Watch taking chance online

My (33M) now ex-fiancée (34F) broke up with me about two weeks ago (my fault entirely, and no, I didn't cheat). We were together for about 2.5 years. Since the breakup, I've moved out and we've been no-contact since the breakup (her explicit instructions, which I'm continuing to honor).
Since the breakup, I've been a mess - a lot of overthinking, too much drinking alone, depression naps, not enough sleep, irregular / not nutritious meals, etc. The silver lining among all of this is that I've come to terms with how badly I messed up. I had everything my heart could've ever dreamed of and more; a loving partner, a soulmate, an eventual mother to our children, a travel buddy, someone to share Pinterest project ideas with, someone to plan out our home garden, and a best friend. But, I blew it, and I'm dealing with the consequences of no longer having her by my side.
Part of me clings on to the hope that she'll one day reach out and give me a second chance to show her that I truly do love her, another opportunity to actually do what we dreamed of. But the other part of me keeps saying, "You screwed up beyond comprehension, and she's never coming back." It's maddening. On a day-to-day basis, I keep thinking about her. I keep wanting to tell her how I feel and how sorry I am, and it's wearing me down. But I know that if there is even the most miniscule chance of her giving me another chance, I can't force it. I can't break her desire for no-contact.
So, regardless if you were broken up or did the breaking up, how do you pick up the pieces? How do you cope in a healthy way? I've restarted therapy, but there's a lot to unpack. And it's going to take a long time. Every time I have an idea about what to do (go for a walk, journal, exercise, take the dog on a hike, etc.), my mind switches to, "What's the point?" I then become paralyzed and can't bring myself to do anything to improve my mental well-being. I don't know how to get myself out of this funk. Life without her just seems so dull, and my heart doesn't want anyone else. I messed up, and I need help.
Thank you in advance.

So, I have had some chest pains for a couple of weeks now, but ignoring it, it will probably go away. But after watching Hanks Netflix documentary I decided to go get it checked.
First doctor was sure it was myocarditis, they ran some more tests and a second doctor decided it was not myocarditis (or anything more alarming), but made me promise not to do anything that would raise my pulse to crazy levels (had about 20 episodes of 150+ bmp the past couple of weeks), just to be safe untill they figure out the issue, doctors where agreeing that my pulse needs to stay low to not mess up whatever it is even more.
So I called in sick for the rest of the week and my wife put me on bed rest.
Decided to check my app from the smart watch to figure out when my bpm was going crazy, and you guessed it; about half the times my pulse went very high was during games, maxing out at 164bpm during the double OT.
So from now on, if the team could take a comfortable, say 5-0 lead in the first period and just keep it that way for the rest of the games, me and my loved ones would appreciate that alot, please and thank you.
Also, PSA, dont be an idiot (like me) and ignore chest pains, better to have it checked and be nothing than the other way around!

Me and my partner will be travelling to new orleans in a few weeks. We are from the Netherlands and are interested in visiting Terrebonne Parish for the swamps/bayous, the culture and the food. I did some research and thought about going to either Thibodoux or Houma.
The only problem is that every tour that I find online is very touristy. We don't want to be on an expensive swamp tour just to take pictures from a boat (we have that in Amsterdam), but we rather spend a few hours with a local and help out with shrimping or fishing. Does anyone know how to approach this or does anyone know someone that might be interested in this?
Thanks!

Lucky thing I didn't return these for refund to buy the same exact 10x42 P7 but much cheaper elsewhere.
I realized I paid $220 plus tax for mine. I was thinking if returning them for refund and buying elsewhere for $166-$170.
I visited another local sporting goods store who sold Nikon brand Binoculars and checked out their display case and asked to see their 10x42 Prostaff P7 and had the clerk accompany me outside to test them and they didn't look that clear hmmm...
I have the exact same Binoculars in my car which I use daily along with the ScoopX UHDs so I asked the clerk to wait as I'm gonna fetch mine from my car.
I looked through my P7 I paid $220 plus tax for then had him look through it as well and compared them side by side with the store showcase display demo. Night and day difference the clerk noticed it too so he went and grabbed a brand new one from the box to show me. The second one wasn't as clear either looked the same as the first one just like a shitty Vortex Diamondback HD. Third one almost the same thing but it was the clearer of the 3 from that place but still weren't as clear as my overpriced one.
I really like my 10x42 P7:so I just ordered two new 8x30 P7 versions online and think I probably need to order 4 more just in case and keep the clearest one and send the other not as good ones back for refund.
The local sporting goods store was out of stock while the one that I got ripped off on my 10x42s didn't stock the 8x30.
In this instance you really get what you pay I guess or possibly the batch they have might be all winners but the other won't let anyone take anything outside to test.

Hello, yesterday afternoon my Grandma had a brain surgery for a non-cancerous miningoma and it went very smooth. She is 70 years old and it almost all came off in one piece and the chance of it growing is very very slim in the next 20 years they say. In the last 8 or 9 my grammy went down hill fast. She can't even go to the bathroom on her own at this point. She did it originally have radiation on her tumor which was supposed to shrink it but instead it made it grow pretty quickly and aggressively. Luckily with her PT and OT she started taking very little steps with someone holding her and she started getting stronger. Now of course she had her brain surgery and after a stroke and multiple UTIs, she has to restart on her strength. Luckily the doctor says that she is 100% recovery rate if she puts in the effort and with time. After the brain surgery they would not turn off the light. It is now the next day and the lights have to be off until 2:00 p.m. tomorrow. They did say that there is a chance of slight Vision issues before the surgery and I'm wondering if maybe they don't want to risk light sensitivity but my dad said that they gave her medicine where it has to be dark. Can someone explain this further to me?
Tldr: Grandma had a brain surgery and after having a lung cancerous tumor removed they are having us leave the lights off for 2 days. What is the benefit of this? I don't know if it's medication related or light sensitivity related but they made it sound like she was lucky she got the medicine.

This Reddit has made me reflect on why I even keep up with bra in the first place considering I think he’s a clown and I don’t even watch streams I still can admit I’m way more invested in what he has going on than I should be. I started off a fan during the war in chiraq days because he was covering Sosa who is my favorite rapper and it wasn’t anybody else doing what he was doing aside from kollege kidd(RIP). I watched him go up in popularity mainly off of him covering Drake and Meeks beef but you gotta understand back then he didn’t really show himself or get into his personal life that often he just covered rap beefs. When everyday struggle started that’s when I feel like most of us were truly introduced to the man behind the computer and for me that’s where being a supporter started to die. To be fair I think he’s really a fan at heart so he went in just excited to meet and talk with the people he had been covering the past couple years but he came to find out they didn’t respect him and a lot of guest and even Joe went out of their way to belittle him and that’s where the change started. Damn this turned into a essay real quick but long story shorter I think the constant disrespect made bra spiral on top of that he started making real money which just inflated his ego so it got to the point where he started defending himself more and more and it was working because most rap niggas aren’t gonna argue allday with a streamer but this nigga Ak gone take it to hell everytime. I really had more to say but this is already long asf and I’m done shitting gotta wipe now bye

This might be a little long but the situation has alot of parts to it and iam dying for information on what to do so I can help my mother so please read if you know anything about wills. I appriciate anyone who can help me at all. So my grandmother passed away about 2 years ago. Before she passed away we found out my aunt who had access to my grandmother's bank cars had been stealing and taking hundreds of dollors everyday out of her bank account so her rent at the extended care where she was, was bouncing. My aunt and her daughter where also living in my grandma's house at this time. No rent or pad rent to pay just using my grandmother's money for whatever they wanted. Risking the chances of my grandmother having to leave extended care. My aunt also spent all the money that went into my grandmothers account when she was in the hospital. When we told my grandmother this she called to tell my aunt she needed to leave her house but she never answered and she wouldn't listen to us. Just freaked out every time and would gaslight and try to manipulate the situation. My aunt hadn't answered the phone for the next year and just upped and changed the locks on my grandmother's house without permission so my grandmother couldn't even get in when we took her there. My grandmother took my aunt off the bank account and gave control to my mom. My grandmother passed away a year later in extended care. We were so close and I miss her terribly. She had a will that said the trailer & property was to be sold and the debt was to be paid and then the rest split between my mother and aunt. My aunt refuses to move or put the trailer up for sale. I have tried to figure out what to do and have gone to are court house to ask and they don't give us any useful numbers to call. The numbers they told us to call are all useless. My aunts hardly been paying the taxs and has 2 of her children living there and they still can't seem to pay the only thing they need to. I'd just like some info to help my mother get this will complete with my grandmothers last wishes. Please please help any info or help would be so appreciated. Thank you.

A short time ago there was a post made by someone, who put together a small list of new weapons that could be put into the game and on this post I made a comment, that kinda went unnoticed, so I thought I would share my ideas here again :)
This is in no way a request to add these things to the game and Im merely hypothesizing, so take it with a grain of salt:
General idea: Have weapon categories and divide them into sub categories:

1. Axe

-2 sided axe
-1 sided axe
-scythe
...
2.Sword
-Katana (big or small)
-dual wield sword -2 hand greatsword
-normal sword
-whipsword
-transforming greatsword from MHW
-Gunblade
...
3.Hammer
-maces (multiple dmg types)
-hammer
-hammer with spikes (part dmg)
...
4.Ranged
-Repeaters
-Greatbow (could be a support weapon with the new weaponswap system as pure ranged weapons might be too op)
-Harpoon launcher (same as greatbow)
...
5.aether weapons -fists
-orb weapon from brawlhalla xD
-boot weapons that make you hover ? (See phantasy star online 2 jetboots)
-aether replicator (can replicate other weapons and use their buffs and abilities but is weaker than their real counterpart)
-aether infusion beam (infuses enemy with volatile aether and temporarily empowers friendly targets with -insert balanced buff-)
...
6.warpike
-normal spear
-throwable spear with chain(harpoon like but still melee focused)
-swordspear (like serpenthunter from eldenring)
...
7.chain type
-normal CB
-medium sized scythe CB style
-kratos blades from god of war
-flail like weapon (with retractable/extending chain)
-whip
...
Maybe extend the whole thing with playerclasses (these buffs should be unlocked from a skilltree or sth):
-Aether born:
1.each aether weapon gives an additional special ability
2.every non aether weapon has increased weapon charge rate (like sword meter)
3.killing behemoths infuses all nearby slayers with aether and gives them a buff to max hp, a temporary increase and refresh to all buff durations and fills the weapon charge rate to 100%
-Weapon specialist:
1.Can use only one weaponslot:
Weapons have faster attackspeed and xp gain along with an additional ability, that allows to switch stances [Medium-Slow-Fast] Each stance has a diffrent attackchain, which is interchangeble with the others by switching mid combo (except for aether weapons)
OR
2.Can use a 3rd weapon slot: Switching weapons grants buffs depending on the weapontype equipped ...
-Aether elementalist:
1.master the 4 base status elements (frost,fire,terra,lightning) and add one additional status effect to each weapon, that is not opposite to the weapons base element (radiant and shadow weapons excluded)
2.status effects have additional effects and are easier to inflict on behemoths: Either damaging (DOT) OR passive debuffs
3.behemoths that are resistant to an element do not get an additional effect inflicted upon them and buildup for that element is harder to achieve
-Aether flow manipulator:
1.Can manipulate the flow of aether in the bodies of behemoths, making them less aggressive: -behemoths cant rage- OR -behemoths cant get aether infused-
Behemoth parts always count as being dropped from aethercharged AND enraged.
2.Non physical attacks from behemoths deal less damage and occur rarer than normal (except explosion from ragetail gnasher for example)
And so on...
This could be expanded upon further and further. Of course it needs to be balanced and these here are merely examples I brainstormed in a minute or two.
What do you think?
what would you add into the game to freshen it up?

i need to preface this by saying i don’t play video games in the first place - my experience is limited to sandbox or life sims, never anything with serious combat. so being thrown into a souls game, feels like being a fish out of water.
i have a vague understanding of general soulsborne mechanics after watching a playthrough of elden ring, and seeing similarities in dark souls; souls, bonfires, levelling stats, etc. but now that i’m actually playing, i feel so aggravatingly challenged. for reference, i’m completely trapped in the undead parish after bombing one attempt at the taurus demon, and that admittedly feels pathetic. when i go online to look for help (because as much as i do want to experience it organically, getting stuck in one spot isn’t much use) every post or forum just acts like you should know what’s going on already.
can anyone give me tips they wish they knew starting dark souls? or things that are helpful for a brand new player?

I'm a new player (several months).
I can find notes on the guitar and play several chords and swap them with different rythm, and play some songs (strumming and fingerstyle)
As I'm watching more intermediate/advanced videos there is A LOT of terminology and how does one know in which order to learn or read about them? I'm going on wiki or watching another video when there's a new concept but it feels endless...
I will probably take a teacher when I'll be a bit more advanced.
Is there a wiki, a guide or a diagram that help to guide a student learn over several years ? I don't want a secret formula here, just a path so I know something should wait for later,or what would be good to invest some time now.
What helped you. I don't want to go too fast and skip steps. I'm always playing but I want to learn new stuff !!
Chords, Key, Scale, CAGED system, harmony, fingerstyle, pentatonic scale, etc. etc.

hi. im a 22yo cishet woman I want to ask something considering most of you are lesbians, bisexuals etc. Id really appreciate if you can help me. (english is not my first language)
my new sexuality crisis started when i had a queesapphic/lesbian (im not sure which word to use) dream about a girl whom i dont know and woke up missing her and yearning that kind of a relationship. i remember how crazy i was about her and i wanted to experience something like that but that was really shocking to me. now i've been watching queer movies, making queer art about women and it makes this even worse. im extremely scared of faking being a queer because it's "visually appealing"
first of all, i never had a bf since i was a kid(it was nothing serious) nor a gf, that's why i'm having a serious time understanding myself because i simply have no experience in anything. i feel extremely anxious thinking about having a relationship with a man but i wouldn't say it's because i am a lesbian, im an extremely anxious person with mental issues so this could be the reason. but still, id like a future where im married to a kind man , have children etc. and have a typical family, in my muslim dominated country. but lately this thought causes me anxiety because in order for this to happen, i have to date a man and this is genuinely terrifying to me. i feel surprised? when my friends have boyfriends. it feels wrong but not in a morally way. don't get me wrong i would never underestimate the things that lgbt people suffer in my country too but i can imagine myself having a girlfriend without feeling scared about that. it feels safe. but how can i know if i want to have a girlfriend or im just saying this because i feel unsafe around men? i go to uni and nothing ever happens. i think i feel attracted to some actors or fictional boys so i dont think im asexual nor aromantic but i dont feel attracted to neither of my friends nor to any people around me since like forever so i never had the chance to discover myself. i feel old and tired for figuring out these things and it makes me feel really bad because even though my country is rather conservative not everyone is like me, people have gfs bfs and i all want to do is go home and do stuff alone. i don't know what to do.

Fapping and PMO took up hours in the day, my peak id watch around 10 hours some days. What do you do now that you are no longer watching NSFW content, time moves slower, and now that i can no longer drown out my emotions to and endless sea of p*rn, i struggle with the boredom of day to day. I have healthy hobbies (gym, outdoors, but that takes up maximum 2-3 hours)Any creative activity suggestions?

Me and my partner will be travelling to new orleans in a few weeks. We are from the Netherlands and are interested in visiting Terrebonne Parish for the swamps/bayous, the culture and the food. I did some research and thought about going to either Thibodoux or Houma.
The only problem is that every tour that I find online is very touristy. We don't want to be on an expensive swamp tour just to take pictures from a boat (we have that in Amsterdam), but we rather spend a few hours with a local and help out with shrimping or fishing. Does anyone know how to approach this or does anyone know someone that might be interested in this?
Thanks!

Hi I had filed a 100k gross income back in 2019 and 2020 however I realized I didn’t take advantage of tax deductions that I could’ve utilized.
Basically I did my taxes last minute to try and take advantage of Covid stimulus and I got some of it however I have a tax bill of tens of thousands of dollars.
Combined between federal and state it’s like $50,000. Orig ally it was only like $35k but it grew to $50k because of interest.
I got a bunch of mail from tax offices to help me reduce the liability but in all honest, I have been making payments for 6 months and mind you I didn’t even get the full stimulus that I was expecting.
So I basically incurred a tax bill that I otherwise could’ve avoided had I done my taxes correctly.
I do gig work and had an online business.
However I was using the money from gig work to invest in online business. So I had great “gross income” but because of my other investments, tax deductions I could’ve taken advantage of, I wasn’t suppose to pay anything in taxes.
I also got max unemployment as well.
Just curious to see if I amend my taxes to where my tax liability would be nothing, would I get in trouble for this?
Basically I still make the same income I always did, it’s just that some seasons I may get money from one gig and put it towards another but I wouldn’t take advantage of how to properly file all this.
I just told irs I made $100k a year (which I did) but as far as they’re concerned I just made $100k from practically nothing with no expenses.
Can I go back to amend my old taxes to include my expenses?
I’m hoping I won’t be audited or get in trouble with department of labor because even if I pay on my taxes I’d basically be making payments for years when I shouldn’t have a tax bill that high

My parents, who I cannot physically move out from under for another year-and-a-half, practice their own homegrown conversion therapy on me. If you've ever watched Caelan Conrad's video 'Gender Critical Conversion Therapy', it's that. It's just that. A few years ago things were on the up, I was allowed therapy, on meds, started dressing masc exclusively ect. Then my mom discovered gendercriticals / terfs online, and I was withdrawn from therapy, and my high school deemed it not a risk to my safety and CPS said it was their 'choice' to raise me abused. Lately it's getting harder and harder to stick to my guns and refuse to wear the stupid clothes they buy me, because they're so extreme and erratic. My mom buys me awful womens clothes all the time. I feel like my mind is ripping itself apart. And when I'm not with my parents, it just keeps coming from the inside, and I feel ashamed and frightened whenever someone genders me correctly, because whenever that happens with them present they berate me/ make threats/ say I'm possessed ect. I feel like a husk of the boy I was a few years ago. I am trying to hold on until I can leave, but I don't know if there'll be anything left by the time I do.

Vex was placed in a holding cell aboard the human vessel, with energy shielding that was impossible to penetrate. He spent the journey in contemplation, marveling at everything he had witnessed of humanity's capabilities. How had they achieved so much in so little time? There had to be more to their story that met the eye.
As the ship entered Earth orbit, Vex caught glimpses of the planet on the screen. Great sprawling cities sparkled underneath, far larger than any in the Krell empire. Powerful orbital installations dotted the skies, dwarfing even the Empire's largest shipyards. It was then that Vex began to understand, that his people were completely unprepared for the scale of humanity's advancement.
The ship docked at a massive orbital station, teeming with activity. Vex was escorted from his cell by armed guards, their weaponry far superior to even Krell special forces. They said nothing as they led him through gleaming corridors, giving Vex time to study the architecture and design. Everything was optimized for efficiency in a way that spoke of deeply ingrained engineering principles.
Vex was brought before Commander Holden, who wasted no time getting straight to business. "Admiral, I understand you came here on a diplomatic mission. But covertly entering our space shows your people don't view us as friends. Why have you really come?"
Vex knew honesty was his only option. "Commander, I will not deny that my council sees humanity as a threat. When I reported on what I witnessed, they ordered me to return covertly and assess your technology, to understand how you achieved so much in so short a time. But I have realized, that approach will only breed more suspicion between our people."
Holden considered this response carefully. "Your people fear what they don't understand. But attacking or stealing technology will not earn your Empire's safety. We seek peaceful relations with all space-faring civilizations. If your leaders are open to dialog, there may be a way forward that benefits all."
Vex nodded slowly. "I believe the same, Commander. My mission has given me a new perspective. With your permission, I would like to open direct channel with the Empire and relay to them what I have witnessed, and that dialogue is the wisest path."
Holden thought for a moment. "An open dialogue could be a positive step. But there must be transparency on both sides going forward. I am willing to bring your request to our leaders, Admiral. In the meantime, you will remain our guest. You and your crew will be treated well and want for nothing."
Over the next few days, Vex was given accommodations befitting his status. He spent hours each day observing and talking with humans, and came to respect their ingenuity, compassion, and drive. Humanity's rapid advancement was due not to any secret, but to maximizing individual potential through advanced education and societal support structures. It became clear how open exchange could uplift his own people in turn.
Vex was updated that his request had been approved, and arrangements were being made for a secured FTL QEC channel to address the Empire Council directly. The day finally came, and Vex stood before the transmission portal, steeling himself for what was to come.
Would the Council even believe the truth, or had fear gripped them too strongly? There was only one way to find out.
Vex appeared before the Council Chambers, met by a sea of wary faces. Grand Admiral Kaar spoke first. "Admiral Vex, we awaited your report. Have you discovered the source of humanity's strength so we can counter this emerging threat?"
Vex took a deep breath. "Honorable Council, my ship was discovered, and captured by human fleet as fast as we entered their space. Both me and crew have been treated well by out hosts, and I’m here to ask you for you permission, to open diplomatic talks with human leaders, to solve this political crisis we have caused
An uproar followed as Councilors debated this shocking revelation. Kaar held up his hand for silence. "Vex, you ask us to abandon everything we know for the word of this...alien species. Why should we not see them still as a threat?"
Commander Holden stared harshly at the gathered Krell Council members, through the quantum communicator. "Admiral Vex and members of Krell council, when your vessel illegally entered sovereign human space, we could have responded with full force. The only reason your ship, and crew are still intact is because I chose to show restraint."
Vex shifted uncomfortably under Holden's stern gaze. "Commander, I understand the violation of your borders caused concern. Our intentions were to gather information, not instigate conflict. Please understand our species is still coming to terms with humanity's overwhelming advantages."
"Empty words," Holden interrupted. "For all your talk of diplomacy, your Admiralty ordered covert reconnaissance with unknown objectives. How am I to take your word when your very first contact was done in shadows and deception?"
Grand Admiral Kaar leaned forward. "Do not lecture us human. Our mission was to ensure the security of the Krell Empire in the face of an emerging superior force. If your technology had fallen into the wrong hands the consequences could have been disastrous."
"And who decides what constitutes the 'wrong hands' if not us?" Holden shot back. "This is not some lawless frontier Admiral, it is organized United Earth space. We will not tolerate foreign powers skulking around our borders and facilities unannounced."
Vex raised a pacifying hand. "Commander, while the Council's decision was rash, no harm was done. Let us move forward in a spirit of open-"
"Be silent Admiral," Holden cut him off. "I have not granted you permission to speak. You Krell act as if you are entitled to do as you please in our space, facing no repercussions. Well you have severely miscalculated."
Kaar leaned forward menacingly. "Are you threatening us human? Your fleets would burn before ever reaching the Empire home world. Do not believe you hold power over us."
A steely glint entered Holden's eyes. "Is that so Admiral? Then perhaps a demonstration is in order." He turned to an aide. "Launch the prototype."
The aide nodded and spoke quietly into her comm unit. Outside the viewing ports, the black void suddenly erupted in blinding light. A ripple seemed to pass through normal space itself, distorting the stars beyond in its wake. When the glare faded, a massive object was visible, a 10 miles long cylinder,
composed entirely of some unknown silvery material. Kaar blinked in shocked disbelief. "What...what is that?" Holden allowed himself a thin smile. "The product of unconventional technological pathways, even your reconnaissance failed to uncover Admiral. Allow me to introduce, Starlight Drive prototype 1, humanity's solution to traveling between the stars without limit."
Vex fought to find words. "Commander...that technology violates all known laws of physics. FTL travel was theorized as impossible!"
"And yet here it rests before your eyes," Holden replied calmly. "Its drives can accelerate this vessel from a dead stop to five percent of lightspeed within an hour, before safely making the jump to FTL velocities. But its true power lies elsewhere."
He gestured to the aide, who input a series of commands. There was another brilliant rippling in realspace, and when it faded the prototype was gone, having vanished without a trace. Simultaneously, an alert chimed on the crew's sensor boards - the prototype had reappeared halfway across the known galaxy, less than a lightyear from the Krell home world.
"One must always be prepared to face the unforeseen," Holden said ominously. His gaze swept across the stunned Council. "Bear that lesson well as you reconsider any plans regarding humanity or our borders. Your infiltration will have repercussions, but that discussion can wait. For now, our message is delivered, do not test us further, Council members.'"
With that, he cut the channel, leaving the Krell delegates in shocked silence. Vex stared at the empty transmission field, a cold feeling growing in his core. It seemed humanity's true military potential was even more staggering than they could have possibly imagined. What other paradigm-shifting technologies did they possess in reserve? More worrying still was the steely gleam, he had seen in Holden's eyes during the demonstration, these Terrans would show no mercy, if directly provoked. Cooperation was the only path to survival, if the Council could be persuaded to set aside their pride and see reason before it was too late.
The Council debated late into the cycles, but the discussion was far from civil. Factions remained stubbornly divided in their views of humanity.
Grand Admiral Kaar voiced the loudest opposition. "These Terrans speak of cooperation, yet covertly infiltrated our borders, in the middle of talks. How can we trust such a technologically advanced species, not to see them as a threat?"
Another council member struggled to be heard over the shouts of agreement. "Honorable Council, while the infiltration was a misstep, their intentions appeared peaceful. Would it not be prudent to learn more, before making enemies of a potential ally?"
"Empty words," Kaar countered. "You have been blinded by these aliens. We must approach them with caution, not naivety."
Weary hours passed without resolution. Then Kaar proposed a sinister compromise: "Send delegates not for learning, but to spy on humanity's strengths and vulnerabilities. Only then can we properly defend our people from their looming threat."
The Council unanimously approved the covert mission, to neutral space near human core systems, under the banner of diplomatic talks. Despite some council members objections, plans were made to infiltrate humanity under false pretenses of diplomacy. Weeks later, the delegation departed, concealing their true hostile purpose under a thin guise of open mindedness.
Opposition council members could only watch helplessly, praying the delegates did not provoke humanity's ire, through deception and betrayal. Much now depended on the Terrans showing restraint, if the deception was uncovered, for second time.

My (30M) partner (35M) is not out to his parents who are christian and arab have lived in the Middle East for their whole lives. He has lived here in the US for enough time to become a citizen and fall in love and get a permanent job and house.
We've been together for 4 years now and have a pretty strong relationship but I'm sort of his only strong support strucutre. He has a best friend that lives in another region of the country and maybe some good friends he made throughout life that have gone off and done their own things.
He works a ton since he's in the medical field and barely has time to feed himself or do anything around the house so I usually take care of all of that including work my 40 hours in the office.
His parents have moved to the US however due to current events and this has caused some pressure on our relationship. The parents wanted to come visit and obviously that wasn't possible since we live together. He's gonna go visit them from time to time and probably over the holidays which ofcourse doesn't bode well for me having to always spend separately.
He expresses to me all the time that he wants to be with me forever / for a long time. Our relationship feels like it's been climbing constantly even with the occasional valleys. But he's very afraid of losing his family if they were to ever find out that he's gay and dating a man. So afraid that he wakes up in the middle of the night screaming and in a panic and I have to calm him down.
I know I can't force him to come out and I would never think that's a fair choice to make between me and his family, but with them moving into the states, it makes me lose a little hope for our relationship. (But also, supposedly it's a choice because he doesn't actually know if 1) they know already 2) they won't accept him 3) maybe they don't like it but things won't even change and he doesn't have to stress about them finding out.)
He's always said that marriage is dumb and he would never do it and I've always been of the opinion that i would do it if it made sense. For us its made sense. We used to argue about it but i sort of gave up. Recently as we've been getting closer, he gets drunk and vulnerable and expresses his desire to marry me. I keep lingering on to these moments sometimes to feel happier but then it gets sour in my mouth when I remember that these things might be mutually exclusive. How can we be married but his family not even know? He would be pictured with a ring on his social media and possibly someone would notice. And if he says he can't wear a ring, that would hurt me a lot. And then what if he gets sick? Ofcourse I have to let his parents know who love him but then they're like, who even is this guy?
I haven't been in the closet since I was maybe 14 and even then my parents for the most part more so cared if I got an A+ vs an A- so it's hard for me to at the age of 30 live my life for someone else and even worse to watch him at his age consider living this life. So I got him a therapist that he talks to weekly and that's been for a month but lately my mental has been circling this idea that this will never get better and I'll have to sacrifice some of my long-term happiness so that he has his family still.
My question is, is there anyone that is either someone in my position or someone in his position that can relate to this situation and help me not feel so alone?

I’m currently in school for computer science and looking to minor in art. During my art class this last semester, even over winter break, i discovered an interest in game development that specifically lead to 3D character design and modeling. After some research (I watched yt 3D modeling videos and talked to classmates), and indecisiveness I’ve decided I want to learn how to do this, make my own custom characters. BUT WHAT IS STEP ONE TO LEARNING THIS?!
Should I take a class in school for 3D modeling? Is that even a thing? Do I watching slowwwww yt videos explaining every button so I know what to click n drag?? Please tell me I don’t have to sit through that…
Back to a serious note, I don’t have to means for a little desk setup yet (in progress) so I got an iPad to start on there after seeing one at most of the setups I’ve looked at. I’m open to both pc and iPad instruction if you have any for me I’d be thankful.

Struggling with PIED
Hi guys for a while I’ve been suffering from PIED without knowing. After doing thorough research online and understanding the symptoms I realised what was wrong.
I’m 5&1/2 months in from being porn free. Recently I have been getting morning word back but at a very weak erection. I had a tiny bit of libido increase, but they both went away after fapping once. It feel like I’m back in a flatline.
I’ve been doing reverse kegels trying to relax my pelvic floor as I used to level when I used to fap. I feel my PF is tense and it has been relaxed. It is definitely more relaxed now.
Just asking for help or tips as I’m really struggling here. Any advice or tips would be grateful. How long did it take you guys to recover & what symptoms did you guys have showing progress.

I have recently have had more time to play some games and need another game to play!
Just a warning, I am not well versed into the RPG realm as most people in this sub I assume, so I apologize if this post may seem very uneducated to read.
Game Systems I have to play are PS5 and PC!
I have always been a huge fan of fantasy like games that revolve around swords, magic, etc.
I have deeply fallen in love with Baldur's Gate 3 first playing it at its summer launch, one playthrough being a solo run, and another being a multiplayer run with friends. I had such a great time with this game and it has made my all time list of gaming experiences!
After finishing BG3, I wanted to scratch that itch again, and began my journey with Dragon Age Origins. And despite being an old game, this game surprised me and also made me fall in love with the world and characters. Playing this was such a great experience and has also made my top gaming experience list.
So, after finishing these last two games, I was wondering what game would you recommend me to play next?
Some things I like in these games that would help for recommendation:
Great Party Members/Cast: When playing these games, I love all the lore and story that came with characters like Shadow Heart and Morrigan, and how different characters developed throughout your time with them. these games provided such quality members that it really felt like I was playing with real people and real personalities.
Party Managing Combat: One aspect I really loved about these games were the battles. Being able to strategize combat and taking specific people to certain battles always seemed very fun to me. Another game I had played that I really love as well was Marvel's Midnight Suns, which also is a great game for party managing!
Voice Acting: This one is not a must have, but I must say that this really helped with the immersion of the game. BG3 did so great with the Voice actors, expressing such emotion and a voice that fits the characters so well. And the same thing can be said with DAO. while I understand some games may not have had the budget for VA's, I cannot lie when I say that having a game with voice acting greatly improves my experience with it overall!
Relationship system with party members: I think a great part of my experience with games like BG3, DAO, and Midnight Suns is that party members reacted to your decisions and conversations. There were also chances where you could pursue deeper conversations to learn lore and more about the character. I believe this aspect created way more immersion for me, and made me feel like I was dealing with real people with different emotions and personalities, and I would need to approach each character differently.
Apologize for the long response and if this was a hard read! but if anyone could help me with a recommendation that would be great!
One game that was recommended to me was Mass Effect. While this game seems up my alley, I did not seem to click with it at first play, that may be due to me not liking space setting games or movies as much. I also did not really like the gun/shooter like aspect of combat. I do want to try this game again though, as it seems weird I do not like this. Am I the only one that did not click with Mass effect?

When I'm at work I'm okay. I'm a gardener and grounds maintenance so it's very rewarding and puts me in a good mood but I dread going home. I have friends but they're all on different schedules and some of them are flakey and my best mates live 2 hours away. I went and got some food on my own today just so I didn't have to go home. I did a bit of DJing earlier which was fun but I got bored and now I'm just sat here, I don't even like watching things because we used to watch so many things together.
When I do manage to meet some friends it's so good but 90% of the time I'm on my own and it's just hard to keep myself busy. It's been 2 months, she left me on text, ghosted me and I found out she's seeing someone else even though she said she would meet me for clarity regarding the situation. She have some half assed reasons but it was so one way and I never got to ask any questions. I did no contact but had to message her when I found out she's seeing someone else to get my things back. Honestly it's just painful and dealing with the pain in the evenings is so hard, I end up just getting in bed super early.
On the weekends I try to see friends, this Friday/Saturday I'm going to a dnb rave on my own as it seems so much effort to get my friends to meet and they always flake on me, honestly I don't know if I'll go, I live in a really isolating village so it's so much effort to get anywhere to do anything.
I've also booked a boxing class as it's something I did as a kid and something i always wanted to do when I was with her but just never committed.
I'm doing all the things I can to heal but it just feels hopeless and I just feel so lonely. My mum is serverly mentally ill and there trauma revolving that, my sister lives 4 hours away and my nan is not very well either so I help her when I can but we don't have a very loving relationship either and she is depressed and lonely from getting cheated on by my step grandad 10 years ago, my dad is no where to be seen and my grandad abandoned everyone and never sees us and he has no interest in me. It's just so hard when you don't have support and as a man. I've been thinking about therapy but not something that is at the top of my list as of yet but I will down the line, I'm already very self aware and I've done a bunch of reflection and trying to improve In the areas where I fell short in the relationship.
I guess I'm just struggling in general. I grew so much in that relationship, I used to suffer from depression but since my gardening job I feel so much better, but this is really weighing me down. I know I'll get through it, but the betrayal i experienced has brought back my trauma a little bit and it fucking hurts that she didn't even think for two seconds how this could affect me.
I needed to rant, thanks to anyone taking the time to read.