What clubs on stardoll give you gifts
Interior Decorating
2011.12.17 03:57 sleepyblogger Interior Decorating
interior decorating, design
2011.02.27 18:05 achille Delta Air Lines
Use your upvote/downvotes; spammers will be banned.
2014.12.17 08:35 BlackStallion54 justfuckmyshitup
This subreddit is dedicated to jacked up haircuts from all walks of life.
2024.05.19 09:01 GyroZeppelix Please help a young guy with advice
Hello everyone, I'm gonna start this off by saying thanks to anybody who will read this as it will be a long one, and anybody willing to offer me any advice.
PS. This post started as a post where I was asking for college advice, but as I wrote more I realized any advice would be really helpful so I changed the title a bit, Thanks in advance again!
[[ Beware: My whole lifestory coming up combined with tired midnight grammar đ ]]
To get to the point, I currently live in Croatia and just turned 19 a couple of months ago and a time has come when I am again thinking about college. Some background on me, from when I was very little I was always interested in engineering and art, it all started when a teacher of mine in the 5th grade of primary school introduced me to programming and robotics. From then on I was in love with everything to do with electronics, robotics, mechanics programming, and fundamental sciences, maybe even math itself, but that's beside the point. During those years the passion for all of that really grew. I went to countless robotics competitions during my time at school there and even won lots of prizes. One time I almost came to world-level competitions but sadly missed the first place by a point. When I was home I sadly didn't have much equipment for any of these interests except a computer. It seemed limitless what I could do with it, whatever I wanted to do I could make it. It's not like electronics where as a kid getting parts was difficult except from old salvaged electronic devices. I could learn and make whatever I wanted, as long as the old family computer could run it. So I started learning a lot about computers during these times like basic algorithms and some basic games random Python scripts etc. In terms of computers, I was no genius, but for the age, I'm grateful I took the time to learn even the basics of it. Other than that I was a somewhat weird kid because I couldn't really take picking off some classmates as a joke and got annoyed at it quickly when they started interrupting me while I was drawing ( My dad was an artist in his youth so I picked that up from him, been scribbling every day in primary school when class was either boring or some kind of recess ) but even though they were picking on me, I to this day still really don't mind them, we were a pretty close class at the end of the day. And that's how most of my primary school went by, me being social with only a few friends and my informatics teacher as well. Other than that I was pretty sad during those years, I couldn't understand people and was contemplating the meaning of life as well, and that combined with me inheriting some stubbornness from mom, she and I were always fighting for homework, screentime, etc. Right now we are in a very good relationship so I'm greatful for that aswell. Seeing how I didnt really talk outside of school to many people expect a few friends ( I do live in a small village so if they were the same age as me they were in my class ) i basicly spent most of my time while not staying after school in a computer club we had for few hours every couple of days a week, i was cooped upped inside my house, playing with legos, being with grandparents or my cousins or being on computer and doing some programing, scripting, photoshoping and other things you can reasonably excect a child to do. And so passed most of my primary school.
When time came to plan for highschool, I originaly wanted to go to art school, but was quickly turned down by my mother because she thought it wasnt a smart idea. Personaly didn't like it at first, but she is a smart woman so in time i understood. Basicly other then liking to draw and paint, I wanted to go there bacause my best friend from class was going there and he also wanted me to come along. ( Funny how me the least popular guy and the youngest guy in class and he the most popular guy in class while also being the oldest were best friends, but thats a story for another day ) As my mom turned down my suggestion for art school she suggested I go to a school for a Mechatronics Technician. I didnt not like the idea as well I loved everything related to it. Other than that another option was Computer Technician ( basicly a programming oriented path ) but I decided mechatronics because i said to myself i can learn programing at home because the only tools i need are a computer, and mechanics, electronics and robotics is something I dont have at home so it will be really cool to learn all of that here and so, highschool started.
Oh how fast has the reality come crashing down as I understood what the whole mess of the education system actualy was. Most of the classes didnt have any equipment to actualy do anything practical, the other small portion that did the rest lf the 95% of class didnt understand anything so we couldnt do much or what was the more often scenario is that the proffesors just didnt really care at all so we would come to class and do absolutly nothing, like literaly nothing except waiting for the bell to ring. After i realised that I just started not coming to school most quite a bit. Mostly was not comming on fridays, some wednesdays etc most of the times I was actualy abit sick, but every time i was sick i exadurated it so my mom would let me stay home. Even though i was missing quite a bit of classes, if a class had something to do with math or logical thinking ( which most were ) i would usualy either be best at it in the class or almost the best for the pure reason I was actualy really interested and loved all the cool engineering stuff. On the other side if a subject was about 0 logic, full random name memorisation like the croatian literature class, I was almost if not the worst in class managing just barely to scrape by. Other than that there was one proffesor who I admired so much for his style of teaching, as he tought me so much during the only 2 years he lectured me ( my fourth year of highschool he was out because pention ). In simply half a year we went from 0 knowledge to designing, printing, creating and soldering a whole circuit on a pcb, I was always there for his classes. On the other time we were doing something else, he always had some cool stuff prepared when i was finished with work early, he was a great guy and still respect him alot. Other than that i was really disapointed how there existed zero after school activities that i could do that had to do anything with electronic, mechanics, robotics or programing.
On the side of my social life, the summer just before starting highschool I realised this was a great opportunity to redeem myself as i really didnt want to get picked on like in primary school. So what other kind of persona would somebody come up in this situation than one being supported by my pride itself, other than that i was basicly a "chameleon" aka adapting to every person around me which was probably the reason i made some friends but it usualy tired me out completly. And so it started really great actualy, nobody was picking on me, i was socialising ( only inside of my class usualy, other than the people who went to this town from my village that i already knew, but it was a big step up for me ) and learned how to shrug of others banter by pretending it didnt effect me. It was definitly in a better possition then primary school alright, but i did realise alot of people just moving away sometimes because of how i just increased pridefulness as i got more vulnerable. I think i was able to keep my pride to just below some overflowing point as i still managed to make a few friends.
And so some time passed, at home watching more videos about everything to do with engineering, getting a 3d printer and messing with it, programing some more and even trying to learn some business, economy and more about money. I even developed a game for the school as some special thing I got by talking to a teacher of mine. Other than that at the third year, thanks to a profesor i was able to get in touch with a software development company and was able to secure an internship for basicly the whole summer, which was a blast. I learned so much new things that opened doors to alot more things. After that i focused my random "Jack of all trades" learning to be mostly focused on modern used technologies, and the needs of possible job recruiters, and well it in general. That is the point i feel i truly started learning proper programing.
More on my development of pride, in highschool and in primary school i was actualy praised quite alot and being actualy abit good at something maybe was the thing that allowed me to get even some friends by being prideful. We can call that being lucky as the stars alligned, but anyways. During those years i also had two experiences with me falling in love for the first time. The first one didnt last more than a 4ish months maybe, it was basicly a crush thing that ended in a broken heart, but o boy it was a good waking called. I wonder what would happen to me without this realisation. Then the next one lasted basicly 7-8ish months in the 4th year of highschool, and this one was much more complicated and longer, but after it i learned quite a new few things. These two things really awoken me to who i am today, as i try to live each day with as much virtue as I can. I threw out the pride out of the window, and dont really care too much of somebodies bad opinions on me, if there are currently any. I came to terms with alot of things and am just able to accept things for what they are, without judgment.
As im writing this its quite late and am tired so sorry for bad grammar i want to shorten this abit. Basicly my whole life i loved scientists, engineers and the idea of colledge. Was always dreaming of becomingba "great scientist" like albert einstein or nikola tesla but the older i got, the more things i learned, the more that dream of going to colledge got shattered by reality. As i realised the giant flaws in the education system, after learning about money and realising colledges are just big businesses trying to earn alot of money, and that that is their main motivation, combines with seeing that scientists basicly to get any money and recognition these days need to literaly hop from trend to trend, research what is "in" currently or well no bread on the table just made the academia route of my life shatter before my eyes. Seeing how i knew quite abit computers i thought i could atleast land something, but after seeing people who were much longer in the industry praise me for a impressive knowledge on alot of fields and my ability to almost instantly grasp any concept thrown at me, i actualy got a job. Well this was how I decided to start working immediatly instead of going to colledge. After weighing the options combined with the additional knowledge i got about the job market, this was an obvious choice. I believe that my key to being objective is me being realistic, so sadly i know am not some do it all genious and know i need to rely on whatever i have to use as leverage to enhance my life, so learning from Warren Buffet that out of everything I got, my time was my biggest asset. Simply being young with the above average skills i have, I believe i have a reasonably good chance to have a virtous and fulfiling life.
But i still have that burning flame in my chest, i still love the idea i had of colledge, of becoming a scientist, an engineer. I tried looking for ways to convince myself otherwise and see that i was actualy wrong about it all, but each time i look, more and more i realise my initial assumptions were right. The world is slowly moving away from official education like colledges as everything can be learnt online, because of ai the next few years are going to be revolutionary in all of these fields so either the colledge courses are going to be very outdated or just some concept of a job will not simply be needed as a diffrent one apears. The posibilities and their volatility is just so high that i dont feel even 1% safe actualy going to colledge, seeing how devoting like 5 years to it will mean loosing the onlx advantage i can use, and that is me starting out young. And as a bonus because i have a job i actualy have more time than colledge to persume my other interest like mechanics and electronics as well as actualy funds.
Thanks for reading all of this, I can trust it was quite a journey reading everything i written basicly half asleep but i hope you were able to understand everything. Im really confused what to do, as I love both options but knowing that one has a much better chance of being useful to me than the other. Any advice you can give me will be greatly appriciated, be it about college like is there an actualy good colledge in europe thats is worth it in my place, or general life stuff, about work etc. Once again I cannot thank you enough for reading this and helping me. Thanks!
Edit: I havent said much about my job because this is more of a general reddit but for people who are in the field I am a backend developer, with some freelancing and opensource contributions on the side
submitted by GyroZeppelix to Advice [link] [comments]
PS. This post started as a post where I was asking for college advice, but as I wrote more I realized any advice would be really helpful so I changed the title a bit, Thanks in advance again!
[[ Beware: My whole lifestory coming up combined with tired midnight grammar đ ]]
To get to the point, I currently live in Croatia and just turned 19 a couple of months ago and a time has come when I am again thinking about college. Some background on me, from when I was very little I was always interested in engineering and art, it all started when a teacher of mine in the 5th grade of primary school introduced me to programming and robotics. From then on I was in love with everything to do with electronics, robotics, mechanics programming, and fundamental sciences, maybe even math itself, but that's beside the point. During those years the passion for all of that really grew. I went to countless robotics competitions during my time at school there and even won lots of prizes. One time I almost came to world-level competitions but sadly missed the first place by a point. When I was home I sadly didn't have much equipment for any of these interests except a computer. It seemed limitless what I could do with it, whatever I wanted to do I could make it. It's not like electronics where as a kid getting parts was difficult except from old salvaged electronic devices. I could learn and make whatever I wanted, as long as the old family computer could run it. So I started learning a lot about computers during these times like basic algorithms and some basic games random Python scripts etc. In terms of computers, I was no genius, but for the age, I'm grateful I took the time to learn even the basics of it. Other than that I was a somewhat weird kid because I couldn't really take picking off some classmates as a joke and got annoyed at it quickly when they started interrupting me while I was drawing ( My dad was an artist in his youth so I picked that up from him, been scribbling every day in primary school when class was either boring or some kind of recess ) but even though they were picking on me, I to this day still really don't mind them, we were a pretty close class at the end of the day. And that's how most of my primary school went by, me being social with only a few friends and my informatics teacher as well. Other than that I was pretty sad during those years, I couldn't understand people and was contemplating the meaning of life as well, and that combined with me inheriting some stubbornness from mom, she and I were always fighting for homework, screentime, etc. Right now we are in a very good relationship so I'm greatful for that aswell. Seeing how I didnt really talk outside of school to many people expect a few friends ( I do live in a small village so if they were the same age as me they were in my class ) i basicly spent most of my time while not staying after school in a computer club we had for few hours every couple of days a week, i was cooped upped inside my house, playing with legos, being with grandparents or my cousins or being on computer and doing some programing, scripting, photoshoping and other things you can reasonably excect a child to do. And so passed most of my primary school.
When time came to plan for highschool, I originaly wanted to go to art school, but was quickly turned down by my mother because she thought it wasnt a smart idea. Personaly didn't like it at first, but she is a smart woman so in time i understood. Basicly other then liking to draw and paint, I wanted to go there bacause my best friend from class was going there and he also wanted me to come along. ( Funny how me the least popular guy and the youngest guy in class and he the most popular guy in class while also being the oldest were best friends, but thats a story for another day ) As my mom turned down my suggestion for art school she suggested I go to a school for a Mechatronics Technician. I didnt not like the idea as well I loved everything related to it. Other than that another option was Computer Technician ( basicly a programming oriented path ) but I decided mechatronics because i said to myself i can learn programing at home because the only tools i need are a computer, and mechanics, electronics and robotics is something I dont have at home so it will be really cool to learn all of that here and so, highschool started.
Oh how fast has the reality come crashing down as I understood what the whole mess of the education system actualy was. Most of the classes didnt have any equipment to actualy do anything practical, the other small portion that did the rest lf the 95% of class didnt understand anything so we couldnt do much or what was the more often scenario is that the proffesors just didnt really care at all so we would come to class and do absolutly nothing, like literaly nothing except waiting for the bell to ring. After i realised that I just started not coming to school most quite a bit. Mostly was not comming on fridays, some wednesdays etc most of the times I was actualy abit sick, but every time i was sick i exadurated it so my mom would let me stay home. Even though i was missing quite a bit of classes, if a class had something to do with math or logical thinking ( which most were ) i would usualy either be best at it in the class or almost the best for the pure reason I was actualy really interested and loved all the cool engineering stuff. On the other side if a subject was about 0 logic, full random name memorisation like the croatian literature class, I was almost if not the worst in class managing just barely to scrape by. Other than that there was one proffesor who I admired so much for his style of teaching, as he tought me so much during the only 2 years he lectured me ( my fourth year of highschool he was out because pention ). In simply half a year we went from 0 knowledge to designing, printing, creating and soldering a whole circuit on a pcb, I was always there for his classes. On the other time we were doing something else, he always had some cool stuff prepared when i was finished with work early, he was a great guy and still respect him alot. Other than that i was really disapointed how there existed zero after school activities that i could do that had to do anything with electronic, mechanics, robotics or programing.
On the side of my social life, the summer just before starting highschool I realised this was a great opportunity to redeem myself as i really didnt want to get picked on like in primary school. So what other kind of persona would somebody come up in this situation than one being supported by my pride itself, other than that i was basicly a "chameleon" aka adapting to every person around me which was probably the reason i made some friends but it usualy tired me out completly. And so it started really great actualy, nobody was picking on me, i was socialising ( only inside of my class usualy, other than the people who went to this town from my village that i already knew, but it was a big step up for me ) and learned how to shrug of others banter by pretending it didnt effect me. It was definitly in a better possition then primary school alright, but i did realise alot of people just moving away sometimes because of how i just increased pridefulness as i got more vulnerable. I think i was able to keep my pride to just below some overflowing point as i still managed to make a few friends.
And so some time passed, at home watching more videos about everything to do with engineering, getting a 3d printer and messing with it, programing some more and even trying to learn some business, economy and more about money. I even developed a game for the school as some special thing I got by talking to a teacher of mine. Other than that at the third year, thanks to a profesor i was able to get in touch with a software development company and was able to secure an internship for basicly the whole summer, which was a blast. I learned so much new things that opened doors to alot more things. After that i focused my random "Jack of all trades" learning to be mostly focused on modern used technologies, and the needs of possible job recruiters, and well it in general. That is the point i feel i truly started learning proper programing.
More on my development of pride, in highschool and in primary school i was actualy praised quite alot and being actualy abit good at something maybe was the thing that allowed me to get even some friends by being prideful. We can call that being lucky as the stars alligned, but anyways. During those years i also had two experiences with me falling in love for the first time. The first one didnt last more than a 4ish months maybe, it was basicly a crush thing that ended in a broken heart, but o boy it was a good waking called. I wonder what would happen to me without this realisation. Then the next one lasted basicly 7-8ish months in the 4th year of highschool, and this one was much more complicated and longer, but after it i learned quite a new few things. These two things really awoken me to who i am today, as i try to live each day with as much virtue as I can. I threw out the pride out of the window, and dont really care too much of somebodies bad opinions on me, if there are currently any. I came to terms with alot of things and am just able to accept things for what they are, without judgment.
As im writing this its quite late and am tired so sorry for bad grammar i want to shorten this abit. Basicly my whole life i loved scientists, engineers and the idea of colledge. Was always dreaming of becomingba "great scientist" like albert einstein or nikola tesla but the older i got, the more things i learned, the more that dream of going to colledge got shattered by reality. As i realised the giant flaws in the education system, after learning about money and realising colledges are just big businesses trying to earn alot of money, and that that is their main motivation, combines with seeing that scientists basicly to get any money and recognition these days need to literaly hop from trend to trend, research what is "in" currently or well no bread on the table just made the academia route of my life shatter before my eyes. Seeing how i knew quite abit computers i thought i could atleast land something, but after seeing people who were much longer in the industry praise me for a impressive knowledge on alot of fields and my ability to almost instantly grasp any concept thrown at me, i actualy got a job. Well this was how I decided to start working immediatly instead of going to colledge. After weighing the options combined with the additional knowledge i got about the job market, this was an obvious choice. I believe that my key to being objective is me being realistic, so sadly i know am not some do it all genious and know i need to rely on whatever i have to use as leverage to enhance my life, so learning from Warren Buffet that out of everything I got, my time was my biggest asset. Simply being young with the above average skills i have, I believe i have a reasonably good chance to have a virtous and fulfiling life.
But i still have that burning flame in my chest, i still love the idea i had of colledge, of becoming a scientist, an engineer. I tried looking for ways to convince myself otherwise and see that i was actualy wrong about it all, but each time i look, more and more i realise my initial assumptions were right. The world is slowly moving away from official education like colledges as everything can be learnt online, because of ai the next few years are going to be revolutionary in all of these fields so either the colledge courses are going to be very outdated or just some concept of a job will not simply be needed as a diffrent one apears. The posibilities and their volatility is just so high that i dont feel even 1% safe actualy going to colledge, seeing how devoting like 5 years to it will mean loosing the onlx advantage i can use, and that is me starting out young. And as a bonus because i have a job i actualy have more time than colledge to persume my other interest like mechanics and electronics as well as actualy funds.
Thanks for reading all of this, I can trust it was quite a journey reading everything i written basicly half asleep but i hope you were able to understand everything. Im really confused what to do, as I love both options but knowing that one has a much better chance of being useful to me than the other. Any advice you can give me will be greatly appriciated, be it about college like is there an actualy good colledge in europe thats is worth it in my place, or general life stuff, about work etc. Once again I cannot thank you enough for reading this and helping me. Thanks!
Edit: I havent said much about my job because this is more of a general reddit but for people who are in the field I am a backend developer, with some freelancing and opensource contributions on the side
2024.05.19 08:57 MistaGalaxy I'm sorry but I just had to defend Kaizen the ML from (How to hide emperor's child)
DISCLAIMER : LONG RAMBLING (ngl, very tempted on that non judgement flair, im a coward)
I gonna said it guys, Kaizen is way too overhated and the hate towards him is unwarranted
also, this is strictly novel only, because tbh I don't like how the manhwa portrays Kaizen. and spoilers.
now truthfully does Astelle (FML) deserve a better ML (not Seibel, just a random village guy) or just stay single? yes lol
I come to this conclusion not because of Kaizen but rather I felt that Astelle would prefers the countryside life more than being an empress.
And now onto Kaizen. From the hate comments i had seen towards him, I conclude that people are just traumatized from Sovieshu's shenanigans and how the this story and the Remaried Empress have similar premise which I can see why people would lumped them all together.
And this story opening up with Kaizen divorcing Astelle after literally the day their wedding night \ahaha* do not help at all.
Ya okay, this part on why the fuck Kaizen choose the worst time to divorce Astelle is really something that I can't defend (the author prob just use it to ramp up the drama i guess lol)
But, i do can defend on why the divorce had to happened. For those uninformed, its a plot device that it is an obligation emperor and empress must consummate their marriage even though the couple can choose to use protection (??) and the plot twist comes in that dundundun Kaizen's dad is dead literally the next day thus Kaizen's emperor reigns began.
From the flashbacks, we can see that Kaizen from the young age have always being wary of any potential threats to the throne and ironically the girl (Astelle) he was betrothed to was the daughter of said threat. So the boi had been planning to get rid those threats once he got that emperor power which also includes Astelle unfortunately.
Now, that does means Kaizen despises Astelle? No. At worst, he just wary of her knowing full well she is just a puppet to her father. If he does despise her, he could just kill her on the spot the moment he becomes the emperor.
Kaizen in a way does see Astelle as someone who is in the same predicament and Astelle who never confessed her feelings make him assumed that her feelings toward him is the same as him.
Which lead to him doing to what I can say to worse thing he done to Astelle. A very angsty teenage boi ignoring and avoiding his fiancee for their entire childhood. So surprise 2X, he doesn't know much about Astelle despite basically growing up together. And of course, he gonna assume that Astelle like stereo typically any upper class lady stuff.
Now onward to post-divorce. He did tried to give compensation to Astelle after learning that she had been kick out by her OG family and of course Astelle heartbroken, understandably rejected it which make him assume that Astelle found a decent life elsewhere.
ok now i gonna list down things i appreciated about Kaizen after did i mentioned that i binged read this novel 3 times?
Now this arc got me emotional the most so i gonna ramble about it.
Onward to the post-"Theo is revealed to br Kaizen's son" arc, Astelle agreed to be the empress again due to some politics stuff that I didn't remember on the condition that Kaizen must agreed to divorce her after 3-5 years later with no strings attached. (like she's had enough lmao) then the maternal grandpa accidentally reveal Astelle's former crush to Kaizen that just give even more emotional dmg to Kaizen which just lead to him to say fuck this and allowed Astelle to leave anytime she wants (and gift her a castle and even the entire East region) with the promised that he would not remarried and Theo will succeed him as the emperor. then he got poisoned. DUNDUNDUN
Now, Astelle could have just took this fine opportunity to leave but of course she didn't and Kaizen while in and out of consciousness, said "i gonna die, huh? welp rn i wanna write my last will to give all of my authority to Astelle". Bro already accepted his fate ă˝(*ă>Đ<)oă. and when Astelle said to please recover quickly for Theo and for her, Kaizen literally said, "Wait, you actually want to save me?" gahhhhhhhhh angsttt gyahhhhhhh
OK FINE, i be honest, i'm just here to let out my fangirl moments (no friends moment frfr) I do not expect this incoherent ramblings of a mess would change anyone's mind lol.
on my first read of the novel (back to the ex is my guilty troupe kek) , I literally do not care about Kaizen, thinking he just a whatever ML but after looking at the comments that just 90% shitting on him even multiple times comparing to the likes of GRADE A-HOLE, Sovieshu made me thinking, he's not that bad tho, convinced to re-read again the novel and again for good measure hehe. And the guy (as evidence from the mess of an essay) warmed up to me.
As you can see, i really do like this novel. (just shows what my standards are ehe)
submitted by MistaGalaxy to OtomeIsekai [link] [comments]
I gonna said it guys, Kaizen is way too overhated a
also, this is strictly novel only, because tbh I don't like how the manhwa portrays Kaizen. and spoilers.
now truthfully does Astelle (FML) deserve a better ML (not Seibel, just a random village guy) or just stay single? yes lol
I come to this conclusion not because of Kaizen but rather I felt that Astelle would prefers the countryside life more than being an empress.
And now onto Kaizen. From the hate comments i had seen towards him, I conclude that people are just traumatized from Sovieshu's shenanigans and how the this story and the Remaried Empress have similar premise which I can see why people would lumped them all together.
And this story opening up with Kaizen divorcing Astelle after literally the day their wedding night \ahaha* do not help at all.
Ya okay, this part on why the fuck Kaizen choose the worst time to divorce Astelle is really something that I can't defend (the author prob just use it to ramp up the drama i guess lol)
But, i do can defend on why the divorce had to happened. For those uninformed, its a plot device that it is an obligation emperor and empress must consummate their marriage even though the couple can choose to use protection (??) and the plot twist comes in that dundundun Kaizen's dad is dead literally the next day thus Kaizen's emperor reigns began.
From the flashbacks, we can see that Kaizen from the young age have always being wary of any potential threats to the throne and ironically the girl (Astelle) he was betrothed to was the daughter of said threat. So the boi had been planning to get rid those threats once he got that emperor power which also includes Astelle unfortunately.
Now, that does means Kaizen despises Astelle? No. At worst, he just wary of her knowing full well she is just a puppet to her father. If he does despise her, he could just kill her on the spot the moment he becomes the emperor.
Kaizen in a way does see Astelle as someone who is in the same predicament and Astelle who never confessed her feelings make him assumed that her feelings toward him is the same as him.
Which lead to him doing to what I can say to worse thing he done to Astelle. A very angsty teenage boi ignoring and avoiding his fiancee for their entire childhood. So surprise 2X, he doesn't know much about Astelle despite basically growing up together. And of course, he gonna assume that Astelle like stereo typically any upper class lady stuff.
Now onward to post-divorce. He did tried to give compensation to Astelle after learning that she had been kick out by her OG family and of course Astelle heartbroken, understandably rejected it which make him assume that Astelle found a decent life elsewhere.
ok now i gonna list down things i appreciated about Kaizen after did i mentioned that i binged read this novel 3 times?
- Bro is completely and painfully aware that Astelle do not like him. So yes, he's aware that divorcing literally after the wedding night is a total dick move. So he never does force or blackmail Astelle (the divorce was mutually agreed) but just took every chance to dragged out the trip so he can hopefully convinced Astelle to stay.
- He's very straightforward. He would always confessed that he does feel jealousy when Astelle is having good time with any other man. And expressed disappointment when Astelle wouldn't understandably trust him.
- He's not completely down bad for Astelle. While most of the story Kaizen would say yes to Astelle including when Astelle is planning to work together with her father aka the worst threat to Kaizen. Kaizen doesn't let Astelle completely clouded his judgment when she request her very sick maternal grandpa and her young nephew back to the poor countryside which yah doesn't really made sense in Kaizen's POV. And he did hilariously a petty revenge on Astelle by stealing away Theo (post-reveal) by convinced Theo to sleep at the Emperor's Palace instead for a night.
Now this arc got me emotional the most so i gonna ramble about it.
Onward to the post-"Theo is revealed to br Kaizen's son" arc, Astelle agreed to be the empress again due to some politics stuff that I didn't remember on the condition that Kaizen must agreed to divorce her after 3-5 years later with no strings attached. (like she's had enough lmao) then the maternal grandpa accidentally reveal Astelle's former crush to Kaizen that just give even more emotional dmg to Kaizen which just lead to him to say fuck this and allowed Astelle to leave anytime she wants (and gift her a castle and even the entire East region) with the promised that he would not remarried and Theo will succeed him as the emperor. then he got poisoned. DUNDUNDUN
Now, Astelle could have just took this fine opportunity to leave but of course she didn't and Kaizen while in and out of consciousness, said "i gonna die, huh? welp rn i wanna write my last will to give all of my authority to Astelle". Bro already accepted his fate ă˝(*ă>Đ<)oă. and when Astelle said to please recover quickly for Theo and for her, Kaizen literally said, "Wait, you actually want to save me?" gahhhhhhhhh angsttt gyahhhhhhh
OK FINE, i be honest, i'm just here to let out my fangirl moments (no friends moment frfr) I do not expect this incoherent ramblings of a mess would change anyone's mind lol.
on my first read of the novel (back to the ex is my guilty troupe kek) , I literally do not care about Kaizen, thinking he just a whatever ML but after looking at the comments that just 90% shitting on him even multiple times comparing to the likes of GRADE A-HOLE, Sovieshu made me thinking, he's not that bad tho, convinced to re-read again the novel and again for good measure hehe. And the guy (as evidence from the mess of an essay) warmed up to me.
As you can see, i really do like this novel. (just shows what my standards are ehe)
- top tier FML (I don't really care for children so sorry Theo)
- small cast of characters and small world building, at least make me remember all of them upon my binge read.
- Politics is understandable and doesn't felt it doesn't dragged out that much.
- I don't why ppl kept thinking Seibel is the 2nd ML when bro is introduced much later part of the novel. so thankfully no fuckin love triangle.
- Don't really care much about Astelle mom's past B-plot tho
2024.05.19 08:46 everything_is_stup1d this is my testimony
In kindergarten (sorry I'm from singapore so we follow British but if im not wrong its like 5-6 years old) I already accepted Christ into my life. But my mom is a "I hate Christians!!" kind of person so I didnt dare to tell her anything. I didn't really have a good relationship with my mom cos to her studies are everything and she made me (until now) think that I'm never good enough. And I was only in primary school thinking my mom doesn't like me. I'm worthless, I want to kms. I made plans to grab the knife from the kitchen, jump off and things like that. Eventually I resulted to scratching my own skin cos I feel most pain when it's right at the nerve uk.
My whole life was until the end of primary school (12) was only to do things to make my mom happy. I wouldn't mention a word about Christianity to her. And when my mom was out at night, me, my dad and my sisters would worship. The moment the door opens, I scramble into the room. This also make me walk far from God and I would curse, swear and stuff. One day in P6, the last year of primary school (12 years old) I thought "Hey, I'm Christian so why am I swearing? Isn't this a sin?" So I stopped cursing. Of course, my mom wouldn't want me going around cursing but I didn't really do it for her, but rather for God. But I still didn't want to tell her about it.
When I graduated from Primary school, in Secondary (Sec) school, I finally got to bring my phone to school (13 years old), but my mom still could track me. Anyways I got to listen to some worship songs my dad sent to me and because I didn't have a music player downloaded and wasn't allowed to download any apps, I would listen through the WhatsApp audio player thingđđ on the way home. Usually on Sundays whene my mom isn't home,my dad would bring me to church. Then of course my mom would find out and scold me and this continued until sec 2 (14).
In Sec 3 (15 years old), I had whole control of my phone so I would listen to worship music on the way home. One day in, my dad brought me to church. My mom saw my location and immediately got mad because she knew where my dad's church is and also because my older sister attends service too and my mom was not happy. Since then, I was afraid to go to church. My mom even cornered me one day and made me promise not to go to church or I can forget calling her my mom. I kept crying that night and never dared to go to church (mind that i dont even cry often).
But towards mid year(?) I just decided ok Imma go to church. She can get angry but it won't really stop me. Because I got to know God through worship songs and now I wanted to know him more.
I regularly started praying in the morning on the way to school. Eventually my prayers became a ritual and dry. I felt no emotion and no pull towards God. Only on days when I was really upset/angry then I would feel Him comforting me. One day I really wanted to be the captain in my CCA (it's like after school activities but still part of school programs) and I didn't get it. I was so upset I cried on the way home because I actually put in so much effort into it. Then I became vice captain so ig that counts.
Anyways I became really upset and got frustrated because I didn't prove myself enough. I had so low expectations of myself, got depressed again, but I couldn't vent it out because I couldn't hurt myself anymore after learning my body is a temple of God. So I got super frustrated. I prayed for guidance decided to free up my Saturdays I went to church. Youth services for Secondary school students were on Saturdays and not Sundays so yeah. Towards like October last year I cleared up my Saturdays so I could go more regularly to church, and my mom was defo not happy AT ALL that I went with my own initiative. She ignored me for several weeks and of course I felt lonely and all buy eventually I felt okay because she doesn't even know me sooooo.
I'm still trying to patch up my relationship with her. Honestly, it's so strained I don't know what to do. I've prayed that she would accept Christ everyday but uhh nothing. This doesn't mean I don't believe in God if not this would not exist
One day I was fellowshipping with my dad. Why we did that is because of a long story that would be saved for another day.
But this is the part where it's important
Previously I had dreams and I shared with my dad because he is more experience in deciphering gifts and stuff (I'm sorry if you don't believe in gifts but I do!) And he told me to pray about it because I somehow knew these dreams had meaning and relation to God. A number of dreams had direct inference to God. I did pray about it, and also asked God along these lines; "God, give me guidance. I have strayed and I know. Lord please let me understand, and let me also be close to You. I want to know You, and I know, I haven't read the word. Lord, motivate me to read the scripture, and while reading let me also understand the dreams I have been having my whole life."
I can't remember what I said exactly. The one 9f the church sermons on one week talked about how God is not far, but we are far. And I felt that that was for me. Then one day my dad said to me and my older sister "I don't care you have to download the Bible rn" so I downloaded it but did nothing with it. Finally, one day I was late for work (yes I worked when I was 15 because I actually want an electric guitar) and it was New Year's Eve. My colleague texted me saying she'd pick me up and I said and quote "Isokkk I walk over" (me) ... "Give me your block" (colleague) "Omd tyyy" (me)
Part of me didn't want her to fetch me because it would be troubling her. But I don't know why I waited and was thinking "bruh I could've reached by now but she's late" but I just waited. I was wearing full white that day. And this woman must've thought I was going to church because it was a Sunday morning.
And she asked "Hello, are you going to church?"
I said "oh no no, I have church at night because it's countdown service. (basically the youth services brought our church service from Saturday 4pm to Sunday 8pm because we wanted to countdown service together)"
She said," Oh! So you're Christian! Do you read the Word often?"
I blushed because so many signs and I haven't read a single word. "No," I was so embarrassed
She continued "I used to be a teacher, a lecturer in a University (if im not wrong) There is a website called 7 minutes with God. It was originally created for Harvard students because they were busy and didn't have time to spend time with God." Then I couldn't hear what she said because she was talking so fast. All I knew was she was summarizing the website and encouraged me to read it.
I read it like on January 2nd this year on the way to school ( I'm 16 this year!!! But not 16 yet because as I said, it's not my birthday yet or anytime soon)
I was so inspired that I kept on reading the Word and devoted mornings to not only prayers (that I allowed God to guide me and not just pray for the sake of praying) but also for reading the Word!
See, when I prayed to have motivation to read the Word more, God gave me the sign THREE TIMES which I did not pick up until the 3rd sign, the lady. The first time during the sermon I was like "Yes God, I will do it!" but did nothing. The second time when my dad asked me to download the app version of the Bible, I said "Yes God, this is the sign!" and did not do anything. I got discouraged because my dad thinks I'm funny and wouldn't take my words seriously omd đ. But the third time, God literally sent a random woman I don't know and told me to read. And I read, praise God!
this is the part where it relates to the meme
Because when I went to the shower I kept laughing because I thought of this meme. I didn't read the word or get touched because it was a coincidence. So coincidence? I think not! It's a miracle â¤ď¸â¤ď¸â¤ď¸
I finished Mark and the New Testament, I'm currently at John right now.
Just now, after a meeting with my cell group (a small group for easier prayers etc in church), I was listening to worship music, and my grumpy dad was like "GO AND SHOWER" liek chill brou. So I went to the toilet with my headphones on and sat on the floor and just continued listening to worship music. Then my dad sent in the family group chat (just me, my older sister and him, my mom got mad and left) an article about this man called Patrick Lee/Bezalel. He is a local artist faithful in Christ
But reading halfway I kept crying because I was so touched (again I do no lt cry, but I related so much I cried even though nothing had to do with me, but it was like my mother's story where she had a hard of stone towards God) and then my phone went flat đ So I risked it and ran out to get my charger but thank God (like actually) my dad didn't scream like he would. Then I sat at the toilet floor and continued reading. Tears kept flowing down my face because Patrick Bezalel's story was such a miracle, and God kept giving him signs that God existed! And removed the layer of stone that surrounded the man's heart and made it soft and open to God again!
After that I continued worshipping God and was listening to worship music (yes in the toilet because I literally have 0 privacy because none of my parents think I need it). I kept crying because the songs were so related. Can you imagine? It went in this order:
1.Presence,Power,Glory 2.Hosanna 3.Promises 4.Holy Forever
Again, coincidence? I THINK NOT. It was so planned, like it was in my playlist for so long and I haven't really thought much about it. Tears kept streaming down and kept going and through sobs I silently prayed to God
"Oh my dear God you have been so so good to me, and so faithful to me Lord. You have guided me, guided my heart and nothing has gone wrong in Your hands Lord. I've been through the turning point I've prayed for. You have sent people, songs and my family members to come after me to open up to You Lord. Lord, I was having a CG (cell group) meeting and something just touched my heart. I am now sitting on the toilet floor and typing this, because Lord you have made a way to touch my heart, guide me through a prayer that came deep down from inside of me Lord, thank You for providing. Thank You God for the miracles You have did in my life, and all that I prayed for has came through Lord. The turning point I prayed for was when that lady had spoken to me about how to set aside time for You and the Word. Lord let me not forget this incident, this turning point, this miracle Lord. Let me put my trust in You Lord, and let You take my hand and let my life be walking next to You faithfully Lord. Lord I pray that I would not waver, and I would not take my eyes away from You. Even when I am crossing and walking toward You on water in the sea, let my eyes be on You, and the works You have done for me, and not be distracted by the worls around me, but to keep my eyes on You diligently Lord. Lord, I am a sinner, and now, I was, for You have sent Jesus Christ, Your Son, to die on the cross for me. Lord, I believe in You and I want to accept You in my life Lord, no matter what situation I am in. Lord, let people around me see Your love, joy, and faithfulness in me, and not let them see the girl I was before. Let them see change, and the love and desire I have for You, Lord. Let them see Your greatness, Your goodness and You. I thank You for everything You have done, and in Jesus's name, I pray that I will walk faithfully alongside You, and will not fail to continuously pray and worship You God. Thank You Lord for the miracles, for this turning point. Thank You God for guiding me, and let me be the branch that bears fruit, and let me be the branch that has life only through Jesus, Who is the vine, Who the reason I live Lord, Who is the reason I have life. Praise the Lord! Amen!"
This is the first time I prayed for so long and every one word was truly from deep down fron the depths of my heart. I couldn't stop crying. I really couldn't and I can't emphasize more that I don't cry often! Either it hurt me so much or that God moved my heart. This time was tears of joy.
I hope this could inspire someone out there, because in another prayer I prayed for those who needed God, even if I didn't know them.
Pray. Pray and ask God to help you seek Him. One thing I learnt from a sermon is the fervency in your prayers. I didn't mean to add this in but I suddenly saw this note I wrote on 25th February.
Title: fervency in prayer Fervency: being excited about something keen on something
At the heart of revival is the spirit of prayer ⢠pray fervently ⢠pray with faith
"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed"
To be fervent in prayer is to pray tenaciously despite our struggles
Hopefully this helped someone out there, inspired you and is one of your signs to start giving your life to Him! It is actually proven 1 in 3 people are Christians. Isn't our goal to have this faith to reach all four corners of the world? It could sound impossible in the past, but now there is social media, anyone could read and realize "Hey God is actually with me!"
submitted by everything_is_stup1d to TrueChristian [link] [comments]
My whole life was until the end of primary school (12) was only to do things to make my mom happy. I wouldn't mention a word about Christianity to her. And when my mom was out at night, me, my dad and my sisters would worship. The moment the door opens, I scramble into the room. This also make me walk far from God and I would curse, swear and stuff. One day in P6, the last year of primary school (12 years old) I thought "Hey, I'm Christian so why am I swearing? Isn't this a sin?" So I stopped cursing. Of course, my mom wouldn't want me going around cursing but I didn't really do it for her, but rather for God. But I still didn't want to tell her about it.
When I graduated from Primary school, in Secondary (Sec) school, I finally got to bring my phone to school (13 years old), but my mom still could track me. Anyways I got to listen to some worship songs my dad sent to me and because I didn't have a music player downloaded and wasn't allowed to download any apps, I would listen through the WhatsApp audio player thingđđ on the way home. Usually on Sundays whene my mom isn't home,my dad would bring me to church. Then of course my mom would find out and scold me and this continued until sec 2 (14).
In Sec 3 (15 years old), I had whole control of my phone so I would listen to worship music on the way home. One day in, my dad brought me to church. My mom saw my location and immediately got mad because she knew where my dad's church is and also because my older sister attends service too and my mom was not happy. Since then, I was afraid to go to church. My mom even cornered me one day and made me promise not to go to church or I can forget calling her my mom. I kept crying that night and never dared to go to church (mind that i dont even cry often).
But towards mid year(?) I just decided ok Imma go to church. She can get angry but it won't really stop me. Because I got to know God through worship songs and now I wanted to know him more.
I regularly started praying in the morning on the way to school. Eventually my prayers became a ritual and dry. I felt no emotion and no pull towards God. Only on days when I was really upset/angry then I would feel Him comforting me. One day I really wanted to be the captain in my CCA (it's like after school activities but still part of school programs) and I didn't get it. I was so upset I cried on the way home because I actually put in so much effort into it. Then I became vice captain so ig that counts.
Anyways I became really upset and got frustrated because I didn't prove myself enough. I had so low expectations of myself, got depressed again, but I couldn't vent it out because I couldn't hurt myself anymore after learning my body is a temple of God. So I got super frustrated. I prayed for guidance decided to free up my Saturdays I went to church. Youth services for Secondary school students were on Saturdays and not Sundays so yeah. Towards like October last year I cleared up my Saturdays so I could go more regularly to church, and my mom was defo not happy AT ALL that I went with my own initiative. She ignored me for several weeks and of course I felt lonely and all buy eventually I felt okay because she doesn't even know me sooooo.
I'm still trying to patch up my relationship with her. Honestly, it's so strained I don't know what to do. I've prayed that she would accept Christ everyday but uhh nothing. This doesn't mean I don't believe in God if not this would not exist
One day I was fellowshipping with my dad. Why we did that is because of a long story that would be saved for another day.
But this is the part where it's important
Previously I had dreams and I shared with my dad because he is more experience in deciphering gifts and stuff (I'm sorry if you don't believe in gifts but I do!) And he told me to pray about it because I somehow knew these dreams had meaning and relation to God. A number of dreams had direct inference to God. I did pray about it, and also asked God along these lines; "God, give me guidance. I have strayed and I know. Lord please let me understand, and let me also be close to You. I want to know You, and I know, I haven't read the word. Lord, motivate me to read the scripture, and while reading let me also understand the dreams I have been having my whole life."
I can't remember what I said exactly. The one 9f the church sermons on one week talked about how God is not far, but we are far. And I felt that that was for me. Then one day my dad said to me and my older sister "I don't care you have to download the Bible rn" so I downloaded it but did nothing with it. Finally, one day I was late for work (yes I worked when I was 15 because I actually want an electric guitar) and it was New Year's Eve. My colleague texted me saying she'd pick me up and I said and quote "Isokkk I walk over" (me) ... "Give me your block" (colleague) "Omd tyyy" (me)
Part of me didn't want her to fetch me because it would be troubling her. But I don't know why I waited and was thinking "bruh I could've reached by now but she's late" but I just waited. I was wearing full white that day. And this woman must've thought I was going to church because it was a Sunday morning.
And she asked "Hello, are you going to church?"
I said "oh no no, I have church at night because it's countdown service. (basically the youth services brought our church service from Saturday 4pm to Sunday 8pm because we wanted to countdown service together)"
She said," Oh! So you're Christian! Do you read the Word often?"
I blushed because so many signs and I haven't read a single word. "No," I was so embarrassed
She continued "I used to be a teacher, a lecturer in a University (if im not wrong) There is a website called 7 minutes with God. It was originally created for Harvard students because they were busy and didn't have time to spend time with God." Then I couldn't hear what she said because she was talking so fast. All I knew was she was summarizing the website and encouraged me to read it.
I read it like on January 2nd this year on the way to school ( I'm 16 this year!!! But not 16 yet because as I said, it's not my birthday yet or anytime soon)
I was so inspired that I kept on reading the Word and devoted mornings to not only prayers (that I allowed God to guide me and not just pray for the sake of praying) but also for reading the Word!
See, when I prayed to have motivation to read the Word more, God gave me the sign THREE TIMES which I did not pick up until the 3rd sign, the lady. The first time during the sermon I was like "Yes God, I will do it!" but did nothing. The second time when my dad asked me to download the app version of the Bible, I said "Yes God, this is the sign!" and did not do anything. I got discouraged because my dad thinks I'm funny and wouldn't take my words seriously omd đ. But the third time, God literally sent a random woman I don't know and told me to read. And I read, praise God!
this is the part where it relates to the meme
Because when I went to the shower I kept laughing because I thought of this meme. I didn't read the word or get touched because it was a coincidence. So coincidence? I think not! It's a miracle â¤ď¸â¤ď¸â¤ď¸
I finished Mark and the New Testament, I'm currently at John right now.
Just now, after a meeting with my cell group (a small group for easier prayers etc in church), I was listening to worship music, and my grumpy dad was like "GO AND SHOWER" liek chill brou. So I went to the toilet with my headphones on and sat on the floor and just continued listening to worship music. Then my dad sent in the family group chat (just me, my older sister and him, my mom got mad and left) an article about this man called Patrick Lee/Bezalel. He is a local artist faithful in Christ
But reading halfway I kept crying because I was so touched (again I do no lt cry, but I related so much I cried even though nothing had to do with me, but it was like my mother's story where she had a hard of stone towards God) and then my phone went flat đ So I risked it and ran out to get my charger but thank God (like actually) my dad didn't scream like he would. Then I sat at the toilet floor and continued reading. Tears kept flowing down my face because Patrick Bezalel's story was such a miracle, and God kept giving him signs that God existed! And removed the layer of stone that surrounded the man's heart and made it soft and open to God again!
After that I continued worshipping God and was listening to worship music (yes in the toilet because I literally have 0 privacy because none of my parents think I need it). I kept crying because the songs were so related. Can you imagine? It went in this order:
1.Presence,Power,Glory 2.Hosanna 3.Promises 4.Holy Forever
Again, coincidence? I THINK NOT. It was so planned, like it was in my playlist for so long and I haven't really thought much about it. Tears kept streaming down and kept going and through sobs I silently prayed to God
"Oh my dear God you have been so so good to me, and so faithful to me Lord. You have guided me, guided my heart and nothing has gone wrong in Your hands Lord. I've been through the turning point I've prayed for. You have sent people, songs and my family members to come after me to open up to You Lord. Lord, I was having a CG (cell group) meeting and something just touched my heart. I am now sitting on the toilet floor and typing this, because Lord you have made a way to touch my heart, guide me through a prayer that came deep down from inside of me Lord, thank You for providing. Thank You God for the miracles You have did in my life, and all that I prayed for has came through Lord. The turning point I prayed for was when that lady had spoken to me about how to set aside time for You and the Word. Lord let me not forget this incident, this turning point, this miracle Lord. Let me put my trust in You Lord, and let You take my hand and let my life be walking next to You faithfully Lord. Lord I pray that I would not waver, and I would not take my eyes away from You. Even when I am crossing and walking toward You on water in the sea, let my eyes be on You, and the works You have done for me, and not be distracted by the worls around me, but to keep my eyes on You diligently Lord. Lord, I am a sinner, and now, I was, for You have sent Jesus Christ, Your Son, to die on the cross for me. Lord, I believe in You and I want to accept You in my life Lord, no matter what situation I am in. Lord, let people around me see Your love, joy, and faithfulness in me, and not let them see the girl I was before. Let them see change, and the love and desire I have for You, Lord. Let them see Your greatness, Your goodness and You. I thank You for everything You have done, and in Jesus's name, I pray that I will walk faithfully alongside You, and will not fail to continuously pray and worship You God. Thank You Lord for the miracles, for this turning point. Thank You God for guiding me, and let me be the branch that bears fruit, and let me be the branch that has life only through Jesus, Who is the vine, Who the reason I live Lord, Who is the reason I have life. Praise the Lord! Amen!"
This is the first time I prayed for so long and every one word was truly from deep down fron the depths of my heart. I couldn't stop crying. I really couldn't and I can't emphasize more that I don't cry often! Either it hurt me so much or that God moved my heart. This time was tears of joy.
I hope this could inspire someone out there, because in another prayer I prayed for those who needed God, even if I didn't know them.
Pray. Pray and ask God to help you seek Him. One thing I learnt from a sermon is the fervency in your prayers. I didn't mean to add this in but I suddenly saw this note I wrote on 25th February.
Title: fervency in prayer Fervency: being excited about something keen on something
At the heart of revival is the spirit of prayer ⢠pray fervently ⢠pray with faith
"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed"
To be fervent in prayer is to pray tenaciously despite our struggles
Hopefully this helped someone out there, inspired you and is one of your signs to start giving your life to Him! It is actually proven 1 in 3 people are Christians. Isn't our goal to have this faith to reach all four corners of the world? It could sound impossible in the past, but now there is social media, anyone could read and realize "Hey God is actually with me!"
2024.05.19 08:45 thatoneurchin I love Rachel
This is a really random appreciation post.
I see a lot of people say how Rachel is selfish, obnoxious, entitled, annoying, etc. and I think thatâs all true, but I just⌠love her character.
I love her brand of flaws, if that makes any sense. Like sheâs so, so obnoxious and over the top, but that makes little scenes that could be boring comical. Take the first scene where sheâs signing up for glee club, for example. Sheâs just writing her name. Totally normal thing to do - but itâs Rachel, so we get this crazy monologue about how she always signs her name with a gold star, got a teacher fired for not giving her a solo, and was allegedly conceived with a turkey baster. She has so much personality, Iâd be entertained watching her fold laundry and do taxes.
Another thing I love is how her self esteem is portrayed. Cause on one hand, it seems like she has a hugely inflated ego, but on the other, she just seems a deeply insecure teenage girl. Sheâll proclaim that sheâs going to be a star one episode, then be crying cause she doesnât think sheâs as pretty as Quinn the next. And it doesnât feel implausible or give me whiplash either. I can understand how on stage, sheâs completely sure of herself, while off stage, sheâs unsure and desperate for approval.
Also love how much she loves performing. I think Lea Michele did a really good job, cause you can tell how happy it makes Rachel just by her face. Thereâs little moments throughout the show where the group will be singing, and sheâll smile like sheâs genuinely having fun, just being able to do it. Some of my favorite examples: when they first sing Donât Stop Believinâ, and sheâs got this grin on her face, because for the first time, theyâre all in sync, and theyâre good. When she sings Take Me or Leave Me with Mercedes, and they both get distracted by each otherâs talent. When she sings Poker Face with Shelby, and thereâs this sheer amazement and vulnerability over getting to share something she loves with her mom.
Oh, thatâs another thing. Her vulnerability. Whenever she gets bullied or insulted, thereâs always this very hurt look that appears on her face for a second, before she forces herself to cheer up. It always makes me feel so bad for her. Yeah, sheâs annoying, but a lot of her friends were comfortable casually insulting her. One example is in Blame It On the Alcohol, where sheâs talking to Puck. She says she canât have a party cause her dads trusted her, he tells her she sucks and is a total bore, and you see her face crumple like âis that what everyone really thinks of me?â Then, when Finn walks in, sheâs smiling again.
Sheâs constantly picking herself up and putting herself back on the horse, while constantly getting bullied. I thought it was really brave of her to keep posting singing videos even when people were laughing and telling her to get sterilized - especially as a teen. Most people at that age would crumble and just want to conform.
Donât want to make this too long, so lastly, I just love how insanely competitive she is. She has talent, knows it, and puts her heart and soul into winning. Iâm never really annoyed when she complains about deserving this or that because I know sheâs going to throw her whole ass into the part. She gets this insane look in her eye, too. Like when Jesse was singing Bohemian Rhapsody, she looked about ready to storm on stage and slit his throat. It makes me laugh. And it makes simple singing scenes seem so much more tense and entertaining. Itâs like musical warfare with her lmao. There is nothing ironic about show choir!
Anyway, that said, I just have a huge fondness for her character. Could never hate her. I always see hate posts for her, and I read it like âyes, mmhm, obnoxious⌠selfish⌠terrible, correct, still canât wait to see her on my screenâ
submitted by thatoneurchin to glee [link] [comments]
I see a lot of people say how Rachel is selfish, obnoxious, entitled, annoying, etc. and I think thatâs all true, but I just⌠love her character.
I love her brand of flaws, if that makes any sense. Like sheâs so, so obnoxious and over the top, but that makes little scenes that could be boring comical. Take the first scene where sheâs signing up for glee club, for example. Sheâs just writing her name. Totally normal thing to do - but itâs Rachel, so we get this crazy monologue about how she always signs her name with a gold star, got a teacher fired for not giving her a solo, and was allegedly conceived with a turkey baster. She has so much personality, Iâd be entertained watching her fold laundry and do taxes.
Another thing I love is how her self esteem is portrayed. Cause on one hand, it seems like she has a hugely inflated ego, but on the other, she just seems a deeply insecure teenage girl. Sheâll proclaim that sheâs going to be a star one episode, then be crying cause she doesnât think sheâs as pretty as Quinn the next. And it doesnât feel implausible or give me whiplash either. I can understand how on stage, sheâs completely sure of herself, while off stage, sheâs unsure and desperate for approval.
Also love how much she loves performing. I think Lea Michele did a really good job, cause you can tell how happy it makes Rachel just by her face. Thereâs little moments throughout the show where the group will be singing, and sheâll smile like sheâs genuinely having fun, just being able to do it. Some of my favorite examples: when they first sing Donât Stop Believinâ, and sheâs got this grin on her face, because for the first time, theyâre all in sync, and theyâre good. When she sings Take Me or Leave Me with Mercedes, and they both get distracted by each otherâs talent. When she sings Poker Face with Shelby, and thereâs this sheer amazement and vulnerability over getting to share something she loves with her mom.
Oh, thatâs another thing. Her vulnerability. Whenever she gets bullied or insulted, thereâs always this very hurt look that appears on her face for a second, before she forces herself to cheer up. It always makes me feel so bad for her. Yeah, sheâs annoying, but a lot of her friends were comfortable casually insulting her. One example is in Blame It On the Alcohol, where sheâs talking to Puck. She says she canât have a party cause her dads trusted her, he tells her she sucks and is a total bore, and you see her face crumple like âis that what everyone really thinks of me?â Then, when Finn walks in, sheâs smiling again.
Sheâs constantly picking herself up and putting herself back on the horse, while constantly getting bullied. I thought it was really brave of her to keep posting singing videos even when people were laughing and telling her to get sterilized - especially as a teen. Most people at that age would crumble and just want to conform.
Donât want to make this too long, so lastly, I just love how insanely competitive she is. She has talent, knows it, and puts her heart and soul into winning. Iâm never really annoyed when she complains about deserving this or that because I know sheâs going to throw her whole ass into the part. She gets this insane look in her eye, too. Like when Jesse was singing Bohemian Rhapsody, she looked about ready to storm on stage and slit his throat. It makes me laugh. And it makes simple singing scenes seem so much more tense and entertaining. Itâs like musical warfare with her lmao. There is nothing ironic about show choir!
Anyway, that said, I just have a huge fondness for her character. Could never hate her. I always see hate posts for her, and I read it like âyes, mmhm, obnoxious⌠selfish⌠terrible, correct, still canât wait to see her on my screenâ
2024.05.19 08:45 SouthIllustrious325 AITAH for feeling hurt?
My bf and I are financially comfortable. We have stable jobs, stays with our parents and no other commitments. I love to travel and when we go on vacation, I pay for my share for everything. We had plans for two vacations this year to neighboring countries, and I suggested going on another vacation for this year but he told me that it was "excessive". I tried to find out what were his concerns but he did not share anything except that he thinks two vacations a year is sufficient. I asked if he would then be alright with me going on solo trips or with my family, but he was not agreeable to that, and this essentially meant that it is his way or the highway but after months of convincing him he reluctantly agreed to consider going on a third vacation.
My birthday was this week and in the days leading up to it I told him that I'm eyeing some skincare which is more expensive than what I would usually spend on. We have the tendency to be open about the gifts we want from each other as we prefer giving practical gifts, and we tend to not mind the cost of it as long as our gifts are put to good use. He mentioned to keep to the budget of three hundred which was too much since what I wanted cost lesser than that, hence out of curiosity I asked what made him derive that amount and he said "because fifty bucks would not be enough for you".
I was previously already upset when he said that going on three vacations a year is excessive, and this comment made me more upset because it felt that he is insinuating that I am too expensive to be in a relationship with. I told him that what he said do not sit well with me. He proceeded to throw a huge tantrum and raised his voice at me in public midway through our meal, berating me for starting an argument and stirring shit which caused me to breakdown and cry.
I walked away and returned after I have calmed myself down and tried explaining to him why I am upset and he proceeded to throw another tantrum at me and continously defended himself and said that he feels that what he said was ok and there is nothing wrong at all. I finally snapped too and told him that while he is entitled to his feelings, my feelings are as valid as his, and I am telling him that I am hurt by his words. I asked if he is telling me that his feelings are more important than mine and so what I feel don't matter at all? We went home in silence and after we got home, he transferred me a thousand dollars which further angers me. That was never the point, I never wanted his money. The fact that he still did not understand the reason why I was hurt even though I tried to explain it to him and just tried to resolve it with more money felt offensive to me.
I cried for hours thereafter and told him that if this relationship is becoming too expensive for him to sustain then perhaps we should just call it quits. I do not wish to sacrifice my freedom of being able to travel for someone who feels that I am only worth fifty dollars despite our years of being together and after standing by him all these while through hardships. I then transferred him his money back, adding a fifty bucks to it and I told him if I am only worth fifty bucks to him, I will pay him fifty to buy myself out of this relationship.
He has been asking to talk since but I don't see any point to it since the past two times we tried to speak ended up with him throwing tantrums at me. He said that he has been trying to make amends but I am not giving him the chance to but I pointed out to him that making amends starts from apologizing which he had not done so. Since then, he has been telling me how sorry he is over text and that is about it. I feel so dead inside because this was no longer the man I saw in him when we first got together. AITAH for not giving him another chance? Am I being too sensitive?
submitted by SouthIllustrious325 to AITAH [link] [comments]
My birthday was this week and in the days leading up to it I told him that I'm eyeing some skincare which is more expensive than what I would usually spend on. We have the tendency to be open about the gifts we want from each other as we prefer giving practical gifts, and we tend to not mind the cost of it as long as our gifts are put to good use. He mentioned to keep to the budget of three hundred which was too much since what I wanted cost lesser than that, hence out of curiosity I asked what made him derive that amount and he said "because fifty bucks would not be enough for you".
I was previously already upset when he said that going on three vacations a year is excessive, and this comment made me more upset because it felt that he is insinuating that I am too expensive to be in a relationship with. I told him that what he said do not sit well with me. He proceeded to throw a huge tantrum and raised his voice at me in public midway through our meal, berating me for starting an argument and stirring shit which caused me to breakdown and cry.
I walked away and returned after I have calmed myself down and tried explaining to him why I am upset and he proceeded to throw another tantrum at me and continously defended himself and said that he feels that what he said was ok and there is nothing wrong at all. I finally snapped too and told him that while he is entitled to his feelings, my feelings are as valid as his, and I am telling him that I am hurt by his words. I asked if he is telling me that his feelings are more important than mine and so what I feel don't matter at all? We went home in silence and after we got home, he transferred me a thousand dollars which further angers me. That was never the point, I never wanted his money. The fact that he still did not understand the reason why I was hurt even though I tried to explain it to him and just tried to resolve it with more money felt offensive to me.
I cried for hours thereafter and told him that if this relationship is becoming too expensive for him to sustain then perhaps we should just call it quits. I do not wish to sacrifice my freedom of being able to travel for someone who feels that I am only worth fifty dollars despite our years of being together and after standing by him all these while through hardships. I then transferred him his money back, adding a fifty bucks to it and I told him if I am only worth fifty bucks to him, I will pay him fifty to buy myself out of this relationship.
He has been asking to talk since but I don't see any point to it since the past two times we tried to speak ended up with him throwing tantrums at me. He said that he has been trying to make amends but I am not giving him the chance to but I pointed out to him that making amends starts from apologizing which he had not done so. Since then, he has been telling me how sorry he is over text and that is about it. I feel so dead inside because this was no longer the man I saw in him when we first got together. AITAH for not giving him another chance? Am I being too sensitive?
2024.05.19 08:43 Best_Entrepreneur885 Iâve filled so much of my boyfriends cup Iâve left my own empty
Iâve been in a relationship for over two years with my current boyfriend and Iâm happy but thereâs always this part in the back of my heart that feels like this relationship isnât mentally or physically satisfying me. for the past two years Iâve poured my everything into this relationship. Iâve always gone above and beyond for my boyfriend, whether it came to birthdays, anniversaries, him graduating school, and even small achievements. If we go on a date, Iâm the one planning everything in the one making the plans. I take care of absolutely everything and I never feel appreciated or thought of.
On my birthday last year, he had absolutely nothing planned. he gave me a gift which was a kind gesture, but he didnât have anything planned for the day. no reservations no movie tickets booked, nothing. When I asked him where we were going he just said âoh idk how to plan for these kinds of things you figure it outâ because he never reserved anything and it was so last minute we ended up having to go to a chain restaurant that closed in an hour. for my birthday this year, he bought me perfume. which he didnât even pick out himself. he just decided to meet me at the mall and have me pick it out and left after buying me it. he had a migraine and couldnât take me out to celebrate but promised he would take me out another time. we never did end up going out and I didnât end up celebrating with him.
now, for the last two years Iâve gone above and beyond for his birthday. I would reserve places months in advance and plan the entire day for him so he could feel appreciated. last year for his birthday, I bought him a bunch of stuff he uses or has been wanting, we went out for dinner and spent the night together and I even surprised him with a cake. the year before that I took him out for dinner and had a hotel decorated for him. but I in return have never received any gesture like this. Iâve communicated with him about how I always feel like he never plans or does anything nice for me and he says he just doesnât know these things like I do. Iâve stopped asking for so much from him because Iâve just become so emotionally exhausted that Iâd rather keep my mouth closed than have to deal with his excuses. I just want to feel appreciated, I want to feel like Iâm being thought of, and I wanna feel like Iâm deserving of the love I give out. I donât know what to do or how to approach the relationship at this point. I love him but itâs so hard maintaining a relationship that feels like youâre giving out 90% and theyâre only giving 10%.
submitted by Best_Entrepreneur885 to offmychest [link] [comments]
On my birthday last year, he had absolutely nothing planned. he gave me a gift which was a kind gesture, but he didnât have anything planned for the day. no reservations no movie tickets booked, nothing. When I asked him where we were going he just said âoh idk how to plan for these kinds of things you figure it outâ because he never reserved anything and it was so last minute we ended up having to go to a chain restaurant that closed in an hour. for my birthday this year, he bought me perfume. which he didnât even pick out himself. he just decided to meet me at the mall and have me pick it out and left after buying me it. he had a migraine and couldnât take me out to celebrate but promised he would take me out another time. we never did end up going out and I didnât end up celebrating with him.
now, for the last two years Iâve gone above and beyond for his birthday. I would reserve places months in advance and plan the entire day for him so he could feel appreciated. last year for his birthday, I bought him a bunch of stuff he uses or has been wanting, we went out for dinner and spent the night together and I even surprised him with a cake. the year before that I took him out for dinner and had a hotel decorated for him. but I in return have never received any gesture like this. Iâve communicated with him about how I always feel like he never plans or does anything nice for me and he says he just doesnât know these things like I do. Iâve stopped asking for so much from him because Iâve just become so emotionally exhausted that Iâd rather keep my mouth closed than have to deal with his excuses. I just want to feel appreciated, I want to feel like Iâm being thought of, and I wanna feel like Iâm deserving of the love I give out. I donât know what to do or how to approach the relationship at this point. I love him but itâs so hard maintaining a relationship that feels like youâre giving out 90% and theyâre only giving 10%.
2024.05.19 08:32 psychologicallyfcked Has anyone else recounted an event with someone and had totally different recollections?
For reference, this is not the first time I've heard something like this and I've also had numerous rage blackouts (which I always remember and understand I did that). Am I being gaslit? Today my boyfriend was kind of in a mood. He's admitted and apologized in the past that often he can be grumpy and abrasive and overall standoffish. Well today he seemed to be in that mood. On the way to Lowes I started brainstorming what I could give my most recent client as a gift, of course he disagreed (abrasively) with most of what I suggested, but I felt I was pleasant enough in light of his mood, etc. Well when we pulled into the lowes parking lot, he suddenly turned to me and practically started yelling about how I was in the conversation, that I'm always in such and such mood etc. I was caught off guard with this and honestly hurt, I didn't think anything had gone wrong. Well tonight he told me I said that he "thinks I'm some dumb bitch" IN the conversation and freaked out on him. For reference, I have bpd, ocd, bipolar, and anxiety, I'm a very emotional being if you can imagine. But I have ZERO recollection of his recounting of it, and it honestly feels like he was misinterpreting all my behaviors UNTIL he said I said this shit that 100% I didn't fucking say, or at least, don't remember. Has anyone had similar situations and is this gaslighting or a literal brain malfunction?
submitted by psychologicallyfcked to BPD [link] [comments]
2024.05.19 08:24 FoxFengzTTV Running Away, like always..
I guess this is my attempt to reflect and vent.
Backstory we were together for over 2yrs in a long-distance relationship (2.5hr drive)
I messed up big with my FP.. Couple weekends ago we made plans and got ourselves an airbnb to spend time together and connect. Day comes and I ended up coming down with a cough, which in result made me extra tired (my sleeping too much on our time together has been a sore spot). Anyways everything we were doing I ended up passing out during; laying in a hammock, relaxing on the bed watching tv, back rubs, most of the first day I slept through. Which she brought up saying it makes her sad - I did not handle this well and ultimately things went downhill and I said "if your feelings are you're sad bc I'm tired then thats stupid". She ended up spending an hour outside away from me while I continued to stew in bed.. she came back eventually and had a pillow between us so I didnt attempt to cuddle or anything and just went to bed. Woke up to her crying and telling me "i want to go home", so I started packing up my things đ basically after 2hrs arguing I left. Ran away. When we still had 2days left on the airbnb.
She seemingly forgave me for this as I hadnt left like that before, and given that I promised not to do it again. So I offered to come over the following weekend to make up for the bad one. Things went well the first day.. but the sexond day when night time came and I asked "if (M) would mind that I stole one of his edibles to watch the northern lights" and she immediately got upset and asked why? (Context she doesnt like me smoking weed, but said edibles were fine). So i responded "Nevermind sorry I even asked then" and went to lay down. She was not accepting of this apology as it was said with a tone and now I was closed off. I apologized several more times, before getting upset we couldn't just move past this and asked that we talk about it in the morning. Nope, we had to talk about it then. So i was overwhelmed and started packing up my things to leave..again. I ended up staying til morning and woke up to a buncha gifts I gave her packed next to my things. When I saw her get up I told her "I dont want the stuff I gave you back, I dont give gifts just to take them back'. We ended up talking for FOUR HOURS before I finally called it quits when we both came to the conclusion that we dont know what resolve there is to fix this. So I started packing up to leave. She told me "if you leave again we're done". I responded "then I guess we're done." And made my exit..
We've still been talking bc she wants me to understand and help alleviate this frustration Ive caused.. but it feels like its best to just let her find someone better fitting. It just sucks.. i dont want to be this way. We're both unhappy with the outcome, but there is no fixing whats broken đ if you made it this far thank you! Kind words, words of wisdom, relating, feedback is all welcome đ
TLDR: I run away from conflict, left my girlfriend twice and now shes not coming back.
submitted by FoxFengzTTV to BPD [link] [comments]
Backstory we were together for over 2yrs in a long-distance relationship (2.5hr drive)
I messed up big with my FP.. Couple weekends ago we made plans and got ourselves an airbnb to spend time together and connect. Day comes and I ended up coming down with a cough, which in result made me extra tired (my sleeping too much on our time together has been a sore spot). Anyways everything we were doing I ended up passing out during; laying in a hammock, relaxing on the bed watching tv, back rubs, most of the first day I slept through. Which she brought up saying it makes her sad - I did not handle this well and ultimately things went downhill and I said "if your feelings are you're sad bc I'm tired then thats stupid". She ended up spending an hour outside away from me while I continued to stew in bed.. she came back eventually and had a pillow between us so I didnt attempt to cuddle or anything and just went to bed. Woke up to her crying and telling me "i want to go home", so I started packing up my things đ basically after 2hrs arguing I left. Ran away. When we still had 2days left on the airbnb.
She seemingly forgave me for this as I hadnt left like that before, and given that I promised not to do it again. So I offered to come over the following weekend to make up for the bad one. Things went well the first day.. but the sexond day when night time came and I asked "if (M) would mind that I stole one of his edibles to watch the northern lights" and she immediately got upset and asked why? (Context she doesnt like me smoking weed, but said edibles were fine). So i responded "Nevermind sorry I even asked then" and went to lay down. She was not accepting of this apology as it was said with a tone and now I was closed off. I apologized several more times, before getting upset we couldn't just move past this and asked that we talk about it in the morning. Nope, we had to talk about it then. So i was overwhelmed and started packing up my things to leave..again. I ended up staying til morning and woke up to a buncha gifts I gave her packed next to my things. When I saw her get up I told her "I dont want the stuff I gave you back, I dont give gifts just to take them back'. We ended up talking for FOUR HOURS before I finally called it quits when we both came to the conclusion that we dont know what resolve there is to fix this. So I started packing up to leave. She told me "if you leave again we're done". I responded "then I guess we're done." And made my exit..
We've still been talking bc she wants me to understand and help alleviate this frustration Ive caused.. but it feels like its best to just let her find someone better fitting. It just sucks.. i dont want to be this way. We're both unhappy with the outcome, but there is no fixing whats broken đ if you made it this far thank you! Kind words, words of wisdom, relating, feedback is all welcome đ
TLDR: I run away from conflict, left my girlfriend twice and now shes not coming back.
2024.05.19 08:22 LaundryCat69 Rate my gospel thing that i made, Please share it as well.
Hello everyone
Here is why Good Friday is called Good Friday, what sin is and who sinners are.
Why is Good Friday called Good Friday?
In the case you don't know why Good Friday is Good Friday is it's the day that Jesus died for all of humankindâs sin.
What is sin?
Sin is a thing that if done would be in violation of God's law also it is the thing that separates us from God.
Romans 6:23 mentions: âfor the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lordâ there is no such thing as a sin that doesn't result in not going to heaven.
Also, the word death in this context doesn't mean to cease to exist, it is referring to separation from God.
Who are sinners?
all of us! as mentioned in Romans 3:10,23; Isaiah 64:6 and Psalm 51:5. We are sinners because of the fact that Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, this is mentioned in Genesis 3.
What did Jesus go through on the Cross?
He went through unimaginable suffering as he was dying on the cross for our sins. We all deserve what Jesus went through on the cross and we too deserve to pay for our sins in the fires of hell(Psalm 7:11, 9:17; Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:11-15, 21:8; James 2:10; Jude 1:7; 2nd Thessalonians 1:8,9)
Jesus knew that there needed to be a price paid for all of humankind's sin.
the last things that he said before he died was in Luke 23:34 âFather, forgive them for they don't know what they are doingâ and in John 19:30 where he said âit is finishedâ
After He said that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit, then, he was then buried in a tomb and 3 days later God with the power of the Holy Spirit rose Jesus from the dead, As mentioned in 1st Corinthians 15:6 âAfter that, he appeared to more than 500 of the brothers and sisters at the same time most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.â
In accordance with 1 Corinthians 15: 1-4, John 3:16,17, and Romans 5:8, He shed His precious blood, dying on the cross for our sins, He was buried, and rose again 3 days later.
Someday He will return, when? That I don't know, only God knows when He is going to return as mentioned in Matthew 24:36 which mentions: âBut about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.â Mark 13:32 has this message as well.
Also, Matthew 24:44 mentions: So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man(Jesus) will come at an hour when you do not expect himâ Luke 12:40 carries this message as well.
Furthermore, when Jesus died on the cross he not only paid the price for mankind's sin, he also took the weight of God's Wrath on him as well. He died on the cross so you can be Saved and go to Heaven.
Why did Jesus Christ go through all the suffering that he went through?
It is because he loves you so much, The love He has for you and us all isn't comparable to the love that for instance your parents have for you, John 3:16 Mentions: âfor God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal lifeâ
Also, when Jesus Rose again, he defeated Death, Satan, the world, hell and sin. John 15:13 also mentions: âGreater love has no man than this, to lay down one's life for oneâs friendsâ
It is his literal liquid and precious blood that cleanses and washes our sins away(Hebrews 9:12, 24; 12:24; 1st John 1:7; Revelation 1:5, along with Ephesians 1:7, 2:13; Colossians 1:14,20; Hebrews 9:22, 10:19; 1 Peter 1:18&19; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5)
Here are some Important things to know about God, Jesus Christ and Salvation
Jesus was born of a Virgin(Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23)
He never sinned(2nd Corinthians 5:21 and Hebrews 4: 15,16)
He is the Lord almighty(John 1:1-3,14 John 10:33; Revelation 1:8, 19:13)
The Godhead incarnate(Colossians 2:9 and 1st Timothy 3:16)
The Godhead exists as Three Persons, namely God the father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit(Colossians 2:2, 9; Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 1:20; Acts 17:29; 2nd John 1:3; Matthew 3:16-17; 1st Timothy 3:16)
Now how salvation works it is through Faith you have salvation and works(Faith = Salvation and works), As mentioned in verses such as Galatians 3:2, 1st Corinthians 1:21, Ephesians 2: 8-9, Romans 4:5, 5:1 and 11:6.
Jesus is the only way to Heaven.
He mentioned in John 14:6 âI am the way and the truth and the life no one comes to the father(God) except for meâ
Acts 4:12 also mentions: â Salvation is found under no one else, for there is no other name given under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.â
Jesus too mentioned in Matthew 9:12-13 âOn hearing disk Jesus said it is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sickâ(Verse 12) âbut go and learn what this means I desire Mercy not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous but sinnersâ(Verse 13), Luke 5:31 -32 has this message as well
Now, here are some things about Hell
Jesus Christ made it so that you can be saved from hell and so you could be in Heaven with him for eternity.
Who was Hell made for?
Satan and the devils, not for us humans, but the truth is that if someone rejects Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior then there is no other place for them to go.
John 8:24 mentions: âI told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.â,
Luke 13:3 and 5 mentions: â I tell you, no!, but unless you repent, you too will all perishâ
Part of Mark 16:16 states: â.... but, whoever does not believe will be condemned.â
Part of John 3:18 states: â..... but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of Godâs one and only sonâ
Revelation 20:15 states: âAnyone whose name was not found found in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fireâ
Amongst the kinds of people listed in Revelation 21:8 include the Unbelievers, these kinds of people along with the others listed there will be thrown into the lake of fire.
Here are some things for people who don't think that Hell is real
And now for the people who donât think that Hell is real, what if you end up realizing that you are wrong? What if Jesus was telling us the truth? Are you really willing to take that risk and gamble with your soul? Please think about it. Because at some point it will be too late. Also, Iâm not intending to scare you with this, Iâm wanting to have you saved from hell. Furthermore, you only have one life on earth to decide on where you will go for eternity. Hebrews 9:27 mentions: âJust as people are destined to die once and after that to face judgmentâ
When is the time to repent?
Now!, is the time to repent of unbelief and believe the Gospel, tomorrow is not guaranteed for anyone.
God is calling us to repent, Acts 17:30 mentions: â In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.â
Acts 3:19 mentions: âRepent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.â,
Acts 2:38 mentions: âPeter repliedâ repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spiritâ.
Mark 1:15 mentions,: âThe time has comeâ he said. âThe kingdom of God has come near. Repent and Believe the Good news!â Matthew 3:2 also mentions this.
Luke 15:7 mentions: âI tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.â Luke 15:10 also has this message as well.
Here are some more salvation related things and a salvation prayer below:
Acts 16:31 Mentions they replied,â believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved you and your householdâ
John 6:47 mentions: âVery truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.â
Romans 10:9 Mentions if you declare with your mouth âJesus is Lordâ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved.
Romans 10:13 also mentions for, âeveryone who calls on the name of the Lord will be savedâ.
Also, you must be born again as mentioned in John 3:3, 5, and 7.
Now, here is a prayer to say to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior:
The exact words are not what matters in your prayer to accept him, but what you mean is what matters.
This is the prayer to say:
âHeavenly father, God, I know that I am a sinner in need of your forgiveness, I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and you raised him from the dead 3 days later, I want to turn away from my sins and to live a Godly life, Please come into my heart Jesus Christ, I now accept you as my Lord and Savior, I am willing to follow you as Lord of my life from this day forward, please fill me with your Holy Spirit, in Jesus name I pray Amen.â
Lastly, here are some things that you will need to avoid:
1. Abusing Godâs grace, it is not a license to sin,
Romans 6:1-2 mention: âWhat shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?â(Verse 1), âBy no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?â(Verse 2)
2. Being a lukewarm Christian,
Revelation 3:16 mentions: â So, because you are lukewarm â neither hot nor cold â I am about to spit you out of my mouth.â
What luke warm would look like for instance is hardly or never doing the following: Praying, Reading your Bible and going to church service. It can also be like this, spending one hour in the church and another hour in the club, one hour praising and another hour swearing, one hour in the light and another in the darkness, one hour with the Lord and another with Satan. Take both the cup of the demons and the cup of the Lord(1st Corinthians 10:21). Itâs either God or Satan or either Christ the king or the kingdom of the world.
3. Denying Jesus before others, Matthew 10:33 mentions: âBut whoever disowns me before others. I will disown before my Father in Heaven.
4. Depend on your own works to save you and/or be a false follower of Christ. Matthew 7-21 - 23 mentions âNot everyone who says to me, âLord, Lordâ, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me that day, âLord, Lord did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?â Then I will tell them plainly, âI never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!â Luke 13: 25-27 has a similar message.
Here are some reasons that I share my faith with others are these:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FMK14LoH0iKIpMkxNNfSDao35QowJZHxkDEtI_Xuk8A/edit?usp=sharing
submitted by LaundryCat69 to Christians [link] [comments]
Here is why Good Friday is called Good Friday, what sin is and who sinners are.
Why is Good Friday called Good Friday?
In the case you don't know why Good Friday is Good Friday is it's the day that Jesus died for all of humankindâs sin.
What is sin?
Sin is a thing that if done would be in violation of God's law also it is the thing that separates us from God.
Romans 6:23 mentions: âfor the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lordâ there is no such thing as a sin that doesn't result in not going to heaven.
Also, the word death in this context doesn't mean to cease to exist, it is referring to separation from God.
Who are sinners?
all of us! as mentioned in Romans 3:10,23; Isaiah 64:6 and Psalm 51:5. We are sinners because of the fact that Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, this is mentioned in Genesis 3.
What did Jesus go through on the Cross?
He went through unimaginable suffering as he was dying on the cross for our sins. We all deserve what Jesus went through on the cross and we too deserve to pay for our sins in the fires of hell(Psalm 7:11, 9:17; Romans 6:23, Revelation 20:11-15, 21:8; James 2:10; Jude 1:7; 2nd Thessalonians 1:8,9)
Jesus knew that there needed to be a price paid for all of humankind's sin.
the last things that he said before he died was in Luke 23:34 âFather, forgive them for they don't know what they are doingâ and in John 19:30 where he said âit is finishedâ
After He said that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit, then, he was then buried in a tomb and 3 days later God with the power of the Holy Spirit rose Jesus from the dead, As mentioned in 1st Corinthians 15:6 âAfter that, he appeared to more than 500 of the brothers and sisters at the same time most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.â
In accordance with 1 Corinthians 15: 1-4, John 3:16,17, and Romans 5:8, He shed His precious blood, dying on the cross for our sins, He was buried, and rose again 3 days later.
Someday He will return, when? That I don't know, only God knows when He is going to return as mentioned in Matthew 24:36 which mentions: âBut about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.â Mark 13:32 has this message as well.
Also, Matthew 24:44 mentions: So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man(Jesus) will come at an hour when you do not expect himâ Luke 12:40 carries this message as well.
Furthermore, when Jesus died on the cross he not only paid the price for mankind's sin, he also took the weight of God's Wrath on him as well. He died on the cross so you can be Saved and go to Heaven.
Why did Jesus Christ go through all the suffering that he went through?
It is because he loves you so much, The love He has for you and us all isn't comparable to the love that for instance your parents have for you, John 3:16 Mentions: âfor God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal lifeâ
Also, when Jesus Rose again, he defeated Death, Satan, the world, hell and sin. John 15:13 also mentions: âGreater love has no man than this, to lay down one's life for oneâs friendsâ
It is his literal liquid and precious blood that cleanses and washes our sins away(Hebrews 9:12, 24; 12:24; 1st John 1:7; Revelation 1:5, along with Ephesians 1:7, 2:13; Colossians 1:14,20; Hebrews 9:22, 10:19; 1 Peter 1:18&19; 1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5)
Here are some Important things to know about God, Jesus Christ and Salvation
Jesus was born of a Virgin(Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23)
He never sinned(2nd Corinthians 5:21 and Hebrews 4: 15,16)
He is the Lord almighty(John 1:1-3,14 John 10:33; Revelation 1:8, 19:13)
The Godhead incarnate(Colossians 2:9 and 1st Timothy 3:16)
The Godhead exists as Three Persons, namely God the father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit(Colossians 2:2, 9; Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 1:20; Acts 17:29; 2nd John 1:3; Matthew 3:16-17; 1st Timothy 3:16)
Now how salvation works it is through Faith you have salvation and works(Faith = Salvation and works), As mentioned in verses such as Galatians 3:2, 1st Corinthians 1:21, Ephesians 2: 8-9, Romans 4:5, 5:1 and 11:6.
Jesus is the only way to Heaven.
He mentioned in John 14:6 âI am the way and the truth and the life no one comes to the father(God) except for meâ
Acts 4:12 also mentions: â Salvation is found under no one else, for there is no other name given under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.â
Jesus too mentioned in Matthew 9:12-13 âOn hearing disk Jesus said it is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sickâ(Verse 12) âbut go and learn what this means I desire Mercy not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous but sinnersâ(Verse 13), Luke 5:31 -32 has this message as well
Now, here are some things about Hell
Jesus Christ made it so that you can be saved from hell and so you could be in Heaven with him for eternity.
Who was Hell made for?
Satan and the devils, not for us humans, but the truth is that if someone rejects Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior then there is no other place for them to go.
John 8:24 mentions: âI told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.â,
Luke 13:3 and 5 mentions: â I tell you, no!, but unless you repent, you too will all perishâ
Part of Mark 16:16 states: â.... but, whoever does not believe will be condemned.â
Part of John 3:18 states: â..... but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of Godâs one and only sonâ
Revelation 20:15 states: âAnyone whose name was not found found in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fireâ
Amongst the kinds of people listed in Revelation 21:8 include the Unbelievers, these kinds of people along with the others listed there will be thrown into the lake of fire.
Here are some things for people who don't think that Hell is real
And now for the people who donât think that Hell is real, what if you end up realizing that you are wrong? What if Jesus was telling us the truth? Are you really willing to take that risk and gamble with your soul? Please think about it. Because at some point it will be too late. Also, Iâm not intending to scare you with this, Iâm wanting to have you saved from hell. Furthermore, you only have one life on earth to decide on where you will go for eternity. Hebrews 9:27 mentions: âJust as people are destined to die once and after that to face judgmentâ
When is the time to repent?
Now!, is the time to repent of unbelief and believe the Gospel, tomorrow is not guaranteed for anyone.
God is calling us to repent, Acts 17:30 mentions: â In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.â
Acts 3:19 mentions: âRepent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.â,
Acts 2:38 mentions: âPeter repliedâ repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spiritâ.
Mark 1:15 mentions,: âThe time has comeâ he said. âThe kingdom of God has come near. Repent and Believe the Good news!â Matthew 3:2 also mentions this.
Luke 15:7 mentions: âI tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.â Luke 15:10 also has this message as well.
Here are some more salvation related things and a salvation prayer below:
Acts 16:31 Mentions they replied,â believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved you and your householdâ
John 6:47 mentions: âVery truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.â
Romans 10:9 Mentions if you declare with your mouth âJesus is Lordâ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved.
Romans 10:13 also mentions for, âeveryone who calls on the name of the Lord will be savedâ.
Also, you must be born again as mentioned in John 3:3, 5, and 7.
Now, here is a prayer to say to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior:
The exact words are not what matters in your prayer to accept him, but what you mean is what matters.
This is the prayer to say:
âHeavenly father, God, I know that I am a sinner in need of your forgiveness, I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and you raised him from the dead 3 days later, I want to turn away from my sins and to live a Godly life, Please come into my heart Jesus Christ, I now accept you as my Lord and Savior, I am willing to follow you as Lord of my life from this day forward, please fill me with your Holy Spirit, in Jesus name I pray Amen.â
Lastly, here are some things that you will need to avoid:
1. Abusing Godâs grace, it is not a license to sin,
Romans 6:1-2 mention: âWhat shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?â(Verse 1), âBy no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?â(Verse 2)
2. Being a lukewarm Christian,
Revelation 3:16 mentions: â So, because you are lukewarm â neither hot nor cold â I am about to spit you out of my mouth.â
What luke warm would look like for instance is hardly or never doing the following: Praying, Reading your Bible and going to church service. It can also be like this, spending one hour in the church and another hour in the club, one hour praising and another hour swearing, one hour in the light and another in the darkness, one hour with the Lord and another with Satan. Take both the cup of the demons and the cup of the Lord(1st Corinthians 10:21). Itâs either God or Satan or either Christ the king or the kingdom of the world.
3. Denying Jesus before others, Matthew 10:33 mentions: âBut whoever disowns me before others. I will disown before my Father in Heaven.
4. Depend on your own works to save you and/or be a false follower of Christ. Matthew 7-21 - 23 mentions âNot everyone who says to me, âLord, Lordâ, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me that day, âLord, Lord did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?â Then I will tell them plainly, âI never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!â Luke 13: 25-27 has a similar message.
Here are some reasons that I share my faith with others are these:
- I donât want to spend eternity without them
- The book of Revelation lists some horrifying things that are to come that I would not wish on anyone, even my worst enemy
- I don't want them to go to hell.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FMK14LoH0iKIpMkxNNfSDao35QowJZHxkDEtI_Xuk8A/edit?usp=sharing
2024.05.19 08:20 Significant-Tower146 Best Car Mirror Decor
 | submitted by Significant-Tower146 to u/Significant-Tower146 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/rhi9ku02tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=abd4e7272e812f35a981c3a97356865a23faa72d Get ready to transform your car's mirrors into stylish statement pieces with our roundup of the top Car Mirror Decor options. From elegant designs to practical functionality, we've gathered an array of options that will elevate your vehicle's aesthetic while providing convenience on the road. The Top 8 Best Car Mirror Decor
ReviewsđYidexin Bling White Heart and Pink Fuzzy Car Accessorieshttps://preview.redd.it/srxkudb2tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bb16362096a501c023f5702e6dcd13db80f454c1 I recently had the pleasure of using Yidexin's bling car accessories for my daily commute, and I must say, they truly brightened up my car's interior. The chic white heart-shaped mirrors with sparkling rhinestones and crystal drops captured my attention right away. Hanging them from my rear view mirror was a breeze, and the included cord and string made the process even simpler. What stood out the most was the attention to detail in these bling car accessories. The design was modern and eye-catching, adding a touch of elegance and glamour to my car's interior. However, I did notice that they might be a bit too attention-grabbing for some, as they can be a bit of a distraction while driving. Nevertheless, they definitely made me feel like a VIP every time I hopped into my car. Overall, I am definitely a fan of Yidexin's bling car accessories. They add a touch of luxury and personality to any car, while also being easy to install and maintain. The only con that I noticed is that they can be a bit flashy for some people's taste, but that just comes down to personal preference. đCar Interior Decoration: Rhinestone Rearview Mirrorhttps://preview.redd.it/pio7wer2tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=821a161a755b7f7495242b822a0ead012f5fd3e1 I recently tried a Guoord Car Accessories rearview mirror, and let me tell you, it's the perfect addition to any female driver's car interior. The rhinestone design adds a touch of bling, making my car look stylish and unique. One of the best things about this rearview mirror is its universal fit. It's a breeze to install and can easily be adjusted to fit most car types. The rhinestones are made of top-notch crystal silver and are meticulously hand-inlaid, ensuring lasting beauty and durability. However, I noticed that it only works with original mirrors that are no longer than 10 inches. Although it isn't a deal-breaker, it's worth mentioning because it might not be compatible with all vehicles. Overall, the Guoord car accessories for women are a fantastic way to add a dash of style to your car's interior. With its cute design and practical features, this rhinestone rearview mirror is a great choice for women who want to turn heads on the road. đDisco Ball Sets: Bright Reflective Car Mirror Decorhttps://preview.redd.it/3lfe92z2tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=779fa2c85619b308b0800f2a1dbc92accc97694a Imagine driving down the highway late at night, with your car bedecked in shiny disco balls, illuminating the dark. That's the kind of experience these mini disco ball ornaments delivered. The set comes in diverse sizes, from 1'' to 2.4'', allowing you to add a touch of sparkle and whimsy to any space. Hanging these disco balls was effortless due to their attached lanyards. They can be hung on ceilings, walls, or with a slight twist, even on the tree during Christmas. I appreciate the versatility they bring to my home decor. However, I found that the strings for the larger balls were a bit too long and hard to conceal. It's also important to note that these products are not customizable and they don't come with any scent. But overall, the joy and fun these mini disco balls bring more than make up for these minor drawbacks. đElegant Car Rearview Mirror Bling Hanging Decorationhttps://preview.redd.it/9spf8jd3tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=36eba5326d621a0a144d05c054050e08926c76c8 I recently came across this delightful Yidexin Bling Car Mirror Accessories and it instantly caught my attention with its unique and fun design. The product was a great addition to my car, adding a touch of elegance and personality. The pink plush ball and crystal heart bling caught everyone's eye, and the hanging mount made it easy for me to install it on my rearview mirror. However, while I loved the overall design, I did notice that the product was not customizable, which would have been a nice addition. Nevertheless, the combination of the plush balls, bling, and rhinestones made it a truly eye-catching and stylish accessory. Overall, I'd highly recommend this bling car mirror accessory for anyone looking to add a touch of personalization and flair to their vehicle. đEdilado Soot Sprites Car Rearview Mirror Accessories: Fun Decor for Adults and Kidshttps://preview.redd.it/t2ns9ot3tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=121e5d019e7ba3135752e38c4cd5ee1361e982f1 As a reviewer, I was excited to try out these cute soot sprite car rearview mirror accessories. The package came with 20 adorable tiny figures, each one bringing a unique touch of fun to my car interior. The high-quality resin material made them feel safe and sturdy, while their small size made them perfect for decorating various surfaces in my car. While these adorable car decorations definitely boosted the overall fun factor in my car, I found that they weren't as versatile as the product description suggested. Despite the promise of using them as home decor, garden ornaments, and even table ornaments, I found that most of these decorations were better suited for cars. Nevertheless, I think these would make a great gift for car and interior enthusiasts who appreciate whimsical and playful touches in their daily lives. Just remember that while they can transform your car into a magical wonderland, their versatility may be somewhat limited. đBling Car Cross Mirror Rearview Decorationhttps://preview.redd.it/z6ieyt54tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f9bd7148c85cf68263cb642ebdf80a7871596b18 I recently tried the PAGOW Bling Car Accessories for my car, and I was really impressed with how it elevated the overall look of my vehicle. The rhinestone-inlaid cross on this hanging charm is polished beautifully and glimmers in the sun, adding an air of sophistication to my car. One thing I noticed is that it comes in a perfect size, not so big that it blocks the view while driving but not so small that it gets lost among other interior features. It's perfect for enhancing the atmosphere inside the car. This car decoration is incredibly versatile, it's suitable for both men and women, and can be gifted during special occasions like Valentine's Day or Christmas. Not only can it be used as a car accessory but also as a hanging charm for your bedroom or office window. It really adds a touch of elegance to any space. đCar Mirror Decoration with Chakra Ornamenthttps://preview.redd.it/dali7og4tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b7e90049ca3d766cd7e1a76a74ea19b88f04d98d I've had the chance to use the Kindoodos Mini Dream Catcher Car Rearview Mirror Accessories Suncatcher in my daily life, and it has been quite an experience. This little mirror accessory adds a unique touch of spirituality and positivity to my car. With the shiny red, orange, and green chakra beads, it emanates a bright and vibrant energy whenever sunlight passes through. What I appreciated the most about this product is its mini size. It's small, lightweight, and unintrusive, yet it brings a lovely burst of color to my car's interior. It's not only a functional accessory but also a statement piece that brings a sense of peace and tranquility to my everyday commute. However, I must mention that the mini size comes with a minor inconvenience as well - it can be a bit challenging to see the car's rearview mirrors clearly through it. This isn't a deal-breaker, but it is something to consider when using the Kindoodos Mini Dream Catcher Car Rearview Mirror Accessories Suncatcher. Overall, I would say that this product adds a touch of spirituality and positivity to my daily life. Its mini size makes it easy to use, and its vibrant colors bring a sense of peace to my car. Despite the minor inconvenience of the small size obstructing my rearview mirror, I would still recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable and unique car accessory. đUnique Handmade Himalayan Salt Car Mirror Decorationhttps://preview.redd.it/co6jr4y4tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=048ca36aaf74766d68211a365f96ee0286b5cc97 I recently tried the Persofine Handmade Himalayan Salt Car Rearview Mirror Pendant, and it's a unique and refreshing addition to my car. The handmade natural pendant is simple yet eye-catching, giving my car a personalized touch. Since it's made from natural Himalayan salt, each pendant has a unique shape and color. One feature I appreciated is the adjustable rope that can be wound a few more turns for a more comfortable fit on my rearview mirror. However, I found that the pendant itself is quite heavy, which sometimes makes it difficult to keep balanced on the mirror. But overall, the Persofine Car Rearview Mirror Pendant adds a touch of personality to my daily commute. Buyer's GuideCar mirror decor is a great way to personalize your vehicle and showcase your unique style. These decorative items not only enhance the appearance of your car but also provide additional functionality. Before making a purchase, it's essential to consider various factors to ensure you choose the best car mirror decor for your needs.Material and Designhttps://preview.redd.it/8ua77v85tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1cafdafcfea3f839dc2345668f4dd6bca5b024f3 Car mirror decor can be made from various materials such as acrylic, glass, or even metal. Each material has its own pros and cons, so it's essential to choose one that suits your preference and budget. Compatibility with Car MirrorChoosing car mirror decor that fits your car's mirror is crucial. Measure the dimensions of your existing mirror, and look for decorative items that match those dimensions. This will ensure a perfect fit and provide a seamless appearance.FunctionalityWhile the primary purpose of car mirror decor is aesthetic, it's still essential to consider functional aspects. Look for mirrors with distortion-free images and clear visibility, especially if they will be used for driving purposes. https://preview.redd.it/se7rdew5tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=763b907d402e09b01505fe13fc127dd96cd9417a Style and ThemesCar mirror decor comes in various styles and themes, from simple and elegant to bold and colorful. Consider the overall appearance of your car and choose decor that complements the existing style or enhances it.Durability and MaintenanceCar mirror decor should be able to withstand everyday wear and tear. Look for items made from shatter-resistant materials and those that are easy to clean and maintain.Price and Budgethttps://preview.redd.it/icumomc6tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0011e3b2071c07706dbc1550321aca3e0a64431f Car mirror decor can range in price depending on the material, style, and brand. Set a budget for yourself and look for items that offer the best value for your money. Online Reviews and Customer FeedbackBefore making a purchase, it's essential to read online reviews and customer feedback. This will help you get an idea of the product's quality, durability, and performance.Car mirror decor can be a fun and stylish addition to your vehicle. By considering factors such as material, functionality, compatibility, style, and budget, you can make an informed decision and select the best car mirror decor for your needs. FAQhttps://preview.redd.it/24q37bq6tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=58b14f399491b675c68df058ccd344ddfe7e1469 Why should I use car mirror decor?Car mirror decor can add a touch of personal style and uniqueness to your vehicle. It can also serve as a functional item for better visibility when reversing or parking.What are the benefits of using car mirror decor?
What types of car mirror decor are available?There are several types of car mirror decor available, including:
What materials are used to make car mirror decor?Car mirror decor is typically made from materials such as glass, plastic, and metal. Some decorative mirror covers are made from materials like acrylic or Plexiglas, which can provide a durable and long-lasting option.How do I install car mirror decor?The installation process for car mirror decor varies depending on the type of decor and the location being installed. Some products come with installation kits, while others may require using adhesive or suction cups. Read the product instructions carefully before installing.Are car mirror decor items generally safe to use?When properly installed, car mirror decor items can be safe to use. However, if not secured properly, they may become loose or detach, which could become a distraction or a safety hazard while driving.How can I choose the right car mirror decor for my vehicle?Consider factors such as the style of your car, your personal preferences, and the type of mirror you wish to decorate. Measure the dimensions of your mirrors before purchasing to ensure a proper fit, and review customer feedback for any recommendations or concerns.As an Amazon⢠Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.19 08:16 AdamLuyan 2 Revelation
 | 2 Revelationďź2.0 Prefaceďź2.1 Peach Flower Catastrophe 1ďź2.2 Vision Test before Revelationďź2.3 Peach Flower Catastrophe 2ďź2.4 Explanation of Peach Flower Catastropheďź2.5 Peach Flower Catastrophe 3ďź2.6 Troupe Leader Liuďź2.7 Peach Flower Catastrophe 4ďź2.8 Revelationďź2.9 Dad and Troupe Leader Liu submitted by AdamLuyan to LifeTree [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/5g14e58trb1d1.jpg?width=1500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1942a4f5309709019e8c25d309d5f518ec98875a One day in September 1972, Fenglong Cui (Uncle Dragon) from the back street of our house came to our home as a guest. I was happy to hear that he worked at Fushun, near to Shenyang. Mom angrily explained to him: "Last year, Baiyang (my father) led home a fortune-teller, who said our Luyan is a monk fate, so Baiyang engaged him to that manâs daughter. Their family is in Shenyang, so Luyan was happy to hear that you live close to them." Uncle Dragon said, "Ah! It is so, but I see that Luyan, and I are destined to be together!" Saying this, he walked into me, took off his hat, and pointing to his head, said to me: "Look! You resemble me! I'm bald, you're bald, and my name is Big Baldy!" He turned to mom and said, "From now on, we'll call him Second Baldy!" https://preview.redd.it/rlkzob3vrb1d1.jpg?width=268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1b39703b31d4130f4bf373598372e8c6b84cd74a Mom yelled, "His father's nickname is Third Baldy! Doesn't that mess up the generation! If you like, you can call him Second Baldy yourself. Big Brother-in-Law! Who do you think Luyan looks like? Like me or like his father?" Uncle Dragon: "Hmm! This I must take a good look at! I think he looks like big belly Maitreya (see illustration 2.0-1)!" Mom said in surprise, "You see him as a monk too!" Uncle Dragon busily explained, "I don't know how to tell fortunes! I'm just talking about his rich, chubby look and posture!" I asked, "Mom! What thing is a Buddha?" Mom replied, "Buddha is not a thing! Oops! Look at my mouth! I'd better let your Uncle Dragon explain it to you!" Uncle Dragon said, "Let me think of something to say. Buddha was born from a lotus flower." I asked, "What's a lotus flower?" Mom said, "He's never seen a lotus flower. Here, Mom will draw one for you!" I looked at it and said, "It's a peach flower!" Uncle Dragon said, "Peach flower is fine." Mom shouted, "How can peach flower work! Other people's Buddhas are born from lotus flowers, but my son's Buddha grows on a peach tree." Uncle Dragon argued, "He grew up and smoothed himself over; besides, there is indeed a saying that peach flowers can also give birth to Buddhas." Mom pondered for a while and said, "It seems that there are sayings about peach blossom Buddhas, peach wood wedges and peach wood swords. Let's not talk about monks. Luyan! Your Uncle Dragon was a soldier and knows a lot! Let him tell you a story!" I said, âUncle Dragon, tell me a story!â Uncle Dragon said, âGood! Then I'll tell you a story, âPeach Flower Catastropheâ. (Annotation, the story is about a Peach Flower Buddha.) 2.1 Peach Flower Catastrophe 1 Constant Fair is an orphan since childhood in Publican Liuâs pharmacy as a long laborer. He was not smart since he was a child, score of school was not that good, and always made mistakes when he grew up and learned how to do business. However, Publican Liu not only took good care of him in every aspect, but also always tolerated and harbored him, and did not hold him accountable for his faults. Constant Fair had never met Publican Liu since he was a child; he also often wanted to see him to salute and thank him in person, but it was always out of place, and was disrupted by some strange and unexpected arrangements. Constant Fair knows, Publican Liu is eccentric, often go out to travel, leisure time in the study of ancient books, do not like to see people. In addition, Constant Fair also knows that he is not good health, there is a kind of what, no one can say the strange disease. https://preview.redd.it/hkvjoelzrb1d1.jpg?width=600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=183a68c205f22b0c434cb202c2e2f17a48e39346 One day, Publican Liu commissioned a matchmaker to propose marriage to Constant Fair, to betroth his daughter, Peach Flower Girl, to him. He heard that Peach Flower Girl is intelligent, beautiful, and her medical skills are even more brilliant, to her matchmaking are more than to kick through the threshold, is not marriage. The matchmakers showed him articles written by Peach Flower Girl, told him what she had done, and created opportunities for him to meet her, so have a chance to see her in person. Constant Fair saw that Peach Flower Girl was beautiful; the articles she wrote were clearly organized, with wonderful words; the affairs she had done were all skillfully arranged. Constant Fair thought he was not worthy of her, so he refused. As a result, he heard later that the Peach Flower Girl was also unwilling and called him stupid. Some days later, again, Publican Liu asked the matchmaker to marry Peach Flower Girl to Constant Fair and tried to persuade him. Constant Fair finally said, "As long as Peach Flower Girl is willing, I am willing." As a result, Constant Fair heard that Peach Flower Girl was not willing again. After some time, Publican Liu asked the matchmaker to marry Constant Fair and Peach Flower Girl again, saying that, this time, Peach Flower Girl had already agreed. Constant Fair heard that Publican Liu and the matchmakers had been trying to persuade Peach Flower Girl to marry him, and that the father and daughter had quarrelled over the matter often recently. He thought to himself, "This is that Peach Flower Girl let me to delay for a few days so as to let her father have a rest and a few days of fun, and then it is me to reject it. Constant Fair then said to the matchmaker, âI'll think about it thenâ. After a few days, he told the matchmaker: âNo.â In this way, Publican Liu and the matchmakers used many ways to set up the marriage between Peach Flower Girl and Constant Fair, which was a long time coming, but just not possible. Time passed, Peach Flower Girl and Constant Fair both passed the age of normal marriage. ďź2ďźDeath with Eyes Open In one middle night, a matchmaker who had become friends with Constant Fair came running to tell him, âI don't know what's wrong! Old Publican Liu is acting like crazy! He said he would âdie with eyes openâ, until he sees you and Peach Flower Girl get married, and enter honeymoon house. He also secretly let people in the preparation of a small inner courtyard, to you and the Peach Flower Girl locked inside; not married to not let you two out. I thought, âWhat's going on here! I had to tell you!â I also found out that they know that you and I are friends and have sent someone to watch me, so I found a chance to sneak out. With that said, I must return, in case of that I am discovered.â https://preview.redd.it/gtaf7xh2sb1d1.jpg?width=1216&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cfdd24204119d192b0620215961d75a053a7440e Constant Fair was shocked when he heard this and thought, âThis can't be done! Then I ruin Peach Flower Girl for life! No! I must Leave!â That night, he escaped from Publican Liu's pharmacy. He didn't go back to his hometown because he was afraid that Publican Liu would send someone to catch him. Constant Fair lived a life of anonymity, wandering around. Of course, he also needed to make a living, and later he worked as a shopkeeper in a pharmacy. For the first few years, the business did quite well, and the business grew. Later, he realized that someone was working against him in business and went to resign with the proprietor. The proprietor said, "Now, our business is so big that we can fight with them! I trust you, and I don't blame you if you lose money." Constant Fair said, âI don't want to fight with them. To tell you the truth, I suspect those opponents are related to one of my former benefactorsâ. The proprietor understood the matter well and said: âIn that case! I cannot force you.â Constant Fair left the pharmacy and wandered to another place, where he found another job in a pharmacy. Something similar happened to the last job. He found out that there were against him in business, and still thought that those people were related to the former boss Publican Liu, so he voluntarily gave up the job again. In this way, Constant Fair changed job after job, always feeling that someone was struggling with him and unwilling to fight back against his opponents, but his bad reputation spread, and he couldn't find a job. So, he went back home. On his way to his old village, Constant Fair met a messenger. The messenger asked him, "Do you know Constant Fair from Fair Family Village?" He replied, âI am!â The messenger said, âThe people in your home asked me to tell you that your father passed away.â Constant Fair thought to himself, âI have been an orphan since I was a child, and replied, âYou are mistaken! I'm not the person you're looking for!â The messenger verified, âXXX County, YYY town, Fair Family Village, the name is Constant Fair!â Constant Fair replied immediately, âYes! It is me!â The messenger added, âThe news that the people in your hometown asked me to convey to you is that your father has passed away. I'm just a messenger, and the rest, I don't know!â At this, Constant Fair felt uncomfortable in his heart and sensed that something was wrong. When he arrived home, he inquired if there was anyone else in the village also name Constant Fair. He found out, in his county, only has one Fair Family Village, and in the past 40 years, only his name is Constant Fair in the Village. For several days in a row, he felt a tightness in his chest. ďź3ďźPeach Flower Fortune On this day, Constant Fair went to the marketplace for a walk. From a distance, he saw a group of people surrounding a fortune-teller. Constant Fair never believed in ghosts, gods, fortune-telling, and the like. But somehow! That day he stood at the back of the queue and wanted to listen. The fortune-teller saw Constant Fair immediately and said, âThe one at the end of the line is in a hurry! Let him come first! Those in front wait a while.â Constant Fair said, "I'm not in a hurry, I can wait." The fortune-teller said, "Come over here if you're told to!" Constant Fair walked up to the fortune-teller, and before he could say anything, the fortune-teller said, âCongratulation! You've got Peach Flower Fortune (Note 1)!â https://preview.redd.it/w7k1s6u4sb1d1.jpg?width=1352&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=88d8961681e9a1da794c9c17bc2d50ffe8f91833 Note 1, what is peach flower fortune? Equivalent to the Western world's "The Chosen One" (i.e., the Golden Boy, Adam), except that the peach flower fortune is expressed in terms of the woman's (Eve, Jade Girl) beauty, talent, rich, and power to express this concept. How did the fortune teller see it? The Chinese fortune-teller profession and the Chinese juristic teacher profession use the same set of books. The Golden Boy and Jade Girl (Figure 2.1-3; see 10.9 Godly Trinity) is the basic model in that book, and the Peach Flower Catastrophe is one of the main cases in that book. Constant Fair replied, âI don't know! I can still have Peach Flower Fortune!â The fortune teller asked, "In the past, when you worked for someone, was there a proprietor who treated you very well, but you never saw him?" Constant Fair replied, "Yes!" The fortune-teller said, âHe is dead, and with eyes glaringly open!â Constant Fair heard, feel the head "buzz" a moment, the sky spinning, earth gravity vanishing, organs are moving. When he calmed down, felt his chest clogged, as if pressing a stone, heard the crowd talking about really God's calculations, a look to know! No wonder that he was said to be in a hurry! Constant Fair turned around and started to walk home. The fortune-teller said: âWait, I haven't finished yet! I think you really don't know! When Peach Flower Fortune comes, no one can stop it, there's no other way. You can only obey the wish of that old proprietor of yours and go to his house quickly. Even if you must spend all your money to pay for the betrothal gift, you still must gain their favor, wed their daughter, and enter honeymoon house, before you can be relieved of this Peach Flower Catastrophe.â Constant Fair reached into his pocket and realized he had no money with him, so he said, "I'll go back to get the money and return it to you." The fortune-teller said, âNo need, I don't want your money.â Constant Fair felt strange and asked why he didn't want his money. The fortune-teller said, âTo tell the truth! Judging from your face, you won't live more than a hundred days. It's unlucky to spend dead people's money!" Constant Fair said, "Thank you very much! I will definitely repay you when I have the chance in the future." The fortune-teller added, "Wait! On the way, you must drink more water; drinking water will renew your life. Also, you must keep walking; if you fall, you may never get up again!" Thanking again, Constant Fair went home, packed his bags, and went on his way that night. A few days later, Constant Fair felt his chest getting more and more clogged, his stomach gurgling, and problems with his stomach and intestinal motility; sores began to grow on his skin. Whenever he arrived at a place, he first looked for a well, drank his fill, then filled two jugs of water to carry with him, ate something and immediately rushed on. In this way Constant Fair traveled day and night, rushing to Liu's medicine farm. âŞď¸ Return to Catalog of Layanâs Memoirs |
2024.05.19 08:13 GuiltlessMaple Best Car Freshies
 | submitted by GuiltlessMaple to u/GuiltlessMaple [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/j93h5znxrb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=02f5c1a8e11547f467b6e31c6b72f1abbcdba148 Get ready to rev up your driving experience with our handpicked selection of Car Freshies! Our article delves into a variety of these stylish, odor-eliminating gadgets that'll turn your car into a veritable oasis of freshness. Whether you're aiming to combat lingering smells or just refresh your ride's interior, we've got you covered. Read on for the ultimate guide to finding the perfect Car Freshie to suit your needs. The Top 5 Best Car Freshies
ReviewsđUltra-Fresh Champagne & Soirees Car Air Freshenerhttps://preview.redd.it/cx266eyxrb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2c5675fb97c5d424f06fc01b7e899a81998e0d7e As I cruised down the highway with my windows down, the rich aroma of Champagne and Soirees wafted through my car, filling it with the scent of a lavish garden party. I had been using the Vilicci Car Air Freshener for a few weeks now, and it had truly transformed the atmosphere inside my vehicle. The fragrance is an intoxicating blend of fresh orange blossoms, exotic jasmine, earthy patchouli, and a hint of Turkish rose. This zesty, floral scent instantly transported me back to my last soiree, where laughter, champagne, and good company were in abundance. One of the standout features of this air freshener is its longevity. I usually replace my car's air freshener every month or so, but with this one, I feel confident that it will last much longer. Additionally, the compact size makes it easy to store and transfer between cars - perfect for those of us with more than one vehicle. On the downside, the scent may not be as potent for some people as it is for me. While I adore the subtle, fresh fragrance, others might prefer something more bold and powerful. However, this is a highly personal preference, and the overall quality of the product cannot be denied. In conclusion, if you're looking to add a touch of class and elegance to your car's interior, the Vilicci Car Air Freshener in Champagne and Soirees is definitely worth a try. Its luxurious scent and impressive longevity make it a worthwhile investment for any car owner seeking to enhance their driving experience. đSmiley Face 'I Didn't Plan on Getting Out of the Car' Car Air Freshener by Simply Southernhttps://preview.redd.it/ys94i8tyrb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=eeb4fda8c101c1e0ecc794f45c624e66821d1572 I never thought I'd be raving about an air freshener, but the Simply Southern 'I Didn't Plan on Getting Out of the Car' Smiley Air Freshener has completely changed my perspective on car fresheners. As a daily commuter, I had become accustomed to the not-so-pleasant odors that came with being stuck in traffic. However, since hanging this cheerful freshener in my car, those stale smells are now a thing of the past. The first thing that caught my attention was its whimsical design. With its cheerful smiley face and humorous text, it instantly added a touch of fun to my otherwise mundane commute. Plus, the fact that it's crafted by the renowned Simply Southern brand only added to its appeal. But what truly sets this air freshener apart from others is its incredible lasting power. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the aroma lingered for well over a month before needing a replacement, making it a cost-effective solution as well. Now, I'm not going to lie â there isn't a whole lot of variety when it comes to air fresheners. They all tend to do the same job, which is why I usually don't give them too much thought. However, this particular product has definitely made a lasting impression on me. The only minor drawback I can think of is that the fragrance might not be to everyone's liking. While I personally enjoy it, I can see how some people might find it too strong or overpowering. But overall, I couldn't be happier with my purchase and would highly recommend the Simply Southern Smiley Air Freshener to anyone looking for a fun and effective way to freshen up their car. đExotic Car Air Freshener by Viliccihttps://preview.redd.it/bjh1j35zrb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0472d0b9448ed6e07b5cd06ff8b9bed977e4cb0c You know how sometimes you just need a little something to make your daily drive feel a bit more special? Well, that's exactly what the Vilicci Liquid Fantasy Air Freshener did for me. This baby has a unique, sophisticated scent that really adds some flair to your car. One of the things that really stands out about this air freshener is its longevity. After a week of using it, my car still smells as fresh as it did when I first installed it. The best part? It's not just a simple fruity smell, but a complex blend of premium ingredients. It's kind of like how your favorite perfume or cologne has that perfect balance of notes - well, that's what this air freshener delivers. Now, one downside I have to mention is that once you activate it, you need to be careful not to touch it directly to your car's plastic surfaces. But other than that, this air freshener is a game-changer. Its high-quality blend and month-long longevity make it a must-have accessory for anyone who appreciates the little things that can make a big difference in their day-to-day life. đClip-On Vent Car Air Freshener with Aromatherapyhttps://preview.redd.it/3qmq58nzrb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ade279ea979541b664ee92b94ef31c19b08fd926 As a busy mom on-the-go, I'm always trying to keep my car smelling fresh despite the occasional spilled juice or forgotten snack. That's why I absolutely fell in love with the Refreshing Aromatherapy Clip-On Vent Air Freshener. Not only does it effectively eliminate any lingering odors in my car, but it also looks beautiful and adds a touch of elegance to my ride. One of the best features of this little gem is its adjustable scent control, which allows me to customize the aroma strength according to my preferences and the size of my car. And unlike traditional hanging air fresheners, it doesn't take up any valuable real estate on my rearview mirror, which is a major plus! Now, one slightly negative aspect that I've come across is the longevity of the scent. It doesn't last as long as I would like, so I find myself needing to replace it more frequently than I'd hoped. But honestly, the convenience and effectiveness it offers more than make up for it. So if you're tired of battling stubborn car odors, look no further than the Refreshing Aromatherapy Clip-On Vent Air Freshener. You won't be disappointed! đDIY Unscented Aroma Beads Car Air Freshener Supplyhttps://preview.redd.it/fc815ytzrb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=54c1cb22087ccbee2880dec5bacab8fdd6b0d342 I recently discovered MUBYOK's 3lb Premium Unscented Aroma Beads while searching for a solution to keep my car smelling fresh. As someone who spends a lot of time behind the wheel, I knew I needed something effective. To my delight, these beads did not disappoint. MUBYOK's Aroma Beads are made from high-quality Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer, which not only guarantees great performance but also ensures that they're safe for the environment. Their ability to hold up to 30% of their weight in fragrance oil is impressive, meaning they last long and are cost-effective. I was thrilled to find how versatile these beads are. Not only can they be used in a DIY car freshener, but I also discovered that by placing them in a sachet bag, they can freshen up closets, offices, and other spaces in my home. Plus, they make great DIY gift options for friends and family. While there's no denying the effectiveness of MUBYOK's Aroma Beads, one downside might be finding a suitable fragrance to enhance their effectiveness. However, with a little creativity and some research, this drawback can be easily overcome. Overall, I'm really glad I stumbled upon MUBYOK's 3lb Premium Unscented Aroma Beads. They've not only kept my car smelling fresh, but have also turned out to be a useful addition to my home. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a cost-effective, long-lasting solution to maintaining a pleasant scent. Buyer's GuideFreshen up your car's interior with the right car fresheners. Choose from various types, scents, and designs to suit your taste and preferences.Important Featureshttps://preview.redd.it/zg5iaoc0sb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e780e52bd624d2bf6fc0d1cdaabb4c6175d7dfa1
Considerations
General AdviceTo find the perfect car freshener, consider your personal preferences and the needs of your passengers. Be sure to select a long-lasting, effective freshener that is easy to use and maintain. Additionally, avoid choosing overly strong scents that may be distracting or irritating while driving. https://preview.redd.it/kgaeqyq0sb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c62b725289731155904ff575c70cf20c20e8ee0a FAQ1. What are Car Freshies?Car Freshies are air fresheners designed to improve the scent of a car's interior. They come in various shapes, sizes, and fragrances to suit different preferences.2. How do Car Freshies work?https://preview.redd.it/3wi65781sb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9a500a67e14714e07cfa67f7970adbd5cbec8388 Car Freshies absorb odors and release a pleasant fragrance to mask unpleasant smells in your vehicle. They can be hung from the rearview mirror, placed on the dashboard, or attached to the air vents. 3. How long do Car Freshies last?The longevity of Car Freshies depends on the specific product, fragrance intensity, and frequency of use. Generally, they last between 30 days to several months.4. Are Car Freshies safe for the environment?Many Car Freshies are eco-friendly, containing natural fragrances and biodegradable materials. However, some may contain chemicals, so always check the product label for safety information. https://preview.redd.it/mdrgryy1sb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=70df3402ecd55e3764c04d01d08ece13c39d76a7 5. How many Car Freshies should be used in a car?One or two Car Freshies are usually sufficient to maintain a pleasant fragrance in most vehicles. Using more than three can create an overpowering scent that may be uncomfortable for passengers.6. Can Car Freshies be used in other places besides cars?Yes, Car Freshies can be used in other small spaces like closets, lockers, gym bags, or drawers to eliminate odors and keep items smelling fresh.7. Are Car Freshies suitable for allergy sufferers?While many Car Freshies are hypoallergenic, some individuals may still experience allergic reactions to certain fragrances or chemicals in the product. It is recommended to choose a fragrance-free or allergen-free option if you have allergies or sensitive skin.8. How should Car Freshies be properly disposed of?After the Car Freshie has lost its fragrance, it should be thrown away in the regular trash. Avoid flushing them down the toilet or throwing them into a recycling bin, as they may harm the environment or contaminate recycled materials.9. Can Car Freshies be used in conjunction with other air fresheners?Yes, you can use Car Freshies along with other air fresheners, such as sprays or diffusers, to enhance the freshness of your car's interior. However, be cautious not to create an overpowering scent that may be uncomfortable for passengers.10. How can I choose the best Car Freshie for my car?Consider factors like fragrance preference, eco-friendliness, and your car's size when selecting a Car Freshie. Reading reviews from other customers and checking product ratings can also help you make an informed decision.As an Amazon⢠Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.19 08:11 Fluid-Educator-7766 Toxic relationship, and I M26 wonder if itâs time to leave my Gf F25, if Iâm too sensitive, or if this is fixable?
Hi Reddit,
I canât believe Iâm writing this post, but this has been on my mind for the past few months and I really need some external input. I need help to figure out if Iâm in a toxic relationship, if thereâs something I can do to fix it, if Iâm over sensitive, or is it time for me to end this?
Context: I âM26â and my girlfriend âF25â have been together for 2.5 years, and known each other for 8 years. We both live in the U.S. but Iâm from Europe and sheâs from Central America, met in college. Issues started 2 years ago but when things are good sheâs amazing (funny/beautiful/caring/makes me feel unconditionally loved/etc) and I always thought the issues were friction we could iron out together. With time I have grown increasingly skeptical of that. This is my first relationship (longer than 3 months) so at the same time Iâm worried that maybe I am overly skeptical, that I only see my perspective and fail to see hers. I want to be fair to her, because I love her and care deeply for her as a person, I am just starting to resent the relationship.
History of issues: To me the issues are all centered in my girlfriends anxiety. Frequently, rather than being vulnerable, she projects her anxiety on me and accusing me of all kinds of things. I have both tried to shake off those moments, to recognize that this isnât her but her anxiety talking, but it still affects me deeply. Not only when it occurs, but when I am doing something and she seems fine I still worry that maybe I will do something wrong and she will snap and this moment will turn to a life or death situation. I have also obviously communicated my concern over this behavior repeatedly, and every time after she takes things too far she apologizes and takes ownership and we come up with a strategy to avoid the issue from repeating. This all sounds very healthy, I think, but the problem is that weâve had these issues and conversations 25+ times and here we still are. Some things have gotten better for sure but it still feels unbearable to me. Let me provide three examples to illustrate our issues (from my perspective).
Example 1 - 1.5 years ago My best friend and I were victims of attempted robbery from people affiliated with organized crime, the event went to court, and after the trial we wanted to get away from everything. My girlfriend and I had planned to go to a Caribbean island shortly after, so I invited my friend to come a week before my girlfriend and leave the day she arrived. We were both pretty shaken up and just wanted to talk things out and enjoy a tropical paradise. The first night my friend and I arrive (girlfriend still in the US) she starts texting fervently that my friend and I shouldnât see any of the sights so she and I can see them together for the first time. I get where sheâs coming from but this is also a challenging time for me and my best friend so I am not willing to completely sacrifice his week with me to appease my girlfriend. Things escalate and she demands my attention all the time. When my friend and I is out she is calling me 50+ times in a row, texting me that if I love her I would respond and that I am ruing hers and mine vacation and though Iâm trying to deescalate I donât see how to. I end up turning off my phone, although she begs me not to, but Iâm still in my head unable to enjoy the night. When I turn my phone back on next day thereâs a picture of herself with a cut (very shallow but still) saying I made her do this. This event is the low point of our relationship, and I told her if she ever hurts herself or threatens to hurt herself Iâm out, and to be fair to her she has not once since hurt herself. Nonetheless, the calls continue after this (50+ a day) and I spent 3-4h a day on the phone with her and neglecting the trip with my best friend. Damn writing this out really makes me ashamed for not standing my ground back then. Anyways, this really colored the trip with my childhood friend and I think I still resent myself and her for making that happen.
Example 2 - 0.5 years ago I visited a close childhood friend in South America for 2.5 weeks. Because of the events that transpired in example 1, my girlfriend was nervous for my trip. She expressed worry that she would act out in the same way as my last trip. I really appreciated this self-awareness. We therefore talked extensively about how to avoid issues. The first few days were alright, with her being anxious but being vulnerable about it and we managed well, calling once a day and texting 15-20 messages a day (more than Iâd want, but thatâs a compromise Iâm okay with). At this point I make a mistake, but her reactions to it is (in my head at least) not proportional. I told her I was going out with my friend and his friend that weekend, and she expressed that this would make her anxious that I would cheat on her. So I asked what can I do, and we decided Iâd send her a text once I left the pre-game, once I left the club, and call her once I got back to my friends place. A little bit much I thought, but I love her so a fair compromise for now. Unfortunately, I got caught up in the moment at the pre-game, and forgot to text my girlfriend. I realized as I was walking home from the club with 25+ missed calls and a bunch of emotional messages about how I forgot because I was around beautiful women and how I donât love her. Here I understand her pain. She was vulnerable, I agreed to a compromise and I didnât fulfill my end. 25+ calls is never productive but hey I had some blame here. The following day I call her for 1.5 hours apologizing and we talk things out, and it feels like though she is feeling anxious that she accepts my apology and we have now managed to resolve my mistake. The same night my friend and his friends are going to someone elseâs house for a BBQ (which I told my girlfriend about days before). An hour before we are about to leave my girlfriend starts telling me to talk to her on the phone, because I hurt her so bad and when I say I canât because we are 10 people having a beer before we head out she says she doesnât care and that I hurt her and now she âwants to make my life miserableâ. I tell her âhey I understand youâre upset but I never want to hear those words from the person I love. I know I hurt you but never intentionallyâ. She says she doesnât care and keeps calling me non-stop for 40 minutes and Iâm worried that if I donât pick up she will start to call my friend. I try to deescalate and beg her to take a step back and that she is pushing me away by doing this. The whole thing culminates by me getting out of the Uber towards the barbecue and telling my friends that I think my girlfriend and I are breaking up and I need to deal with it. I am crying as I say this and feel so damn embarrassed. Even writing it now I canât believe this actually happened. Damn. Anyways, as soon as I tell her that I am no longer going to the bbq and I left my friends car she becomes a different person (the person I love) and tells me she is so sorry and realize she took it too far and begs me to order an Uber to the BBQ. She says sheâll pay for it and begs me to go. At that point Iâm just so embarrassed at the whole thing and tell her something along the lines of âwhy the fuck did you push me this far then. I told you you are pushing me awayâ. I head home, and wonder how someone who loves me so much can intentionally cause me so much harm and I seriously begin to doubt if her and I will ever work. I tell her I donât think I want to be in the relationship, but that I recognize Iâm emotional so I need 7 days without contact to process my thoughts. I wonât block her, but if she reaches out I will. She does reach out (albeit with a nice message) but I still block her.
I probably should have left the relationship here, but damn I love her, we live together, and at this point she was depending on me for her visa to stay in the country. I donât want to rip all that apart from her. So I say I donât know if weâll ever feel okay, but Iâm willing to give this one last chance.
To her defense, she take a lot of new steps at this point. She tells her mom and sister everything that happened (including her trust issues and jealousy), she starts with anxiety medication and starts being more vulnerable with her therapist. I am still skeptical that things will actually be okay, but I recognize the effort she puts in and I really appreciate it. The frequency of our arguments decrease, and more disputes now end before they become arguments.
Example 3 - Yesterday My GF flew to Vegas with three of her girlfriends (I know two of them very well) and I know itâs a high risk trip for someone in a relationship but I honestly have complete trust in my GF. I decided to do a dinner with 3 of my friends (who my GF knows equally well, weâre all in a group chat together and do things regularly together) and they invited a 4th person who was part of our sports team (my girlfriend met her 2-3 times, just like me).
She texts me from Vegas asking whoâs coming to the dinner and once she finds out this 4th person is coming she asks nicely if we cannot be in someone elseâs apartment. When I say hey Iâm sorry but I already said we could be at my place she asks at least donât smoke weed together (my friends are stoners so 100% chance theyâll bring weed), and I say âIâm sorry but I wonât tell them not to and Iâll join In too if they bring it but you have nothing to worry about. I love you and Iâll call you as soon as they leave?â My girlfriend then goes into panic mode and calls me nonstop throughout dinner. I go to the bathroom and begs her to stop, tells her she is ruining this for me, and ask her to trust me. She still calls nonstop until they leave. I try to keep a brave face but again it really ruins the dinner for me.
At this point I have told her how actions like these makes me feel uneasy and prevents me from enjoying life. I told her I need her to trust me. I told her that I wonât have it anymore. And if anything the idea that she doesnât trust me around 3 people she knows well with a 4th stranger while sheâs at a pool party in bikini in Vegas just seems so hypocritical it makes me ever more frustrated.
In her defense: - Her dad cheated multiple times while she was growing up. I understand this makes it excruciatingly difficult to trust a partner. - She started seeing a therapist ~8 months ago. - She now takes medication for her anxiety. - She now has told her mom and sister about her trust issues for the first time in her life. - She began attending codependency meetings regularly. - She says she doesnât want me to limit my life just for me to communicate better what Iâm doing (I think itâs really possible that Iâm bad at communicating, because to me this request feels like it comes from a lack of trust).
She is putting in immense effort, but I just feel like I canât do this anymore. Even when things are good Iâm worried that sheâs going to explode and that prevents me from enjoying the good times too. I love her and sheâs amazing in many ways, but I donât like feeling responsible for her suffering. I know that by trying to end things sheâs going to suffer so much and sheâll beg me to give her another chance. I donât want to but in those moments I feel like sheâs the rational version of herself and that maybe sheâll never explode again. Can I solve my relationship with her? Is it time to leave? Is it fair to leave when she is putting in so much effort? How do I find the courage to go through with it?
Thanks so much in advance, and Iâm sorry for such a lengthy post.
TL;DR I think my relationship is toxic and I donât know if it is fixable, or if itâs time for me to end it? Is it fair to end it when my partner is putting so much effort into the relationship?
submitted by Fluid-Educator-7766 to relationship_advice [link] [comments]
I canât believe Iâm writing this post, but this has been on my mind for the past few months and I really need some external input. I need help to figure out if Iâm in a toxic relationship, if thereâs something I can do to fix it, if Iâm over sensitive, or is it time for me to end this?
Context: I âM26â and my girlfriend âF25â have been together for 2.5 years, and known each other for 8 years. We both live in the U.S. but Iâm from Europe and sheâs from Central America, met in college. Issues started 2 years ago but when things are good sheâs amazing (funny/beautiful/caring/makes me feel unconditionally loved/etc) and I always thought the issues were friction we could iron out together. With time I have grown increasingly skeptical of that. This is my first relationship (longer than 3 months) so at the same time Iâm worried that maybe I am overly skeptical, that I only see my perspective and fail to see hers. I want to be fair to her, because I love her and care deeply for her as a person, I am just starting to resent the relationship.
History of issues: To me the issues are all centered in my girlfriends anxiety. Frequently, rather than being vulnerable, she projects her anxiety on me and accusing me of all kinds of things. I have both tried to shake off those moments, to recognize that this isnât her but her anxiety talking, but it still affects me deeply. Not only when it occurs, but when I am doing something and she seems fine I still worry that maybe I will do something wrong and she will snap and this moment will turn to a life or death situation. I have also obviously communicated my concern over this behavior repeatedly, and every time after she takes things too far she apologizes and takes ownership and we come up with a strategy to avoid the issue from repeating. This all sounds very healthy, I think, but the problem is that weâve had these issues and conversations 25+ times and here we still are. Some things have gotten better for sure but it still feels unbearable to me. Let me provide three examples to illustrate our issues (from my perspective).
Example 1 - 1.5 years ago My best friend and I were victims of attempted robbery from people affiliated with organized crime, the event went to court, and after the trial we wanted to get away from everything. My girlfriend and I had planned to go to a Caribbean island shortly after, so I invited my friend to come a week before my girlfriend and leave the day she arrived. We were both pretty shaken up and just wanted to talk things out and enjoy a tropical paradise. The first night my friend and I arrive (girlfriend still in the US) she starts texting fervently that my friend and I shouldnât see any of the sights so she and I can see them together for the first time. I get where sheâs coming from but this is also a challenging time for me and my best friend so I am not willing to completely sacrifice his week with me to appease my girlfriend. Things escalate and she demands my attention all the time. When my friend and I is out she is calling me 50+ times in a row, texting me that if I love her I would respond and that I am ruing hers and mine vacation and though Iâm trying to deescalate I donât see how to. I end up turning off my phone, although she begs me not to, but Iâm still in my head unable to enjoy the night. When I turn my phone back on next day thereâs a picture of herself with a cut (very shallow but still) saying I made her do this. This event is the low point of our relationship, and I told her if she ever hurts herself or threatens to hurt herself Iâm out, and to be fair to her she has not once since hurt herself. Nonetheless, the calls continue after this (50+ a day) and I spent 3-4h a day on the phone with her and neglecting the trip with my best friend. Damn writing this out really makes me ashamed for not standing my ground back then. Anyways, this really colored the trip with my childhood friend and I think I still resent myself and her for making that happen.
Example 2 - 0.5 years ago I visited a close childhood friend in South America for 2.5 weeks. Because of the events that transpired in example 1, my girlfriend was nervous for my trip. She expressed worry that she would act out in the same way as my last trip. I really appreciated this self-awareness. We therefore talked extensively about how to avoid issues. The first few days were alright, with her being anxious but being vulnerable about it and we managed well, calling once a day and texting 15-20 messages a day (more than Iâd want, but thatâs a compromise Iâm okay with). At this point I make a mistake, but her reactions to it is (in my head at least) not proportional. I told her I was going out with my friend and his friend that weekend, and she expressed that this would make her anxious that I would cheat on her. So I asked what can I do, and we decided Iâd send her a text once I left the pre-game, once I left the club, and call her once I got back to my friends place. A little bit much I thought, but I love her so a fair compromise for now. Unfortunately, I got caught up in the moment at the pre-game, and forgot to text my girlfriend. I realized as I was walking home from the club with 25+ missed calls and a bunch of emotional messages about how I forgot because I was around beautiful women and how I donât love her. Here I understand her pain. She was vulnerable, I agreed to a compromise and I didnât fulfill my end. 25+ calls is never productive but hey I had some blame here. The following day I call her for 1.5 hours apologizing and we talk things out, and it feels like though she is feeling anxious that she accepts my apology and we have now managed to resolve my mistake. The same night my friend and his friends are going to someone elseâs house for a BBQ (which I told my girlfriend about days before). An hour before we are about to leave my girlfriend starts telling me to talk to her on the phone, because I hurt her so bad and when I say I canât because we are 10 people having a beer before we head out she says she doesnât care and that I hurt her and now she âwants to make my life miserableâ. I tell her âhey I understand youâre upset but I never want to hear those words from the person I love. I know I hurt you but never intentionallyâ. She says she doesnât care and keeps calling me non-stop for 40 minutes and Iâm worried that if I donât pick up she will start to call my friend. I try to deescalate and beg her to take a step back and that she is pushing me away by doing this. The whole thing culminates by me getting out of the Uber towards the barbecue and telling my friends that I think my girlfriend and I are breaking up and I need to deal with it. I am crying as I say this and feel so damn embarrassed. Even writing it now I canât believe this actually happened. Damn. Anyways, as soon as I tell her that I am no longer going to the bbq and I left my friends car she becomes a different person (the person I love) and tells me she is so sorry and realize she took it too far and begs me to order an Uber to the BBQ. She says sheâll pay for it and begs me to go. At that point Iâm just so embarrassed at the whole thing and tell her something along the lines of âwhy the fuck did you push me this far then. I told you you are pushing me awayâ. I head home, and wonder how someone who loves me so much can intentionally cause me so much harm and I seriously begin to doubt if her and I will ever work. I tell her I donât think I want to be in the relationship, but that I recognize Iâm emotional so I need 7 days without contact to process my thoughts. I wonât block her, but if she reaches out I will. She does reach out (albeit with a nice message) but I still block her.
I probably should have left the relationship here, but damn I love her, we live together, and at this point she was depending on me for her visa to stay in the country. I donât want to rip all that apart from her. So I say I donât know if weâll ever feel okay, but Iâm willing to give this one last chance.
To her defense, she take a lot of new steps at this point. She tells her mom and sister everything that happened (including her trust issues and jealousy), she starts with anxiety medication and starts being more vulnerable with her therapist. I am still skeptical that things will actually be okay, but I recognize the effort she puts in and I really appreciate it. The frequency of our arguments decrease, and more disputes now end before they become arguments.
Example 3 - Yesterday My GF flew to Vegas with three of her girlfriends (I know two of them very well) and I know itâs a high risk trip for someone in a relationship but I honestly have complete trust in my GF. I decided to do a dinner with 3 of my friends (who my GF knows equally well, weâre all in a group chat together and do things regularly together) and they invited a 4th person who was part of our sports team (my girlfriend met her 2-3 times, just like me).
She texts me from Vegas asking whoâs coming to the dinner and once she finds out this 4th person is coming she asks nicely if we cannot be in someone elseâs apartment. When I say hey Iâm sorry but I already said we could be at my place she asks at least donât smoke weed together (my friends are stoners so 100% chance theyâll bring weed), and I say âIâm sorry but I wonât tell them not to and Iâll join In too if they bring it but you have nothing to worry about. I love you and Iâll call you as soon as they leave?â My girlfriend then goes into panic mode and calls me nonstop throughout dinner. I go to the bathroom and begs her to stop, tells her she is ruining this for me, and ask her to trust me. She still calls nonstop until they leave. I try to keep a brave face but again it really ruins the dinner for me.
At this point I have told her how actions like these makes me feel uneasy and prevents me from enjoying life. I told her I need her to trust me. I told her that I wonât have it anymore. And if anything the idea that she doesnât trust me around 3 people she knows well with a 4th stranger while sheâs at a pool party in bikini in Vegas just seems so hypocritical it makes me ever more frustrated.
In her defense: - Her dad cheated multiple times while she was growing up. I understand this makes it excruciatingly difficult to trust a partner. - She started seeing a therapist ~8 months ago. - She now takes medication for her anxiety. - She now has told her mom and sister about her trust issues for the first time in her life. - She began attending codependency meetings regularly. - She says she doesnât want me to limit my life just for me to communicate better what Iâm doing (I think itâs really possible that Iâm bad at communicating, because to me this request feels like it comes from a lack of trust).
She is putting in immense effort, but I just feel like I canât do this anymore. Even when things are good Iâm worried that sheâs going to explode and that prevents me from enjoying the good times too. I love her and sheâs amazing in many ways, but I donât like feeling responsible for her suffering. I know that by trying to end things sheâs going to suffer so much and sheâll beg me to give her another chance. I donât want to but in those moments I feel like sheâs the rational version of herself and that maybe sheâll never explode again. Can I solve my relationship with her? Is it time to leave? Is it fair to leave when she is putting in so much effort? How do I find the courage to go through with it?
Thanks so much in advance, and Iâm sorry for such a lengthy post.
TL;DR I think my relationship is toxic and I donât know if it is fixable, or if itâs time for me to end it? Is it fair to end it when my partner is putting so much effort into the relationship?
2024.05.19 08:06 Mantis_Shrimp47 The monster in the sand dunes turned my brother into a bird
"You gotta know that there's an art to it, Ezra," Hitch said, cutting another piece of duct tape.
The sleeves of his weather-beaten coat were shoved all the way up his arms, to stop the fabric from falling over his knuckles while he was working, and goosebumps lined his skin. He was strapping a rubber chicken to the back of his truck, over the lens of the shattered backup camera, with the legs pointing down so that they hung a couple inches above the ground. There were dents in the hood from the crash last week, and scratches along the door from scraping into a curb. The chicken, hopefully, would keep him from breaking anything else.
"You can't go cheap," Hitch said. "The cheap rubber chickens only make noise when pressure lets go. That's no good. As soon as I back up into something, I want this chicken to be screaming like itâs in the depths of hell."
âSure thing,â I said in a monotone, leaning against the side of the truck.
There were scrambled electronic parts piled in the back of the truck, the innards of a radio, a broken computer, tangled wires, a couple loose pairs of earbuds. He found the parts in alleyways or bummed them off his friends for a couple bucks or stole them from the vacation homes that were left empty for most of the year. Then he sold them for a profit at the scrapyard. Hitch had bounced between minimum-wage jobs for a while after high school, spending a couple months as a bagger at the grocery store or as a seasonal worker at the farm two hours down the highway. He'd never stuck with it. At the very least, the scrapyard got him enough money to eat and occasionally spend a night in a motel when he got tired of sleeping in his car.
Hitch pressed the last piece of tape in place and grinned up at me. "I've got something for you, duck."
The nickname came from when Iâd broken my leg as a child and waddled around in a cast until it was healed. I hated it with a burning passion, and I glared at Hitch with the ease of twenty-one years of practice. He had a duck tattoo at the base of his thumb that heâd gotten in a back-alley shop as a teenager. He said that heâd gotten it to remind him of me, and the fact that I hated the nickname was just a bonus. It was shaky-lined, with an uneven face, but he loved it anyway.
The handle stuck when Hitch tried to open the door, a consequence of the rust collecting in the crevices of the car and running down the sides like blood from a cut. The car groaned when the door finally popped open, a metal against metal screech that had me flinching away. Hitch dug through the cluttered fast food containers in the passenger-side footwell, eventually coming up with a crinkly paper bag. He waved away the flies buzzing around the opening of the bag and held it out to me.
The last time Hitch had brought me food, Iâd gotten food poisoning because heâd left it out in the midday sun for two days. The donut was squished slightly, and the icing was stuck to the bag. I still ate it, grimacing at the harsh citrus flavor. Taking Hitchâs food was an instinct engraved from the days when Dad had given us a can of kidney beans for dinner and Hitch had drank the juice, leaving the beans for me.
I rarely went hungry anymore, three mostly square meals a day and granola in my pockets just in case, but habits didnât die easy.
These days, Hitch only brought me food when he wanted my help, like when he saw a place he wanted to hit but was worried about doing it alone.
I got in the car, like I always did.
We drove past the cluster of seafood-themed restaurants with chipped paint decks, the beachfront park where there were always shifty-eyed men sitting under the slide, the single room library where all the books had been water damaged in the flood last year. The change was quick as we drove across Main Street, heading closer to the beach. The roads were freshly paved, the concrete a smooth black except where the sun had already started to pick away at it. The three-story homes lining the sides of the street were crouched on elegant stilts, with space underneath for a car or three. Most of the garages were empty, with the lights off and curtains drawn in the house. Come summer, the streets would be swarming with tourists and vacationers, but until then, most of the buildings nearest to the beach were unoccupied.
Hitch stopped as the sun started to go down at a house that was leaning precariously out towards the beach, tilted ever so slightly, the edge of its foundation buried in the shifting sand of the beach. It certainly looked deserted, with an overgrown yard and blue paint peeling off the door in sheets.
Hitch took his hammer out of the backseat, hoisting it over his shoulder. It was two feet of solid metal with rags wrapped around the head to muffle the sound of the hits. Hitch squared up, bending his knees and holding the hammer like a baseball bat. Before he could swing, though, the door creaked open on its own, the hinges squeaking. The house beyond was dark enough that I could only make out general shapes, glimpsing the curve of a sofa to the left, what was maybe the shimmer of a chandelier on the other side.
Hitch lowered his hammer, looking vaguely disappointed that he didnât get to use it. âThatâsâŚweird as hell.â
âMaybe the deadbolt broke, maybe they forgot to lock it, it doesnât matter,â I hissed, checking our surroundings for other people again. âJust hurry up and get inside before someone calls the cops.â
Hitch flicked the lightswitch on the wall, and the lights flickered on. They were dim, buzzing audibly and blinking off occasionally. The walls were plastered with contrasting swatches of wallpaper and splattered with random colors. There was neon orange behind the dining table, a galaxy swirl in the kitchen, and on the ceiling there was a repeating floral pattern covered in nametag stickers. Each of the stickers was filled out with The Erlking. Chandeliers hung in every room, three or four for each, and rubber ducks sat on every table. A miniature carousel sat in the corner along with a towering model rocket.
Sand was heaped on every surface, at least a couple inches everywhere. It was piled in the corners and stuck to the walls, and it covered the floor in a thick blanket. Our hesitant steps into the house left footprints clearly outlined in the sand.
Hitch took a cursory look around and headed immediately for the TV mounted on the wall. âLook out the windows and tell me if anyone is coming.â
I shook the sand out of the blinds and pulled them open, then had to brush sand off of the window before I could see anything.
Hitch was quick, practiced at finding and appropriating the things that were worth taking. He came back to me with an armful of electronics and chandeliers, dumping it at my feet before turning to head deeper into the house again.
There was a thump, somewhere upstairs, and then footsteps, slow and deliberate. Hitch froze at the threshold of the room, then ran for the door with me just ahead of him, sand flying out from under our feet.
My hand was almost brushing the doorknob, close enough that I could see the light from the streetlamp outside streaming in through the cracks in the door. My fingers touched the wood and it gave under my touch, becoming malleable and warm. I yelped, stumbling backwards, and the door started to melt. The paint ran down in thick drops, pooling at the bottom of the door, and the wood warped like metal being welded. The soft edges of the door ran into the walls until there was no sign of an exit ever being there.
âWell, well, well,â said a cultured voice with just an edge of snooty elitism. âWhat do we have here?â
The man was well over eight feet tall, with long black hair covering his eyes. He was wearing a yellow raincoat with holes cut out of the hood to accommodate the deer antlers jutting upwards from his head. There was sand settled on his shoulders and hovering around his head like a halo.
âWho the fuck are you?â Hitch said, inching towards a window.
He smiled, just a little bit, and his teeth shone in the dim light. âI am the Erlking.â
Hitch nodded, and seemed about to respond. I grabbed him by the hand and pulled him towards the window. I could feel sand in the wind roaring against my back as the Erlking growled in anger, the grains scraping harshly against my cheeks.
We were almost to the window when Hitch was ripped away from me, and I came to a startled halt. The sand had formed long grasping arms that pressed Hitch against the floral wallpaper. His wrists were held tight, and as I watched, a sandy hand wrapped around his mouth and forced its way between his teeth. He gagged, and sand trickled out of the corners of his mouth.
The Erlking strolled towards him, not seeming to be in any sort of rush. âYou know, Iâm not very fond of your yapping.â
He made an idle gesture and the sand wrapped around my ankles, tethering me in place.
âI yap all the time,â Hitch said. âThree-time olympic yapper, thatâs me. Best to just let me go now and save yourself some trouble.â
The Erlking tapped a manicured nail against Hitchâs mouth, hard enough to hurt, judging by the way he flinched away. âBut why would I ever let you go when Iâve gone to this much trouble to catch you and your sister? Itâs so hard, these days, to find people that no one will miss.â
Hitch struggled against the sand, trying to escape and failing. âWhat do you want with us, then? You just said it, weâre nobody.â
âIâm fae, dear one,â the Erlking said. âI get my power from my followers. And I think that you two will make lovely additions to my flock.â
He flicked Hitch's nose and Hitch gasped. Feathers started to form on his arms, popping out from under his skin in a spray of blood.
Hitch pushed off the wall, using his bound hands as a fulcrum, and his knees crashed into the Erlkingâs stomach. The Erlking fell backwards, wheezing, and the sand around my ankles loosened.
Hitch made desperate eye contact with me as feathers shot up his neck and jerked his head towards the window. The message was obvious. Run.
The last thing I saw before crashing out the window and into freedom was Hitchâs body twisting, his arms wrenching into wings and feathers covering every inch of his skin. By the time I landed on the concrete outside, he was a small black bird, held tightly in the Erlkingâs hands. The whole building was sinking into the ground, burnished-gold sand piling up over top and streaming from the windows.
Thirty years later, I saw Samâs Supernatural Consultation and Neutralization written in neat, looping handwriting on a piece of paper taped to the door. The tape was peeling at the corners and the paper was yellowed with age, but there was obviously care put into the sign, in its perfectly centered text and looping floral designs drawn over the edges in gold marker.
I knocked, hesitantly, drawing my woolen coat closer around my shoulders. Iâd bought it as a fiftieth birthday gift for myself, and I took comfort in the heavy weight of it over my shoulders.
âComing!â someone called from within the depths of the office.
There were a couple crashes, and the sound of paper shuffling. Eventually, the door was opened by a young woman with ketchup stains on her shirt and pencils stuck through her hair.
âHi, Iâm Sam, I specialize in supernatural consultation and hunting, how may I help you today?â Sam said, customer-service pep in her voice. She stood in the doorway, solidly blocking entry into the office.
âMy name is Ezra, Iâm for a consultation. I emailed you but you didnât respond?â I shifted in place, suddenly feeling awkward.
âOh! Yeah, I lost the password for the email ages ago. Sorry for the bad welcome, I get lots of people thinking Iâm crazy or pulling a prank and harassing me.â
She ushered me into the office, clearing papers off one of the chairs to make room for me to sit down. There was a collection of swords along one wall, all of them polished to perfection, several with deep knicks in the metal which indicated that theyâd been used heavily.
âSo what can I help you with?â Sam asked again, more sincere this time.
âThirty years ago, my brother was turned into a bird,â I started. Iâd told this story so many times that it barely felt ridiculous to say anymore. I was used to the disbelieving looks, the careful pity. But Sam just nodded along, face open and welcoming.
âIâve almost given up on finding him, at this point,â I said. âBut I saw your ad in the newspaper, andâŚhere I am, I suppose.â
âHere you are,â Sam echoed, smiling. She pulled one of the pencils out of her hair and took a bit of paperwork off of one of her stacks, turning it over so that the blank side sat neatly in front of her. âTell me everything.â
I told Sam everything, and she wrote it all down, pencil scratching along the paper.
The last part of the story was always the hardest to tell. âI left him there. I ran and I didnât look back.â
I had been to dozens of detectives and investigators over the years, once the police had dropped Hitchâs case. Iâd been to professional offices with smartly-dressed secretaries and met scraggly men in coffee shops. All of them had given me the same look, pity and annoyance all mixed up into a humor-the-crazy-lady soup. Sam, though, just seemed thoughtful.
Sam leaned forward and put a hand over mine, carefully, like she thought that I would pull away. âSometimes you have to leave people behind.â
I tightened her hold on Samâs hand and drew it towards me, like I could make Sam listen if only I squeezed tight enough. âBut thatâs why Iâm here. I donât want to leave him behind.â
âOkay then. Iâll do my best to help you.â Sam agreed, finally. Then she paused, and said softly, âYou knowâŚI think I met your brother once. He might have saved my life. Heâs certainly why I started in this business.â
âReally? What happened?â I asked.
This is the story that Sam told me, related to the best of my abilities:
It was a new moon, so the only illumination came from the stars gazing idly down and distant porch lights shining across the scraggly brush of the dunes. Samâs neighbors were decent people who cared about baby turtles, so the lights were a low, unobtrusive red, and the ocean sloshed like blood. Sam walked on the beach almost every night, drawing back the gauzy pink curtains and clambering out her bedroom window. She didnât often bother to be quiet; her mama worked the late shift and came home exhausted. As long as Sam got home before the sun, her mama would never find out that she paced the shoreline and dreamed of inhaling sand until her lungs became their own beach.
The sky was lightening. The sun would come up soon, and that meant Samâs time on the beach was over. She needed to get back to her real life, go to her fifth grade class and stop that nonsense, as her mother would say. Her mother loved to say things like that, pushing Sam into her proper place by implication alone.
âSheâs a good kid, of course, but sheâs a bitâŚâ Her mother would trail off there, usually getting a commiserating expression from whoever she was talking to. Sam always wondered how that sentence would have finished. Sheâs a bit strange, maybe. Sheâs a bit intense. Sheâs a bit abrasive. Sheâs quiet enough but when Jason tried to steal her pencil in math class, she stabbed him in the hand so hard that the lead tattooed him.
Her mother was better, for the most part. The days of her stocking up the fridge, and leaving a post-it note on the counter, and leaving for days at a time were gone. But Sam still stepped around the place on the kitchen tile where her mother had collapsed and caved her head in, even though the bloodstains had been replaced with new tile.
âYour auntie got an abortion, you know,â her mother had said from her place on the couch, slurring her words. âPill in the mail and then bam, no more baby.â
She had clapped her hands together to illustrate her point. Her mother jerked forward and grabbed Sam by the wrist, then, staring up at her until Sam met her eyes.
âI love you, you know? But sometimes I wonderâŚâ She settled back onto the couch. âYeah. I wonder.â
Sheâd gotten up, then, back to the kitchen. Sheâd been stumbling, a shambling zombie of a woman. The ground in the entryway of the kitchen was raised, ever so slightly, and her mother went down hard. Her head cracked against the tile, chin first, and she didnât move.
Sam had been the one to call the ambulance. She had stared at the scattering of loose teeth on the ground while she waited, and considered what her life would be like with a dead mom. Not so bad, she thought, and immediately felt guilty for it.
Her mom was better, now, for the most part. But Sam still stepped around the place on the kitchen floor where she had collapsed. There was still a matchbox hidden under her bed with the gleaming shine of her motherâs lost teeth, two canines and a molar. It was nice, having a piece of her mom to keep. Even if she left again, Sam would still have part of her.
Sam sighed, and turned away from the ocean. As she faced towards the low dunes further up the beach, she saw a sandcastle sitting nestled among them. It was such a strange sight that her eyes skipped over it at first, almost automatically, disregarding it because it was so out of place.
Sam found sandcastles out on the beach sometimes, usually half-collapsed and on the verge of being washed away by the waves, but she had never seen anything like the sandcastle in front of her. It was life-sized, something that wouldnât have looked out of place in the Scottish highlands, with spires shooting up above her head and carefully etched out bricks lining each side. The front wall was dominated by an arched set of double doors, twice her height, with a portcullis nestled at the top, ready to be dropped. All of it was lovingly detailed, down to the rust on the tips of the towers and the wood grain of the door. It was made out of wet, densely-packed sand, held together impossibly. It had not been there two hours ago, when she had come to the beach.
There was a bird sitting on the overhang of the door, small and black.
As soon as she took a step towards the sandcastle, the bird shook out its feathers and swooped down towards Sam, landing at her feet with a little stumble.
âHey, kid, get out of here,â said the bird.
Sam closed her eyes, very deliberately. When she opened them, the bird was still there. Sam considered herself a very reasonable person, so she immediately drew the most logical conclusion. The bird was, she was almost certain, a demon.
âTrust me, you donât want to run into Mr. Salty, the queen bitch himself,â the bird said.
âMr. Salty?â Sam inquired, polite as she knew how to be. She edged to the side, trying to get a good angle to kick the bird like a soccer ball.
The bird did something similar to a wince, all its feathers fluffing up then settling back down. âAh, donât call him that. Heâd turn you into a toad.â
The bird gestured with its head, towards the looming sand structure. âThatâs his castle. Heâs in there, probably scuttling along the ceiling or some shit because thatâs the sort of weirdo he is.â
Sam nodded, encouraging. She pulled back her foot and lined up her shot, the way sheâd seen athletes do on TV. She aimed right for its sharp beak and let loose. The bird saw it coming, its beady eyes widening, and it cawed in distress. It flapped away, avoiding her kick only to fall backward into the sand in a scramble of wings.
âWhatâs your fucking problem?â it squawked. âI was trying to help you!â
âI donât need the help of a demon,â Sam yelled, trying to remember the exorcism that her mama had taught her once, because her mama believed in being prepared for anything.
âIâm not a demon,â the bird said indignantly.
It was at about that moment that Sam gave up and just decided to roll with it.
âWhat are you, then?â Sam asked.
The bird shuffled its clawed feet, looking about as awkward as it could, given that it didnât really have recognizable facial expressions. âTechnically Iâm a familiar of the Erlking, prince of the fae, but I prefer to be called Hitch.â
âYou canât blame me for assuming, though,â Sam said. âRavens do tend to be associated with murder.â
âHey, excuse you,â Hitch said. âIâm a rook, not a raven. Ravens are way bigger.â
âSure,â Sam said, not really paying attention. Her eyes had caught on the details of the sandcastle, and she was transfixed by the slow spirals of the sand, the strange beauty of it. She found herself stepping towards the great doors, lifting a hand to knock, and as she did, the sand warped in front of her eyes, heaving itself towards her with bulging slowness. The door creaked open before her, revealing a vast, empty room. Just before she stepped inside, she felt a piercing pain in her foot, and she yelped, leaping backwards.
Hitch pecked her again, really digging his beak in. âDonât be an idiot.â
Sam glared at him, rubbing her foot. About to retort, she finally really took in the room inside the sandcastle, and her words died in her throat.
There was a body just past the threshold of the door, face down and limbs hanging limp at its sides. Long hair splayed out in a halo around its head.
âDonât,â Hitch warned, suddenly serious. âJust leave, kid, I mean it. Iâve seen too many people go down this road and you donât want to be one of them.â
Sam ignored him. She made her way across the beach, slipping with every step. The sand felt deeper, piling up around her feet in silent drifts. She picked up the nearest stick and poked the body with it through the door, ready to leap back if anything went wrong, staying firmly outside of the sandcastle.
This close, Sam could tell that it used to be a woman. Her head wasnât attached to her body. It hadnât been a clean amputation, either. Her upper body was bruised, with chunks taken out of it, and the bones in her neck hung mangled, not connected to anything.
âWell, I warned you,â Hitch said, defeated. âI did warn you.â
Sam nudged the head with the end of the stick, nudging it over so that she could see the face. Her mother stared back at her, torn to pieces, breath still wheezing from her lungs. She wasnât blinking, just gazing forward with glazed eyes. Sweat dripped down from her hairline.
Sam screamed and dropped the stick, tripping over herself in her haste to get away.
Her motherâs eyes were wide and pleading, and she was mouthing desperate words at Sam. Her vocal cords were broken to bits, and the only sound that came out was a strained groan.
The head rolled, inching closer to Sam like a grotesque caterpillar.
Her mother gasped for air, torn lips fluttering. Finally, comprehensible words came out. âHelp. Help me, daughter.â
âThatâs not your mother,â Hitch said, quiet.
Sam knew that. Her mother was sleeping back at home, and anyways her mom had never asked for her help. She had an aversion to accepting charity, as she put it.
âOkay,â Sam said, shaking all over. âOkay.â
She backed away from the sandcastle, not looking away.
âFailure,â her mother hissed as she stepped away. âI never wanted a daughter like you.â
The sun came up over the horizon. The sandcastle, Hitch, and her mom all disintegrated into sand as the light hit them.
The beach, the next night, was almost exactly how I remembered it. The beams of our flashlights sent light bouncing across the dunes, illuminating the waves, and I imagined faces in the foam of the waves.
âIâve been back here a hundred times. Thereâs nothing left,â I said.
Sam took the car key out of her purse and pointed it at the sand, adjusting the sword slung over her shoulder in order to do it. The key had belonged to Hitch; Sam had requested an item of his, and it was the only thing I had left. She rested the key on the sand and drew a circle around it, inscribing symbols around the borders.
âWhat are you doing?â I asked.
Sam shrugged. âNot much, really. IâmâŚI guess you could say that Iâm knocking.â
The key laid inert on the sand for long enough that I was just about to give up and go home, admit to myself that Hitch was dead and that I was a fool to believe that Sam could actually help me. Then a building started to take shape, flickering in and out like it was struggling to get away. With a pop of displaced air, the sandcastle settled into existence.
Sam banged on the entryway. Nothing happened. She did it again, harder, and scowled when the door still didnât open.
âWe demand entrance, under your honor,â Sam yelled. There was a hard rush of wind, and I gripped Samâs arm to keep my balance, but the doors cracked open reluctantly.
The inside of the sandcastle consisted of one enormous hall, the roof arching up out of sight. Rafters crisscrossed from wall to wall, and a cobbled path led further into the building, but other than that, it was completely empty, except for the birds. There were thousands of them, perched on the rafters or hopping along the ground. They parted in front of Sam and I, and reformed behind us, leaving us in a small pocket of open space. They were all black-feathered, with sharp beaks and beady eyes.
The Erlking sat on a throne at the end of the hall, lounging across it with his feet up on the armrest. He watched them as they came forward, the soft caw of the birds the only sound.
âI am here to bargain for the life of my brother,â I said, with as much dignity as I could muster, before the Erlking could say anything.
The Erlking ignored her, tilting his head to look at Sam. âI remember you. I almost got you, once.â
Sam glared at him but didnât respond.
âYou want your brother,â The Erlking said to me, and he almost sounded amused. âThen go get him.â
As if by some sort of silent signal, every bird in the room took flight at once, and their cawing made me think of screams. I covered my head against the flapping of their wings, and my vision was quickly obscured by the chaotic movement of them. I found myself on my knees, just trying to escape them.
A hand met my shoulder. Sam urged me to my feet, and together we ran for the edge of the room, where the swarm was the thinnest. We pressed ourselves into the corner and the swarm spiraled tighter and tighter at the center of the room. It went on until there seemed to be no differentiation between the birds, all of them fused together into one creature.
When the chaos died down, the birds had become one mass, with wings and eyes and talons sticking out of its flesh, thrashing and chirping. Human body parts stuck out of it, bulging out from the feathers. It was hands, mostly, with a couple knees or staring eyes. The bird amalgamation had no recognizable facial features, but there was one long beak extending from the front of its head. Most of the body parts were concentrated around the beak, and they peeked out from where the beak connected with muscle, or grew from the tongue, nestled between the two crushing halves of the beak.
It turned its beak down and crawled forward, using the hands to balance. The fingers scrambled over the ground. I was afraid of centipedes as a child, and I felt that same crawling dread when it started moving.
âHoly shit,â Sam whispered, which was rather disappointing, because I had been hoping that at least one of us knew what to do.
The creature turned, a lurching movement that crushed some of the hands underneath it, and started heaving itself slowly towards our corner.
âBetter hurry up!â the Erlking called from his throne.
It was blocking the exit, by then. The shifting body of it had moved to block us off. It ambled towards us and I tried to sink further into the corner.
As it approached, getting close enough that I could smell the stink of it, I saw a flash of a tattoo on one of the hands. I leaned in, trying to find it again, like looking for dolphins surfacing in the ocean. And again, I caught a glimpse of a duck tattoo, the tattoo that Hitch had gotten on his hand as a teenager.
I ripped away from Samâs death grip and ran for the monster.
I fell to my knees in front of it, wincing as I impacted the ground, and reached into the nest of hands. I could feel them tearing at my forearms and ripping into me with their sharp nails, but I kept going. I pressed further in, up to my shoulder in a writhing mass of limbs, aiming for the spot where I had last seen that tattoo.
The hands were tugging at me, wrapping around my back and hair. They were pulling together, trying to draw me completely into the mass of them. I was aware of Sam at my side, anchoring me in place and bashing any hand that got too close with her sword or the sparks that leapt from her hands with muttered words. But I didnât think it would be enough. They were too strong, and there were too many of them.
I was up to my waist in the hands when something grabbed my palm. I felt the way it clung to me, and the calluses on its palm, and I knew that I had found my brother.
I flung herself back. The hands didnât want to let me go, and they fought the whole way, but slowly, I made progress. I kept hold of Hitchâs hand in mine the whole time, gripping it as hard as I could. I finally broke free, Hitch with me, and Sam was immediately charging the creature, able to use her sword with much greater strength without being worried about injuring Hitch. She swung it forward, and it sliced through the wrist of one of the hands. It fell without a sound, red sand flowing out of it. It deflated until it looked like dirty laundry, just a piece of limp flesh. The creature shrieked, scuttling away enough that the door was finally accessible. The three of us ran for it, Sam and I supporting Hitch between us.
I looked back as I left and found the Erlking staring right at me.
âInteresting,â he murmured, his voice carrying impossibly across the vast space between us.
The sandcastle collapsed behind us, the great walls falling in on themselves. We were out in the morning sun, the sandcastle disappearing as we watched. Hitch was on the ground in front of me, as young as heâd been thirty years ago, when he was captured. He started laughing, feathers puffing out of his mouth. He laughed until he cried and I hugged him in the way that heâd held me when I was young, in the times when my life had been defined by hunger and fear.
Hitch left, afterwards. He scratched at the pinhole scars covering his body, where feathers burst through his skin, and pulled his long sleeves down around his wrists. He didnât know where he was going but he told me that he needed time
I had spent thirty years worth of time without him. I wanted to grab my brother by the shoulders and beg him to stay. But he flinched when I hugged him goodbye and he refused to go near sand and he stared distrustfully at the birds chirping in the trees. Hitch needed to go away and I loved him too much to stop him.
I sat out on the beach every morning. I felt the sun on my face and I waited for Hitch to come home.
submitted by Mantis_Shrimp47 to nosleep [link] [comments]
The sleeves of his weather-beaten coat were shoved all the way up his arms, to stop the fabric from falling over his knuckles while he was working, and goosebumps lined his skin. He was strapping a rubber chicken to the back of his truck, over the lens of the shattered backup camera, with the legs pointing down so that they hung a couple inches above the ground. There were dents in the hood from the crash last week, and scratches along the door from scraping into a curb. The chicken, hopefully, would keep him from breaking anything else.
"You can't go cheap," Hitch said. "The cheap rubber chickens only make noise when pressure lets go. That's no good. As soon as I back up into something, I want this chicken to be screaming like itâs in the depths of hell."
âSure thing,â I said in a monotone, leaning against the side of the truck.
There were scrambled electronic parts piled in the back of the truck, the innards of a radio, a broken computer, tangled wires, a couple loose pairs of earbuds. He found the parts in alleyways or bummed them off his friends for a couple bucks or stole them from the vacation homes that were left empty for most of the year. Then he sold them for a profit at the scrapyard. Hitch had bounced between minimum-wage jobs for a while after high school, spending a couple months as a bagger at the grocery store or as a seasonal worker at the farm two hours down the highway. He'd never stuck with it. At the very least, the scrapyard got him enough money to eat and occasionally spend a night in a motel when he got tired of sleeping in his car.
Hitch pressed the last piece of tape in place and grinned up at me. "I've got something for you, duck."
The nickname came from when Iâd broken my leg as a child and waddled around in a cast until it was healed. I hated it with a burning passion, and I glared at Hitch with the ease of twenty-one years of practice. He had a duck tattoo at the base of his thumb that heâd gotten in a back-alley shop as a teenager. He said that heâd gotten it to remind him of me, and the fact that I hated the nickname was just a bonus. It was shaky-lined, with an uneven face, but he loved it anyway.
The handle stuck when Hitch tried to open the door, a consequence of the rust collecting in the crevices of the car and running down the sides like blood from a cut. The car groaned when the door finally popped open, a metal against metal screech that had me flinching away. Hitch dug through the cluttered fast food containers in the passenger-side footwell, eventually coming up with a crinkly paper bag. He waved away the flies buzzing around the opening of the bag and held it out to me.
The last time Hitch had brought me food, Iâd gotten food poisoning because heâd left it out in the midday sun for two days. The donut was squished slightly, and the icing was stuck to the bag. I still ate it, grimacing at the harsh citrus flavor. Taking Hitchâs food was an instinct engraved from the days when Dad had given us a can of kidney beans for dinner and Hitch had drank the juice, leaving the beans for me.
I rarely went hungry anymore, three mostly square meals a day and granola in my pockets just in case, but habits didnât die easy.
These days, Hitch only brought me food when he wanted my help, like when he saw a place he wanted to hit but was worried about doing it alone.
I got in the car, like I always did.
We drove past the cluster of seafood-themed restaurants with chipped paint decks, the beachfront park where there were always shifty-eyed men sitting under the slide, the single room library where all the books had been water damaged in the flood last year. The change was quick as we drove across Main Street, heading closer to the beach. The roads were freshly paved, the concrete a smooth black except where the sun had already started to pick away at it. The three-story homes lining the sides of the street were crouched on elegant stilts, with space underneath for a car or three. Most of the garages were empty, with the lights off and curtains drawn in the house. Come summer, the streets would be swarming with tourists and vacationers, but until then, most of the buildings nearest to the beach were unoccupied.
Hitch stopped as the sun started to go down at a house that was leaning precariously out towards the beach, tilted ever so slightly, the edge of its foundation buried in the shifting sand of the beach. It certainly looked deserted, with an overgrown yard and blue paint peeling off the door in sheets.
Hitch took his hammer out of the backseat, hoisting it over his shoulder. It was two feet of solid metal with rags wrapped around the head to muffle the sound of the hits. Hitch squared up, bending his knees and holding the hammer like a baseball bat. Before he could swing, though, the door creaked open on its own, the hinges squeaking. The house beyond was dark enough that I could only make out general shapes, glimpsing the curve of a sofa to the left, what was maybe the shimmer of a chandelier on the other side.
Hitch lowered his hammer, looking vaguely disappointed that he didnât get to use it. âThatâsâŚweird as hell.â
âMaybe the deadbolt broke, maybe they forgot to lock it, it doesnât matter,â I hissed, checking our surroundings for other people again. âJust hurry up and get inside before someone calls the cops.â
Hitch flicked the lightswitch on the wall, and the lights flickered on. They were dim, buzzing audibly and blinking off occasionally. The walls were plastered with contrasting swatches of wallpaper and splattered with random colors. There was neon orange behind the dining table, a galaxy swirl in the kitchen, and on the ceiling there was a repeating floral pattern covered in nametag stickers. Each of the stickers was filled out with The Erlking. Chandeliers hung in every room, three or four for each, and rubber ducks sat on every table. A miniature carousel sat in the corner along with a towering model rocket.
Sand was heaped on every surface, at least a couple inches everywhere. It was piled in the corners and stuck to the walls, and it covered the floor in a thick blanket. Our hesitant steps into the house left footprints clearly outlined in the sand.
Hitch took a cursory look around and headed immediately for the TV mounted on the wall. âLook out the windows and tell me if anyone is coming.â
I shook the sand out of the blinds and pulled them open, then had to brush sand off of the window before I could see anything.
Hitch was quick, practiced at finding and appropriating the things that were worth taking. He came back to me with an armful of electronics and chandeliers, dumping it at my feet before turning to head deeper into the house again.
There was a thump, somewhere upstairs, and then footsteps, slow and deliberate. Hitch froze at the threshold of the room, then ran for the door with me just ahead of him, sand flying out from under our feet.
My hand was almost brushing the doorknob, close enough that I could see the light from the streetlamp outside streaming in through the cracks in the door. My fingers touched the wood and it gave under my touch, becoming malleable and warm. I yelped, stumbling backwards, and the door started to melt. The paint ran down in thick drops, pooling at the bottom of the door, and the wood warped like metal being welded. The soft edges of the door ran into the walls until there was no sign of an exit ever being there.
âWell, well, well,â said a cultured voice with just an edge of snooty elitism. âWhat do we have here?â
The man was well over eight feet tall, with long black hair covering his eyes. He was wearing a yellow raincoat with holes cut out of the hood to accommodate the deer antlers jutting upwards from his head. There was sand settled on his shoulders and hovering around his head like a halo.
âWho the fuck are you?â Hitch said, inching towards a window.
He smiled, just a little bit, and his teeth shone in the dim light. âI am the Erlking.â
Hitch nodded, and seemed about to respond. I grabbed him by the hand and pulled him towards the window. I could feel sand in the wind roaring against my back as the Erlking growled in anger, the grains scraping harshly against my cheeks.
We were almost to the window when Hitch was ripped away from me, and I came to a startled halt. The sand had formed long grasping arms that pressed Hitch against the floral wallpaper. His wrists were held tight, and as I watched, a sandy hand wrapped around his mouth and forced its way between his teeth. He gagged, and sand trickled out of the corners of his mouth.
The Erlking strolled towards him, not seeming to be in any sort of rush. âYou know, Iâm not very fond of your yapping.â
He made an idle gesture and the sand wrapped around my ankles, tethering me in place.
âI yap all the time,â Hitch said. âThree-time olympic yapper, thatâs me. Best to just let me go now and save yourself some trouble.â
The Erlking tapped a manicured nail against Hitchâs mouth, hard enough to hurt, judging by the way he flinched away. âBut why would I ever let you go when Iâve gone to this much trouble to catch you and your sister? Itâs so hard, these days, to find people that no one will miss.â
Hitch struggled against the sand, trying to escape and failing. âWhat do you want with us, then? You just said it, weâre nobody.â
âIâm fae, dear one,â the Erlking said. âI get my power from my followers. And I think that you two will make lovely additions to my flock.â
He flicked Hitch's nose and Hitch gasped. Feathers started to form on his arms, popping out from under his skin in a spray of blood.
Hitch pushed off the wall, using his bound hands as a fulcrum, and his knees crashed into the Erlkingâs stomach. The Erlking fell backwards, wheezing, and the sand around my ankles loosened.
Hitch made desperate eye contact with me as feathers shot up his neck and jerked his head towards the window. The message was obvious. Run.
The last thing I saw before crashing out the window and into freedom was Hitchâs body twisting, his arms wrenching into wings and feathers covering every inch of his skin. By the time I landed on the concrete outside, he was a small black bird, held tightly in the Erlkingâs hands. The whole building was sinking into the ground, burnished-gold sand piling up over top and streaming from the windows.
Thirty years later, I saw Samâs Supernatural Consultation and Neutralization written in neat, looping handwriting on a piece of paper taped to the door. The tape was peeling at the corners and the paper was yellowed with age, but there was obviously care put into the sign, in its perfectly centered text and looping floral designs drawn over the edges in gold marker.
I knocked, hesitantly, drawing my woolen coat closer around my shoulders. Iâd bought it as a fiftieth birthday gift for myself, and I took comfort in the heavy weight of it over my shoulders.
âComing!â someone called from within the depths of the office.
There were a couple crashes, and the sound of paper shuffling. Eventually, the door was opened by a young woman with ketchup stains on her shirt and pencils stuck through her hair.
âHi, Iâm Sam, I specialize in supernatural consultation and hunting, how may I help you today?â Sam said, customer-service pep in her voice. She stood in the doorway, solidly blocking entry into the office.
âMy name is Ezra, Iâm for a consultation. I emailed you but you didnât respond?â I shifted in place, suddenly feeling awkward.
âOh! Yeah, I lost the password for the email ages ago. Sorry for the bad welcome, I get lots of people thinking Iâm crazy or pulling a prank and harassing me.â
She ushered me into the office, clearing papers off one of the chairs to make room for me to sit down. There was a collection of swords along one wall, all of them polished to perfection, several with deep knicks in the metal which indicated that theyâd been used heavily.
âSo what can I help you with?â Sam asked again, more sincere this time.
âThirty years ago, my brother was turned into a bird,â I started. Iâd told this story so many times that it barely felt ridiculous to say anymore. I was used to the disbelieving looks, the careful pity. But Sam just nodded along, face open and welcoming.
âIâve almost given up on finding him, at this point,â I said. âBut I saw your ad in the newspaper, andâŚhere I am, I suppose.â
âHere you are,â Sam echoed, smiling. She pulled one of the pencils out of her hair and took a bit of paperwork off of one of her stacks, turning it over so that the blank side sat neatly in front of her. âTell me everything.â
I told Sam everything, and she wrote it all down, pencil scratching along the paper.
The last part of the story was always the hardest to tell. âI left him there. I ran and I didnât look back.â
I had been to dozens of detectives and investigators over the years, once the police had dropped Hitchâs case. Iâd been to professional offices with smartly-dressed secretaries and met scraggly men in coffee shops. All of them had given me the same look, pity and annoyance all mixed up into a humor-the-crazy-lady soup. Sam, though, just seemed thoughtful.
Sam leaned forward and put a hand over mine, carefully, like she thought that I would pull away. âSometimes you have to leave people behind.â
I tightened her hold on Samâs hand and drew it towards me, like I could make Sam listen if only I squeezed tight enough. âBut thatâs why Iâm here. I donât want to leave him behind.â
âOkay then. Iâll do my best to help you.â Sam agreed, finally. Then she paused, and said softly, âYou knowâŚI think I met your brother once. He might have saved my life. Heâs certainly why I started in this business.â
âReally? What happened?â I asked.
This is the story that Sam told me, related to the best of my abilities:
It was a new moon, so the only illumination came from the stars gazing idly down and distant porch lights shining across the scraggly brush of the dunes. Samâs neighbors were decent people who cared about baby turtles, so the lights were a low, unobtrusive red, and the ocean sloshed like blood. Sam walked on the beach almost every night, drawing back the gauzy pink curtains and clambering out her bedroom window. She didnât often bother to be quiet; her mama worked the late shift and came home exhausted. As long as Sam got home before the sun, her mama would never find out that she paced the shoreline and dreamed of inhaling sand until her lungs became their own beach.
The sky was lightening. The sun would come up soon, and that meant Samâs time on the beach was over. She needed to get back to her real life, go to her fifth grade class and stop that nonsense, as her mother would say. Her mother loved to say things like that, pushing Sam into her proper place by implication alone.
âSheâs a good kid, of course, but sheâs a bitâŚâ Her mother would trail off there, usually getting a commiserating expression from whoever she was talking to. Sam always wondered how that sentence would have finished. Sheâs a bit strange, maybe. Sheâs a bit intense. Sheâs a bit abrasive. Sheâs quiet enough but when Jason tried to steal her pencil in math class, she stabbed him in the hand so hard that the lead tattooed him.
Her mother was better, for the most part. The days of her stocking up the fridge, and leaving a post-it note on the counter, and leaving for days at a time were gone. But Sam still stepped around the place on the kitchen tile where her mother had collapsed and caved her head in, even though the bloodstains had been replaced with new tile.
âYour auntie got an abortion, you know,â her mother had said from her place on the couch, slurring her words. âPill in the mail and then bam, no more baby.â
She had clapped her hands together to illustrate her point. Her mother jerked forward and grabbed Sam by the wrist, then, staring up at her until Sam met her eyes.
âI love you, you know? But sometimes I wonderâŚâ She settled back onto the couch. âYeah. I wonder.â
Sheâd gotten up, then, back to the kitchen. Sheâd been stumbling, a shambling zombie of a woman. The ground in the entryway of the kitchen was raised, ever so slightly, and her mother went down hard. Her head cracked against the tile, chin first, and she didnât move.
Sam had been the one to call the ambulance. She had stared at the scattering of loose teeth on the ground while she waited, and considered what her life would be like with a dead mom. Not so bad, she thought, and immediately felt guilty for it.
Her mom was better, now, for the most part. But Sam still stepped around the place on the kitchen floor where she had collapsed. There was still a matchbox hidden under her bed with the gleaming shine of her motherâs lost teeth, two canines and a molar. It was nice, having a piece of her mom to keep. Even if she left again, Sam would still have part of her.
Sam sighed, and turned away from the ocean. As she faced towards the low dunes further up the beach, she saw a sandcastle sitting nestled among them. It was such a strange sight that her eyes skipped over it at first, almost automatically, disregarding it because it was so out of place.
Sam found sandcastles out on the beach sometimes, usually half-collapsed and on the verge of being washed away by the waves, but she had never seen anything like the sandcastle in front of her. It was life-sized, something that wouldnât have looked out of place in the Scottish highlands, with spires shooting up above her head and carefully etched out bricks lining each side. The front wall was dominated by an arched set of double doors, twice her height, with a portcullis nestled at the top, ready to be dropped. All of it was lovingly detailed, down to the rust on the tips of the towers and the wood grain of the door. It was made out of wet, densely-packed sand, held together impossibly. It had not been there two hours ago, when she had come to the beach.
There was a bird sitting on the overhang of the door, small and black.
As soon as she took a step towards the sandcastle, the bird shook out its feathers and swooped down towards Sam, landing at her feet with a little stumble.
âHey, kid, get out of here,â said the bird.
Sam closed her eyes, very deliberately. When she opened them, the bird was still there. Sam considered herself a very reasonable person, so she immediately drew the most logical conclusion. The bird was, she was almost certain, a demon.
âTrust me, you donât want to run into Mr. Salty, the queen bitch himself,â the bird said.
âMr. Salty?â Sam inquired, polite as she knew how to be. She edged to the side, trying to get a good angle to kick the bird like a soccer ball.
The bird did something similar to a wince, all its feathers fluffing up then settling back down. âAh, donât call him that. Heâd turn you into a toad.â
The bird gestured with its head, towards the looming sand structure. âThatâs his castle. Heâs in there, probably scuttling along the ceiling or some shit because thatâs the sort of weirdo he is.â
Sam nodded, encouraging. She pulled back her foot and lined up her shot, the way sheâd seen athletes do on TV. She aimed right for its sharp beak and let loose. The bird saw it coming, its beady eyes widening, and it cawed in distress. It flapped away, avoiding her kick only to fall backward into the sand in a scramble of wings.
âWhatâs your fucking problem?â it squawked. âI was trying to help you!â
âI donât need the help of a demon,â Sam yelled, trying to remember the exorcism that her mama had taught her once, because her mama believed in being prepared for anything.
âIâm not a demon,â the bird said indignantly.
It was at about that moment that Sam gave up and just decided to roll with it.
âWhat are you, then?â Sam asked.
The bird shuffled its clawed feet, looking about as awkward as it could, given that it didnât really have recognizable facial expressions. âTechnically Iâm a familiar of the Erlking, prince of the fae, but I prefer to be called Hitch.â
âYou canât blame me for assuming, though,â Sam said. âRavens do tend to be associated with murder.â
âHey, excuse you,â Hitch said. âIâm a rook, not a raven. Ravens are way bigger.â
âSure,â Sam said, not really paying attention. Her eyes had caught on the details of the sandcastle, and she was transfixed by the slow spirals of the sand, the strange beauty of it. She found herself stepping towards the great doors, lifting a hand to knock, and as she did, the sand warped in front of her eyes, heaving itself towards her with bulging slowness. The door creaked open before her, revealing a vast, empty room. Just before she stepped inside, she felt a piercing pain in her foot, and she yelped, leaping backwards.
Hitch pecked her again, really digging his beak in. âDonât be an idiot.â
Sam glared at him, rubbing her foot. About to retort, she finally really took in the room inside the sandcastle, and her words died in her throat.
There was a body just past the threshold of the door, face down and limbs hanging limp at its sides. Long hair splayed out in a halo around its head.
âDonât,â Hitch warned, suddenly serious. âJust leave, kid, I mean it. Iâve seen too many people go down this road and you donât want to be one of them.â
Sam ignored him. She made her way across the beach, slipping with every step. The sand felt deeper, piling up around her feet in silent drifts. She picked up the nearest stick and poked the body with it through the door, ready to leap back if anything went wrong, staying firmly outside of the sandcastle.
This close, Sam could tell that it used to be a woman. Her head wasnât attached to her body. It hadnât been a clean amputation, either. Her upper body was bruised, with chunks taken out of it, and the bones in her neck hung mangled, not connected to anything.
âWell, I warned you,â Hitch said, defeated. âI did warn you.â
Sam nudged the head with the end of the stick, nudging it over so that she could see the face. Her mother stared back at her, torn to pieces, breath still wheezing from her lungs. She wasnât blinking, just gazing forward with glazed eyes. Sweat dripped down from her hairline.
Sam screamed and dropped the stick, tripping over herself in her haste to get away.
Her motherâs eyes were wide and pleading, and she was mouthing desperate words at Sam. Her vocal cords were broken to bits, and the only sound that came out was a strained groan.
The head rolled, inching closer to Sam like a grotesque caterpillar.
Her mother gasped for air, torn lips fluttering. Finally, comprehensible words came out. âHelp. Help me, daughter.â
âThatâs not your mother,â Hitch said, quiet.
Sam knew that. Her mother was sleeping back at home, and anyways her mom had never asked for her help. She had an aversion to accepting charity, as she put it.
âOkay,â Sam said, shaking all over. âOkay.â
She backed away from the sandcastle, not looking away.
âFailure,â her mother hissed as she stepped away. âI never wanted a daughter like you.â
The sun came up over the horizon. The sandcastle, Hitch, and her mom all disintegrated into sand as the light hit them.
The beach, the next night, was almost exactly how I remembered it. The beams of our flashlights sent light bouncing across the dunes, illuminating the waves, and I imagined faces in the foam of the waves.
âIâve been back here a hundred times. Thereâs nothing left,â I said.
Sam took the car key out of her purse and pointed it at the sand, adjusting the sword slung over her shoulder in order to do it. The key had belonged to Hitch; Sam had requested an item of his, and it was the only thing I had left. She rested the key on the sand and drew a circle around it, inscribing symbols around the borders.
âWhat are you doing?â I asked.
Sam shrugged. âNot much, really. IâmâŚI guess you could say that Iâm knocking.â
The key laid inert on the sand for long enough that I was just about to give up and go home, admit to myself that Hitch was dead and that I was a fool to believe that Sam could actually help me. Then a building started to take shape, flickering in and out like it was struggling to get away. With a pop of displaced air, the sandcastle settled into existence.
Sam banged on the entryway. Nothing happened. She did it again, harder, and scowled when the door still didnât open.
âWe demand entrance, under your honor,â Sam yelled. There was a hard rush of wind, and I gripped Samâs arm to keep my balance, but the doors cracked open reluctantly.
The inside of the sandcastle consisted of one enormous hall, the roof arching up out of sight. Rafters crisscrossed from wall to wall, and a cobbled path led further into the building, but other than that, it was completely empty, except for the birds. There were thousands of them, perched on the rafters or hopping along the ground. They parted in front of Sam and I, and reformed behind us, leaving us in a small pocket of open space. They were all black-feathered, with sharp beaks and beady eyes.
The Erlking sat on a throne at the end of the hall, lounging across it with his feet up on the armrest. He watched them as they came forward, the soft caw of the birds the only sound.
âI am here to bargain for the life of my brother,â I said, with as much dignity as I could muster, before the Erlking could say anything.
The Erlking ignored her, tilting his head to look at Sam. âI remember you. I almost got you, once.â
Sam glared at him but didnât respond.
âYou want your brother,â The Erlking said to me, and he almost sounded amused. âThen go get him.â
As if by some sort of silent signal, every bird in the room took flight at once, and their cawing made me think of screams. I covered my head against the flapping of their wings, and my vision was quickly obscured by the chaotic movement of them. I found myself on my knees, just trying to escape them.
A hand met my shoulder. Sam urged me to my feet, and together we ran for the edge of the room, where the swarm was the thinnest. We pressed ourselves into the corner and the swarm spiraled tighter and tighter at the center of the room. It went on until there seemed to be no differentiation between the birds, all of them fused together into one creature.
When the chaos died down, the birds had become one mass, with wings and eyes and talons sticking out of its flesh, thrashing and chirping. Human body parts stuck out of it, bulging out from the feathers. It was hands, mostly, with a couple knees or staring eyes. The bird amalgamation had no recognizable facial features, but there was one long beak extending from the front of its head. Most of the body parts were concentrated around the beak, and they peeked out from where the beak connected with muscle, or grew from the tongue, nestled between the two crushing halves of the beak.
It turned its beak down and crawled forward, using the hands to balance. The fingers scrambled over the ground. I was afraid of centipedes as a child, and I felt that same crawling dread when it started moving.
âHoly shit,â Sam whispered, which was rather disappointing, because I had been hoping that at least one of us knew what to do.
The creature turned, a lurching movement that crushed some of the hands underneath it, and started heaving itself slowly towards our corner.
âBetter hurry up!â the Erlking called from his throne.
It was blocking the exit, by then. The shifting body of it had moved to block us off. It ambled towards us and I tried to sink further into the corner.
As it approached, getting close enough that I could smell the stink of it, I saw a flash of a tattoo on one of the hands. I leaned in, trying to find it again, like looking for dolphins surfacing in the ocean. And again, I caught a glimpse of a duck tattoo, the tattoo that Hitch had gotten on his hand as a teenager.
I ripped away from Samâs death grip and ran for the monster.
I fell to my knees in front of it, wincing as I impacted the ground, and reached into the nest of hands. I could feel them tearing at my forearms and ripping into me with their sharp nails, but I kept going. I pressed further in, up to my shoulder in a writhing mass of limbs, aiming for the spot where I had last seen that tattoo.
The hands were tugging at me, wrapping around my back and hair. They were pulling together, trying to draw me completely into the mass of them. I was aware of Sam at my side, anchoring me in place and bashing any hand that got too close with her sword or the sparks that leapt from her hands with muttered words. But I didnât think it would be enough. They were too strong, and there were too many of them.
I was up to my waist in the hands when something grabbed my palm. I felt the way it clung to me, and the calluses on its palm, and I knew that I had found my brother.
I flung herself back. The hands didnât want to let me go, and they fought the whole way, but slowly, I made progress. I kept hold of Hitchâs hand in mine the whole time, gripping it as hard as I could. I finally broke free, Hitch with me, and Sam was immediately charging the creature, able to use her sword with much greater strength without being worried about injuring Hitch. She swung it forward, and it sliced through the wrist of one of the hands. It fell without a sound, red sand flowing out of it. It deflated until it looked like dirty laundry, just a piece of limp flesh. The creature shrieked, scuttling away enough that the door was finally accessible. The three of us ran for it, Sam and I supporting Hitch between us.
I looked back as I left and found the Erlking staring right at me.
âInteresting,â he murmured, his voice carrying impossibly across the vast space between us.
The sandcastle collapsed behind us, the great walls falling in on themselves. We were out in the morning sun, the sandcastle disappearing as we watched. Hitch was on the ground in front of me, as young as heâd been thirty years ago, when he was captured. He started laughing, feathers puffing out of his mouth. He laughed until he cried and I hugged him in the way that heâd held me when I was young, in the times when my life had been defined by hunger and fear.
Hitch left, afterwards. He scratched at the pinhole scars covering his body, where feathers burst through his skin, and pulled his long sleeves down around his wrists. He didnât know where he was going but he told me that he needed time
I had spent thirty years worth of time without him. I wanted to grab my brother by the shoulders and beg him to stay. But he flinched when I hugged him goodbye and he refused to go near sand and he stared distrustfully at the birds chirping in the trees. Hitch needed to go away and I loved him too much to stop him.
I sat out on the beach every morning. I felt the sun on my face and I waited for Hitch to come home.
2024.05.19 07:58 ConsequenceSure3063 Best Car Duster
 | submitted by ConsequenceSure3063 to u/ConsequenceSure3063 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/zv74mi7zob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=686d0ce11438839717e06186744f1fc2fc3218bb If you've ever struggled to keep your prized automobile clean and spotless, then you'll want to pay attention. In this article, we'll be diving into the world of car dusters, exploring the top options available on the market that could make your car-cleaning routine a breeze. From essential features to user-friendly designs, we'll help you find the perfect car duster for your needs. So, buckle up and get ready to witness what these innovative tools can do for your cherished vehicle. The Top 19 Best Car Duster
ReviewsđEffective Removable Microfiber Car Duster for Dust-Free Vehicleshttps://preview.redd.it/v99y3xszob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c1d6899d5f29b3704fdf12eb24a2bc77b2a9a193 The Speedway Car Duster is a true lifesaver for car enthusiasts. This duster is not only easy to use but also incredibly effective at eliminating dust from your vehicle. The microfiber material is soft and gentle on your car's finish, while the removable and washable feature ensures that your duster stays clean and dust-free. One of the standout features of the Speedway Car Duster is the metal tube handle. It provides a sturdy grip, making it easy to maneuver around your car, even in tight spaces. The purple color also adds a touch of elegance and style, making this duster a great addition to your car care routine. Using the Speedway Car Duster is a breeze - simply run it over your car's surface, and watch as the dust magically disappears. The microfiber material is designed to trap dust particles, providing a thorough clean. If you're tired of constantly wiping down your car to keep it dust-free, this duster might just be the solution you've been looking for. Overall, the Speedway Car Duster is a must-have for anyone who takes pride in their vehicle's appearance. With its sturdy construction, easy-to-use design, and effective dust-collecting capabilities, it's no wonder this duster has earned such high praise from its users. đRide Kings Car Duster: Soft Cotton Exterior Duster for Cars with a Telescopic Handlehttps://preview.redd.it/b5e5ur30pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0d6d404ce558b82b391753e035abb3422f3318b4 I've been using the Ride Kings Car Duster for a while now, and let me tell you, it's quite the handy little tool. Its telescopic rod is a game-changer for those of us with a tad less height, as it allows us to reach those high-up spots without stressing our backs. Plus, the rotating and locking mop head ensures versatility and flexibility for a quick dusting session. What really stands out is the paraffin wax-treated cotton strands that effectively remove dust and pollen without the need for water. Not only does it save water, but it's also gentle on all surfaces, making it a must-have for those who live in dusty environments like desert or coastal regions. The soft, natural, 100% cotton fibers don't scratch the finish, leaving behind no lint after use. Additionally, this duster comes with a portable storage cover, making it easy to tote around in your car trunk and pull off dust whenever you need to. The detachable brush pole head also ensures easy storage. Overall, it's a solid choice for car owners seeking a reliable, eco-friendly cleaning solution. đUltimate Car Duster Kit: Effortless Sparkle and Cleanlinesshttps://preview.redd.it/u01lkrj0pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fe653e64d697a10e12300af42f10a227500bbb42 I recently got my hands on the upra Ultimate Car Duster Kit, and I must say, this is the best car duster set I've ever used. Not only does it have a sturdy build that won't fall apart or unravel over time, but it also features a special design and tight joint that prevents snagging things on or in my car. One of the things that stood out to me the most was the set's large car duster with a minimum length of 22.8 inches and a maximum length of 32.6 inches. Along with the circular one measuring 11.8 inches in diameter and 4.33 inches in length, and a mini car air vent duster with a dimension of 6.3 inches, this kit has got me covered for all my car cleaning needs. The fine material applied, high-class microfiber, makes sure I leave no lint or wax behind â something I appreciate when I want my car to look as good as new both indoors and outdoors. With its powerful dust or dirt removing performance, this car duster has saved me a significant amount of time and money and works for all vehicle types, from trucks to SUVs and even motorcycles. Now, I must say, it does require some maintenance, but it's worth the investment considering how efficient and easy to operate it is. Upra really knows how to create a top-notch product, and their Ultimate Car Duster Kit is the perfect proof of that. đOriginal California Mini Car Duster for Dust Removalhttps://preview.redd.it/h92ft5v0pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5a4cb8a80f171815e9632d4879cc054c13c33338 The California Mini Duster has been a game-changer in my daily life. I've been using it for dusting both at home and in my car, and let me tell you, it's made a huge difference in the cleanliness of my interiors. One of the standout features of this product is the baked-in wax treatment. It's not just a cleaner, but also a protector for my vehicle's interior. I've noticed that after using the Mini Duster, the surfaces seem to have a nice shine, which is thanks to that special wax treatment. However, one downside I've found is that while it's great for dusting, it does tend to leave a bit of lint behind. Not a lot, but enough to notice. I've had to shake it out a few times, and I've even ended up using a small brush to get rid of the excess lint. The Mini Duster's compact size is another plus, making it perfect for on-the-go use. It fits in the palm of my hand and doesn't take up much space in my car, which is super handy. Using the Mini Duster has made me appreciate just how much dust I didn't realize was lying around. Now, I find myself using it all the time, and I can definitely say that it's been a great addition to my cleaning arsenal. đPremium Wood Handle Car Duster for Interior Cleaninghttps://preview.redd.it/e6dmph81pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=47dd9067635e084e04997530f3b041235bc39683 The Original California Car Duster Platinum Mini Dash Duster has been a game-changer in my life. The special paraffin wax-treated cotton strands make it super easy to lift dust off without leaving any marks behind. The attractive wood handle is not only visually appealing but also sturdy and comfortable to hold. While I enjoy using it for auto purposes, its versatility has proven to be beneficial in my home as well. However, I must mention a minor inconvenience - there was no vinyl storage bag included as mentioned. Nonetheless, it's a fantastic product worth considering for anyone seeking an effortless solution to dust removal. đSoft Microfiber Car Duster for Scratch-Free Cleaninghttps://preview.redd.it/3xqxzzr1pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3d2a15505c07230320c267200cbc587260dd0e52 As someone who's always on the lookout for a car duster that leaves no trace, I gave the bzczh Soft Microfiber Car Duster a try. I've been using it for a few weeks now, and I must say, it's been a game-changer. This duster is incredibly soft, making it perfect for gently removing dust from the exterior of your car without causing any damage. I'm impressed by how well it picks up even the tiniest particles, leaving my car's surface spotless. The extendable handle is really convenient, allowing me to reach those hard-to-reach spots without straining my back. And the best part? No pesky lint, pollen, or swirl marks to worry about. However, one downside I noticed is that the duster seems to lose some of its softness after a few washes. But it's not a deal-breaker, as the results are still noticeably better than what I've experienced with other dusters. In conclusion, the bzczh Soft Microfiber Car Duster definitely lives up to its name, providing a gentle yet effective solution for keeping your car's exterior dust-free. Despite the minor downside, its pros outweigh the cons, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a car duster that truly delivers. đProfessional Quality Car Duster for Spotless Interior Detailinghttps://preview.redd.it/xrvpc5w2pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c56e0bfc6dac8e4401ce53b05286d316aa6781ad I recently discovered the TAKAVU Interior Car Detail Duster and couldn't be happier with the result. As a car enthusiast, I've been searching for a dusting solution that not only leaves my vehicle looking incredible but also doesn't require constant maintenance. This car duster truly exceeded my expectations. Its electrostatic microfiber chenille is a game-changer, as it captures and locks away dust and debris without leaving traces of lint or residue behind. I appreciated how effortlessly it tackles various surfaces, from my car's interior to other items around the house. However, I did encounter a minor issue with the design. The duster occasionally needed some repositioning to ensure complete coverage, but it was a small price to pay for the overall results. Despite this minor inconvenience, I still highly recommend the TAKAVU Interior Car Detail Duster. Its ability to leave my car's interior spotless has saved me countless trips to the car wash, and it has become a staple in my detailing toolkit. Plus, it's an excellent gift for car lovers in your life! đCar Duster with Solid Wood Handle and Soft Dusting Fibershttps://preview.redd.it/47g98o13pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=91cc1649d89d43b5fdd3ffa27b1073a3ed4d7b9b I recently received the Classic Car Duster with a solid wood handle for my daily car maintenance. The long and narrow design of the duster allows me to easily access those tight and hard-to-reach areas, making it a fantastic tool for those who are particular about their car's appearance. One of the most significant features that stood out to me was the 3-inch long threads, which attract and lift dust from the vehicle's surface. I've noticed a marked improvement in the overall cleanliness and shine of my car thanks to this duster. However, it is essential to note that due to the 100% cotton construction, there may be some lint and wax residue during the initial use. But once this product breaks in, it becomes even softer and continues to perform exceptionally well for years to come. Frequent shaking before, during, and after use helps to prevent this issue. Lastly, I appreciate the durable storage cover included in the package, which ensures the duster remains in pristine condition when not in use. Overall, I highly recommend this Classic Car Duster for anyone looking to achieve that showroom finish every time. đExtendable Car Duster Set with Anti-Rust Stainless Steel Brushhttps://preview.redd.it/b58dzyl3pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9dd56b8fe8c26ca158b5c55eade2cf973ab96e3d Riding around in a dusty car is never fun, but with the Ride Kings Car Duster Set, it's become easier to keep your vehicle clean. This clever car duster set comes with an extendable handle, perfect for reaching areas like the roof, windshield, and hood of large vehicles. The ergonomic handle is soft and comfortable to grip, even during long cleaning sessions. One of the standout features of this car duster set is its dual-brush head. The large brush head covers a larger area and quickly removes dust, while the smaller brush is perfect for tackling those hard-to-reach spots. The set also comes with a stainless steel brush rod that's light yet strong, with a non-slip, soft foam handle for even more convenience. What's especially cool about this car duster set is its portability. The brush set can be carried in the trunk of your car for easy use during road trips. With its removable brush head, you can easily fold it and store it for optimal travel convenience. Not only is this car duster set functional, but it's also eco-friendly. Its paraffin-treated cotton thread can effectively remove dust and pollen without using water, making it ideal for those living in desert or coastal areas. One minor drawback is that the Ride Kings Car Duster Set is not suitable for wet use. But overall, with its retractable handle, flexible brush head, and gentle touch, this set is the perfect addition to any car care routine. đUniversal Car Duster with Extension and Rotation Featureshttps://preview.redd.it/egfr6fw3pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2fcae20c7622a79fa25057293f5f5285612ce2af A few weeks ago, I decided to try out the Triple Threat Extending and Rotating Truck and RV Duster from California Car Duster. As someone who's always on the go, I needed a versatile duster that could handle my busy lifestyle. I was curious to see if it could live up to the hype and clean my dusty SUV with ease. Right out of the box, I was impressed with the duster's aluminum handle. The extension feature made it simple to adjust the length, reaching high areas like the roof of my vehicle. The larger duster head was perfect for getting into tight spaces and hard-to-reach corners in my SUV and garage. However, I did notice a small issue with the rotating feature - it didn't spin as freely as I would have liked. And at times, the brush seemed to move dust around instead of lifting it efficiently. Still, I could see the wax-treated 100% cotton mop working its magic on lighter dust. The best part was the convenient storage bag that came with it. I could easily slip it in the back of my SUV when I needed to use it, and keeping the duster in a safe place ensured it would always be clean and ready to use when I needed it. Overall, the Triple Threat Extending and Rotating Truck and RV Duster from California Car Duster was a helpful addition to my car care routine. It made cleaning my SUV quicker and more efficient, and the extension feature and storage bag were thoughtful touches. While there were some minor drawbacks, I would still recommend this duster to anyone looking for an easy and effective way to keep their SUV or RV clean. đPremium Extra Large Car Duster with Marine Varnished Wood Handlehttps://preview.redd.it/7vfzu8n4pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a2ffc32844154f554b416cabe1cc4f99b7d84981 The OCM Premium Extra Large Car Duster has been a game-changer in my daily life. Its robust design, combined with its lightweight nature, makes it effortless to use. The marine varnished solid wood handle adds a touch of sophistication, while the duster's head is crafted from superb 100% cotton threads. These cotton threads are infused with a unique wax formula, which makes them gentle and perfect for cleaning delicate surfaces. However, it's essential to note that the duster may initially leave some lint and wax residue as you use it for the first few times. This is completely normal, and the residue will gradually diminish as the duster breaks in and gets softer. The duster boasts an extra-large head which significantly reduces cleaning time and ensures that your car or truck always has a shiny, showroom finish. Its durability is unmatched, and its storage cover, made of heavy gauge vinyl, ensures the duster head is protected while not in use. Overall, this OCM Premium Extra Large Car Duster is a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants a top-quality car detailing product that saves time and money. The duster's excellent performance, combined with its ease of use, makes it a no-brainer for professional detailers and enthusiasts alike. đEffortless Dash Duster for Clean Vehicle Interiorshttps://preview.redd.it/uh9kx1s4pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=366a3dadb0578453dd6a6e2be6d98ed6256b17c6 I've been using the California Duster for months now, and it's been a game-changer for keeping my car's interior clean and free of dust. The paraffin wax-treated cotton mop is perfect for its intended purpose, providing an effortless and gentle dust-lifting experience without damaging my car's surfaces. One of the most notable features of the California Duster is its clever design, with a rounded shape that makes reaching even the trickiest corners and tight spaces a breeze. Not only does this help keep my dashboard looking pristine, but it also works wonders on various household surfaces, from mini blinds and shutters to appliances. However, there is one downside to the California Duster: its relatively short length. I've found myself needing to contort my arm in some positions to reach certain areas, which can be a bit uncomfortable after a while. Overall, I'd definitely recommend the California Duster for anyone looking to keep their car or home interior in tip-top shape without causing any damage. It might be a bit short for some users, but it's a small price to pay for an effective and eco-friendly product. đUnique Ostrich Feather Duster for Car Cleaninghttps://preview.redd.it/rialep95pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fa7f3ce79a7489b4c69b7fa9dcb982c1b20cfbdf For the past couple of weeks, I've been using the Aldwin Ostrich Feather Duster as part of my daily house cleaning routine. Let me tell you, it's like having a little army of soft, fluffy soldiers fighting against dust and grime. Each feather feels like a million tiny cleaning superheroes, gently gliding through the air, tackling every smudge and speck in their path. One of the things I love about this duster is its eco-friendliness. The feathers are sourced from farmed ostrich, ensuring no harm is done to the environment or endangered species. And the fact that the feathers are washed, deodorized, deinsectized, and fumigated before use? That's just an extra bonus. The wooden handle is a great addition, providing a sturdy connection between the feathers and the handle. It's just one of those things that makes this duster feel solid and reliable in your hand. And speaking of handling, the ostrich feathers are static-free, which means they don't leave any annoying little particles on your clothes or furniture. The best part is that this duster is reusable and washable. You can simply wash it in warm water and let it dry, and it's as good as new. It's like having a little cleaning companion that you can take anywhere, from your home to your car. However, I will say that the duster does require a bit of care when it comes to storing it. Since the feathers are delicate, it's important to hang it or place it in a vase where it won't be crushed or bent. But all in all, it's a fantastic product that's made a significant difference in my cleaning routine. đOriginal California Car Duster for Interior Cleaninghttps://preview.redd.it/7tr6mno5pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e2b091037f1574d00a4e98943649b88792f51e3e I've been using the Original California Car Duster Black Mini Duster in my car for a few weeks now, and I must say, it's a game-changer. What stands out the most is its ability to lift dust from even the toughest to reach spots, both inside and out. The baked-on wax-treated cotton strands are soft yet effective, making the cleaning process effortless. One downside I've noticed is that it can be a bit bulky for smaller vehicles, but its compact size is perfect for most cars. I also appreciate that it's lightweight and easy to use. The mini duster comes with a convenient storage bag, making it a great addition to any vehicle owner's cleaning toolkit. All in all, the Original California Car Duster Black Mini Duster has made a positive impact on my daily life. It's easy to use, effective, and best of all, it's durable and doesn't require any maintenance or replacements. Highly recommended for anyone looking to keep their car clean and dust-free. Buyer's GuideWhen it comes to maintaining the cleanliness of your car's interior, a car duster is an essential tool. It helps remove dust, dirt, and debris from your car's surfaces without causing any scratches. However, with so many different car dusters on the market, it can be challenging to know which one is right for you. Here are some important features, considerations, and advice to help you make the best choice.Materialhttps://preview.redd.it/45261a48pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5bb60155d2d64389b39dcb6343228374d08ab0e0 The material of the car duster is crucial. It should be made of soft, non-abrasive, and durable material that won't damage your car's interior. Common materials include microfiber, cotton, and polyester. Microfiber is a popular choice because it's soft, gentle, and effective at picking up dirt and dust. However, it may be more expensive than other materials. Cotton and polyester are also good options, but they might not be as effective at picking up fine dust as microfiber. Size and ShapeThe size and shape of the car duster can impact its effectiveness and ease of use. Look for a duster with a head that's large enough to cover a significant area but not so large that it's difficult to maneuver. The shape should be designed to cover a wide range of surfaces, such as dashboard, console, and seats. Some car dusters come with different attachments for specific tasks, like cleaning vents or tight spaces.Handle LengthThe length of the handle can make a big difference in your comfort and reach. Consider the height of your car's interior and ensure the handle is long enough to reach all areas easily. If you have a low-slung car or need to clean high areas, look for a car duster with an adjustable handle. https://preview.redd.it/gir1a7p8pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=450b10e3b0ab25d5f7295d8d2bfe0eb150bf25fc MaintenanceA car duster should be easy to clean and maintain. Look for a duster with a removable and washable head to make cleaning simpler. Some car dusters also come with a storage bag or pouch to keep them organized when not in use.PricePrice is always an important factor when considering a product. Car dusters can range in price from budget options to high-end models. Consider how much you're willing to spend and what features are most important to you when deciding on a car duster. Remember that a higher price doesn't always guarantee better quality.Reader Reviews and Ratingshttps://preview.redd.it/4fxm55l9pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c50b823120cc07622f381f7e6eb282f1d0bf0791 Reading reviews and ratings from other buyers can help you make a more informed decision. Look for car dusters with high ratings and positive reviews. Pay attention to feedback on ease of use, durability, and effectiveness. When it comes to choosing the right car duster, it's essential to consider factors like material, size, shape, and maintenance. By doing your research and finding the best car duster for your needs, you'll be able to keep your car's interior clean and beautiful. FAQWhat is a Car Duster?A Car Duster is a tool commonly used by car enthusiasts and professionals to quickly and easily remove dust, dirt, and debris from cars. It is designed to avoid the scratches and swirls that can be caused by regular wiping or cleaning methods. https://preview.redd.it/3oqpq5t9pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=abefd10fcbf64ae101739735bd1ee0fc4103d462 How does a Car Duster work?A Car Duster typically consists of a soft, microfiber cloth that is loosely attached to a handle. When the user lightly runs the duster across the car's surface, the static electricity built up in the microfiber cloth attracts and picks up dust and dirt particles. This method helps to prevent scratching, as the cloth does not have to physically rub against the car's surface.What types of Car Dusters are available?There are several types of Car Dusters available in the market, such as: * Flat Car Dusters
Can a Car Duster be used on all car surfaces?Yes, a Car Duster can be used on most surfaces of a car, including exterior paint, windows, mirrors, and even the interior. However, it is crucial to avoid using it on delicate areas such as rubber trim or plastic parts that can get damaged by static. Always read the product instructions and test it on a small, inconspicuous area before use on any specific part of the car.How often should I use a Car Duster?The frequency of using a Car Duster depends on your personal preference and the level of dust and debris your car accumulates. However, it is generally recommended to clean your car regularly to prevent dirt buildup, protect the paint, and maintain its overall appearance. A weekly or bi-weekly maintenance routine can ensure your car stays clean and well-maintained.How do I clean and maintain my Car Duster?To clean your Car Duster, you can simply wipe it thoroughly with a damp cloth, or use a mild detergent and water solution if it's severely dirty. After cleaning, allow the duster to air dry completely to prevent any mold or mildew growth. To maintain the effectiveness of the duster, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prolong its lifespan.As an Amazon⢠Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.19 07:54 454ever how would you deal with overbearing parents as an adult child?
Long story short, I just got in a heated argument with my father over how he treats my 13 year old brother (more on that later). I am 21 years old and they still control a lot of my life. I am financially independent (technically, more on that later as well).
For some background. I was raised VERY religious. Those Christian moms you see on social media that was my father. I never went to prom (because godforbid I got out in the world). I went to a public high school but was still super sheltered. My life outside of school consisted of coming home and working on homework, the extra homework he assigned me, yelling because I never did "good enough," and church youth group (which I hated because I am not a Christian). I made good grades, mostly As, the occasional B, and one C (in chemistry, but I mean come on that shits hard). That was never good enough. Every single assignment I did he had to look at. Study guide for an exam. He had to look at it. Discussion board reply. You guessed it he looked at that too. I didn't get a phone until sophomore year of high school and when I did I got one of those shitty 80 dollar Samsung phones that you couldn't do shit on (and where he checked all my texts, notes, and emails). I was very sheltered. The extent of my fun was shooting the shit with my friends in the cafeteria at lunch and on the bus. I wasn't allowed to go to birthday parties or sleepovers or even go over to a friends house. He is raising my brother the same way, but way worse. If I am ever blessed with kids one day he has taught me what not to do.
Thankfully I am now in my third year of college. I picked a school he didn't want me to go to. Not because of money or anything he just said "you aren't going to a party school. There are too many idiots there you don't need to be around." I rebelled and committed to that school. Hands down the best decision I have ever made. I have a full ride scholarship that pays for my tuition (although it is dirt cheap for in-state already). I also have a scholarship that pays for rent for my 1100 dollar a month apartment and gives me about 500 spending money every month. I consider this my second best accomplisment as screwed up as that may sound. My father controls my money. All of it. I have a credit card that I use and then he pulls that money out of my account. I have no idea how much money I have and what he is doing with said money. He also has access to my Schwab and Vanguard accounts. He says he does this to help me with investing but I know there is more to it. He still wants to control me. I don't even know my damn login to the banking app for Christ sake (sorry not sorry dad for using the Lords name in vane). I know I should have fixed this issue sooner but I didn't want to fuck up our relationship. I am not sure what to do about this.
Another major problem came from this sheltered/overbearing environment I grew up in is my inability to say no to things I have never done before. Throughout my time in college I have experimented with drugs and alcohol (cocaine, weed, molly, lsd, shrooms, xans, oxy, you name it, pretty much with the exception of meth and heroin, I've done it and not just once). I am not proud of this (minus the fun I've had on psychs and even then not one of my better attributes). As a result of his abusive parenting style I have a hard time saying no and give in super easily to peer pressure. So much so that the first friends i met at college I still hang around with. These guys I probably shouldn't be around (the type where daddy pays for everything so they get a four-year drug fueled adventure in college). Don't get me wrong they aren't all that bad but just not the type of people I though I would be hanging around. I never thought I would be sleeping around, going to clubs on a Tuesday, and doing lines of coke off my island at 4pm but here we are. I am not proud of this but feel like I started doing these things because I was finally free. It is so hard to stop now. I think that I hang around them as a sense of rebellion to my parents and a sort of "f u" if you will. I know it is wrong but it feels good to finally be free. I have developed a raging nicotine addiction as well (something I am definitely not proud of). My parents have no idea. I have had to lie to them about things for the past three years.
I don't know if that is a result of my own actions or the years upon years upon years of constant yelling by my father. I mean for fucks sake the man never told me good job on anything. I got an A on a test it wasn't good job. It was "show me the test and what you got wrong," followed by a thirty minute yelling match about how I fucked up on the test. When I got into college on a full ride it wasn't good job it was "that is all because of me and the things I gave you." When I graduated high school it wasn't good job. It was my mom, god bless her she is great but tied down by my father, putting on a dinner party for me with all the neighbors and my parents friends. My dad was there but never even spoke to me (he just bullshitted to his friends about how I was such a hard worker (mind you he never told me this) and other things that narcissists do). I never was told good job when I got Eagle scout. That fucked me up, all of it. I am not one to want praise or one of those participation trophy people but come on that's fucked up at least in my mind. I never heard good job once.
He does the same shit to my brother but worse. My brother is 13 and in seventh grade at a private Christian K-12 school (one of those rich schools where the parents drive benzs and the kids have gucci shoes and shit). My father doesn't send my brother there because it is a better school, trust me, it is not by any stretch of the word. He sends him there to look better (aka "my kid goes to a private school you peasants" type of behavior). Recently, my brother was caught playing a computer game (papa's pizazaria on coolmathgames). Off topic but that is still the best one and you cannot change my mind. When he caught my brother they went at it for four hours. Now my dad checks my brothers search history, backpack and every single piece of paper in every binder every single day. He has moved my brothers desk into the living room and made my brother buy, with his own money, 300 dollar noise cancelling headphones to somehow be able to focus down there. My brother now has developed a twitch and the habit of twirling his hair. It was gotten so bad that some of his hair is falling out because of it and my dad refuses to take responsibility for it. The kid is so stressed that you would think he is on coke or meth the way he acts. He told me that he is scared when my dad comes home from work. I brought this up with my dad and asked him how he feels about his child being scared of him. My dad said nothing. Not one word. I am asking advice/thoughts on this situation.
To end things off I want advice on what I should do moving forward. I am home for the summer and working a job up here but am really considering not working and going back down to my school. I never had a normal childhood and can't stand my brother being treated this way. He is not allowed to go outside and play with the neighbor kids, watch TV, search ANYTHING on his computer, and take breaks longer than dinner away from his "schoolwork." I can't handle this shit anymore. I understand that part of my situation is my doing but I think it partly stems from the years of manipulation and control on behalf of my father. Am I overreacting? What would you do?
P.S. One final thing I wanted to say to get off my chest is that I do not respect this man. He yells at my mother constantly about how when she lets him be a kid and do kid things she is "setting him up for failure." I don't mean yelling I mean cussing and screaming to the point when I go to bed I can hear my mother crying. It hurts me to hear her cry it really does. I'm a bigger dude, 6 foot, 210, built. But that shit hurts. A fucking lot. I'm at the point where he needs to be confronted about it. I have lost every ounce of respect I have ever had for him. This may be an overreaction but I don't think so. He still controls my life. He tracks where I go in school, what I buy, etc. I have to lie to him sometimes but I am okay with that. This is the first real fun I have had in my life. I am doing pretty good in school, 3.1 gpa in a major I (not him) am happy in. I already have a job lined up outside of school making 58k straight out the gate. He has no idea because I don't tell him shit, he doesn't deserve to know in my mind. This is a man who will act super nice around everyone but our family. He is super active in the church and scouting, although he doesn't let my brother go anymore. He constantly gives to charity and volunteers around the community. You would never know this if you watched how our family operates on any given day behind closed doors. The only conversations I have with him now are about "why is there a charge for mexican food on the credit card. you should be studying," or my personal favorite "why is there a charge for x amount of dollars at a convenience store at 9:00 at night. Only bad people hang outside after dark (by bad people he is referring to everyone who is non-Christian by the way)."
This man has held me back so much even in college. I understand that this is partly my fault because as a legal adult I could have stopped this but I did not want to ruin our relationship. He stopped me from going on trips because "people could be drinkng" and has told me that on my 21st birthday (last week) that if he ever catches me drinking or vaping or anything I will not be allowed back into the house. I want to get clean but I do that shit as a fuck you to him. I apologize about cussing so much in here I'm just frustrated and need to get some stuff of my chest. I can't be the only one with parents like this. Right? I refuse to let this situation continue on. Should I do something about the way he treats me and my brother and mom? What do I do? What would you do? FYI cutting him out of my life entirely is not ideal because my mom and I still get along great. I would do it if there was a way to still be able to see my mom as they live in the same house. Minus certain political issues (mostly economic stuff) my dad and I don't agree on anything. He is the most judgemental person I have ever met in my life. I have met upwards of 1000 people in the past couple of years and he is by far the most judgemental person I have ever met. There is not even a close second.
Am I overreacting? What would you do in this situation? God bless and thanks for any and all responses/similar stories you all are willing to share. This seems like a great group of people. Stay blessed and if you need someone to talk to I am here for anything.
submitted by 454ever to raisedbynarcissists [link] [comments]
For some background. I was raised VERY religious. Those Christian moms you see on social media that was my father. I never went to prom (because godforbid I got out in the world). I went to a public high school but was still super sheltered. My life outside of school consisted of coming home and working on homework, the extra homework he assigned me, yelling because I never did "good enough," and church youth group (which I hated because I am not a Christian). I made good grades, mostly As, the occasional B, and one C (in chemistry, but I mean come on that shits hard). That was never good enough. Every single assignment I did he had to look at. Study guide for an exam. He had to look at it. Discussion board reply. You guessed it he looked at that too. I didn't get a phone until sophomore year of high school and when I did I got one of those shitty 80 dollar Samsung phones that you couldn't do shit on (and where he checked all my texts, notes, and emails). I was very sheltered. The extent of my fun was shooting the shit with my friends in the cafeteria at lunch and on the bus. I wasn't allowed to go to birthday parties or sleepovers or even go over to a friends house. He is raising my brother the same way, but way worse. If I am ever blessed with kids one day he has taught me what not to do.
Thankfully I am now in my third year of college. I picked a school he didn't want me to go to. Not because of money or anything he just said "you aren't going to a party school. There are too many idiots there you don't need to be around." I rebelled and committed to that school. Hands down the best decision I have ever made. I have a full ride scholarship that pays for my tuition (although it is dirt cheap for in-state already). I also have a scholarship that pays for rent for my 1100 dollar a month apartment and gives me about 500 spending money every month. I consider this my second best accomplisment as screwed up as that may sound. My father controls my money. All of it. I have a credit card that I use and then he pulls that money out of my account. I have no idea how much money I have and what he is doing with said money. He also has access to my Schwab and Vanguard accounts. He says he does this to help me with investing but I know there is more to it. He still wants to control me. I don't even know my damn login to the banking app for Christ sake (sorry not sorry dad for using the Lords name in vane). I know I should have fixed this issue sooner but I didn't want to fuck up our relationship. I am not sure what to do about this.
Another major problem came from this sheltered/overbearing environment I grew up in is my inability to say no to things I have never done before. Throughout my time in college I have experimented with drugs and alcohol (cocaine, weed, molly, lsd, shrooms, xans, oxy, you name it, pretty much with the exception of meth and heroin, I've done it and not just once). I am not proud of this (minus the fun I've had on psychs and even then not one of my better attributes). As a result of his abusive parenting style I have a hard time saying no and give in super easily to peer pressure. So much so that the first friends i met at college I still hang around with. These guys I probably shouldn't be around (the type where daddy pays for everything so they get a four-year drug fueled adventure in college). Don't get me wrong they aren't all that bad but just not the type of people I though I would be hanging around. I never thought I would be sleeping around, going to clubs on a Tuesday, and doing lines of coke off my island at 4pm but here we are. I am not proud of this but feel like I started doing these things because I was finally free. It is so hard to stop now. I think that I hang around them as a sense of rebellion to my parents and a sort of "f u" if you will. I know it is wrong but it feels good to finally be free. I have developed a raging nicotine addiction as well (something I am definitely not proud of). My parents have no idea. I have had to lie to them about things for the past three years.
I don't know if that is a result of my own actions or the years upon years upon years of constant yelling by my father. I mean for fucks sake the man never told me good job on anything. I got an A on a test it wasn't good job. It was "show me the test and what you got wrong," followed by a thirty minute yelling match about how I fucked up on the test. When I got into college on a full ride it wasn't good job it was "that is all because of me and the things I gave you." When I graduated high school it wasn't good job. It was my mom, god bless her she is great but tied down by my father, putting on a dinner party for me with all the neighbors and my parents friends. My dad was there but never even spoke to me (he just bullshitted to his friends about how I was such a hard worker (mind you he never told me this) and other things that narcissists do). I never was told good job when I got Eagle scout. That fucked me up, all of it. I am not one to want praise or one of those participation trophy people but come on that's fucked up at least in my mind. I never heard good job once.
He does the same shit to my brother but worse. My brother is 13 and in seventh grade at a private Christian K-12 school (one of those rich schools where the parents drive benzs and the kids have gucci shoes and shit). My father doesn't send my brother there because it is a better school, trust me, it is not by any stretch of the word. He sends him there to look better (aka "my kid goes to a private school you peasants" type of behavior). Recently, my brother was caught playing a computer game (papa's pizazaria on coolmathgames). Off topic but that is still the best one and you cannot change my mind. When he caught my brother they went at it for four hours. Now my dad checks my brothers search history, backpack and every single piece of paper in every binder every single day. He has moved my brothers desk into the living room and made my brother buy, with his own money, 300 dollar noise cancelling headphones to somehow be able to focus down there. My brother now has developed a twitch and the habit of twirling his hair. It was gotten so bad that some of his hair is falling out because of it and my dad refuses to take responsibility for it. The kid is so stressed that you would think he is on coke or meth the way he acts. He told me that he is scared when my dad comes home from work. I brought this up with my dad and asked him how he feels about his child being scared of him. My dad said nothing. Not one word. I am asking advice/thoughts on this situation.
To end things off I want advice on what I should do moving forward. I am home for the summer and working a job up here but am really considering not working and going back down to my school. I never had a normal childhood and can't stand my brother being treated this way. He is not allowed to go outside and play with the neighbor kids, watch TV, search ANYTHING on his computer, and take breaks longer than dinner away from his "schoolwork." I can't handle this shit anymore. I understand that part of my situation is my doing but I think it partly stems from the years of manipulation and control on behalf of my father. Am I overreacting? What would you do?
P.S. One final thing I wanted to say to get off my chest is that I do not respect this man. He yells at my mother constantly about how when she lets him be a kid and do kid things she is "setting him up for failure." I don't mean yelling I mean cussing and screaming to the point when I go to bed I can hear my mother crying. It hurts me to hear her cry it really does. I'm a bigger dude, 6 foot, 210, built. But that shit hurts. A fucking lot. I'm at the point where he needs to be confronted about it. I have lost every ounce of respect I have ever had for him. This may be an overreaction but I don't think so. He still controls my life. He tracks where I go in school, what I buy, etc. I have to lie to him sometimes but I am okay with that. This is the first real fun I have had in my life. I am doing pretty good in school, 3.1 gpa in a major I (not him) am happy in. I already have a job lined up outside of school making 58k straight out the gate. He has no idea because I don't tell him shit, he doesn't deserve to know in my mind. This is a man who will act super nice around everyone but our family. He is super active in the church and scouting, although he doesn't let my brother go anymore. He constantly gives to charity and volunteers around the community. You would never know this if you watched how our family operates on any given day behind closed doors. The only conversations I have with him now are about "why is there a charge for mexican food on the credit card. you should be studying," or my personal favorite "why is there a charge for x amount of dollars at a convenience store at 9:00 at night. Only bad people hang outside after dark (by bad people he is referring to everyone who is non-Christian by the way)."
This man has held me back so much even in college. I understand that this is partly my fault because as a legal adult I could have stopped this but I did not want to ruin our relationship. He stopped me from going on trips because "people could be drinkng" and has told me that on my 21st birthday (last week) that if he ever catches me drinking or vaping or anything I will not be allowed back into the house. I want to get clean but I do that shit as a fuck you to him. I apologize about cussing so much in here I'm just frustrated and need to get some stuff of my chest. I can't be the only one with parents like this. Right? I refuse to let this situation continue on. Should I do something about the way he treats me and my brother and mom? What do I do? What would you do? FYI cutting him out of my life entirely is not ideal because my mom and I still get along great. I would do it if there was a way to still be able to see my mom as they live in the same house. Minus certain political issues (mostly economic stuff) my dad and I don't agree on anything. He is the most judgemental person I have ever met in my life. I have met upwards of 1000 people in the past couple of years and he is by far the most judgemental person I have ever met. There is not even a close second.
Am I overreacting? What would you do in this situation? God bless and thanks for any and all responses/similar stories you all are willing to share. This seems like a great group of people. Stay blessed and if you need someone to talk to I am here for anything.
2024.05.19 07:35 quibbleisms Gifted smelly UV Resin
Hello everyone!
I've never used resin before, but I was recently gifted a lot of cured UV resin from someone who works with it a lot. They were a surprise gift, and I suspect they were her tests runs, as none of them are perfectly clear, and some of them have little bubbles.
They STINK. I thought at first that perhaps her household smokes in the same garage she works in, and that the smell was coming from old tobacco smoke. I washed them with a sponge and dish soap and they got a bit less yellow, and while freshly washed, they smelled fine. However, once dry, they smell again. Not only that, but because I stored some of them in a box with beads and craft supplies, now all those supplies stink, too.
I can taste plastic in my mouth when I smell them, and they make me nauseous and give me a headache. I'm storing what I can in bags full of baking soda or wrapped up in lots of tissue paper. Is it possible to get rid of this smell? Or is this a clue that the resin isn't actually completely cured? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, because I was sent A LOT. Thank you!
EDIT: Some of the pieces are sticky on one side as well, which I've only just learned through more searches that this means those pieces likely weren't cured completely. I touched them without gloves and have been cleaning my hands a lot, but I am currently strongly leaning towards throwing away the sticky ones, at least, though I'm not sure what to touch them with.
submitted by quibbleisms to resin [link] [comments]
I've never used resin before, but I was recently gifted a lot of cured UV resin from someone who works with it a lot. They were a surprise gift, and I suspect they were her tests runs, as none of them are perfectly clear, and some of them have little bubbles.
They STINK. I thought at first that perhaps her household smokes in the same garage she works in, and that the smell was coming from old tobacco smoke. I washed them with a sponge and dish soap and they got a bit less yellow, and while freshly washed, they smelled fine. However, once dry, they smell again. Not only that, but because I stored some of them in a box with beads and craft supplies, now all those supplies stink, too.
I can taste plastic in my mouth when I smell them, and they make me nauseous and give me a headache. I'm storing what I can in bags full of baking soda or wrapped up in lots of tissue paper. Is it possible to get rid of this smell? Or is this a clue that the resin isn't actually completely cured? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, because I was sent A LOT. Thank you!
EDIT: Some of the pieces are sticky on one side as well, which I've only just learned through more searches that this means those pieces likely weren't cured completely. I touched them without gloves and have been cleaning my hands a lot, but I am currently strongly leaning towards throwing away the sticky ones, at least, though I'm not sure what to touch them with.
2024.05.19 07:23 MooseHeavy3675 How should I contact someone I *may* have not picked up the signals 1.5 years ago until like last week
So basically, start of freshman year there was a girl who I rly didnât know and donât even think I saw in person except for maybe once or twice. Anyways, I was really socialable and I made a private Snapchat story based on my experiences, and asked anyone on my public story if they want to join they can. She joined without actually knowing me, and my first post was a picture of me in a tutu (football game attire)
Anyways, one of the reasons of this story was so I could make new friends and share my experiences. First, I asked if ppl had a BeReal because I was peer pressured into getting one. She gave me hers and I thanked her for it, added her. I donât remember the full details. However, this garuntee she at least knows what I look like
The 2nd time, on the same story, I asked if anyone was going to an event on campus, and she said she was and that I should join her.
My dum-dum responded with âthanks for the offer, but I donât really know you and figured I will probably stay inâ. She responded with âoh Iâm sorry I thought you were someone elseâ
(This could be true, but this is Snapchat. My name is right there and at the time you could still delete or unsend messages. I also looked at her IG following list a few days ago to see people with similar names as mine. There were none)
The last time was her wishing me happy birthday a few days later. I said thank you and went on my merry way
I made a (new) ig a few months ago, and dropped a follow. She followed back and I looked at her account and thought âdamn sheâs cuteâ and really didnât think much more about it
A few days ago, my friends were talking about situations where they fumbled the bag, and this whole situation came back up in my mind. According to them, girls rarely if ever make the first move and that likely was her attempt to making a first move. Especially since she invited me over to an event with her, despite not knowing me. I also know that for most people in general, they wonât be straightforward. As a straightforward thinker, itâs annoying, so of course it took my well over a year to figure out maybe she wasnât being straightforward
Of course, she could definitely have been honest about the entire situation, I rly donât know
I think we met irl once before this but my memory is foggy ngl
Anyways, since this ârealizationâ hit (and again, I could be very very wrong) I began wondering if I should reach out, and if so how. I could just snap her, but her snap score hasnât increased at all and I donât wanna be weird. Plus, a random snap probably doesnât do anything to build anything
Sheâs a chair at one of the charity clubs in my school though (this I found out by accident), which is actually personal to me. A few weeks ago, my parents decided to sponsor an orphan girl in India and give her financial support. This club basically sponsors similar things for similar people and I was planning to learn about it next semester if I had the time, especially since it was something that became personal due to my situation. Plus, I plan on joining a frat next year and there are community service hours I will need to log in order to stay part of said frat. The opportunity presented itself imo. I originally wanted to use a different club for the hours, but I donât think thereâs anything wrong with doing both as long as I get the hours. I donât plan on getting a position of command per-say
My biggest thing with this is simply that I truly donât have a clue if me reaching out to her about that would be weird. It does feel like I do have some ulterior motives if I do that, and that makes people uncomfortable (with full respect that if I reach out to her about the club I do genuinely want to learn about the club and the opportunities and benefits it could provide). But, again, there is a subconscious worry that it may just be me trying to get something and that will push her away
There is also the case of me knowing some people in the club. We used to be friends but neither of us decided to keep in contact at all not rly cared for each other and I feel rly awkward reaching out to them about it
Any advice would be appreciated. I also donât know if the dating advice subreddit is the best option for this but it may work?
For the older people out there who donât understand the story, itâs a situation where you posted something on Facebook and a girl you donât rly know reached out to you about it, and invited you out to do something, but you didnât know. Idk, Iâm not old
Thank you!
TLDR: I may or may not have fumbled the bag with a girl. I realized it about a week ago but this was a pretty long time ago. I want to contact her without being weird. Thereâs a club she is a chair of and newly became personal to me due to a family situation. I was thinking about reaching out to her, but I feel weird about it since I donât rly know her. I think sheâs cute and donât know how to contact her without being weird about it
submitted by MooseHeavy3675 to dating_advice [link] [comments]
Anyways, one of the reasons of this story was so I could make new friends and share my experiences. First, I asked if ppl had a BeReal because I was peer pressured into getting one. She gave me hers and I thanked her for it, added her. I donât remember the full details. However, this garuntee she at least knows what I look like
The 2nd time, on the same story, I asked if anyone was going to an event on campus, and she said she was and that I should join her.
My dum-dum responded with âthanks for the offer, but I donât really know you and figured I will probably stay inâ. She responded with âoh Iâm sorry I thought you were someone elseâ
(This could be true, but this is Snapchat. My name is right there and at the time you could still delete or unsend messages. I also looked at her IG following list a few days ago to see people with similar names as mine. There were none)
The last time was her wishing me happy birthday a few days later. I said thank you and went on my merry way
I made a (new) ig a few months ago, and dropped a follow. She followed back and I looked at her account and thought âdamn sheâs cuteâ and really didnât think much more about it
A few days ago, my friends were talking about situations where they fumbled the bag, and this whole situation came back up in my mind. According to them, girls rarely if ever make the first move and that likely was her attempt to making a first move. Especially since she invited me over to an event with her, despite not knowing me. I also know that for most people in general, they wonât be straightforward. As a straightforward thinker, itâs annoying, so of course it took my well over a year to figure out maybe she wasnât being straightforward
Of course, she could definitely have been honest about the entire situation, I rly donât know
I think we met irl once before this but my memory is foggy ngl
Anyways, since this ârealizationâ hit (and again, I could be very very wrong) I began wondering if I should reach out, and if so how. I could just snap her, but her snap score hasnât increased at all and I donât wanna be weird. Plus, a random snap probably doesnât do anything to build anything
Sheâs a chair at one of the charity clubs in my school though (this I found out by accident), which is actually personal to me. A few weeks ago, my parents decided to sponsor an orphan girl in India and give her financial support. This club basically sponsors similar things for similar people and I was planning to learn about it next semester if I had the time, especially since it was something that became personal due to my situation. Plus, I plan on joining a frat next year and there are community service hours I will need to log in order to stay part of said frat. The opportunity presented itself imo. I originally wanted to use a different club for the hours, but I donât think thereâs anything wrong with doing both as long as I get the hours. I donât plan on getting a position of command per-say
My biggest thing with this is simply that I truly donât have a clue if me reaching out to her about that would be weird. It does feel like I do have some ulterior motives if I do that, and that makes people uncomfortable (with full respect that if I reach out to her about the club I do genuinely want to learn about the club and the opportunities and benefits it could provide). But, again, there is a subconscious worry that it may just be me trying to get something and that will push her away
There is also the case of me knowing some people in the club. We used to be friends but neither of us decided to keep in contact at all not rly cared for each other and I feel rly awkward reaching out to them about it
Any advice would be appreciated. I also donât know if the dating advice subreddit is the best option for this but it may work?
For the older people out there who donât understand the story, itâs a situation where you posted something on Facebook and a girl you donât rly know reached out to you about it, and invited you out to do something, but you didnât know. Idk, Iâm not old
Thank you!
TLDR: I may or may not have fumbled the bag with a girl. I realized it about a week ago but this was a pretty long time ago. I want to contact her without being weird. Thereâs a club she is a chair of and newly became personal to me due to a family situation. I was thinking about reaching out to her, but I feel weird about it since I donât rly know her. I think sheâs cute and donât know how to contact her without being weird about it
2024.05.19 07:17 BankApprehensive2514 What do you guys think of the Lucifer and Rosie crackship?
I saw a post on X about it and it got to me in the funniest way.
Rosie seems to have the highest emotional intelligence out of everyone- so that could be a bonus for understanding Lucifer, she has been married- so she'd understand some dynamics even if she ate the guy, is very charming, and could honestly consider Lucifer adorable as well as a juice box.
Meanwhile, Lucifer seems like the kind of guy who would fall for a woman who can embroider him a duck handkerchief, loves the whole singing thing, and clearly knows who she is without any shame. Like, I could legitimately see him giving her a rubber duck version of herself in return for the handkerchief and it starting some kind of duck gift back and forth courtship thing.
What do you guys think?
submitted by BankApprehensive2514 to hazbin [link] [comments]
Rosie seems to have the highest emotional intelligence out of everyone- so that could be a bonus for understanding Lucifer, she has been married- so she'd understand some dynamics even if she ate the guy, is very charming, and could honestly consider Lucifer adorable as well as a juice box.
Meanwhile, Lucifer seems like the kind of guy who would fall for a woman who can embroider him a duck handkerchief, loves the whole singing thing, and clearly knows who she is without any shame. Like, I could legitimately see him giving her a rubber duck version of herself in return for the handkerchief and it starting some kind of duck gift back and forth courtship thing.
What do you guys think?
2024.05.19 07:11 cleavage-2-beaver M4F - Straight On Until Morning [Peter Pan Inspired] [Dark Romance] [Violence] [Crime] [Thriller]
This is my first script. Please be kind. If it sucks, it sucks, but I had fun writing it nonetheless.
Please link me if you use/fill it. I would love to hear your take on it. Free to monetize, Youtube, Patreon, whatever, I just want to hear it. :)
Please give me credit: RE: My Darling / Remy Darling
Scene setter: Italics
SpeakeVA: Bold text with "quotes" outside of the sentence/phrases
Internal monologue: Bold/italics
Action of character or SFX: ((Double Parenthesis))
Response from a character: ((pause))
Speaker: You are Killian James a.k.a. Hook. Your eyes are the color of the sea, your hair is dark as night, and you are dashing, troubled, and flirtatious. The lilt of an accent gives you a melodic tone, and your personality is dark, playful, and direct. You are comfortable in three-piece suits, and are a dangerous man with many secrets.
Listener: Your name is Wendy. Your friends have convinced you to go to a bar downtown in the more dangerous part of the city due to rumors, only they end up bailing without you. You are going to go home after you finish your drink. The bar is called Never Land, Where, according to your friends rumors, the owner is a mysterious man that they all seem fascinated with. Apparently, he is tall, dark, and handsome â a devil of a man that goes by a strange name. They call him⌠Hook.
((SFX â The club is above this basement 'torture chamber' area-you can hear the music of the club playing muffled. The basement area is clean and not dungeon-y but is more of a modern torture chamber with drains for easy ah⌠clean up))
SCENE: There is a man chained/tied up. Hook enters the room, looking almost bored that he needs to be there. He takes off his jacket, handing it to one of his henchmen, leaving the vest on, before he unbuttons his cuffs and starts rolling the sleeves up.
âIâm not pleased that our shipment is late, Mr. Jukes. It was supposed to arrive on a super yacht named the âJolly Rogerâ today with a bunch of rich snobs who were none the wiser. Your men guaranteed me that it would arrive with the staff and be loaded off on the dock shortly after, however, that is yet to come to fruition, and I am not a patient man.â
((SFX: VA puts on leather gloves, stretches fingers and gets comfortable in them))
âI am aware that they have taken a detour due to a storm, Jukes â but your mismanagement of my time, and my money, are not to be forgotten. Bad form, Jukes! Bad form!â
((SFX: dragging knife sound â //our character uses a tactical Hook knife. Itâs typically for gutting deer â not really necessary to know, itâs just to flesh out the character for you//, Hook approaches slowly))
âI know it won't happen again. Donât worry, Jukes, since this is your first time having erred with me, I shall simply leave you with a small reminder. I expect the shipment to be directed to our port swiftly, otherwise, I wonât be nearly as lenient again.â
((SFX chains straining, screaming that becomes muffled screaming, as Hook takes his knife and leaves the man with a Cheshire Grin/Glasglow Smile up one side of his face, heavy breathing for a moment, as he returns and throws his knife down on the table))
âGet me my other three-piece suit from my office and a clean shirt. Iâve got this bastardâs blood all over me. He's not to be given his freedom until I hear that the shipment has come in from the Jolly Roger. If it does not go to plan â we will have to take further, more drastic actions and I donât want to have to find this cad, Mr. Jukes, again. Do I make myself clear?â
((henchmen answer))
âGood.â
((SFX â him pulling off the leather gloves and getting changed))
âOne of you stay here and watch him. Tonight Iâll be on the club floor. Iâm not to be interrupted until The Crocodile has made contact. Is that understood?â
((pause))
âGood. That is all.â
((he leaves))
((SFX â transition to this however you like))
\*modern day, bar scene/sounds (*no* jazz or classical music - it's a nightclub), people mingling in the background. In enters our VA/Hook.*
âTinkerbell, pour me my usual, will you, dear?â
((Tink is quick, and slides him his drink. Sip, sigh, and pause as he looks around)) (( This internal thought is not necessary but if you want to, go for it ))
\*internal thought*\** Whoâs this? Oh my, sweet lamb, you are definitely in the wrong place.
âTink, one last thing, could you possibly tell me anything about that young woman there? The one in light blue.â
((listening intently for a moment))
âHm. Lovely. Thank you, dear.â
((SFX â he puts down his drink, footsteps/fine Italian leather shoes approaching the young lady who is at the bar))
âWell, well, well⌠Isnât that a beautiful dress on an even more beautiful woman. That color of blue really suits you. You⌠are a piece of art. A fascinating and intriguing piece of art. However, you donât quite seem like you belong here.â
((pause))
âSomeone as divine as you, as *innocent* as you, dressed as you are, doesnât really seem to fit in. Not in this kind of place. You look more like you would fit in one of the high-class jazz lounges uptown. Martinis, a piano player, velvet couches and the like. Do you think that you fit in amongst these gentlemen of fortune and these women dressed in their slinky club clothes? Look around, do you see the patrons here?â
((short pause as she looks around))
âDonât you see? You are simply dressed too elegantly for a place like this. No, you, my dear, are definitely not the type that belongs amongst these fiends. You belong uptown. Not here, amongst the dregs of society like us. Your mannerisms are too graceful, you walk with pride and your chin up â this is not the body language of one of my people.â
((pause))
âWell, I happen to own this establishment, Never Land, so I am rather familiar with the likes of the people who tend to come through its doors, and I have never seen you before. You seem quite unforgettable. Could I have the pleasure of having your name?â
((pause))
âWendy⌠What a lovely name for such a lovely woman. Well, Wendy, darling â my name is Killian. My friends call me Hook.â
((pause))
âSo many questions! What an inquisitive slip of a thing you are. Perhaps, we could talk over a drink?â
((*VA snaps fingers* Bartender Tinkerbell approaches immediately and waits)) ((ListeneWendy begins to decline))
âDonât fret, darling. Itâs just a drink. Should you find yourself not interested in our conversation or in me, you are more than welcome to leave and go back uptown to the *safe* areas of the city, where the likes of people like me and my ilk will be of no bother to you ever again. But should I pique your interest, perhaps allow me the grace of your presence again in the future.â
((pause))
âJust one drink. And nothing more.â
((ListeneWendy accepts))
âDelightful! Tink, if you could get us another round. One of whatever the lady was drinking, and my usual.â
((short pause as he takes her in before sighing and leaning in closer to speak to her))
âDarling, do tell me, why have you wandered into the seedy underbelly of our city? What is it exactly that you are searching for? Mystery? Intrigue?"
((whispers // into her ear))
"...*Danger*?â
((VA leans back and there is a sly curling of his lips into a crooked smile))
âMm, that blush really does make me think that you truly are as innocent as I originally thought, Darling. Albeit, I am sure you knew what kind of danger you could get into coming to a place like this. You may be looking for danger, but it seems danger has found you instead.â
((pause))
âOh, yes, danger. There is plenty of danger here. However, it seems like thatâs something you seem to be searching for. Should I inquire as to ââ
((VA leans in once more))
âWhat *kind* of danger you are looking for? See, Darling, thatâs the thing about danger⌠You may only want a little but you never truly know how much youâre going to get.â
((pause))
((VA - practically whispered across her lips or ear, you imagine how close you want to get))
âAh, yes, Wendy, darling. I happen to be very⌠Very⌠Dangerous.â
((Listener steps back))
((he gives a low chuckle))
âDo I ⌠make you ⌠Nervous?â
((short pause and VA steps forward as Listener shakes her head defiantly))
âOr perhaps, I am not the kind of danger you are looking for?â
((closer))
âDo you even *know* what you are looking for, my little lamb?â
((dangerously close to her))
((pause))
((drinks come at this time delivered by Tink â VA returns to less invasive persona))
"Ah, thank you, Tink. Youâve impeccable timing. Shall we? Iâd love to take this to a VIP booth I prefer to sit in. It will give us a little more privacy and wonât be as loud. Come now, pet."
((footsteps/music/whatever SFX have them move to a slightly quieter place, sit in a booth))
"Do you mind, Darling? Iâd much rather be sitting next to you than across the table. That way I can hear you better. Yes, thatâs it, just move in a little further."
((this gives no escape for Listener as James/Hook is between the easy exit and her â SFX of her moving over if you want to get technical and him sitting next to her))
((pause))
âAh, *that*. The name Hook⌠It is simply from a childhood long ago. Raised in an orphanage with many other lost boys like myself. Itâs a truly heartbreaking story, Iâm sure, but Iâd like you to remember our first meeting in a different light. Not melancholy and deep, dark secrets. Not yet, anyway. Perhaps, if you decide to embark on a journey with me in the future, or are willing to grace me with your presence again, we can discuss it then.â
((Listener nods, nervously))
((he leans in))
âBut you, Wendy, darling ââ
((whispered // reaches out to draw a finger down her jawline as he looks from her eyes to her mouth))
âYou still havenât answered me.â
((pause))
âAbout what *kind* of danger you are looking forâŚâ
((pause // leaning in))
âAre you looking for something â just a wee bit threatening? Perhaps something that will get the heart pumping momentarily?â
((pause // leaning in))
âOr perhaps, a singular thrilling night before the sun rises and the fun is over?â
((pause // leaning in))
âOr⌠are you looking for something darker? Something much more dangerous. Something soul shattering that will devour you whole? Something that makes you question your morals⌠Your boundaries⌠Something that will burn you to ash and will leave you begging me for more even once I break you?â
((kisses Wendy))
âDo you know what kind of danger you want yet, darling? That last one⌠It is not a wise idea for a sweet little lamb like you, but I promise... Youâll love it.â
submitted by cleavage-2-beaver to ASMRScriptHaven [link] [comments]
Please link me if you use/fill it. I would love to hear your take on it. Free to monetize, Youtube, Patreon, whatever, I just want to hear it. :)
Please give me credit: RE: My Darling / Remy Darling
Scene setter: Italics
SpeakeVA: Bold text with "quotes" outside of the sentence/phrases
Internal monologue: Bold/italics
Action of character or SFX: ((Double Parenthesis))
Response from a character: ((pause))
Speaker: You are Killian James a.k.a. Hook. Your eyes are the color of the sea, your hair is dark as night, and you are dashing, troubled, and flirtatious. The lilt of an accent gives you a melodic tone, and your personality is dark, playful, and direct. You are comfortable in three-piece suits, and are a dangerous man with many secrets.
Listener: Your name is Wendy. Your friends have convinced you to go to a bar downtown in the more dangerous part of the city due to rumors, only they end up bailing without you. You are going to go home after you finish your drink. The bar is called Never Land, Where, according to your friends rumors, the owner is a mysterious man that they all seem fascinated with. Apparently, he is tall, dark, and handsome â a devil of a man that goes by a strange name. They call him⌠Hook.
((SFX â The club is above this basement 'torture chamber' area-you can hear the music of the club playing muffled. The basement area is clean and not dungeon-y but is more of a modern torture chamber with drains for easy ah⌠clean up))
SCENE: There is a man chained/tied up. Hook enters the room, looking almost bored that he needs to be there. He takes off his jacket, handing it to one of his henchmen, leaving the vest on, before he unbuttons his cuffs and starts rolling the sleeves up.
âIâm not pleased that our shipment is late, Mr. Jukes. It was supposed to arrive on a super yacht named the âJolly Rogerâ today with a bunch of rich snobs who were none the wiser. Your men guaranteed me that it would arrive with the staff and be loaded off on the dock shortly after, however, that is yet to come to fruition, and I am not a patient man.â
((SFX: VA puts on leather gloves, stretches fingers and gets comfortable in them))
âI am aware that they have taken a detour due to a storm, Jukes â but your mismanagement of my time, and my money, are not to be forgotten. Bad form, Jukes! Bad form!â
((SFX: dragging knife sound â //our character uses a tactical Hook knife. Itâs typically for gutting deer â not really necessary to know, itâs just to flesh out the character for you//, Hook approaches slowly))
âI know it won't happen again. Donât worry, Jukes, since this is your first time having erred with me, I shall simply leave you with a small reminder. I expect the shipment to be directed to our port swiftly, otherwise, I wonât be nearly as lenient again.â
((SFX chains straining, screaming that becomes muffled screaming, as Hook takes his knife and leaves the man with a Cheshire Grin/Glasglow Smile up one side of his face, heavy breathing for a moment, as he returns and throws his knife down on the table))
âGet me my other three-piece suit from my office and a clean shirt. Iâve got this bastardâs blood all over me. He's not to be given his freedom until I hear that the shipment has come in from the Jolly Roger. If it does not go to plan â we will have to take further, more drastic actions and I donât want to have to find this cad, Mr. Jukes, again. Do I make myself clear?â
((henchmen answer))
âGood.â
((SFX â him pulling off the leather gloves and getting changed))
âOne of you stay here and watch him. Tonight Iâll be on the club floor. Iâm not to be interrupted until The Crocodile has made contact. Is that understood?â
((pause))
âGood. That is all.â
((he leaves))
((SFX â transition to this however you like))
\*modern day, bar scene/sounds (*no* jazz or classical music - it's a nightclub), people mingling in the background. In enters our VA/Hook.*
âTinkerbell, pour me my usual, will you, dear?â
((Tink is quick, and slides him his drink. Sip, sigh, and pause as he looks around)) (( This internal thought is not necessary but if you want to, go for it ))
\*internal thought*\** Whoâs this? Oh my, sweet lamb, you are definitely in the wrong place.
âTink, one last thing, could you possibly tell me anything about that young woman there? The one in light blue.â
((listening intently for a moment))
âHm. Lovely. Thank you, dear.â
((SFX â he puts down his drink, footsteps/fine Italian leather shoes approaching the young lady who is at the bar))
âWell, well, well⌠Isnât that a beautiful dress on an even more beautiful woman. That color of blue really suits you. You⌠are a piece of art. A fascinating and intriguing piece of art. However, you donât quite seem like you belong here.â
((pause))
âSomeone as divine as you, as *innocent* as you, dressed as you are, doesnât really seem to fit in. Not in this kind of place. You look more like you would fit in one of the high-class jazz lounges uptown. Martinis, a piano player, velvet couches and the like. Do you think that you fit in amongst these gentlemen of fortune and these women dressed in their slinky club clothes? Look around, do you see the patrons here?â
((short pause as she looks around))
âDonât you see? You are simply dressed too elegantly for a place like this. No, you, my dear, are definitely not the type that belongs amongst these fiends. You belong uptown. Not here, amongst the dregs of society like us. Your mannerisms are too graceful, you walk with pride and your chin up â this is not the body language of one of my people.â
((pause))
âWell, I happen to own this establishment, Never Land, so I am rather familiar with the likes of the people who tend to come through its doors, and I have never seen you before. You seem quite unforgettable. Could I have the pleasure of having your name?â
((pause))
âWendy⌠What a lovely name for such a lovely woman. Well, Wendy, darling â my name is Killian. My friends call me Hook.â
((pause))
âSo many questions! What an inquisitive slip of a thing you are. Perhaps, we could talk over a drink?â
((*VA snaps fingers* Bartender Tinkerbell approaches immediately and waits)) ((ListeneWendy begins to decline))
âDonât fret, darling. Itâs just a drink. Should you find yourself not interested in our conversation or in me, you are more than welcome to leave and go back uptown to the *safe* areas of the city, where the likes of people like me and my ilk will be of no bother to you ever again. But should I pique your interest, perhaps allow me the grace of your presence again in the future.â
((pause))
âJust one drink. And nothing more.â
((ListeneWendy accepts))
âDelightful! Tink, if you could get us another round. One of whatever the lady was drinking, and my usual.â
((short pause as he takes her in before sighing and leaning in closer to speak to her))
âDarling, do tell me, why have you wandered into the seedy underbelly of our city? What is it exactly that you are searching for? Mystery? Intrigue?"
((whispers // into her ear))
"...*Danger*?â
((VA leans back and there is a sly curling of his lips into a crooked smile))
âMm, that blush really does make me think that you truly are as innocent as I originally thought, Darling. Albeit, I am sure you knew what kind of danger you could get into coming to a place like this. You may be looking for danger, but it seems danger has found you instead.â
((pause))
âOh, yes, danger. There is plenty of danger here. However, it seems like thatâs something you seem to be searching for. Should I inquire as to ââ
((VA leans in once more))
âWhat *kind* of danger you are looking for? See, Darling, thatâs the thing about danger⌠You may only want a little but you never truly know how much youâre going to get.â
((pause))
((VA - practically whispered across her lips or ear, you imagine how close you want to get))
âAh, yes, Wendy, darling. I happen to be very⌠Very⌠Dangerous.â
((Listener steps back))
((he gives a low chuckle))
âDo I ⌠make you ⌠Nervous?â
((short pause and VA steps forward as Listener shakes her head defiantly))
âOr perhaps, I am not the kind of danger you are looking for?â
((closer))
âDo you even *know* what you are looking for, my little lamb?â
((dangerously close to her))
((pause))
((drinks come at this time delivered by Tink â VA returns to less invasive persona))
"Ah, thank you, Tink. Youâve impeccable timing. Shall we? Iâd love to take this to a VIP booth I prefer to sit in. It will give us a little more privacy and wonât be as loud. Come now, pet."
((footsteps/music/whatever SFX have them move to a slightly quieter place, sit in a booth))
"Do you mind, Darling? Iâd much rather be sitting next to you than across the table. That way I can hear you better. Yes, thatâs it, just move in a little further."
((this gives no escape for Listener as James/Hook is between the easy exit and her â SFX of her moving over if you want to get technical and him sitting next to her))
((pause))
âAh, *that*. The name Hook⌠It is simply from a childhood long ago. Raised in an orphanage with many other lost boys like myself. Itâs a truly heartbreaking story, Iâm sure, but Iâd like you to remember our first meeting in a different light. Not melancholy and deep, dark secrets. Not yet, anyway. Perhaps, if you decide to embark on a journey with me in the future, or are willing to grace me with your presence again, we can discuss it then.â
((Listener nods, nervously))
((he leans in))
âBut you, Wendy, darling ââ
((whispered // reaches out to draw a finger down her jawline as he looks from her eyes to her mouth))
âYou still havenât answered me.â
((pause))
âAbout what *kind* of danger you are looking forâŚâ
((pause // leaning in))
âAre you looking for something â just a wee bit threatening? Perhaps something that will get the heart pumping momentarily?â
((pause // leaning in))
âOr perhaps, a singular thrilling night before the sun rises and the fun is over?â
((pause // leaning in))
âOr⌠are you looking for something darker? Something much more dangerous. Something soul shattering that will devour you whole? Something that makes you question your morals⌠Your boundaries⌠Something that will burn you to ash and will leave you begging me for more even once I break you?â
((kisses Wendy))
âDo you know what kind of danger you want yet, darling? That last one⌠It is not a wise idea for a sweet little lamb like you, but I promise... Youâll love it.â
2024.05.19 07:07 Stage-Piercing727 Best Canvas Gym Bags
 | submitted by Stage-Piercing727 to u/Stage-Piercing727 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/2pninai3gb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=265f4aea2315e62196c9c90b972c1c04b780af35 Looking for a stylish and durable gym bag? Look no further! In this article, we bring you a comprehensive roundup of the best canvas gym bags available today. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or a casual gym-goer, these bags are designed to provide ample storage, comfort, and convenience during your workout sessions. So if you're in the market for a reliable workout companion, read on to find the perfect canvas gym bag for your needs. From stylish and functional designs to lightweight and spacious options, our selection of canvas gym bags caters to every preferences and requirements. Discover the top-rated options and make an informed decision on the perfect bag to accompany you throughout your fitness journey. The Top 13 Best Canvas Gym Bags
ReviewsđPremium Waxed Canvas Duffel Bag for Outdoor Adventureshttps://preview.redd.it/vx6u6dy3gb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=21ff96d9424931d91ff36ecb6deb90ccdeef3196 I recently had the chance to test out the Readywares Waxed Canvas Duffel Bag on a camping trip, and it truly exceeded my expectations. The first thing that caught my eye was its timeless design and high-quality waxed canvas construction. It's no wonder this bag has a rating of 4.7 out of 5, as users consistently rave about its craftsmanship. Before my trip, I was a little concerned about the stiffness of the waxed canvas, but it quickly softened up as I loaded it with my camping gear. I particularly appreciated the padded handle and base support, which made carrying the duffel bag comfortable and easy, regardless of how heavy it got. The storage options in this Readywares duffel bag are quite impressive as well. With multiple compartments, I had no trouble keeping my items organized throughout my trip. The only downside was the lack of an interior pouch, which would have been beneficial for smaller items. In conclusion, the Readywares Waxed Canvas Duffel Bag is a reliable and stylish choice for anyone in need of a high-quality carryall. Its craftsmanship, storage options, and overall size make it a perfect companion for various activities, ranging from weekend getaways to camping trips. However, it could benefit from the addition of an interior pouch to keep smaller items secure. đHeavy Duty Military Canvas Duffel Baghttps://preview.redd.it/n5hpsm84gb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6c29f049e961ac7d16f8e75b3c700d555d923f8e The WHITEDUCK Hoplite Heavy Duty Military Canvas Duffel Bag in Blue is an indispensable travel companion that you can take along no matter where life leads you. This sturdy bag boasts a whopping 204L capacity, perfect for packing all your essentials for a weekend getaway or longer excursions. One of its key features is the high-quality, double-fill cotton canvas with a tight weave, ensuring durability and wear and tear resistance. The weatherproof fabric is reinforced at all stress points too, making it incredibly sturdy. Plus, the fully zipped compartment offers ample space to store larger items without any hassle. A standout feature is the heavy-duty, full-length zippers that can handle oversized and bulky items with ease. The soft and ultra-reliable cotton carry handles equipped with a Velcro tag for quick lifting and carrying add convenience. And let's not forget about the adjustable, removable padded shoulder strap for maximum comfort. The bag's versatility is another significant highlight. Whether you're going camping, using it for gym storage, or during your daily commute, the Hoplite Duffel Bag adapts seamlessly to all your needs. On the downside, some users have mentioned that the bag's dimensions can be a bit confusing initially, but after figuring it out, its performance has exceeded all expectations. In a nutshell, the WHITEDUCK Hoplite Heavy Duty Military Canvas Duffel Bag combines durability, capacity, and versatility to provide a top-notch travel experience. Its excellent workmanship gives it the robustness and longevity you desire in a duffel bag. This product is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment for those seeking a reliable travel companion. đExtra Large Capacity Canvas Duffel Baghttps://preview.redd.it/fudl88o4gb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=52537af64f56bfdaa4d1f21e870515ce2e9cdc7e I recently found myself in need of a reliable and spacious bag for a camping trip, and that's when I came across the YoKelly 36 inch Canvas Duffel Bag. I have to say, this high-quality canvas duffel has been a game-changer for all my outdoor adventures since then. I was initially skeptical about the capacity given its light weight of just 1.2 lbs, but boy, was I in for a pleasant surprise. This Deluxe Canvas Duffel Bag truly delivers on its promise of a spacious 100L storage capacity, making it perfect for travel, camping, fishing, and sports as well. The high-quality canvas ensures durability and the solid stitching provides extra strength and resistance against wear and tear. Its dimensions of 36x13x13 inches are just the right size for packing all my essentials without feeling bulky or cumbersome. However, one minor drawback I noticed is that it only has one compartment for organization. While this didn't cause any major issues during my camping trip, I do wish there were additional pockets for smaller items to keep everything more organized. Overall, the YoKelly 36 inch Canvas Duffel Bag has made my life so much easier and more convenient, offering ample storage space in a lightweight, durable, and versatile package. If you're on the hunt for the perfect travel, camping, or sports bag, I highly recommend giving this duffel a try. đDurable Military Canvas Duffle Bag for Long Tripshttps://preview.redd.it/j9z5erz4gb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4fbebbd6271366160de8ec3c20d4ae86a9ba5495 When I first laid my eyes on the Rothco Gi Style Canvas Double Strap Duffle Bag, I knew that it was a perfect match for my travel needs. This military-inspired bag checks all the boxes for durability, ample storage space, and versatile carrying options. Made of 22 oz heavyweight cotton canvas material, it's been built with utmost durability, making it the go-to option for all your long and short trips. The generous dimensions of 22 inches x 38 inches allow me to pack plenty of clothes and gear effortlessly. I especially love the adjustable shoulder straps and the sturdy handle for conveniently carrying it like a suitcase or a backpack. This flexibility gives me the freedom to pack even more stuff while ensuring comfort on long commutes. The additional side pocket with a snap closure is a bonus for keeping small items or travel documents organized and easily accessible. I've been using this duffle bag for everything from overnight trips to the gym and it has exceeded my expectations in every way. However, some users have reported a strong odor upon receiving the item. This can be a bit off-putting, but a couple of washes usually do the trick. The Rothco Gi Style Canvas Double Strap Duffle Bag is a smart buy for anyone looking for a reliable, large-capacity bag made from high-quality materials. Its versatile design, durability, and practical features make it an ideal choice for all your travel adventures. đSteeletex Antimicrobial Gym Bag in Navyhttps://preview.redd.it/nulppjb5gb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=712cd2feb44222cbb511154d7b66cfff1e3e3e88 I recently got introduced to the Steeletex Gym Bag by Steele Canvas, and I must say, I've been thoroughly impressed with its performance and quality. The first thing that caught my eye was the unique construction material - it's not your regular canvas or nylon bag. This one has an antimicrobial vinyl coating that not only provides water resistance but also ensures easy cleaning. One of the standout features of this bag is its size. It's perfect for holding all my gym clothes, sneakers, and even my favorite water bottle. I've been using it regularly since I got it, and it has shown no signs of wear and tear yet. Speaking of which, the durability of this bag is another highlight. The 18.5 oz. antimicrobial vinyl coated nylon liner is not just water and tear-resistant, but it's also treated with BACshield, which ensures that mold, mildew, fungi, or bacteria don't get a chance to grow. The Steeletex Gym Bag also comes with a couple of convenient pockets - one inside and one outside. These have been incredibly useful for keeping my belongings organized. As for the design, the black leather hand grips add a touch of class to the overall aesthetic. Besides, the adjustable shoulder strap ensures comfort even during long gym sessions. However, there's one thing that I would've appreciated more - if they had included a mesh or ventilated pocket for storing wet clothes or shoes separately. This would have made the bag even more versatile and useful. But all in all, I've been thoroughly happy with my Steeletex Gym Bag. Its durability, size, and convenience make it an excellent companion for my daily gym visits. Plus, knowing that it's made in America by hardworking American craftsmen adds an extra layer of satisfaction to my purchase. I would highly recommend this bag to anyone looking for a reliable and high-quality gym bag. đClassic Canvas Duffle Bag for Travelhttps://preview.redd.it/9p0zegu5gb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=51a81f51f1965da95f5a011d4550b16b3373c90c First off, picture yourself embarking on a weekend getaway with nothing more than this trusty Trailmaker duffel bag at your side. The 30-liter capacity ensures you'll have ample space for all your essentials - be it clothes, shoes, or even your favorite dance attire for weekend classes! And don't worry about wearing it out yet. This durable canvas bag is built to last, so you can make countless travel adventures with it. One thing I noticed about this bag is how versatile it really is. Not only does it serve as an excellent carry-on for flights, but it proved to be quite handy for daily trips to the gym as well. Its lightweight design ensures easy portability, especially when combined with its adjustable shoulder strap. Plus, the simple yet elegant design pairs well with any outfit, whether you're dressing up or down. However, there are some cons to consider. Some users reported issues with the quality of the bag, particularly the zipper which tends to jam often. The lack of compartments inside can also lead to a messy bag when overstuffed. However, considering its affordable price point and high ratings among users, these minor drawbacks seem overshadowed by the overall positive experience most reviewers have had with this bag. Overall, the Trailmaker duffel bag is a reliable choice for individuals seeking a spacious, durable, and affordable bag for travel, gym use, or everyday needs. Despite some reported issues with the zipper and lack of compartments, the majority of reviewers seem satisfied with their purchase, highlighting the immense utility and convenience offered by this bag. đClassic Vintage Duffle Baghttps://preview.redd.it/vnmvuu46gb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=59daea38662ad9f1fd7434ad575680f64f8592e7 I recently had the chance to try out the Sweetbriar Classic Weekender Duffel and I must say, it's been a game-changer for my travel needs. The moment I laid my eyes on its vintage-inspired canvas design with retro rucksack vibe, I knew this bag meant serious style. One of the features that really stood out was its spacious interior. It comfortably fit all my essentials for a weekend getaway, including clothes, toiletries, and even some extras like a small travel pillow. Speaking of extras, the bag has several pockets both outside and inside, which are perfect for storing smaller items like wallets or keys. Another thing I appreciated was how easy it was to clean. I'm known for being a bit clumsy, so accidents are inevitable. But with this duffel, a damp cloth was enough to wipe away any spills or stains. However, there was one issue I encountered. The zipper closure, while sturdy and secure, was a bit tricky to navigate at times. It took me a few attempts to get it right, which felt a little frustrating. All in all, I'm quite satisfied with the Sweetbriar Classic Weekender Duffel. It's stylish, practical, and well-built, making it an ideal choice for short trips or gym sessions. It's definitely worth considering if you're in the market for a new bag. đMOLLYGAN Large Capacity Canvas Gym Baghttps://preview.redd.it/dyutqkh6gb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=be53c4b16e4f4756fc1e97e0a390a28a28ed4a06 I've never been the type to travel lightly - I've always packed everything but the kitchen sink. But recently, I stumbled upon this MOLLYGAN Travel Duffel Bag, and I must say, my travel game just leveled up! The black exterior made it perfect for both genders, but what really caught my eye was the superior-quality, soft and smooth canvas material. The structure of this bag is quite impressive too. The side zipper pocket provided a separate space for my shoes (goodbye, smelly gym bag! ) whereas the spacious main compartment and small zipper pocket proved that even though the bag was large in capacity, it was well-organized. Its 35 liters capacity was more than enough to accommodate all my laptops, A4 books, clothes, and daily essentials. Whether going for a leisurely trip or a hectic gym session, this bag had my back. Measuring 18.8 x 10.2 x 11 inches, the bag was just the right size for convenience yet offered so much space. However, the product did have one hiccup, the shoulder strap. It was long and adjustable, but at times, it felt a bit too long, and the handles could have been a tad longer, making it a little harder to carry around. In conclusion, the MOLLYGAN Travel Duffel Bag has undoubtedly improved my daily travel experiences. With its large capacity, durable construction, and ample organization options, it has become a necessity for my daily activities. While it could do with a few adjustments (pun intended), it has nonetheless proven to be a reliable companion. đMilitary-Grade Canvas Duffel Backpackhttps://preview.redd.it/mw7zj5w6gb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8834e11142011dbcdc59b5b3aca467f7739586cd I recently embarked on a weekend getaway with just the Military Duffel Backpack in tow. The modern green color added a trendy touch to my outfit, and upon closer inspection, I could see that the canvas duffel was indeed made of high-quality, water-repellent material. I felt confident that my belongings were well-protected, even in a sudden downpour. The adjustable shoulder straps came in handy as I traversed through the crowded city streets, allowing me to find the perfect fit and distributing the weight of my stuff evenly. One feature I particularly appreciated was the heavy-duty cross-stitched carrying handle. I found it incredibly useful when I wanted to switch up my carrying style and convert the backpack into a traditional duffel bag. The stainless eyelets and rugged buckles made the whole process incredibly smooth and secure. However, I did encounter a minor issue with the top clasp that held everything closed. It was slightly smaller than the holes on the flaps, so the bag wasn't completely sealed. While this didn't affect its overall performance during my trip, I did have to exercise a bit more caution to prevent anything from slipping out. To sum it up, the Military Duffel Backpack is a reliable and fashionable bag that offers ample space and thoughtful storage options. The canvas material ensures durability and water resistance, while the adjustable straps offer comfort and convenience. Although the top clasp could be slightly improved, I would definitely recommend this backpack for travelers and everyday adventurers alike! đExtra Large Yoga Mat Duffel Bag with Hammockhttps://preview.redd.it/ru42be77gb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c1ca7e587c46f27f4cf6bf689a94a6466b4daee5 I've been using the Kindfolk Yoga Mat XL Duffel Bag Mesa for a few weeks now and I must say, it's been a game-changer for my daily yoga practice. The highlight of this bag is undoubtedly the ample amount of space it provides. After spending days googling 'XL yoga duffel bags', I finally decided to give this one a shot when I saw that it could fit multiple yoga mats, blocks and towels - and boy, was it true! I've never been able to bring everything I need to the studio or gym with such ease. Another thing that I absolutely love about this bag is that it's vegan and environmentally friendly. As someone who's conscious about their impact on the environment, knowing that I'm using a product that aligns with my values gives me peace of mind. Plus, for every unit sold, Kindfolk donates $1 to FITS STANDARD, a charity that helps end slavery worldwide. However, one of the cons I noticed is that the straps could be slightly longer. While it's not a deal-breaker for me, it can be a bit cumbersome when carrying it on top of everything else. All in all, I am thrilled with my purchase and would definitely recommend it to others. Not only is it spacious and stylish, but it also feels well-made and of high quality. For those looking for a reliable and environmentally-friendly bag for their yoga practice, the Kindfolk Yoga Mat XL Duffel Bag is definitely worth considering. đCasual Canvas Travel Gym Bag for daily jog or triphttps://preview.redd.it/028p45j7gb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5a4272acaf25dc3fd3b5fbc710c447805a213524 Imagine this: I'm strolling down the bustling city streets, and my trusty Vagabond Traveler Casual Canvas Bag is by my side. This bag isn't just a carry-all for my gym gear; it's a statement about my sense of style and practicality. The first time I used this bag, I was blown away by its spacious interior. It holds everything I need for a workout and more, from my sneakers to my sweat towel, and even a spare change of clothes. The multiple pockets (and there are plenty) kept me organized and efficient, making my mornings just a little bit easier. The Vagabond Traveler bag's construction is a testament to its craftsmanship. This bag isn't just made to last; it's made to look good while doing it. The canvas is a beautiful shade of khaki, and the vintage brass hardware adds a touch of class. The cotton fabric is incredibly comfortable to carry, and it's clear that it's been washed and worn to achieve its classic, old-school appearance. Now, every time I strap this canvas bag onto my shoulder, I'm reminded of its many merits. It's the perfect blend of practicality, durability, and visual appeal. However, some users may find the strap too long or the lack of waterproofing a concern. But for me, these minor quibbles don't detract from the overall quality and utility of this amazing gym bag. In conclusion, the Vagabond Traveler Casual Canvas Bag has become an indispensable part of my daily life. Its combination of space, organization, and style makes it the ideal choice for anyone looking for a reliable gym bag that's both functional and fashionable. đDurable Waxed Canvas Duffle Baghttps://preview.redd.it/8d14r128gb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=00e1e6a80d0c05de04d77a435dd45950627c8ac8 I recently purchased the Steele Canvas Waxed Canvas Duffle Bag for an upcoming travel adventure, and I must say, it has surpassed all of my expectations. As soon as I laid my eyes on it, I was impressed by its sleek and sturdy appearance, which instantly made me feel confident about its durability. The adjustable shoulder strap and brown leather grip handles felt comfortable against my shoulder and hands, making it a pleasure to carry around. The moment I unzipped the bag, I noticed the generous space inside, perfect for holding all of my essentials without any clutter. The two interior pockets are an added bonus, allowing me to keep my smaller items organized and easily accessible. The exterior side and end pockets have also proven to be quite useful for storing my frequently needed items. One of the key features I truly appreciated is the nickel plated zipper and pull, making it easy for me to secure my belongings without any worry about potential malfunctions. Steele Canvas has truly created a high-quality, durable bag that is sure to withstand the test of time. Despite the minor inconvenience of needing two hands to secure the zipper on the outside pocket, I believe this duffle bag is a perfect addition to my travel collection. The Steele Canvas Waxed Canvas Duffle Bag has definitely made a lasting impression on me, and I am already looking forward to using it on countless more adventures. đDurable and Versatile Military-Grade Canvas Gym Baghttps://preview.redd.it/ndwsbla8gb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=23a77d45be6c0b639381d50961e59b04f7aff422 As a product reviewer, I recently got the chance to try out the Medium Duffle Bag in black, and my experience has been nothing short of exceptional. I've been using it for everything from weekend trips to gym sessions, and it's truly become a staple in my daily routine. The bag's most striking feature, hands down, is its heavy-duty construction. The double and triple-needle-stitched reinforced design not only gives it a sleek look that fits any environment but also ensures that it can handle even the heaviest loads without a hitch. I've noticed its durability in various situations - from transporting bulky sports gear to storing off-season clothing, this duffel bag has never let me down. One of the things I love about this duffel bag is how versatile it is. Made from lightweight yet durable cotton canvas, it's perfect for travel, sports, and leisure activities. Its convenient collapsible feature when not in use makes storage a breeze, and it's been especially useful during my many camping trips. Despite its size, the bag is surprisingly easy to carry around. Reinforced handles and adjustable shoulder straps make sure that I can handle even the heaviest loads comfortably. Plus, the two-way zipper and key-locking mechanism offer extra security for my belongings. However, one small area of improvement could be the weight of the bag itself. While it's definitely not a deal-breaker, considering the durability and high-quality materials used, some users might find it slightly heavier than desired. All in all, I'm extremely satisfied with my Medium Duffle Bag. Its combination of sturdy construction, versatility, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for anyone in need of a reliable bag for travel, sports, or everyday use. Buyer's GuideCanvas gym bags are a versatile and stylish choice for active people who prioritize functionality and quality. With the right features and construction, these bags can become an essential part of your fitness routine, ensuring that your gear stays organized and protected during workouts and commutes.Important Featureshttps://preview.redd.it/2z69m8r8gb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0448721c5b560ead176ce13e8bed48e6c0f4d72e
Considerations
General Advice
https://preview.redd.it/84isyv89gb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=eeb51bbcc7b25a80254804c73a4ddc9fbd802018 FAQWhat are Canvas Gym Bags and what are they used for?Canvas Gym Bags are sturdy, versatile, and environmentally friendly bags designed for carrying sports and workout clothing, shoes, and accessories. Made from high-quality canvas material, they are suitable for various activities, including gym workouts, swimming, yoga, and outdoor sports.Why should I choose a Canvas Gym Bag over other materials?https://preview.redd.it/8g3ow8p9gb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=539d40a4189e82fcaf7dc4dfded681d3fa308f5f Canvas Gym Bags are eco-friendly and have multiple benefits compared to other materials. They are lightweight, durable, and easy to maintain. Canvas is a breathable material that ensures items inside stay fresh and odor-free. Additionally, canvas is moisture-resistant, making it perfect for storing damp towels and swimsuits. How do I know if a Canvas Gym Bag is waterproof?High-quality Canvas Gym Bags are often treated with water-resistant coatings and may include waterproof zippers or compartments. Check the product description or contact the manufacturer for specific information about water resistance.Do Canvas Gym Bags have compartments for organizing my workout gear?Yes, most Canvas Gym Bags come with multiple compartments and pockets designed to organize your workout essentials. Many bags feature separate shoe compartments, a wet pocket for storing damp items, and small pockets for storing smaller items like keys, wallets, and phones. https://preview.redd.it/h9utri5agb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=adb8b5cc01275872e0fe1543270afe579eb34bd4 How do I clean a Canvas Gym Bag?Cleaning a Canvas Gym Bag is easy and can be done at home. Simply remove any dirt or debris with a soft brush or cloth. Then, mix a few drops of gentle detergent with water and gently clean the bag's interior and exterior. Rinse thoroughly and air dry away from direct sunlight. It is recommended to consult the manufacturer's care instructions for specific cleaning guidance.How do I choose the right size for a Canvas Gym Bag?Selecting the right size depends on the type and amount of workout gear you'll be carrying. Consider the dimensions of the bag and the volume it can hold. If you're unsure, read reviews from other customers or consult the manufacturer's recommendations for size guidance.Are Canvas Gym Bags suitable for travel?Yes, Canvas Gym Bags are versatile and can be used for travel. Their durability and lightweight nature make them suitable for short trips and weekend getaways. Some Canvas Gym Bags even come with additional features, such as luggage tags or straps, to make traveling easier.Can Canvas Gym Bags be personalized or customized?Yes, many manufacturers offer customization options for Canvas Gym Bags. This can include adding your name or initials, choosing a specific design or pattern, or even selecting custom colors. Personalized or customized bags make great gifts and can help you easily identify your bag amidst a crowded gym or locker room.What is the price range for Canvas Gym Bags?The price range for Canvas Gym Bags varies depending on factors such as size, quality, and additional features. Prices can range from $20 for basic models to over $100 for high-end, designer options. Consider your budget and specific needs when selecting a Canvas Gym Bag to ensure you get the best value for your money.As an Amazon⢠Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.19 07:04 Ok_Start1379 Do you think therapy can help me (27F) and my (ex)fiancĂŠ (28M) repair our relationship?
My (ex)fiancĂŠ and I had been together for almost 6.5 years, engaged for almost 2.5. Over the last several months, my (ex)fiancĂŠ has sat me down to talk about our relationship about once a month. Before these conversations, he would shut down and barely speak to me for several days even when I would ask what was wrong. Then he would finally tell me he was ready to have a conversation and would express his frustrations with the relationship. By the time of our conversations, I would already be on the defensive from his recent behavior. I also generally do not receive feedback well. When he would try to tell me that he was unhappy in our relationship because I didn't compliment him enough, flirt with him enough, or tell him I loved him enough, I would shut down. I was not able to hear what he was really trying to tell me. Instead, I put up a wall and told him to love me for who I am. I basically asked him "If I'm happy in our relationship despite my frustrations, why can't you be?" I now realize that is not an appropriate or healthy response when your partner is trying to communicate with you.
I did try to hear him. I gifted him some lingerie for the first time and let him take a boudoir photo shoot of me wearing it. I started sending a few more cute messages. I tried to make more time to cuddle with him when he would ask. I tried to give him more hugs. I tried to thank him more for picking up around the house. I wrote him a cute letter and surprised him with a few gifts for Easter. However, about a month ago, we had another one of those conversations. Except this time the first things he brought up were 'wondering what else is out there' and talking about how other girls are always complimenting him. Again came the walls and extra defensiveness. I ended up writing him a letter talking about how I didn't know if I could ever be what he wanted me to be and that maybe he should think about calling things off. This was obviously a defense mechanism to try to beat him to the punch line and talk about a self-fulfilling prophecy. Three weeks later he would sit me down and tell me he wanted to know what else was out there again and that he didn't know if he could go through with marrying me. My efforts did not feel like enough for him and I understand why. I was having a hard time connecting my emotions with my actions which made my actions seem reactionary and not genuine or provoked by love.
I have been through a lot more trauma in my life than I realized. My dad was in the Navy while I was growing up. We had to move every three years. A very pivotal point in my life was when we moved when I was in the 6th grade. I lived right next door to my best friend. I was finding my love for math and theater. I also played soccer and was a Girl Scout. When we moved, I became very depressed, though I didn't understand that's what it was at the time. I stopped all of my extracurricular activities. I stopped getting too close to people because I knew I would have to move or they would have to move eventually. I mostly stayed in my room and kept to myself, even from my family. I also have struggled with anxiety for as long as I can remember. Then, in my senior year of high school, I got my first-ever boyfriend. We were in a relationship for over 4 years. In that relationship, I would always be the one to try to talk about our problems. I would be the one who would always want longer hugs and more cuddles. But it was not a healthy relationship. We broke up and got back together many times. I found several illicit texts to other girls on multiple occasions and he would always gaslight me by saying his younger brother stole his phone or I misinterpreted the messages. I think this caused me not to want to show my emotions because it wasn't reciprocated and resulted in heartache. Then, three years ago my younger brother died in a tragic car accident at the age of 17.
When I realized I could lose the love of my life, I realized that he was right about me not being affectionate enough. I had built up walls to protect myself. I thought I had made progress on my anxiety and depression, but I realized I was wrong. I also realized that I have issues with communication, trust, and vulnerability. I was a great partner in other ways and I did express my love in other ways. I moved across the country, coast to coast, with him to a state where I didn't know anyone so that he could attend his dream school. I take care of the household. I get the majority of the groceries. I do all of the cooking. I do all of the maintenance cleaning. I take care of our 2 cats and 1 dog. I say all of those in the present tense because we currently still live together but are sleeping in separate rooms. I also financially supported him by lending him money and letting him pay less of the rent because I made more money. I accept all of him including that he has terrible time management skills, he can have a hard time controlling his emotions at times, and he is disorganized and messy. I also accepted that I would have to wait for marriage and children because of his school and accepted that he did not have a lot of free time between school, work, and his hobbies. I supported his love for his hobbies by accepting his purchasing of expensive equipment even when he owed me money, traveling to watch several events that were important to him, and traveling to see him win an award from his job. I would write heartfelt cards for every holiday. I also bought him dozens of children's books about love that I wanted us to read to our children one day.
When I realized I could lose him, I felt something change inside me. It was like I could feel a hole being blown in the wall I had built up. I felt all my love for him overwhelm me. I couldn't hug him, kiss him, or tell him I love him enough. I tried to talk to him to apologize for my behavior and how badly I'd hurt him. I tried to explain how I felt like a different person and how I really wanted to work hard on improving myself as a partner to make our relationship work. I tried to prove my words with actions. I wrote a list of things I needed to work on including communication and being more affectionate. I also wrote out a list of ways to work on those things and actually started doing the things on the list. Some of the items I had already begun to do like hug and kiss him more and tell him I love him more. I also tried to ask more questions about his interests/hobbies/day. I was more vulnerable and talked with him about my feelings more. I even initiated intimacy, something I had really only done once in a blue moon when I was intoxicated. I also set up my individual therapy sessions.
Despite all of my efforts, over the next two weeks, he continued to say he did not know if he could be with me and wanted to know what else was out there. He was very wavering and said multiple times "I don't know what the right decision is." He said he could not trust that my changes would last and that it was probably too late. I begged him to try couples therapy, but he refused and said "Therapy takes too long" and basically said it wasn't worth the time. He finally broke up with me after 2 weeks of going back and forth and I was devastated. He later talked to a mutual friend of ours and changed his mind about therapy. I was so happy to hear that he had changed his mind. However, now I feel like I can't even trust him anymore. He's turning into a person I don't recognize and I don't know what he's capable of anymore. I don't know if the man I love still exists. When he told me he was now agreeable to try therapy he said "We're still broken up, but I won't talk to any other girls." and then promptly said "And it will give me more time to find a place to live if things don't work out." He deleted several Instagram posts that had photos of me after he agreed to try therapy which makes me think he's not actually that open to healing our relationship. He complained to me about how he might have to take out student loans after I told him he needed to pay me for half of the rent while we're broken up and not decreased rate he had been paying me. He also "checked on me" on the night of the 3rd year anniversary of my brother's death when he heard me crying. Then he just sat on the end of the bed scrolling his phone while I cried as if he was checking on me because he felt like he had to and not because he wanted to. When I asked him if he had some sort of deadline in mind for the therapy, because he had previously mentioned that it takes too long, he said July or August and I have a suspicion that is because a girl he likes is leaving for summer break but will be back at the end of August for the next semester.
I just feel like the way he has been acting is not how you act towards someone you were in a relationship with for almost 6.5 years. Especially after saying you still love them and have no negative feelings towards them. That means even though you don't think you are a good relationship match, you should still want to treat them with respect. You should care that they are hurting during this time. You should want to comfort them in their grief of a separate event. You should mean it if you say you want to try therapy.
TL; DR : Do you think therapy will help?
submitted by Ok_Start1379 to relationship_advice [link] [comments]
I did try to hear him. I gifted him some lingerie for the first time and let him take a boudoir photo shoot of me wearing it. I started sending a few more cute messages. I tried to make more time to cuddle with him when he would ask. I tried to give him more hugs. I tried to thank him more for picking up around the house. I wrote him a cute letter and surprised him with a few gifts for Easter. However, about a month ago, we had another one of those conversations. Except this time the first things he brought up were 'wondering what else is out there' and talking about how other girls are always complimenting him. Again came the walls and extra defensiveness. I ended up writing him a letter talking about how I didn't know if I could ever be what he wanted me to be and that maybe he should think about calling things off. This was obviously a defense mechanism to try to beat him to the punch line and talk about a self-fulfilling prophecy. Three weeks later he would sit me down and tell me he wanted to know what else was out there again and that he didn't know if he could go through with marrying me. My efforts did not feel like enough for him and I understand why. I was having a hard time connecting my emotions with my actions which made my actions seem reactionary and not genuine or provoked by love.
I have been through a lot more trauma in my life than I realized. My dad was in the Navy while I was growing up. We had to move every three years. A very pivotal point in my life was when we moved when I was in the 6th grade. I lived right next door to my best friend. I was finding my love for math and theater. I also played soccer and was a Girl Scout. When we moved, I became very depressed, though I didn't understand that's what it was at the time. I stopped all of my extracurricular activities. I stopped getting too close to people because I knew I would have to move or they would have to move eventually. I mostly stayed in my room and kept to myself, even from my family. I also have struggled with anxiety for as long as I can remember. Then, in my senior year of high school, I got my first-ever boyfriend. We were in a relationship for over 4 years. In that relationship, I would always be the one to try to talk about our problems. I would be the one who would always want longer hugs and more cuddles. But it was not a healthy relationship. We broke up and got back together many times. I found several illicit texts to other girls on multiple occasions and he would always gaslight me by saying his younger brother stole his phone or I misinterpreted the messages. I think this caused me not to want to show my emotions because it wasn't reciprocated and resulted in heartache. Then, three years ago my younger brother died in a tragic car accident at the age of 17.
When I realized I could lose the love of my life, I realized that he was right about me not being affectionate enough. I had built up walls to protect myself. I thought I had made progress on my anxiety and depression, but I realized I was wrong. I also realized that I have issues with communication, trust, and vulnerability. I was a great partner in other ways and I did express my love in other ways. I moved across the country, coast to coast, with him to a state where I didn't know anyone so that he could attend his dream school. I take care of the household. I get the majority of the groceries. I do all of the cooking. I do all of the maintenance cleaning. I take care of our 2 cats and 1 dog. I say all of those in the present tense because we currently still live together but are sleeping in separate rooms. I also financially supported him by lending him money and letting him pay less of the rent because I made more money. I accept all of him including that he has terrible time management skills, he can have a hard time controlling his emotions at times, and he is disorganized and messy. I also accepted that I would have to wait for marriage and children because of his school and accepted that he did not have a lot of free time between school, work, and his hobbies. I supported his love for his hobbies by accepting his purchasing of expensive equipment even when he owed me money, traveling to watch several events that were important to him, and traveling to see him win an award from his job. I would write heartfelt cards for every holiday. I also bought him dozens of children's books about love that I wanted us to read to our children one day.
When I realized I could lose him, I felt something change inside me. It was like I could feel a hole being blown in the wall I had built up. I felt all my love for him overwhelm me. I couldn't hug him, kiss him, or tell him I love him enough. I tried to talk to him to apologize for my behavior and how badly I'd hurt him. I tried to explain how I felt like a different person and how I really wanted to work hard on improving myself as a partner to make our relationship work. I tried to prove my words with actions. I wrote a list of things I needed to work on including communication and being more affectionate. I also wrote out a list of ways to work on those things and actually started doing the things on the list. Some of the items I had already begun to do like hug and kiss him more and tell him I love him more. I also tried to ask more questions about his interests/hobbies/day. I was more vulnerable and talked with him about my feelings more. I even initiated intimacy, something I had really only done once in a blue moon when I was intoxicated. I also set up my individual therapy sessions.
Despite all of my efforts, over the next two weeks, he continued to say he did not know if he could be with me and wanted to know what else was out there. He was very wavering and said multiple times "I don't know what the right decision is." He said he could not trust that my changes would last and that it was probably too late. I begged him to try couples therapy, but he refused and said "Therapy takes too long" and basically said it wasn't worth the time. He finally broke up with me after 2 weeks of going back and forth and I was devastated. He later talked to a mutual friend of ours and changed his mind about therapy. I was so happy to hear that he had changed his mind. However, now I feel like I can't even trust him anymore. He's turning into a person I don't recognize and I don't know what he's capable of anymore. I don't know if the man I love still exists. When he told me he was now agreeable to try therapy he said "We're still broken up, but I won't talk to any other girls." and then promptly said "And it will give me more time to find a place to live if things don't work out." He deleted several Instagram posts that had photos of me after he agreed to try therapy which makes me think he's not actually that open to healing our relationship. He complained to me about how he might have to take out student loans after I told him he needed to pay me for half of the rent while we're broken up and not decreased rate he had been paying me. He also "checked on me" on the night of the 3rd year anniversary of my brother's death when he heard me crying. Then he just sat on the end of the bed scrolling his phone while I cried as if he was checking on me because he felt like he had to and not because he wanted to. When I asked him if he had some sort of deadline in mind for the therapy, because he had previously mentioned that it takes too long, he said July or August and I have a suspicion that is because a girl he likes is leaving for summer break but will be back at the end of August for the next semester.
I just feel like the way he has been acting is not how you act towards someone you were in a relationship with for almost 6.5 years. Especially after saying you still love them and have no negative feelings towards them. That means even though you don't think you are a good relationship match, you should still want to treat them with respect. You should care that they are hurting during this time. You should want to comfort them in their grief of a separate event. You should mean it if you say you want to try therapy.
TL; DR : Do you think therapy will help?