You have no idea how many times I let you think you were right, because it was painstakingly obvious that you needed it. All those times you put words in my mouth or told me what my intentions or feelings surrounding any given situation were, you were talking about yourself. I was never a part of our dynamic at all. I knew something was off the 2nd time we ever hung out and I overheard you talking badly about me on the phone for having social anxiety. I have PTSD. Isolating and social struggles are common, and I told you that, but you didn't believe me about the extent of my abuse history. You also downplayed the severity of my son being stillborn. He wasn't a miscarriage. The cutoff for a miscarriage is 20 weeks. Benjamin was 36. You were a terrible friend to me. You're judgmental and pushy and you seem to think your past victimization absolves you of all guilt. You twisted my words and painted me as something I'm not, then you smeared my name to others as if I'd actually done the things you imagined. You wonder why you can't keep friends? It's just your personality, that's all. Good riddance.

I'm just going to vomit all of my thoughts from this past week onto this thread. If this makes zero sense, I'm sorry. Also, this is long. I don't blame you if you don't read it. It's not like I deserve the time of day.
I just can't wait for the school year to be over. I don't dislike school, just everyone in it. Actually, I don't dislike them, i envy them. Thats a better word. I envy them because they dont have to be me. I dont have it hard or anything. Not to them. I try to be nice, i want to be nice. but it feels like my peers don't. they just have a good time using me as a punching bag. at least starting this Friday I'll have a solid 2 months of being able to work on impressing them before I come back. this year and last, I've been a court jester. this next year is my last year at this school before high school. I want to have a good last year. but i would also like to be more social, and that's hard enough.
I honestly don't understand how I've even got this many friends. I don't understand what they gain from being friends with me. If they don't enjoy being friends with me, they'd just tell me, right? I don't think I do them any favors being around them. but i feel annoying around anyone else. I do feel like the worst of my peers. they do all act and look better than me. and I'm not even me during school. I'd be quite the downer if I was. I try to be happy, but it feels forced. being social feels forced and stressful. if I don't know the person, I can legitimately not talk to them. not unless they're a teacher, or they talk to me first. but even if they do, I probably will only talk the bare minimum. I feel uncomfortable just being around anyone in general. I think I feel uncomfortable because I'm lowering other's perspective of them by being near them. Like a dump yard next to a mansion.
It doesn't help that I look roughly 3 years older than I actually am. I've had people tell me I look 16 before. That doesn't look good being surrounded by 12–14-year-olds. I remember specifically last year I was leaving the locker room, and someone said to me "You look like everything bad was made into one person." That stuck with me. Maybe I shouldn't have taken it to heart. But how can I not? Maybe I should focus more on what I think and less what others think. But I just can't do that. Even right now, I'm going to work on myself so that I fit in more. So that other people are nicer to me. I wish I wasn't fat. I really do. I work on it. I try and remember that if I don't need it to live, I shouldn't eat it. But I've gotten so used to eating when I was bored. When I was sad. As a reward. I would go to the fridge. I would get a haircut, but if it's bad, it's only going to provoke more. I'm getting one as soon as possible once school ends. at least if it's bad, it'll grow back a little by the time school lets back in. Nothing will fit with my face though. It's dumb, fatty, and I think it's one of the worse parts of my body. I've got glasses, though. They help round out my face a bit. I still don't look good, but at least I don't look as bad as I could. I also don't look at good as I could, but that's because I can't keep my mouth shut.
Maybe I should have a doctor sew my mouth shut. Maybe I should put my bed in front of my door so I can't take a break from scrolling to go eat. Managing my calories is hard. It shouldn't be, I'm just stupid. I'm also immature. I swear too much, I have a baby voice, and I always have spit in my mouth. I'm gross. I sweat too much and spit too much. Can I control it? No. but I'm not the victim here. I make everyone else the victim by being there. I'm only there because I'm forced to be there. I'd skip daily if I wasn't. I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable by going up and talking to them. I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable by sitting next to them on the bus when its full. I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable by sharing a class with them. I don't want to be a discomforting person. Maybe isolation would be the best course of action. They'd make a classroom just for me to do online lessons in, alone. Probably an old janitor's closet. But I don't think I would be worth the effort. They'd label me unteachable and let me rot in bed at home.
I don't want to be negative. But I did it to myself, really, why didn't I just choose the good genetics? Why didn't I choose to never hunger? To digest food as fast as I bleed? To not sweat? To mature at the same rate as a normal 13-year-old? To be able to disregard any VERY helpful criticism I get? To smell like a field of roses? To be charming? To be attractive? To be normal?
To be honest, self-care doesn't make much sense to me. I don't deserve care to myself. I am to be treated the same as every other pig in the barn yard. If nobody would see it, what's the point? Genuinely. I need validation from my peers. Not that I've ever gotten it. It's human, right? That doesn't mean I need validation though. I'm lucky, though. They could've kicked my skull in the minute I walked through the door. I wouldn't blame them. Not like I could fight back. I'm about as weak as possible.
And that's what I've always been and will always be. The big, weak, ugly, loser that is to be hated. Because ignoring the abnormal will make them think they deserve to be near the fines. The best. The normal. I pity those that look like me, but not worse than me. Nobody could look worse than me. I don't deserve pity though. I deserve the pain that's come to me. I deserve worse, honestly. I'm lucky.

i finished 3rd grade before i was homeschooled. now i've recently been reënrolled since my parents realized how hard it is to teach highschool after my freshman year. i spent my entire sophomore year in an actual school & yesterday was the last of the year for me. my academics haven't suffered - as i still have a 4.0 GPA - though my social skills have. this entire school year has been hell because of my social anxiety & awkwardness thanks to years of isolation. man i'm an extrovert at heart & socializing makes me happy, but i'm just so terrified that i can't. i haven't made a single close friend this entire school year. i'm just hoping i can continue to improve my social skils & i'm glad i was atleast put back in school before i graduated. NEVER homeschool your child, please. there's so many different things for you to juggle, you're bound to drop the ball on one of the aspects, whether it be academics, social skills, routine adaptability, etc.

2.5 months since BU, over a month of NC. My (25f) ex (28m) broke up with me because of depression and blamed me for it for months.
I live a fast-paced life and feel like I’ve grown so much since we broke up – did things I’ve never done before, visited new places alone, have been going out with friends, continued journaling, and have been receiving countless opportunities career-wise.
Meanwhile, he is still jobless, he isolated himself from social media and our friends, and refuses to be part of pictures when he’s out with family and other friends.
He knows I’m anxious, and that the breakup is making me detach from him. He’s becoming a distant memory and it hurts because I still love him, but I know I have to let him go.
He still has our photo on his Instagram and refuses to delete it, we don’t follow each other anymore but he still keeps tabs on me by watching all my stories. I’m not sure what he told his family about us but they still interact with my social media posts.
Sometimes I wish he would delete our photo just so I know it’s truly over.

10 Warning Signs of Cult Recruitment

Research shows that anyone is susceptible to joining a cult. “Not me!” you say. Yes, you. The self-serving bias that makes people think they’re the exception to the rule can make them feel invulnerable—and leave them unprotected from pathological salespeople. You don’t have to be particularly gullible, insecure, or emotionally needy to be successfully recruited. Cults exploit psychological elements that are hardwired in pretty much everyone. Here’s how they do it:

Social isolation. If you are seeing less and less of your family and peers in favor of your new best friends, ask yourself why. Cults gradually chip away at your community until only cult members remain. If the cult is your entire world—a closed system—then leaving it can feel really scary.
Cyber isolation. If all your Facebook friends agree with you, ask yourself why. Cyber isolation can lead to confirmation bias. That means you only see information that supports what you already believe. And your beliefs are also continually validated in the echo chamber of cyber isolation. The Facebook algorithm shows you things you want to see in a never-ending cycle of digital influence.
Promised rewards. If you find that you’re on the verge of amazing accomplishments or the fulfillment of your wildest dreams, ask yourself why. Cults promise gifts like a spiritual Wheel of Fortune: enlightenment, self-actualization, love, unlicensed psychotherapy, companionship, exorcism, peace of mind, perfect health, eternal life, great sex, a forever home, a loving family. Over-the-top rewards are part of the conversion process. How can anyone say no?
Phobia indoctrination. If you find that you have a lot of new fears, ask yourself why. Seeing threats everywhere? Cults use fear to induce people to stay within their ranks, where they’ll be safe. And naturally the only person who can truly protect you is the cult leader. Who is also responsible for punishing you. Their methods are effective because they alternate fear with love, leading to disorganized attachment.
Heightened emotion. If you find yourself feeling extremely happy, angry, or scared, ask yourself why. Cults trigger big emotional responses and then direct that emotion toward a strategic target when you’re at your least rational.
Love-bombing. If you find yourself feeling more loved than you ever have in your life, ask yourself why. This is a tactic that narcissistic manipulators use in interpersonal relationships, but it also applies to cultic attempts at thought reform. Cult members will spoil you with attention and affection in order to make you feel connected and important. And people keep coming back for the love drug.
Us vs. them mentality. If you find that you have a lot of enemies all of a sudden, ask yourself why. Cults invent enemies to help solidify the group identity. When you envision yourself as a missionary for good versus evil, there might be too much at stake for you to abandon your cause.
Social influence. If you find that everyone around you agrees on something, ask yourself why. Psychological studies show that compliance goes up with the number of people involved. Most people won’t reject an idea if the whole group supports it. And cult prospects are typically overwhelmed with group-ecstatic activities, which can lead them to poor information processing. Essentially, peer pressure makes it impossible for people to function at full capacity.
Intelligence-dampening. If you find yourself too tired or confused to make decisions, ask yourself why. Cults use techniques like sleep-deprivation, alternate states of consciousness, repetition, and thought-stopping to overwhelm someone’s cognitive resources and critical thinking skills. They destabilize your view of reality. And when your mind is under threat, you keep returning to the safety and love of your leader. It doesn’t mean you’re stupid, even if you develop false beliefs. All humans have false beliefs and a tendency toward magical thinking. But cult members depend on the cult for direction when their brains are disoriented.
Identity disturbance. If you feel like a new you–a better you–ask yourself why. Cults alternate reward and punishment to stress people out and disrupt their identities. From there, cults can inflict a new identity on a member, one that depends on submission and self-surrender. And it doesn’t help that other sources of identity, like work and school, are slowly taken over by cult participation.

source: https://thriveworks.com/blog/protect-yourself-from-mind-control-techniques

Recently I got into a huge argument/ misunderstanding with my close friend. I won’t go into detail what it was about but she told my friend group in class and they are basically ignoring me. I think word got out to my classmates and they’ve been talking behind my back. I’m not sure what to do anymore, my own friends didn’t even ask for my side of the story and just decided to ignore me. To add on, my o’s are coming soon and I can’t get myself together. What should I do? Edit: hi I read some of the comments and I’m trying to use it to motivate me to study but here’s some context-Prior to this incident I was very close to all my classmates as I’m a social butterfly and i was basically very close to my class so being so isolated from my class and being alone is something that is I’m not used to and can’t fathom. In a way I’m “grieving” the loss of my friends as some of these friends I’ve known for years. Idk life kinda sucks and it’s something I’m not used to

Hi everyone! I just want to vent about the feeling of loneliness / not making new friendships in my mid 20s. This subreddit is the safest place where I feel like I can be heard. I have experienced loneliness throughout my life but now it just hits different. I just turned 26 recently. I have friends. They all have moved out of the city I live in (it has just become too expensive for some and others moved bc of job opportunities). I still stay in touch with them on social media every now and then. I have been working remote since I graduated from college so that adds to the isolation too. I am a bit of an introvert and deal with social anxiety so going out can be a bit hard at times. Recently, I have been working on spending time with myself, investing in my hobbies. For example, going to the gym, going on walks, taking art classes, and traveling. Even though I do all of that, I still have trouble forming new friendships. Every time I go on social media, I see my friends hanging out with their other friends , living life (I know I’m not supposed to compare my life to what’s on social media), it still makes me feel like I’m doing something wrong or I’m missing out. I also never dated, never had a bf . That’s another loneliness I deal with. I am working on my self esteem issues and loving myself (and I have made a lot of progress). I sometimes feel like that still doesn’t make up for the loneliness I feel from not forming relationships. How do I deal with this? How do you ladies form new friendships in your mid 20s (and beyond). Any advice would be appreciated.
I’m sorry about the long post!

Family had lots of problems with money. Ancestral property went to feed away the ungrateful greedy and cheating relatives so my responsibility was looked like a burden though I was their own granddaughter. Before me, they had looked after 12 people who had parents, ancestral property, but the opportunity of living in a good city. Not to mention that more temporary people would often come and stay for short periods of time like months. Our house was like a dharamshala and my mother who would start cooking food breakfast at morning would finish it by afternoon and often no food left for her to eat. Such a scenario was in our house.
These people stayed for years and my grandma nephew stayed longer for 20+ years and left only after my grandparents got him a central government job by bribing politicians and losing money and gold to help his parents build an house in village. His parents didn't even give a grain of rice for his upbringing but again cheated my grandparents . they Shamelessly took and took. My grandparents were cheated and leeched from each of their own sisters, just imagine. Now, all of their children are living treated well by other relatives. Our family who bore all the difficulties are still being treated badly by relatives and I sometimes wonder if being good and kind just leads to suffering. My grandma would hate me sometimes for being dependent on them and just unleashed everything her anger and hurt on me. I'm still suffering from this and have been very much angry with my relatives for this. Their children are enjoying their lives while I am suffering and also being humiliated by them for not being wealthy.
My family has struggled to maintain integrity and "social prestige " even though they had money problems. They brought loans or borrowed money and often people would come to recover money to house and I would be panicking. There are times when I had few clothes to wear and less food to eat. But the relatives think that we are rich and enjoying and often jealous of our family. Everyone in my family have struggled to come up in life and resent me. I feel sad because I am related to them but still underwent this unlike other people who have enjoyed in my house. I have a bad relationship with money matters or resources, don't know if my upbringing has caused or I am very unlucky in life.
Now my family keep telling me to save family honour by having self-respect and present myself well to society. They are right to ask me, but I'm not able to understand what is self-respect and how to maintain it. People have looked down on me and judged me badly. Being a woman is difficult here, can't be isolated from people for long and getting mocked openly is difficult to go through. My situation has been worse over the years and also the added fear of not having food or clothes. Pandemic damaged everything for me. Like my life took a rough path. Mental health issues is much lower now. Unfortunately, I am not able to... maintain the social status and respect. How to?

Hey besties of reddit! Haven't been on here before, but wanted to invite you to join the Corvallis Creative Cooperative, my community building organization. We've mostly been organizing on Facebook, where we have about 800 members, but I’ve been running into more and more people around town who aren’t on there but have been hearing about us and are interested in taking part. So - maybe you're one of them! You're welcome to check out our website (www.corvalliscreativecooperative.com), but here's a quick rundown.
I don't have a real short version of what we do, other than the phrases "community building" and "Friendship is Magic", because we do a lot. I run about 20 events a week, from support groups to walking groups to communal cooking to a potluck to movie night to tabletop games and plenty more. We’re starting up a community farm on one of our member’s properties. I’m working on a cooperative housing project, to make sure that everyone in our group has a safe home that they can afford to live in (that’s an ambitious one, but we’ll get there). We have a burgeoning home business cooperative, and I’ve set up a community workshop in my home that people can come use to make whatever they want.
There’s more, of course, but that’s a few of the things we do.
The most important part of this isn’t really the things we do, though: it’s the people we bring together. What ties all of our events and projects together is my conviction that we fundamentally need each other, not just to be happy and healthy, but to be human. The general reckoning is that this is the most isolated time in human history. We have a tremendous amount of loneliness, social anxiety, and related mental and physical health struggles. Even for people who are doing relatively well, the kinds of tight-knit, interdependent communities that humans have formed for most of history are very much a thing of the past.
I’m trying to bring that kind of community back - and it has been delightful and shocking to see how many people have been excited to join in. I hope you’ll be one of them.
Before I get on to other things, wanted to share my personal favorite event we do: Upward Spiral. This is basically our anti-death spiral group, where we sit down, figure out goals and problems that people in the group want to work towards, and then help each other make our lives healthier and happier in real, material ways. That’s what friends are for, right? We had our first meeting for that group yesterday, and all seven people who took part came out of it with some pretty high impact solutions - new places to live, support with mental health struggles, helpers to organize their home; that kind of stuff. We all have different strengths and resources, and nothing warms my heart like seeing something one person struggles with get done by someone it's easy breezy for.
If you have any questions, or just want to talk, my number is 541-740-1452. My name’s Robbie, and we’re not just friends - we’re besties, bestie!

This post will repeat weekly through the month of December. Please repost or cross post as a way to promote this subreddit. Or ignore this one and check out our others! I apologize if it's cramping your style, but when I work hard on certain posts I want to be sure they are useful! I also am working on making these shorter so they don't get lost in the madness....
Scroll down for the Character Questions and create a thoughtful and empathetic profile of your main characters for your projects!
As always please use these as sparks to create and feel free to post your responses and ideas in comments or separate post! This is YOUR subreddit so go ahead and post away!
Prompt: Imagine a dystopian world where an oppressive government has successfully erased all forms of personal identity and history. In this society, individuals are assigned generic roles and are forbidden from expressing their unique thoughts, emotions, or experiences. Write a short story or reflective essay exploring the life of a character who discovers a hidden underground community that encourages self-expression and reignites the importance of personal narratives.
In your response, consider the following:

Character and World Building:
- Describe the protagonist's background, their assigned role, and their initial perception of the oppressive world they inhabit.
- Develop the hidden underground community, including its purpose, structure, and the means through which it safeguards personal stories.
- Create a contrast between the protagonist's initial world and the underground community, highlighting the impact of personal narratives on shaping identity and resisting oppression.
Plot Analysis:
- Outline the protagonist's journey of discovery, including their initial skepticism, the influential encounters they have within the underground community, and the personal sacrifices they make to preserve their identity.
- Explore the challenges and conflicts faced by the protagonist, both externally (e.g., encounters with government authorities) and internally (e.g., the struggle to confront their identity).
Deep Introspection:
- Prompt the protagonist to reflect deeply on the uncomfortable subjects that the government's erasure of personal narratives seeks to suppress. These could include topics such as individuality, memory, trauma, and the power of storytelling as a tool for empathy and resistance.
- Encourage the protagonist to evolve their thoughts and perceptions throughout the narrative, considering the consequences of silence and the potential for personal growth through self-expression and sharing.
Requirements for Responses:
- Conduct research to explore real-world examples of societies that suppress personal narratives or attempt to erase collective memory.
Prompt: In a post-apocalyptic world, a devastating pandemic has wiped out most of humanity. The survivors are forced to live in isolated communities, each with its own set of strict rules and customs. Write a short story or reflective essay exploring the life of a character who questions the existing order and embarks on a journey to unite these fragmented communities. Consider the role of unity, diversity, and collaboration in rebuilding a shattered world.
Prompt: Set in a future where advanced AI technology has permeated every aspect of society, write a story or reflective essay following a protagonist who begins to question the boundaries between human and machine. Delve into the ethical implications of human-AI relationships, the erosion of human emotions, and the potential consequences of blurring the line between artificial and genuine experiences.
Prompt: Imagine a world where climate change and environmental degradation have irreversibly altered the planet. Write a story or reflective essay from the perspective of a character who is part of a group striving to restore balance and heal the damaged Earth. Explore the connections between personal responsibility, collective action, and the intersections of social and environmental justice.
Prompt: Transport yourself to a society where strict social hierarchies are based on a person's genetic makeup. Write a short story or reflective essay following a character who challenges this system and advocates for equality and inclusivity. Examine the role of genetic determinism, discrimination, and the power of individual agency in reshaping social structures.
Prompt: Imagine a world where art and creativity are considered illegal, seen as tools of subversion and chaos. Write a story or reflective essay from the perspective of an artist who risks everything to defy this oppressive regime and reclaim the power of artistic expression. Analyze the significance of art as a form of resistance, its ability to inspire change, and its impact on personal and societal transformation.

Remember to consider the following for each of the prompts to insure a well rounded and thought out premise that will engage the audience and allow room for growth in the plot.
Prompt 1 - Post-Apocalyptic Community Building:

Consider the unique customs, rules, and societal structures of each isolated community.
Explore the protagonist's motivation for questioning the existing order and their vision for uniting the communities.
Analyze the challenges and conflicts faced in the journey of uniting fragmented communities and the potential benefits and drawbacks of unity.

Prompt 2 - Ethical Implications of AI Technology:

Reflect on the protagonist's personal experiences and interactions with AI, including the blurring of boundaries between human and machine.
Explore the ethical dilemmas and consequences of advancing AI technology.
Analyze the impact of human emotions, genuine experiences, and the potential loss or transformation of human qualities in a society heavily influenced by AI.

Prompt 3 - Environmental Restoration and Social Justice:

Consider the protagonist's role in the restoration of the damaged Earth and their motivations for taking action.
Explore the intersections of social justice and the environment, including the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized communities.
Analyze the challenges of collective action, personal responsibility, and the potential for transformative change in healing the planet and addressing social inequalities.

Prompt 4 - Genetic Hierarchy and Social Change:

Reflect on the protagonist's experience within the rigid social hierarchy based on genetics.
Analyze the implications of genetic determinism and discrimination in shaping social structures.
Explore the role of individual agency, activism, and the potential strategies for challenging and reshaping the genetic-based hierarchy.

Prompt 5 - Artistic Expression as Resistance:

Consider the protagonist's personal experiences as an artist within an oppressive regime.
Reflect on the significance of artistic expression as a form of resistance and its power to inspire change and challenge societal norms.
Analyze the risks, sacrifices, and potential outcomes associated with defying an oppressive regime through art.

Chick Lit: Write a chick lit novel or short story following a relatable protagonist navigating the challenges of love, career, and self-discovery. Explore themes of friendship, personal growth, and finding balance in a fast-paced, modern world.
Young Readers' Adventure: Imagine a group of young friends who stumble upon a hidden portal to another realm. Write an adventure novel or short story as they embark on a quest to save a magical world from darkness. Delve into themes of friendship, bravery, and the power of imagination.
Historical Fiction: Set in a time of significant historical events, write a novel or short story highlighting a lesser-known figure or group of people. Research the historical context meticulously and emphasize the character's resilience, struggles, and contributions during that tumultuous period.
Fantasy: Create a fantastical world filled with mythical creatures, magic, and ancient prophecies. Write a novel or short story following a young protagonist who discovers their extraordinary abilities and must navigate a treacherous journey to fulfill their destiny. Explore themes of self-discovery, heroism, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
Mystery/Thriller: Write a gripping mystery or thriller novel following a seasoned detective or amateur sleuth investigating a perplexing crime. Develop complex characters, suspenseful plot twists, and an intricate web of clues and red herrings that keep readers guessing until the very end.
Science Fiction: Set in a future where technological advancements have transformed society, write a novel or short story exploring the ethical and societal implications of groundbreaking inventions. Examine themes such as artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, or virtual reality and their impact on humanity's future.
Romance: Craft a heartwarming romance novel or short story centered around two individuals from different backgrounds or opposing sides. Explore themes of love, forgiveness, and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Coming-of-Age: Write a coming-of-age novel or short story following a young protagonist's journey of self-discovery, identity formation, and navigating the complexities of adolescence. Explore themes of friendship, personal growth, and the challenges of transitioning into adulthood.
Psychological Thriller: Create a psychological thriller novel or short story that delves into the intricacies of the human mind. Focus on a protagonist who becomes entangled in a web of deception, manipulation, and paranoia. Explore themes of trust, perception, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion.
Family Drama: Write a novel or short story exploring the dynamics and complexities within a multi-generational family. Include themes of love, secrets, and conflicts that arise as family members navigate their relationships, face past traumas, and strive for reconciliation.

Considerations for each prompt:

Genre-specific elements: Ensure your story incorporates the defining characteristics and tropes of the chosen genre, such as the tone, pacing, and narrative conventions.
Character development: Develop dynamic and relatable characters who undergo significant growth or transformation throughout the story.
Plot structure: Create a compelling plot that introduces conflict, builds tension, and resolves in a satisfying manner, adhering to the common structure of the chosen genre.
Themes and messages: Select themes that resonate with the genre and explore them through the characters' experiences and narrative development.
Reader engagement: Craft a story that captivates the intended audience, keeping them invested in the characters and eager to uncover what happens next.

Historical Romance: Write a one-page historical romance set in a lavish ballroom during the Victorian era. Focus on the forbidden love between a spirited debutante and a mysterious gentleman from a different social class.
Science Fiction Comedy: Craft a one-page comedic story set in a futuristic space station. Follow the misadventures of a clumsy maintenance technician who unwittingly saves the day against all odds.
Paranormal Mystery: Pen a one-page mystery story set in a haunted mansion. Introduce a skeptical paranormal investigator who must solve the mystery of a ghostly apparition that has been terrorizing the inhabitants.
Literary Fiction: Write a one-page literary fiction piece centered around a character's contemplation of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the present moment.
Action Adventure: Craft a one-page action-packed adventure story set in the jungles of an unexplored island. Follow a daring archaeologist's quest for a hidden treasure while battling against treacherous obstacles and rival adventurers.
Psychological Drama: Create a one-page psychological drama following the internal struggles of a troubled artist as they grapple with their inner demons and seek redemption.
Magical Realism: Write a one-page magical realism story set in a sleepy coastal town. Explore the extraordinary occurrences that happen when an enigmatic mermaid washes ashore and disrupts the mundane lives of the townsfolk.
Thriller: Craft a one-page thriller story involving a race against time. Follow a determined protagonist as they try to decipher cryptic clues and prevent a citywide disaster.
Fantasy Adventure: Pen a one-page fantasy adventure story set in a whimsical realm. Follow a young hero's quest to retrieve a stolen artifact and restore balance to the land, encountering fantastical creatures and overcoming obstacles along the way.
Historical Fiction Mystery: Write a one-page historical fiction mystery set during the Roaring Twenties. Follow a quick-witted detective as they unravel a web of deceit and intrigue surrounding a glamorous underground speakeasy in the heart of the city.

Considerations for each prompt:

Engaging Beginning: Choose a compelling starting point that grabs the reader's attention and hooks them into the story from the very first sentence.
Concise Plot: Craft a tightly woven plot that can be fully developed within one page, with an introduction, rising action, climax, and resolution.
Strong Characterization: Develop distinct and memorable characters, even within the limited space, by providing key details that bring them to life and make them relatable to the reader.
Descriptive Language: Use vivid and sensory language to paint a clear picture of the setting, engage the reader's imagination, and create an immersive reading experience.
Resolution or Twist: Provide a satisfying resolution to the story or introduce an unexpected twist that leaves the reader intrigued and wanting more.

Protagonist Character Profile:

Name:
Age:
Gender:
Physical appearance:
Background:
Personality traits (list at least five):
Core values and beliefs:
Motivations and goals:
Biggest fear:
Internal conflicts:
External conflicts:
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
Childhood experiences and their impact:
Education and professional background:
Relationship status and dynamics:
Quirks or peculiar habits:
Psychological disorders, if any:
Familial relationships and dynamics:
Support system (friends, mentors, etc.):
Traumatic experiences and their effects:
Coping mechanisms:
Emotional vulnerabilities:
Resilience and determination:
Personal growth throughout the story:

Protagonist Character Questions:

What drives the protagonist to take action and pursue their goals?
How does the protagonist's childhood shape their behaviors and choices?
What values does the protagonist hold dear, and how do they influence their decision-making process?
What inner conflicts does the protagonist face, and how do they attempt to reconcile them?
How does the protagonist's education and professional background contribute to their strengths and weaknesses?
What traumatic experiences has the protagonist overcome, and how have these experiences shaped their worldview?
How does the protagonist cope with stress or adversity?
What relationships and dynamics are most significant to the protagonist, and how do these relationships evolve throughout the story?
In what ways does the protagonist exhibit resilience and determination in the face of challenges?
How does the protagonist approach personal growth and self-improvement?
What psychological disorders, if any, does the protagonist struggle with, and how do these disorders impact their thoughts and actions?
How does the protagonist's physical appearance contribute to their self-perception and interactions with others?
What unique quirks or habits does the protagonist possess that make them stand out?
What are the protagonist's primary desires and aspirations?
How does the protagonist's internalized fear drive or hinder their actions?
How does the protagonist navigate and resolve external conflicts?
What coping mechanisms does the protagonist rely on during times of stress or emotional turmoil?
How do familial relationships and dynamics influence the protagonist's actions and decisions?
What significant life choices or dilemmas does the protagonist face throughout the story, and how do they respond?
In what ways does the protagonist's support system impact their growth and resilience?
How does the protagonist's personal development and self-discovery contribute to the overall narrative arc?
How does the protagonist's background and experiences shape their perception of the world?
What are the protagonist's core beliefs and values, and how do these impact their interactions with others?
How does the protagonist handle setbacks or failures, and what lessons do they learn from these experiences?
What external influences or societal pressures affect the protagonist's decision-making process?

Antagonist Character Profile:

Name:
Age:
Gender:
Physical appearance:
Background:
Personality traits (list at least five):
Core values and beliefs:
Motivations and goals:
Biggest fear:
Internal conflicts:
External conflicts:
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
Childhood experiences and their impact $ Go on

Education and professional background: 16. Relationship status and dynamics: 17. Quirks or peculiar habits: 18. Psychological disorders, if any: 19. Familial relationships and dynamics: 20. Support system (friends, mentors, etc.): 21. Traumatic experiences and their effects: 22. Coping mechanisms: 23. Emotional vulnerabilities: 24. Strategies for achieving their goals: 25. Methods they employ to antagonize the protagonist:

Antagonist Character Questions:

What drives the antagonist to oppose the protagonist and act as an obstacle in their journey?
How does the antagonist's background and upbringing contribute to their negative behaviors and motivations?
What core values and beliefs does the antagonist hold that align with their antagonistic actions?
What personal goals or desires does the antagonist seek to fulfill?
What is the biggest fear or insecurity that drives the antagonist's actions?
How does the antagonist's internal conflicts manifest and impact their decisions?
What external conflicts arise as a result of the antagonist's actions, and how do they handle these conflicts?
In what ways does the antagonist exhibit strength and power, and how do these traits affect their interactions with others?
What are the antagonist's weaknesses or vulnerabilities that can be exploited by the protagonist?
How have childhood experiences shaped the antagonist's worldview and motivations?
How does the antagonist's education and professional background contribute to their methods and strategies?
What familial relationships or dynamics influence the antagonist's actions and choices?
What unique quirks or habits does the antagonist possess that make them distinct or memorable?
Are there any psychological disorders or conditions that contribute to the antagonist's behavior?
How does the antagonist cope with stress or emotional turmoil?
What strategies or tactics does the antagonist employ to achieve their goals and antagonize the protagonist?
How do the antagonist's actions impact their relationships and interactions with other characters in the story?

18.How does the antagonist perceive and justify their actions, even if they are considered morally or ethically wrong?

What external influences or societal pressures contribute to the antagonist's motivations or actions?
How does the antagonist's physical appearance contribute to their demeanor and portrayal in the story?
What significant life choices or dilemmas has the antagonist faced, and how have these shaped their character?
What is the antagonist's reaction to setbacks or failures, and how do they adapt their strategies?
How does the antagonist's support system or lack thereof impact their actions and decisions?
What past traumatic experiences or events have influenced the antagonist's worldview and behaviors?
How does the antagonist's emotional state or emotional vulnerabilities influence their actions and interactions with others?

Hope this is the right tag. I want to hear if other autistic women here are trying to find new friends, and if so, how they’re going about it!
I’m trying after going through some friend breakups and finding I no longer have any friends in my city. All my remaining friends are in other cities or countries.
Some things I’m doing - - Trying meetups for my interests - looking at my own narratives around why I can’t make friends (some are pretty legitimate like I struggle with fatigue from masking, I don’t know where I stand with friends/what stage of friendship we are in as I can’t read that well, I have to mask hard so I don’t just infodump about my interests the whole time and isolate people) and seeing how I can work with them to find friends. Eg, if I know I can only really do one social thing a fortnight, so be it - playing a team sport, which I’ve done for years. This is where I made some of my best friends but they moved away. I’m trying to fit in with the current team but no one is particularly vibing with me. I’ll keep trying!
Interested in any and all experiences, both successes, failures and everything in between :)

I recently took the step to talk to an LPC and she said that the feelings/feafrustration I was experiencing was agoraphobia. Took some time for me to wrap my head around that but putting a name to it has been a huge positive.
I spent 15+ years drinking like crazy and 5 years ago I began to taper off to now I'm at a socially acceptable level; switched from weed to CBG too.
Being able to read the threads in this forum has been huge to me. It is a totally isolating issue to deal with, but just knowing there are others out there makes me feel like I'm part of a community. And the anonymity makes the step to talking to others not so monumental.
I started taking propanolol and pepto to steps into new places and it been working for me so far. 1st thank you is to those that discussed fear of restroom availability and gave some ideas on how to tackle it
2 thank you is to this community as a whole. Your posts are inspirational to me, they gave me the courage to write this. For all the OPs, your leaps to put yourself out there are admirable, and all the folks that follow up with ideas and words of encouragement make me think that maybe people aren't the worst.
TLDR: Thank You, for your courage, support and community.

Sorry if it sounds awkward, English is not my first language.
Well, I guess I've been thinking about this for a while. I am currently a high-school student, but I will graduate soon. I started following Christianity about a two and a half years ago, going through a rough patch. I was very socially isolated, but I sort of felt like Jesus spoke to me through the thoughts I'd have about what comes after death basically, and that even someone like me, whom was "forgotten" by the world had a place where I truly belonged with him. That idea gave me the hope I needed to carry on for a while. John 14:3 and Psalms 73:25 remain verses I think about every day. But I guess over time I began to have a lot more trouble with my day-to-day life such as losing interest in a lot of things I used to like, being in a strained relationship with my family, fighting the resurgence of mental illness and maintaining health, ect. While The world progressed around me, I stagnated. I feel confused with what God had intended for me to do. In fact, I think I have never felt so uncertain about things in my life before.
I am not interested in romantic relationships or earning a lot of money, but rather a pointer or a nudge In the direction that God wants me to go in. So, there seems to be a persistent empty feeling in my chest about all this. On one hand, I am familiar with verses that talk about God who will be your guide, and I try to be still be still and let him fight for me. But on the other hand, what if God has shown me parts of what he wants me to do already, but I am unknowingly running away from it? I feel very conflicted and anxious when I think about if what I love to do/the desires of my own heart are truly aligned with what God wants. I don't have any notable talents, nor do I consider myself an ambitious person, but I do not want to walk away from Jesus in any sense, and I feel as if I continue to pursue those things, it would be like a rebellion while I am under the illusion that I am doing his will for me.
Of course, I am aware that God typically does not answer in specific terms, for the first time in my walk, I have started to doubt if I ever received the holy spirit at all. Have I committed idolatry in the sense that I became a christian because of the idea of one day being in a place I belonged beyond this world rather than for God Himself? I've been seeking counsel in my fellow believers as of late, but Im still not very sure if I ever knew him in the first place. I will make an effort to try and continue to pray and love others regardless.

A Homily Prepared For Sunday May 19, 2024
The Collect
O God, who on this day taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Gospel
John 7:37–39a
37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Commentary on Today’s Gospel Selection;
In our Gospel selection for today, Pentecost Sunday, we look at an event which takes place on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Feast of Booths, and Sukkot. The event takes place in SeptembeOctober, and celebrates the fall harvest of grapes and olives. It lasts seven days with a holy convocation on the eighth day (Leviticus 23:36).
Jewish law specifies that, during the Feast of Tabernacles, Jewish people “You shall dwell in booths seven days. All who are native-born in Israel shall dwell in booths, that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt” (Leviticus 23:42-43). It also characterizes this feast as a fall harvest festival (Exodus 23:16; Deuteronomy 16:13).
It was during this feast or celebrations that:
“Jesus stood and cried, saying,If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” (vs. 37-38) To understand the context of the situation in which Jesus stands and makes this pronouncement, you have to understand the daily rituals which took place during the festival.
During the first six days of the week long event, a priest would go to the Pool of Siloam and draw a pitcher full of water, then march in procession back to the temple with the people repeating from a verse found in Isaiah 12:3, “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.”
Then upon returning to the temple the priest would pour out the water in an offering to God, commemorating the water that poured from the rock that sustained the ancient Israelites (Exodus 17:1-7; Numbers 20:1-13) as well as the rains that sustained Israel during the year just passed.
Everyday for six days, the people had been celebrating the water that had given their people physical sustenance; Jesus now tells them that he is capable of satisfying their spiritual thirst.
“as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”(v. 38b) Just as we today think of the heart as being the center of emotions, (e.g. from the heart) in those times, they believed that the belly was the place where warm kindly benevolent feelings were generated. Jesus is saying that those who believe in him will receive these spiritual waters, waters of spiritual blessings, salvation.
When lost in the desert, the children of Israel thought the waters from God that materialized as flowing from a rock, were a blessing, a salvation in the physical sense for those who faced death from thirst (dehydration.) At the core of Jesus message to them that day, lies the fact that instead of worshiping an event that took place hundreds of years beforehand, a miracle that only provided physical sustenance for a brief time, they should be paying attention to his message which offers an eternal spiritual sustenance.
This verse brings to mind Jesus’ words to the Samaritan woman, “the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14).
Jeremiah 2:13 also contains a reference to spiritual water: “For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” Likewise we see in Jeremiah 17:13 “O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.” Perhaps Jesus recognized this disparity which could be seen in the religious rite in which the people celebrated his Father’s gift of water for physical thirst while remaining obvious to “the fountain of living waters” that God offered them.
In writing this Gospel, John the Evangelist, adds a note to the reader in verse 39; “But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.”
Here we find an explanation as to why these verses were selected for Pentecost Sunday, the day that the Holy spirit descended upon the Followers of Christ. Water and the Spirit are connected elsewhere in John — for example, when Jesus tells Nicodemus that “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (3:5). In Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman, living water is the symbol of the revelation of God in Christ which satisfies all spiritual thirst (4:10-15). “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:14)
This living water that springs up into everlasting life, as promised by Jesus, is water that satisfies one’s spiritual thirst. A water that traditionally has been found through attendance and membership in the church, where one learns about the message and teachings of Christ, the essence of the water itself.
Unfortunately over the last decade, we have watched a great exodus from the church; in particular the old main-line churches. Those churches hemorrhaging membership most excessively, are those who in recent years have spent less time on—if not totally abandoning—the Gospel of Christ, while embracing a social gospel that may be based on good intentions, but none the less fails to address the people’s spiritual thirst.
Indeed, when questioned by pollsters attempting to gather information regarding this great exodus, a large number of people say that they identify as “spiritual but not religious.” Assuming that these people are indeed spiritual, then we can also assume that they are not finding in these churches, the water and spirit, with which to satisfy their thirst.
Ironically, we find the Hebrew people in chapter 7 attending a great celebration, one in which the observances commemorate important events in their history as a people chosen by God. Annual celebrations that for them, were certainly fun and wondrous to participate in, but yet—as Jesus noted by his crying out—they were failing to receive the spiritual water of God and instead they were focusing on recreating an event of centuries past. I say this is ironic, in that today we find the churches focusing, not on recreating events of the past as a commemoration of the importance of the event, but rather on progressive social ideologies that often conflict with the word of God itself. A so called social gospel that often drowns out the message of the Gospel of Christ.
Instead of uniting together as brothers and sisters in Christ seeking the water and spirit that Jesus spoke of, our churches are inculcating, not a gospel of the spirit that unites us in the name of Christ, but rather an ideology that divides us along social constructs and identities.
People who readily identify—when asked—as spiritual, seem to have an innate thirst for authentic spirituality, and apparently are not finding a cure for that thirst in these churches that are no longer churches of Christ, but which are now, for all pratical purposes, churches of progressive ideology.
But yet, if you really seek through the news media diligently, you will see signs that the Holy Spirit is descending again, in some ways, just as it did during that event we commemorate today.
The principalities of this world work to suppress the news of the spirit moving, but yet reports are emerging of young people filling the pews at revivals, mass baptisms, even the conversion of formerly reprobate celebrities who have now found Christ and are trying to turn around their life, to be as born again. We also are witnessing an increasing number of celebrities who are speaking out, unapologetically affirming their Christian beliefs and advocating for traditional family values and lifestyles. The Holy Spirit has touched the hearts of these individuals, compelling them to ignore their fears of persecution or their aversion to being called out as not being politically or socially correct.
As we observe the day that the Holy Spirit descended upon those in that room, let us be cognizant of the fact that there are many people in this world today, who are hungry for authentic Christianity. Those who thirst for authentic water and spirit that satiates the spiritual thirst. Those who can be characterized as being the least of these.
The “least of these” is a phrase that originates from Matthew 25:31–46, a passage often used in these modern times, to guilt Christians, causing them to embrace this false social gospel that is emptying the churches. Christians are not leaving because they do not want to help others, but due to the fact that they instinctively know that this passage, and others, are used out of context in an effort to guilt them into accepting what they know in their heart is wrong.
Matthew wrote this at a time, in which most likely the least of these, the needy, those imprisoned and persecuted, those that Christ called his bothers, most likely were his brothers and sisters, as it was a time in which Christians were discriminated against and tortured for their beliefs. Matthew was preaching to a congregation that knew all too well what the conditions Jesus spoke of were like.
While we are always to help the financially impoverished, a careful reading of Matthew 25:31–46 and its historical context demonstrates the need to give aid to the spiritually impoverished as well. When we look at how this passage was taught prior to the emergence of the social gospel a century past. We find a rebuke of the minsters who teach such false doctrines in these words of Jesus: “For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me ”
There are yet those who are spiritually hungry, spiritually thirsty, naked in spirit, they are treated as strangers by the modern church because they hold traditional values dear. There are those who speak out against all sorts of abominations and now find themselves in prison, sick and isolated. But yet the churches of social gospel turn a blind eye to them.
The rest of us must keep the spiritually hungry and thirsty in our prayers, reach out to them and help them find the spirit that is once again moving today as it moved two millennia ago.
Benediction:
O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the only Savior, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions; take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us from godly union and concord; that, as there is but one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Recently, my school organized a special lecture on the history of the Orient.This lecture was called "The Miracle of the Han River," and it was given by a professor from outside Korea.I was very curious about Korea, so I was looking forward to this lecture. In fact, the reason why this lecture was held was at the request of the students. Since Korean culture has been penetrating into American society for a long time, and many things that we enjoy without thinking are related to Korea, students were curious about what Korea is like.
Then Patrick, the student leader and president of our school, asked the teachers if they could organize a special lecture on Korean history, and they accepted, and eventually the whole class gathered in the auditorium and participated in the lecture. Often, our school invites outside professors to give lectures like this, and most of the time, the interest in such lectures is very high, and the lecture on Korean history was also extremely popular. However, the lectures that invite professors from prestigious universities and the opportunity to gain new knowledge about Korea are popular enough to fill the gymnasium.On this day, there were many students in the gymnasium converted into a lecture hall.As the professor entered, gave a brief introduction, and announced the topic of the day's lecture, everyone looked at him with interest. The professor said that he was asked to give a lecture on the history of the East, and when he was thinking about what topic to tell the students, he thought it would be better to talk about the modern history and economic development of Korea, and for two hours without a break, he explained in depth, in detail, easily understandable, and really interesting.
The professor's first words were impactful: "You all know Haiti, the country that receives U.S. aid, suffered a major earthquake about 15 years ago and has never recovered from it, and is in a state of chaos as one of the poorest countries in the world." "But how would you feel if, 30 years later, you were told to congratulate Haiti on becoming an economic powerhouse?" "I'm the generation that actually witnessed it. "I'm the generation that actually saw that happen, where we were the poorest country in the world, and all of a sudden, we were told that we were an economic powerhouse and that we should be congratulated."The students were surprised to learn that South Korea was once the poorest country in the world, even though it was still a decade after the end of World War II.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Korea was a very poor country until the middle of the 20th century, but since the 1960s, it has experienced rapid economic growth and made remarkable progress, which has been called the 'Miracle on the Han River', and today I am going to tell you the story."
From the beginning of the lecture, the students listened attentively as the professor engaged their interest, and I was particularly curious about how South Korea was able to develop so quickly.
"Korea was devastated after the Korean War in the 1950s, but in the 1960s, a government-led economic development plan began.At that time, Korea made a five-year plan for economic development under the leadership of the government, and fostered industries centered on heavy chemical industries such as steel, chemicals, and electronics.In addition, the country invested heavily in education, and many talented people were produced based on high educational enthusiasm."
The professor's explanation was very detailed and interesting, and I was in awe as he talked about Korea's economic development.
"In particular, in the 1970s, the Saemaul movement was launched to promote the development of rural areas and improve the living standards of the people."At that time, residents in rural areas voluntarily maintained their villages and strived for the development of their communities."These efforts helped Korea to rapidly transform from an agriculture-oriented society to an industry-oriented society.""And this Saemaul movement has become an example for many developing countries to this day, and countless policies have been implemented to copy Korea's Saemaul movement. "It is now accepted wisdom that Korea's Saemaul movement was a seemingly simple campaign that contributed tremendously to building the country's economic foundation, with reports of rapid development in some cases and failure in others." "Korea has written a textbook curriculum on how to grow an economy, and its achievements have become a model."
I realized how much effort Korea, which was poor in the past, made to grow its economy.It was a huge lecture of 2 hours, so I can only write down the core flow, so please understand.The process of Korea laying the economic foundation and starting the high-speed growth was really interesting, and there were many points where I learned how much effort Korean policy researchers made at that time.And the efforts of Korean people who believed in the government and followed the policy, even sacrificing themselves, were also great.
"Today, Korea is an IT powerhouse, with world-class companies such as Samsung, LG, and Hyundai Motor, which have great influence in the global market and are an important pillar of Korea's economy." "The characteristic of Korean companies is that they have always strived to develop technology. "There are five technological powers in the world," he said, "the United States, Germany, Japan, Korea, and France." "The United States and Germany have been doing research and development since the Industrial Revolution, while France has been doing research and development since the Industrial Revolution, and Japan received a huge amount of aid from the United States in 1950, taking advantage of the Korean War. It was thought that Japan, which started 20 years earlier than Korea, would be recognized as the last technological power of the 20th century, but how Korea, which started research and development from the 1970s onwards, became the world's fifth technological power, was a very interesting topic among professors in the 1990s.
And unlike Japan, Korea became a semiconductor powerhouse in the 21st century, and even succeeded in fostering an industry that Japan did not, and created a great foundation for Korea to become a developed country.Look at the iPhone you're using right now, and look at it.Do you see a Samsung product in there?
Most Americans think that the iPhone is made by Apple and developed by Apple, but many of the components in it come from Korea, and without Korea, the product you're using would be half as powerful as it is today.
The professor kept the students' attention for the entire two-hour lecture, explaining the difficult content in terms of the smartphones they use.
At the end of the lecture, the professor said that there are only two role models of economic development in the 20th century, Germany's development and Korea's development are very meaningful, and if you want to major in economics or international affairs, you should familiarize yourself with these contents because they are all liberal arts contents.
And originally, this kind of lecture should be 200 hours instead of 2 hours, but since it was shortened to a hundred and one, the fun is only a hundred and one, and if you want to hear more details, you should study hard and go to the prestigious university where you are, and the excellent lecture ended with the story.
After the lecture, I wanted to ask the professor more questions, but there were already a lot of students gathered around him.Then, my friend Xiao approached me.Xiao was a student who was educated in China until elementary school and then moved to the United States."Avery, how did you like the lecture?" Xiao asked me. I really liked the lecture and I have a lot of questions, so I wanted to ask the professor, but I could already hear the other students lamenting that they wouldn't be able to because the professor was surrounded by other students.I had to leave the lecture hall with Xiao, who was listening to the lecture with interest next to me.As we walked down the hall, I continued to talk to Xiao.Minhwa and Jia told me that they didn't know why they hated Korea so much, and they had to tell me a frustrating story.
In fact, Minhwa and Jia are two students who are very anti-Korean, especially since the student council voted for and against this lecture, and there were two votes against it, so everyone could tell that it was Minhwa and Jia from China, and their anti-Korean feelings, or even hatred, were very strong.
Xiao told me that today's lecture was very different from what they teach in China, and what the professor told us today. Of course, in China, they teach distorted facts, and they don't believe in it, but if you're like Min Hua or Jia, who went to school in China until middle school, it's natural to have a negative opinion of Korea.
Xiao's words were sincere because he had lived in China until elementary school and had been educated in China, so he knew the reality of China very well.In China, Korea is often taught negatively, and Xiao also said that when he went to elementary school in China, he was taught that way, but when he came to the United States and was exposed to different perspectives, he realized that it was wrong.
At that moment, Minhwa and Jia walked up to us, or maybe I should say they walked up to Xiao.Minhwa had a disgruntled look on her face."Korea is so great? I never think so, Korea is worse than our China," Minhwa said unhappily.Jia, who had an equally unhappy look on her face, also spoke up."Right. What's so great about Korea, our China is better."
I was offended by their words, because the facts I learned about Korea all seemed interesting and amazing, so why didn't they think so? And when they said that China was better, they didn't have any basis, they just said that China was better, what's so great about Korea, and there was no power in their argument.Xiao was also not happy when his two Chinese friends asked him to sympathize with them.
Xiao usually doesn't like to argue with them, but this time he was in the mood for a fight.I intervened first."Korea has made great progress, and you'll see that when you do a little more research," I said calmly to Minhwa and Jia.But Minhwa and Jia didn't listen to me.They wouldn't even look at me when I was talking to them.That's when Xiao stepped in and said.
"I'm sorry Avery, Minhua and Jia have been mis-educated, so I'll apologize for them.I know why they think that way, but I know the truth is different, so I want to apologize to you."
After hearing Xiao's words, Minhua and Jia still showed their disapproval. They even loudly argued with Xiao in the hallway. All the students passing by couldn't help but notice that two Chinese friends with wrong ideas were bullying Xiao, a normal thinking Chinese friend, again.
In fact, this scene was not uncommon, but this day was different. Despite the fact that everyone had attended an impactful and fact-based lecture by a professor from a prestigious university, Min Hua and Jia seemed to have no room for improvement, and they were still shouting distorted facts and misinformation without any basis.
From that day on, they were increasingly bullied by their schoolmates. Even when Minhua and Jia tried to talk to their American friends, all their American friends would scold them, saying, "Are you going to distort American history like that?" and no one would listen to them.
At first, Minhua and Jia's attitude was nonetheless brazen and confident, but two Chinese students armed with wrong ideas can't live in isolation in this school. Our school has group work as the basic form of class participation, so there are many tasks that require the help of other students.
Eventually, Minhua and Jia came to me, Xiao, and our Korean friend Minji and apologized to us.To be honest, to this day, I don't know if their apology was sincere.They said that they had learned that much of the education they had received was false, and they promised that they would never say anything wrong again in the future.Part of me wanted to tell them that I knew they were lying to survive, but I couldn't turn my back on them, so I accepted their apology.After Minhua and Jia's disturbance and apology
Although I'm still a high school student, I know that when I grow up, I want to exercise my right to vote and join the anti-China movement. We also realized that China's policy of teaching the wrong history and the wrong international affairs is having a negative impact even here in the United States, a country so far away, and that it is causing the Chinese people to suffer.China's ambitious plan to turn the tables by playing shallow games is just ridiculous and will not work.
I can't help but think that the impact of these lectures on our school is great: first of all, we learned how important it is to filter out misleading and distorted information, and how important it is to listen to such information; secondly, many students have a deep understanding of what exactly the "Miracle of the Han River" is.
As a reminder, South Korea was very poor until the mid-20th century, but through government-led economic development plans and people's efforts, it has achieved remarkable growth, especially spontaneous rural development movements such as the Saemaul movement, which played a huge role in accelerating South Korea's industrialization.
Korea's development has been not just economic, but social as well, with Koreans overcoming difficulties and achieving remarkable results through their high levels of education, hard work, and sense of community.
Now, do you feel that there is any reason for Chinese people here to say that China is greater than Korea? Isn't it just that Korea has created a remarkable growth in the history of East Asia, and it is because of Korea's development that China's factories are able to operate? Just because China is lagging behind, to say that Korea is a lesser country is an expression of inferiority, and it is seen as a desperate attempt to deny their own lack.
This is a good liberal arts course where you can learn the facts about what Korea has done and speak about it with confidence in public, but I think the disturbance by the two Chinese students clouded the essence of the course, because the impact of the miracle of the Han River was diluted by the emotion of outrage at the Chinese students' behavior.
In my final presentation at the end of the semester, I plan to find more information about the Han River Miracle, add new information, and present it to my class, because I feel that it is unfair that the attention to Korea has been diverted for a while, and I think that it would be meaningful to talk about Korea in front of Minhwa, Jia, and my Korean friend Minji.
I hope that the country will soon develop into a mature society that can accept the truth as the truth.

So I’m 20 and I just finished my sophomore year of college. I use to be in a sorority and lived in the house. I tend to isolate myself, most of the time unconsciously, so living in the house was really good for me. Unfortunately I lost being a part of the sorority middle of my first semester this past year. Anyways I had to move off campus and it’s been really hard. I go to a small school and most of the people there either knew each other in high school or their hometown is my college “town” so they have friends in the neighboring college towns that go to the bigger schools. I still talk to a lot of the girls from the house and friends I made freshman year in the dorms. But living on my own off campus has continued to get lonelier. I usually really like alone time but it’s hard to sit in your living room alone and watch everyone on social media out having fun or getting food together or whatever and know that you’re missing out. I’ve been single for 2 years with failed situationships over and over again (I forgot that in college it is hard to find guys that aren’t just there for the hookup). I don’t have any hobbies and can’t seem to find one. Most of the time I go days where I’m just in my apartment, just chilling by myself. It’s not that I don’t have friends. I have a ton of friends. However, it doesn’t make living alone and spending most of my days for the last 6 months alone, any easier.
I know it sounds like I’m whining. And I know a few people might say I should reach out. And I do. But a lot of the times I do there’s conflicts or schedules are just too busy. I do see my close friends a handful of times through the month. But I try not to reach out all the time because I want people to reach out to me too and I know people are busy so I try not to be annoying. Like I said it’s just getting really hard. I keep hearing from adults (seasoned professionals in adulting, I am not) that college is when you should find your spouse because it’s incredibly hard after and that you find your true lifelong friends in college. And that terrifies me. Because if I’m this lonely now, with friends and no boyfriend, I’m terrified for how much heavier that loneliness will get after college once we all go down different paths to start our careers.
I’m finding that being 20 is absolutely terrifying. Your adult life has just started but yet you have such little time to do/experience things before life starts to get really really real. I feel like I’m not living and that I’m wasting so much of my life, even just starting my 20’s, because I just sit in my apartment, go on drives, grocery shopping, drive to my hometown, all by myself. Maybe this is just an experience I’m having and other people are having full or had full college experiences. But either way this shit blows and it hurts.

Hi everyone,
I'm reaching out because I've been struggling with social anxiety, especially when it comes to talking on the phone. After an extended period of isolation, I've realized that my phone conversation skills have really deteriorated. I know that working on my social skills is important and talking on the phone is a big part of that.
I'm looking for someone who would be willing to engage in simple phone conversations to help me get more comfortable again. Just casual, friendly chats to help me get accustomed to speaking over the phone.
If any ladies out there wouldn't mind helping me out, please send me a message. We can discuss any interests you have and keep the conversation light and comfortable. I also have some pictures and stuff if you'd like to know a bit more about me.
Thank you so much for considering this. Your help would mean a lot to me.

I'm a 45F, and this is my first reddit post! I live alone in a very rural area, it's isolated. I'm self-sufficient and rarely ask for help, but I need knee surgery and can't drive myself home from the hospital afterward. My only local friends moved to the other side of the country, and my only family is my elderly father who can no longer drive, and his wife, who is closer to my age.
I've never ask my father's wife for anything. I've never once asked her for a favor in all the years I've known her. My Dad and I help each other whenever we each can, favors here and there but nothing excessive or often.
My father recently asked why I'm still wearing a knee brace and delaying surgery and I told the truth, which is that I'm trying to work out a ride home from the hospital.
Again, because I'm so rural, there aren't taxis and Ubers. A hired ride could be arranged, but it would be very expensive, so I wanted to try to work out something more reasonable first, I don't have a lot of money. It's not an emergency situation, I'm just trying to work out the plan.
My Dad suggested his wife could bring me home. I hadn't asked her because I suspected she wouldn't be thrilled with the idea; I generally get the vibe that she's not very interested in doing things outside her own social circle. I knew it would be inconvenient, but to my surprise she outright said no. She gave various excuses like “I don't know where it is” (she didn't even ask), and “I don't like to drive far” (she drives all over the place with her family & friends).
Needless to say I was embarrassed and stunned and dropped it. I've never asked her for help so I guess it never occurred to me she'd say no when I did ask, especially for something serious like surgery.
My father felt bad, and I know he was frustrated that he can't drive anymore, so unbeknownst to me he tried to find a solution.
So today he calls me and says he needs the mileage to/from the hospital because he's going to 'pay someone' to bring me home after surgery. I ask who, and he tells me 'not to worry about it'. I press for details and he says “just a guy I know”. I ask what guy, and he finally says it's some guy he knows who works at a nearby junkyard where he scraps auto parts.
This is a guy I've never met and never even heard of, and I generally know of all my Dad's friends. He's a total stranger to me and my father doesn't even know his last name or anything about him, other than “he works at the junkyard”.
I should say here in full disclosure: my father has a history of dealing with generally shady types. Not axe murderers or anything, but they've often stolen from him, screwed him over, don't follow through and are generally not trustworthy types of guys. I love my father, but he just deals with some low-life types, it's just a fact. So I was cognizant of this as he's telling me that “he knows a guy”.
So I tried to politely voice my concerns and an argument ensues. My perspective was: I live alone, remotely. AND I'll be in an unusually vulnerable position physically, I'll be on crutches for about 3 months. I've learned over the years of living alone in the sticks to be cautious when letting men I don't know see where I live, given how remote it is, just from a safety perspective.
So I wasn't very comfortable with the idea of a stranger I don't know giving me a ride home after surgery, seeing where I live and he'd also know the whole story that my Dad already told him, ie “My daughter lives alone, she has no one to help her” etc. It just seems like an invitation for trouble, to tell some dude I've never met that I'm in a vulnerable and isolated situation and then show him where I live.
But if my father were here, he'd say that he can't drive anymore, so he wants to help however he can, that this guy has “never done anything to him” and so what's the big deal? He said it doesn't matter that I don't know him, because he knows him. He said this with no recognition of the irony of how many dirtbag type of guys he's dealt with over the years.
I just don't trust his judgment with this sort of thing. Even if the guy turned out to be fine, it's still a very awkward situation after surgery, during very personal circumstances.
So I expressed my concerns as appreciatively as possible to my father who got mad and acted like I'm the ungrateful AH declining a ride from a guy that he himself barely knows and offered to pay.
All this is happening in front of his wife who doesn't seem at all bothered by the fact that he's trying to pay people he hardly knows to bring me home from the hospital, when she herself could easily do it.
So the whole thing gets put on me and turns into: "Well, I guess you don't need a ride that bad", like I'm some sort of ungrateful AH for not wanting a total stranger to drive me home into the middle of nowhere in his pickup truck after surgery when I'm half groggy from anesthesia, on crutches and vulnerable.
I'm sorry this was so long. I have no idea how people summarize this stuff and I'm new to reddit. I appreciate any input.

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