to "miss these days"

I'm a SAHM of a 9 year old daughter and an almost 2 year old son.
Since birth, my son's favorite hobbies have been screaming like a fire alarm and violence. He didn't start speaking until he was 18 months old, and even then I wouldn't call it communication. He just counts. Yes it's amazing that he can count forward and backward 1 through 10, but that's all he does. He toddles around shouting "WUN! TOO! TREE! FUH! FAH!" etc. It's cute if it's not all you hear for 16 hours a day.
He's old enough to understand choice but unable to communicate his needs with words. I pretty much have to guess what he wants and if I get it wrong, which is frequent, I get my eardrums blasted and if I'm too close he will scratch and bite. My arms and face look like I just bathed an army of cats.
We have tried using sign language with some success. He used to use it before he started talking, but he suddenly started refusing.
We also had him evaluated for autism, but he doesn't meet the criteria. I think he just has intense emotions and reactions. I have BPD, (Borderline not bi polar) and I think my kids inherited my strong emotions. I have been working with a therapist since my daughter was a baby, for both her and I, to learn how to regulate our emotions. I know how to help my son, and I know we will get him to a stable place, but it is a slow and difficult journey. Just like it has been with my daughter.
I have no village. I'm NC with my mother, my dad lives far away, my MIL is a Facebook grandma, and FIL is dead. However Whenever I talk to my family and try to vent about how hard this is, all I hear back is "Treasure this time now, because you're gonna miss these days!"
I know. I know I'm gonna miss the fun cute moments. My daughter wasn't born a 9 year old, I know what it's like to look at her and remember what a little peanut she was. I also remember how awesome it was the first time she got her own snack and I didn't have to open it or cut it up for her. Or the first time we went to a restaurant and she looked the server in the eye and told them her order. Or how relieved I was when she started having a tantrum but then stopped and took a breath to regulate herself.
I can tell you with 100% certainty that I will not miss being attacked every time I have to change a diaper. I will not miss slicing grapes into eighths only to clean them up off the floor. I will not miss having my fingers chewed to hamburger while I try to scrape potting soil out of his mouth.
I love my kids. I wouldn't change any of it, but damn I can't wait to put it behind me.
submitted by Used_Establishment92 to Parenting [link] [comments]


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