This is more for me to work out my own feelings than needing advice although advice would be helpful. I am still debating on if I want to talk this out or let it go. So yeah, as the title says, only one person from my friend group showed up to my (28F) Birthday Dinner. I am primarily coming to Reddit because it is embarrassing and shattering my vision of myself. I fear seeking comfort from my out-of-state friends because I do not want them to think less of me. I have always been deeply aware of how lonely I feel/am. It is one of my biggest vulnerabilities, so should other people be aware of it? or imply it with none of my friends who came to my birthday dinner? I can open up about anything else, but this feels too exposing.
But yeah, my friends did not show up for my birthday dinner, and I am not sure how I feel about it. One person did, but he(M29+) is my boyfriend's(32M) friend more than mine. To be honest, this makes it even more embarrassing. Having to search The Feelings Chart, I primarily just feel abandoned, embarrassed, fragile, disrespected, etc. Watching the door and waiting for your friends to show up while conversing with your partner and their friend is difficult. Suddenly, I was 17 again, only having one singular friend going to lunch with me before having other friends and dropping me off at an empty house. I think my parents were at a sibling's game or tournament. or a party? I am not sure; I just remember being home alone for my birthday a month after a suicide attempt. Or I was back at 11, having my birthday overshadowed by my sister's first communion. Or I was back on my 20th birthday, taking myself to see Captain America: Civil War.
Most of them did not even tell me they were not coming. That is what really hurts. I know my birthday sucks for everyone, time-wise. My parents made that very apparent by pushing any family celebration to Father's Day/my dad's & uncle's birthday. Yet only one of the four got back to me two hours beforehand about being unable to make it because they were tired from preparing for their family member's wedding a week from now. However, the thing is, I had gauged the group chat about doing it this weekend a week ago. To be fair, there were acknowledgments of seeing it, but no one directly responded with a conflict. I even sent a message 24 hours before letting everyone know I made a reservation, and people, again, liked the message but did not directly say if there was an issue. That is what is primarily keeping me from having a conversation with anyone. There was obvious acknowledgment of the plans, but no one asked if they could go.
It is apparent I have a lot of baggage around my birthday. I worry I unconsciously make it a test for people and myself. I saw how much people love and value me and based my self-worth and relationships on that. Possibly hope they do not show in a sick way of confirming my deepest insecurity. The rationale part of me acknowledges that it is a lot to put on someone, and things, unfortunately, just do not work out sometimes. On the other hand, this is the third event I have planned as the host where people were busy and canceled at the last minute. Usually, I would just take that as a sign of people not wanting to be friends, but some of them were legitimately interested in it when I briefly discussed it in April. Furthermore, they keep inviting me to their events.
Fundamentally, I do not know where to go from here. Only one of them has reached out, apologizing for not communicating more and saying that they will celebrate at a better time, while the other two have been silent. I think I need more time to process it before having an actual conversation with anyone about it. I am still primarily in the hurt phase, and no communication will be about their actual behavior. For example, with the apology, I was dishonest and said no worries. I wish I did not do that; it caught me off guard, but I did not want it to sit for too long and have them think I was ignoring them out of malice. If I had been in a better headspace, I would have responded with a thank you, acknowledged reading their message, and just be honest about needing more time before talking about it. I just feel sad.
Added context: We are all in graduate school. This is their last quarter before graduating, so they are legitimately busy and finishing up their practice experience/integrative projects and applying to fellowships. Ages range from 25-30.

I (F22) am aware of the fact that schizophrenia is not the only condition where one experiences hallucinations or delusions, and that one's like psychosis or bipolar types also get to a point of experiencing it. My mother has had agoraphobia for ages, had post-partum depression where she would hallucinate and hear voices whilist carrying my now schizophrenic brother, and did experience psychotic delusions two years ago due to taking the wrong thyroid medication which altered her system. As I said, my brother is a diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic, and well, overall my family has a history of undiagnosed conditions (aka my uncle later finding out he's got ADHD/Autism and is one of those avobe avarage people intelligence wise), my biological father has BPD... etc.
Now, I have always been a really internal person, and whichever delusion or hallucination I was having, unless I was having out of body experience terrors I wouldn't say. My delusions have always been very steong beliefs and convictions, but I've never imposed them out loud or spoke on them out loud. Only during the time where I was advocating for opening your third eye, and the time I thought becoming a muslim was going to save me from the warmth of God, I was loud about it. Religious terror has always been present though, very intensely. On the other side, complete apathy of the thing whenever my delusion would come crashing down in front of me. Like when a parent promises you something and they don't keep their words, you end up holding resentment towards them.
Anyway, since I was little I remember having these 'strange' convictions and/or hellucinations.
The first one I remember having was a delusion that angels woukld come get me. I was around 6/7 and (unfortunately) I was already on Facebook. I received one of those good luck e-mails, but it had something about angels, my mind saw hidden messages about how angels would come and get me to make all my dreams come true. But I didn't want to be taken away, so I ran towards my parents crying my heart out that I didn't want to be taken away and thag angels were after me. I was really terrified, when they read over it, nothing gave the illusion that someone could transcript the message into being kidnapped by angels. They tried to convince me that 'angels' referred to them giving me what I wanted. I was able to calm down somewhat.
We moved years later to another house, and I was convinced there were demons in it. They would throw rocks at me when I would sleep at my parent's bed or floor.
Then years later, related also to angels, I had an hallucination/delusion. I have danced since I was 5, and at 10/11 we built a studio in the garage of our new house. My mother and father happened to be out and were on their way one, people who came to do classes were leaving (it had finished), but I started to tremble terribly. I didn't want to go to my house (above) alone by myself because I didn't want 'them' to take me or hurt me and I hennuinely thought I would be in danger. Which from that point is normal, I was a kid. But at that age, I already was experiencing horrible delusions about the house being haunted by the owner (who wasn't dead yet at the time.) The hallucination happened when I was convinced to go up and just relax (I was having a full on panic attack.) I went home and when I was crossing the hallway I saw a tall angel with white small wings and curled golden hair go into the living room. I BOLTED out of the house. They had to stay until my parents arrived.
During the time we were living at that house I used to be under the illusion that no one was real. That they were reptiles using skins and I was the only one who was a human and couldn't let them find out. So I never said anything about it, in fear they'd kill me or send me away from earth. That did end up going away somewhat (lingering in the back of my mind from time to time.) Years later I started hurting myself because it would help me release the pent up anxieties, and would distract me from delusions and hallucinations. Then I got an ED, not eating and laxatives would make my beliefs that my house was haunted even worst.
The ghosts and demons delusions/hallucinations have always been persistent and is something that is present everyday of my life (I can't get rid of it.) So, you can imagine tha I have throught my life experienced my share of them and all nighters because I couldn't let them win and take me away.
I will not get like into ALL of them, because at one point it gets repetitive. But there's two that really marked a before and after. The first one was when before my brother got a diagnosis he thought he'd been cussed, so my mother, seeing the distressed state he was in, took him to a 'santanera'. She told him he had been cursed and had 15 demons trying to kill him blab blah. So he got an exorcism done to him, by my father, and I was the only other person in the house. I was in such distrease while it underwent, hearing my brother scream for help like he was being murdered that I got into this elusive state that the house was shaking. So, the house shook, I shook, the picture of my mothers grand parents avobe me shook, and I saw them protecting me. (they're both dead) but I knew they were protecting me. It was really crazy and it felt so real for me, and him.
And the other one was when I was working night shifts. Eight months into it I started having negative hallucinations and delusions. I was chased by the 'jello-man' (who not lives in my wall), he wasn't necessarily bad. Demons were threatening to cut me in half and put me in the freezer, but he seemed to just linger like a protector. It was a really creazy time. Having pánico attack after panic attack, talking to imaginary people at work, and hyperventilating while I tried to attend clients at the same time.
After I left work, I got better. And I tried to get healthy. I was able to recover from that terrifying state, I eveb left tarot and spirituality, terrified it would gill me (since I tried to commit for both the weight of my life/mental state and because if I did life for my family would get better through it.) And now, I am full deep on delusion. It was pressive, slowly. I am both aware that it sounds crazy but at the same time equally as convinced that it is real. The Jell-O man is back, now on my wall. But it started with one bad thing after another happening, and I believe thag someone has cursed me. I suspect from friends and even family members. I feel chased, by a famale entity. I moved again to a very big house and the second week in I saw my aunt walking towards were my room was but when I asked my mom she told me that my aunt hadn't moved from the kitchen. But I Heard the window, and I SAW her. And that must've been a demon or doppelganger, what would it be if not. And now I'm back at thag same job I had back then, only not at night, because I need money. And that place is extra cursed. And since I'm cursed it aggravates me seeing things. I keep seeing the same man I did when I worked there back in 2021, and I am terrified by it.
Another thing I should mention is I am hypochondriac, but it's really weird because I will full on believe I am dying. I have the belief that my body is deteriorating/rotting, and I live everyday with the fear that I am going to drop death every day. I have thought I was having a heart attack, thatg I had a heart condition, that I had breast cancer, that I had endometriosis, sclerosis,... Etc, I have overobssesed with it and convinced myself, saying my goodbyes and crying about me dying. But from those times only 2 of them J have gone to the doctors because I would actually have sensations that then for the doctors would not make sense of why I was having them because results were okay.
I am not sure if this could be schizophrenia, or if this could be any other condition that's similar. I don't know how to live any other way, so I don't know how it feels to not see things and believe crazy things. I struggle to communicate with people, so I don't know if it would even work to reach out professionally. It just exhausts me so much. I need the sounds to cease.
Should I reach out to someone, or could this be because of something I can repair myself without external need?
Thank u.

Sup everyone hows it going Why does life gets harder when we grow up like wth Tbh I don't know what I am doing but feels like everyday is getting a lot tougher... I grew up poverty it was actually a tough job to get groceries find money for my study...ah it was really tough goingt through those days... And then studied hard got some okayish job in IT worked my ass off for like an year ended up getting bad appraisal rating...and all my other relatives are snakes yesterday my fathers brother and father fought,my fathers brother I don't wannna call him uncle ewww ... He nicely took our Ancestral property my father believed him signed documents idk much gpa Or something it's and without my father knowledge they transferred our sites to their daughter and sons name even after knowing we are financially unstable ... And they talk shit about us...i am telling my parents to not ask them at all and just leave it for them only.... Everyone is acting so weird even my mothers side they are saying to my mom why should we give you our property it's ancestral tho... They talk shit about mom... She legit did so many things for her brothers sacrificed a lot of course not in terms of money but washed their clothes cooked food took care of them when they did nothingggg ...they also fought recently with my mother I was there couldn't utter a word I couldn't take I just walked out...the way my moms brother spoke about my mom omg made me question everything ....i feel damn lonely I have almost no friends it's mostly only work that's it... I feel like I am not doing enough for my family I studied hard but couldn't meet my parents expectations... There is literally no fun in life.. It's damn boring and lonely.. Idk what I am doing man....life sucks

Ihave been with my husband for just shy of 14 years. This is going to be a long one so strap in. There’s some nuance.
He is an alcoholic and struggles with other addictions like porn, marijuana, caffeine, nicotine, etc. if it can raise the dopamine level he is hooked onto it.
Going into our relationship I had a 4 year old with a previous abusive partner who had abandoned her when I finally broke off he relationship. My husband and my daughter bonded and I felt led to pursue a relationship with him. Before we got married I found out he was sneaking around and drinking so about 4 months prior to the wedding I gave him an ultimatum that he had to stop drinking and under the agreement that he would never return to it or it would be the end of our marriage. (This was a boundary I set for myself and I gave him an out of the relationship if he could not adhere to my boundary. I come from a family with a lot of alcoholism issues and my husband watched me mourn my uncle who died from complications of alcoholism). He agreed and he was sober from alcohol for 12 years.
Throughout our marriage other issues bubbled up. He never complimented me, he rarely initiated any physical intimacy. He would sit on the opposite side of the couch and he wouldn’t cuddle me or hold my hand. There was little to no affection unless I initiated it. I told him many times that that’s what I need to feel loved, and literally for a decade+ I would cry every few months and beg for that attention and he would get better for a week or two and then fall back to old habits.
I stayed because overall he is a good man, he is kind and he is a great father. Having come from a severely abusive relationship not getting the affection I craved felt like it wasn’t a deal breaker. Since my world was skewed by violence. My husband was never violent and didn’t yell at me or verbally abuse me. So I thought it was worth trying to stay.
Nearly 3 years ago we had a son. And my husband suffered a back injury that ended his career - so we decided he would be a stay at home dad until he healed or until our son got into school. I made enough money to support us so it was fine. Except he fell into a depression - I got him into therapy and on meds but he just wasn’t the same. I could tell he hated being a stay at home dad and I encouraged him during the last 3 years he’s been home to pursue hobbies, interests and potential new careers. He hasn’t. I encouraged him to spend time with friends and get out of the house - he hasn’t.
Things got a bit better when he got medicated - but he was struggling still with hiding and sneaking around with different addictions. He would start one quit another… t got to the point that between his depressive state, inability and unwillingness to find anything to make him feel more fulfilled and his lack of attention to me and our marital bond, I asked for a co-parenting marriage.
I told him I wanted to end our romantic relationship so I could pursue outside relationships to get my intimacy needs met (and he was free to do the same) and we would stay together cohabitating for the sake of the kids especially our daughter who we had planned to move across country for so she can attend her dream college. He took a few days to think about it and came back to me with only concerns about what it meant for him financially speaking. I assured him I’d still take care of him while he figured out what he wanted to be doing with his life. Since he was primary caretaker of our son I told him I’d do whatever it took to ensure he was set. He agreed to have the co-parenting marriage, he told me he really hopes I find what I need and that he’s been unable to provide me and gave me his blessing to date. and we informed our families together as a united front. I thought things would be ok from there. This was in March.
I will preface this next bit by saying we have always had an open phone rule because of my trust issues from the many times over the years he’s broken my trust by hiding another addiction. And also because he has a hard time expressing himself and doesn’t talk to me. I couldn’t get a read on what he was thinking about this new arrangement and he (as usual) was not talking to me / expressing his feelings. So I peeked at his texts hoping to get a look into his mindset. This was absolutely wrong and I own this (I owned it to him too). I hoped to find that he was telling someone that he loved me and didn’t any the open marriage cause he just wasn’t expressing that to me with his actions. Instead I found him vilifying me to his siblings claiming basically he had no money and wasn’t allowed to do anything and I was dating already. None of this was true - he even had an allowance for his personal spending in his own account.
That kind of brought our relationship to a head and I confronted him about it. He claims he was venting I told him venting is one thing but these were lies that effectively made his siblings dislike me. I told him after that I could no longer agree to live together long term and that once we moved out of state he had to find a job and get his own place.
This was a couple weeks ago. Fast forward to last week he came to me basically concerned that we should stay together cause we are going to need each others and he has fears about becoming homeless. I told him he just wants to continue to benefit from my salary and the life it has afforded him. So I told him it’s not going to happen.
Now, Saturday morning he was out with a friend and I took my son on a morning walk. He does this same walk with my husband often. They go to the store across the street and my son gets an apple. So we go into the store and my toddler makes a beeline for the apples and it was cute - but then he takes me to the liquor department and hands me a fifth of vodka and looks at me all proud of himself for it. At first I was laughing but then realized oh no… there has to be a reason for this. I noted the vodka was $6.99, and the apple was $1, so I checked the bank account and there were 8 transactions for $8 and some change from the last month.
So my son and I walked home and when my husband got home I told him the story of what our son did and asked if he had something to confess. He started sharing and told me that yes he had returned to drinking. I calmly told him he needs to leave and waited for a few hours while he got his stuff together and arranged for his parents to pick him up. I told him he is not welcome on the move and he has to find his own way to the new state if he wants to be with the kids.
It’s been 2 days and I’ve been crying non stop because my family has completely been destroyed and now I’m a work from home mom of 2 with a toddler who requires a lot of attention. I’m on my own and I’m so angry with him. My heart is broken for my children. My daughter is devastated, my son is confused.
Did I do the right thing? I have an emergency appt with my therapist tomorrow - but I’m struggling with guilt because of my role in this since I couldn’t be happy with his lack of ambition and lack of intimacy had I just sucked it up maybe my family would still be ok. But then I know it’s bs because he involved our son in his addictions which I almost kicked him out for taking him to a headshop when he was 1 - he knew that was a boundary.
How would you handle this situation? Did I do the right thing?

This is haunting me and I need help. I (22M) am the oldest of 6. My sister (17F) is the 3rd oldest of our bunch. Growing up, we didn’t have a great childhood which has lead to separation between me and my younger sisters. While I was visiting my grandparents, my uncle (40M) asked to have a beer and I went out to smoke with him. Things are going normal as we were chatting about life, moving, and other matters.
While we were chatting about updates on his divorce, he told me that my sister and him were moving into an apartment together in the city. That didn’t phase me much as I knew they were close and she had previously lived with him, my soon to be ex-aunt and cousins in another state a few months ago. This is information that my mom, dad, and grandparents know, but I’m the first of the children that know.
As we continue shooting the breeze, he tells me that he has something to tell me about. Something that would want me to yell him out for, or just walk away and never look back. In my mind I thought it was something about suicide or abuse as he is going through not the greatest divorce and has been struggling.
Then he drops a fucking nuke, HE GOT MY SISTER PREGNANT. I’ll be as precise as possible about the details but I still feel shockwaves after hearing it. He told me the reason they’re moving in is because he is the father of my sister’s baby and besides him and my sister, I am the only family member who knows. He said that everything that transpired was consensual and that their intent is to keep the baby. And the reason they are moving out is to keep my sister protected from the backlash. He repeatedly told me that I can do with I want with this information and that he won’t judge me if I tell everyone in the family. But I am left in awe that he would
1) Be romantly involved with his blood related niece
And 2) think that I am fit and able to carry this information
It’s only been a few hours as writing this post, but I just feel sick being the only one outside of them who is burdened with this information.
A few details that I should mention that is scrambling in my head. their move in date is only a few days away. The baby is few late this year (Oct-Nov). My uncle is in the process of being divorced and has two kids of their own. My uncle is our mom’s brother. My uncle and sister are religious (Christianity). My uncle has never been a person to tell a lie, or at least not to me.
So I come to you Reddit as a source of help. How do I handle this information?? After talking to my girlfriend, she pointed out that it seems that he wants me to be the one to break the news to the family. But I just can’t handle my parents not knowing that them moving out is actually because they are having a kid. She’s not a legal adult yet so I’m not sure what laws were broken on top or incest. I’m going to bed after writing this but I’ll try to edit or reply when I can.
TL/DR: My uncle got my sister pregnant (blood related) and I’m the only one who knows.

Was it worth it? Did it work out for you?
I'm approaching the one-year anniversary of my job as a software developer for industrial automation. After four one-month trips to China and witnessing a colleague die at work, I got a call from a school friend: "How about we make a song together?"
Last year, I graduated from high school. Thanks to a father who only saw my grades and was obsessed with the idea of me becoming an engineer, I immediately started looking for a job to avoid continuing my studies. I got hired by a company that writes software for industrial automation, and a few months later, I found myself in China, working 12-hour days, seven days a week. I felt terrible, but seeing the paycheck convinced me to stay.
Starting work right away wasn't just a rebellion against my father but a decision made with the hope of saving some money to follow my true passion: music. I've been a musician since I was 7 years old, starting with the guitar to become a rock star like Angus Young or Slash (my idols at the time). After a year of classical guitar lessons (and an electric guitar gifted by an uncle who goes overboard with presents), I was dissatisfied with the lack of rock in my classical guitar lessons, so I began teaching myself. This self-taught journey took me through guitar, drums, bass, piano, saxophone, trombone, singing in the high school a cappella choir, and into the world of music production and sound engineering.
My passion for the guitar gradually transformed into a passion for all aspects of music, which led to an identity crisis about who I wanted to be musically: a bassist/guitarist/drummeetc.? Maybe a composer or arranger? Perhaps an EDM producer or a sound engineer?
I took this time as a worker to figure out if and what I wanted to do professionally in music. What I didn't anticipate was that working (and busting my ass in China) would give me a taste of the sweet financial stability of a more "traditional" job, sweetened by the juicy paycheck at an age with very few expenses. This led me to leave a vocal group I had been part of for a year (which I joined thanks to my high school choir director) right before they were going to participate in a major event because I didn't have time due to my trips to China. I still regret it.
The more I search online about whether it's possible to make a living from music, the more discouraged I get, even though those who are satisfied with their lives are less likely to share their experiences online so the answers might be biased. Professional musicians and artists out there: what's your story? Is it worth taking the leap, if not in my country then abroad?
I'd love to hear your experiences and advice on transitioning from a stable job to a career in music. How did you make it work? What challenges did you face, and what would you do differently?
TL;DR: I love music. Is it worth giving up the stability of a full-time job that's destroying my mental health to pursue this passion?

Ihave been with my husband for just shy of 14 years. This is going to be a long one so strap in. There’s some nuance.
He is an alcoholic and struggles with other addictions like porn, marijuana, caffeine, nicotine, etc. if it can raise the dopamine level he is hooked onto it.
Going into our relationship I had a 4 year old with a previous abusive partner who had abandoned her when I finally broke off he relationship. My husband and my daughter bonded and I felt led to pursue a relationship with him. Before we got married I found out he was sneaking around and drinking so about 4 months prior to the wedding I gave him an ultimatum that he had to stop drinking and under the agreement that he would never return to it or it would be the end of our marriage. (This was a boundary I set for myself and I gave him an out of the relationship if he could not adhere to my boundary. I come from a family with a lot of alcoholism issues and my husband watched me mourn my uncle who died from complications of alcoholism). He agreed and he was sober from alcohol for 12 years.
Throughout our marriage other issues bubbled up. He never complimented me, he rarely initiated any physical intimacy. He would sit on the opposite side of the couch and he wouldn’t cuddle me or hold my hand. There was little to no affection unless I initiated it. I told him many times that that’s what I need to feel loved, and literally for a decade+ I would cry every few months and beg for that attention and he would get better for a week or two and then fall back to old habits.
I stayed because overall he is a good man, he is kind and he is a great father. Having come from a severely abusive relationship not getting the affection I craved felt like it wasn’t a deal breaker. Since my world was skewed by violence. My husband was never violent and didn’t yell at me or verbally abuse me. So I thought it was worth trying to stay.
Nearly 3 years ago we had a son. And my husband suffered a back injury that ended his career - so we decided he would be a stay at home dad until he healed or until our son got into school. I made enough money to support us so it was fine. Except he fell into a depression - I got him into therapy and on meds but he just wasn’t the same. I could tell he hated being a stay at home dad and I encouraged him during the last 3 years he’s been home to pursue hobbies, interests and potential new careers. He hasn’t. I encouraged him to spend time with friends and get out of the house - he hasn’t.
Things got a bit better when he got medicated - but he was struggling still with hiding and sneaking around with different addictions. He would start one quit another… t got to the point that between his depressive state, inability and unwillingness to find anything to make him feel more fulfilled and his lack of attention to me and our marital bond, I asked for a co-parenting marriage.
I told him I wanted to end our romantic relationship so I could pursue outside relationships to get my intimacy needs met (and he was free to do the same) and we would stay together cohabitating for the sake of the kids especially our daughter who we had planned to move across country for so she can attend her dream college. He took a few days to think about it and came back to me with only concerns about what it meant for him financially speaking. I assured him I’d still take care of him while he figured out what he wanted to be doing with his life. Since he was primary caretaker of our son I told him I’d do whatever it took to ensure he was set. He agreed to have the co-parenting marriage, he told me he really hopes I find what I need and that he’s been unable to provide me and gave me his blessing to date. and we informed our families together as a united front. I thought things would be ok from there. This was in March.
I will preface this next bit by saying we have always had an open phone rule because of my trust issues from the many times over the years he’s broken my trust by hiding another addiction. And also because he has a hard time expressing himself and doesn’t talk to me. I couldn’t get a read on what he was thinking about this new arrangement and he (as usual) was not talking to me / expressing his feelings. So I peeked at his texts hoping to get a look into his mindset. This was absolutely wrong and I own this (I owned it to him too). I hoped to find that he was telling someone that he loved me and didn’t any the open marriage cause he just wasn’t expressing that to me with his actions. Instead I found him vilifying me to his siblings claiming basically he had no money and wasn’t allowed to do anything and I was dating already. None of this was true - he even had an allowance for his personal spending in his own account.
That kind of brought our relationship to a head and I confronted him about it. He claims he was venting I told him venting is one thing but these were lies that effectively made his siblings dislike me. I told him after that I could no longer agree to live together long term and that once we moved out of state he had to find a job and get his own place.
This was a couple weeks ago. Fast forward to last week he came to me basically concerned that we should stay together cause we are going to need each others and he has fears about becoming homeless. I told him he just wants to continue to benefit from my salary and the life it has afforded him. So I told him it’s not going to happen.
Now, Saturday morning he was out with a friend and I took my son on a morning walk. He does this same walk with my husband often. They go to the store across the street and my son gets an apple. So we go into the store and my toddler makes a beeline for the apples and it was cute - but then he takes me to the liquor department and hands me a fifth of vodka and looks at me all proud of himself for it. At first I was laughing but then realized oh no… there has to be a reason for this. I noted the vodka was $6.99, and the apple was $1, so I checked the bank account and there were 8 transactions for $8 and some change from the last month.
So my son and I walked home and when my husband got home I told him the story of what our son did and asked if he had something to confess. He started sharing and told me that yes he had returned to drinking. I calmly told him he needs to leave and waited for a few hours while he got his stuff together and arranged for his parents to pick him up. I told him he is not welcome on the move and he has to find his own way to the new state if he wants to be with the kids.
It’s been 2 days and I’ve been crying non stop because my family has completely been destroyed and now I’m a work from home mom of 2 with a toddler who requires a lot of attention. I’m on my own and I’m so angry with him. My heart is broken for my children. My daughter is devastated, my son is confused.
Did I do the right thing? I have an emergency appt with my therapist tomorrow - but I’m struggling with guilt because of my role in this since I couldn’t be happy with his lack of ambition and lack of intimacy had I just sucked it up maybe my family would still be ok. But then I know it’s bs because he involved our son in his addictions which I almost kicked him out for taking him to a headshop when he was 1 - he knew that was a boundary.
How would you handle this situation? Did I do the right thing?

Probably my last episode for today. It’s the one that I feel gives us the least and most to talk about at the same time lol
-First point is First, baby Aegon (the rightful king!) is a cutie
-I have to admit I laughed when Daemon and Caraxes just landed on that Daemon stan at the beginning of the episode (sometimes I do have a dark humor). He clearly doesn’t care about the people to state the obvious
-I am sad that we just cut off from last episode where the marriage announcement was made with Alicent, to now where Alicent is already pregnant again. This is where we see all the cut scenes come into play in hindsight. We know a wedding scene of Viserys and Alicent was filmed and never used which is a shame. We still get the general gist of how this has affected everyone’s relationships, but still do feel they should have added that last episode. That’s a minor nitpick though
-We start seeing what the main conflict of this story is going to be. A scene that perfectly captures Viserys nonsensical approach and naivety to the whole matter is when Jason Lannister asks for Rhaenyra’s hand arguing among other things that since she will not be heir anymore most likely it would serve as a great compensation (you might want to tone down the charm blondie). Still Viserys just acts surprised like the thought that in a patriarchal society someone could even occur with the idea that firstborn would come first is beyond stupid, especially when you we’re literally chosen as king because of the realm’s preference towards a male heir! Even if you still support Rhaenyra as heir you don’t think you should have been prepared for such questions? Most blacks will answer “but they swore oaths Of fealty to her!”, ok and Otto puts it perfectly that was before Aegon was born. This is why I hate when people simplify the issue. It’s very complicated. It’s not just men vs women . Some people might argue a female shouldn’t inherit but her son should come before her younger brothers and descendants, Some argue an uncle should inherit before a daughter and others that a daughter should inherit before an uncle but still behind a son. The least you could have done is make the lords renew their vows after Aegon and other sons were born
-While on the subject, the scene with Viserys drunk while opening up to Alicent, explaining how he choose her as heir as a way to make up for Aemma, humanizes him but it just makes the story as always so frustrating. This wasn’t a father who saw his two kids grown up and then made a judgement based on temperament, this was a decision based on a whim to avoid Daemon being heir (which is later turned moot) and to make amends which the realm ended up paying for. As you can clearly tell we are already heading to the episodes that are frustrating for us.
-The Redwyne lady clearly questions the absurd war started by Daemon, and then Rhaenyra just insults and humiliates her. She is the lady to a Houses with one of the most powerful fleets, you don’t think it might be useful to have more tact and keep her in your good side. Some people will argue it’s just because she is young, but Alicent already shows a level headed maturity and sensibility when she defended Rhaenyra while still being respectful and considerate to lady Redwyne. This of course is only strike 2 of a pattern for Rhaenyra of just having no care towards lords she would need as important Allies
-The cgi was just a bit off at times like with the boar which looked odd (or maybe it was just me?)
-Daemon just beating the messenger who literally just brought him the message (arguably not even bad news) just shows how angry and impulsive and lack of control he has, and everything Otto warned about him is true. Like this war which was completely unnecessary and is a miracle it didn’t escalate earlier (in the book they show how the situation basically continued and the Dornish actually joined in on the side of the Triarchy)
Overall it’s a good episode in showcasing the characters and the what the real premise is about, it also is the first episode to showcase the flaws that will be associated with this season in regards to the timeskips and character development lost

I need some advice.
I’m currently pursuing an online MBA from upGrad (IMT + Liverpool John Moores University) I’ve almost completed the course (2-3 months left), but I'm not satisfied with the experience. I feel like I made a mistake choosing an online MBA. Now, I’m considering joining ISB’s PGP in Management course. Should I go for it?
Here’s a bit about my background:
I did my BTech in CSE with a specialization in UI/UX Design from a tier 2 college. During college, I was really into filmmaking and spent 80% of my time on it. I even planned to pursue a career in filmmaking. But in my third year, I discovered UI/UX Design and thought it could be a career I’d be passionate about.
I graduated around May 2021. In April 2021, two of my uncles passed away due to COVID-19, and my father had to manage the family business alone. Before this, I had never been involved in or even known much about the business. Suddenly, in May 2021, my father asked me to start working there, and my life turned upside down. All my dreams got put on hold. I used to hate going there.
Fast forward to today:
I’ve built an eCommerce website (selling law/tax/banking books) and am planning to launch an app. I started this accidental entrepreneurship journey in May 2022, and the website went live in January 2023. From January 2023 to March 2024, I did 48 lakhs in revenue through Google ads and organic search. (Is this good? I'd appreciate your thoughts.) I gained a lot of experience and did market testing (now preparing to launch an app).
But some things are bothering me / my core reasons to join ISB

1. No corporate experience (which I really wanted in college)
2. Working in a fast-paced environment with smart people
3. Quality learning and work culture
4. ⁠structured learning and skill enhancement
5. ⁠personality transformation from a semi introvert who’s willing to learn and open to everything
6. ⁠skills enhancement

I’m aware that building my app could eventually give me these experiences, but I want to learn first and then build.
Should I join ISB’s PGP in Management? Would it be the right move considering my background and current situation? What do you think?

Warning now, this is kinda all over the place but I’m just really upset right now.
To start, I (25 female) and my partner (27 male), are set to get married. However, my stepmom has gave my dad an ultimatum that if he attends my wedding she will leave him.
There is some background history between me and her but we have since buried the hatchet if you will. We have talked it out and moved on, at least I had thought. This woman has physically and mentally attacked me while my father watched and didn’t say anything to her. I didn’t lay a hand back on her nor say anything back to her. I promise. I’m not a person full of hate. I’m a people pleaser unfortunately.
She thinks I’m always out to get her or “take my dad away from him”. When she came into the picture she thought me and my dad were oddly close. She raise her daughter without the dad in the picture. Me and my dad got close after him and mom divorced cause I was all he had left. We had always been close as I was always his little girl until she came around. It’s almost like she’s jealous of the bond me and my dad had that has now been broken because of her. She post about me on social media and it’s not nice stuff that even my friends and family have sent messages asking if she is making stuff up cause it’s so out of left field for my character. They all know what she says isn’t true and she wants everyone to feel guilty for her. Her Facebook friends degrade me and puts her on this platform. I have absolutely done nothing to provoke this and have never met her friends in person. They are attacking someone who they don’t even know.
Now back to the issue at hand, the wedding ultimatum. She is apparently mad I did not give them a personal invitation? I am not doing actual paper invites. I have made a website link and social media invites that got sent to EVERYONE. not just them. My mom and stepdad, aunts and uncles, grandparents all got the same invitation. They wasn’t mad about it at all. No one is mad about it but her. My father is not allowed to have a conversation with me about anything without her around. She controls every aspect of his life. Having a conversation with them is not really the easiest thing ever cause she just attacks me. I’m not a bad person. I swear on everything I have done everything in my power to keep the peace and be kind. I live on my own and am self sufficient. However my dad does have my important documents and papers in his safe at his house. Papers like my car titles and such. He also does have some of my stuff stored at his house like my highschool memorabilia, childhood books and pictures and baby clothes.
How do I navigate this situation? I really don’t wanna loose my dad but I don’t want to sacrifice myself for it. Do I let everything go and just wait for her follow through to see who my dad chooses? Either his wife (who gave him the ultimatum and ran everyone in the family off) or his daughter. Pls give responses asappppp I have to see them soon and I’m just utterly lost and devastated.

For reference, I'm 15f, I am "homeschooled" but don't do school because I'm working for my dad, and I'm currently struggling with depression, PTSD and anxiety.
The problem is I'm working for long hours in an office environment, cleaning the whole house, folding towels/other laundry, making sure the basement/backyard is tidy, and making sure all of our (basically my) 25 pets are alive and well. (21 of those animals with my money), and many more miscellaneous chores.
My dad's emotionally absent, he doesn't know anything about me. He can't hold a good conversation. It's like I just met my dad and we're strangers. It's empty and sad. On the other hand, he's screaming at me and not listening to a word I say.
My mom's an absolute control/clean-freak. She wants the whole house, basement, backyard spotless 24/7. She wants her 90Ibs Rottweiler and her high matience WolfDog happy and well while she does Yoga and part-time real-estate. She wants me to succeed in college classes at 15. She wants me to be social (but refuses to drive me places). She wants me to love and treat her like a queen, even though she calls me a scumbag, manipulative, delusional, (father's name)-Jr (he's verbally abusive to her), a bully, a gaslighter, lazy, and so much more. It's tiring.
I have no friends, I have no aunts/uncles, I have no cousins, I have no grandparents, I have no family friends. I have no one. Only person who I have lives 22 hours away and is in close contact with my parents.
I have no way to leave for years, I'm so alone. I'm trapped.
I don't know if I'm overreacting, I feel like a baby when I vent.

Synopsis:
An engineer in another world—blending science and magic to achieve greatness in a world where skills and levels reign supreme.
—
Ethan was just a plain old engineer, but everything changed when he was reborn into a world of skills, levels, and magic. With his advanced knowledge far ahead of the time period he finds himself in, this new reincarnated life will be much different than his last, especially because he can construct, deconstruct, and reconstruct runes—something no one else can do.
But with royal politics, looming tax collectors, a mountain of debt, dungeon incursions, cults, and hostile fantasy races mixing together into a cocktail of bullshit that threatens to bury his dreams; Ethan must bridge the gap between steel and sorcery to grow stronger. — Runecrafting is slow burn. — What to Expect: - Weak to very strong progression - Hardcore wish fulfillment - A balance of action, kingdom building, and runecrafting. - MC will trigger an industrial revolution, revolutionize magic, modernize agriculture, communication, commerce, textile production, education, transportation, sanitation, weapons manufacturing, leisure & entertainment, and medicine.
Next >

Chapter 01

-1-
Ethan’s fists pounded the punching bag, sending a rapid series of jabs that landed with resounding thumps, each strike punctuated by ragged breaths. Sweat dripped from his brow, stinging his eyes, but he refused to stop, refused to surrender to the burning in his muscles or the rawness of his knuckles. He remained focused on punching.
Around him, the rest of the boxing team rested, even the coach looked like he needed a breather. But Ethan couldn’t afford to slow down—not with the first round of eliminations looming.
More, Ethan thought, his muscles burning as he threw another combination of jabs and cross punches. More, more, more.
Boxing had never been his choice; it was a path forced upon him by a father with unfulfilled dreams. Yet somewhere along the way, the thrill of the fight had ignited a fire within Ethan—a primal need to test the boundaries of his endurance, to feel alive in a way no textbook could provide.
But now his father lay dying in a hospital bed, and Ethan was exhausted. Mentally, emotionally, and physically. His muscles burned and his knuckles were raw. But he couldn’t stop.
“Oy, mate, you should take a break.”
Jacob’s voice cut through Ethan’s reverie, and he turned to face his friend, chest heaving. “I can keep going. I’m fine.”
Jacob shook his head, concern etched across his features. “You’re going to end up hurting yourself. Listen, I know you’re worried about the eliminations and your dad, but you’ve got this. You’ll be fine. You’ve trained so hard. Harder than any of us, mate.” Jacob placed a hand on Ethan’s shoulder. “Don’t beat yourself up.”
“It’s not enough,” Ethan stepped away from the punching bag. “Not yet.”
“What do you mean? You’ve improved a ton since you first started, and you’ve gotten to this level faster than anyone else. There’s no way you’re getting cut from the team.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Nothing,” Ethan said, sighing as he ran a hand through his sweat-soaked hair.
“Listen, man,” Jacob said, giving him a sympathetic smile. “I get that you’re nervous. It’s normal, okay? But I’ve seen you out there. You’re good. Really good. If anything, the rest of us are the ones who should be worried—”
Before Jacob could continue, Ethan’s phone rang, the sound loud in the otherwise silent gym.
Looking at his phone made him frown and excuse himself. The caller ID was a familiar one. With his phone pressed against his ears, he walked down the corridor, leaving the other members of the boxing team behind.
“Hello?” Ethan said into the phone.
Then, his world tilted on his axis.
-2-
Ethan hated funerals.
It was a strange thing to say, and yet, there he was, thinking that exact same thing as he stood at the side, watching as a small crowd gathered around. The smell of freshly turned earth was thick in the air, along with a heavy dose of sorrow and grief. Or maybe that was his imagination; after all, most were likely putting on a show. A wake that lasted all of ten minutes. A quick eulogy. The final plop of dirt onto the polished wood coffin. Then they were gone. Just like that, they were gone.
His father’s funeral was over just like that.
Ethan waited a while longer after all the mourners had dispersed, then finally turned to look at his mother. His mother sat slumped in the front pew of the church; her gaze fixed on the ground. He sat beside his mother silently. She looked older today, like all the fight and life had just seeped from her body. They didn’t speak a word for the longest while, but finally, his mother broke the silence.
“Do you blame me?”
“No,” he said automatically.
You do, a small voice said in the back of his head. Because maybe, if they hadn’t sent him away, he could’ve pursued his dreams...
“Thank you,” his mother said, the relief in her eyes far too apparent. She wrapped her arms around herself. Her hands trembled. She swallowed audibly before she continued. “I was such a stupid little girl when we married. I had no choice but to leave for Dubai because...”
“You don’t need to explain anything.” Ethan looked down at his knuckles. “I understand.”
“He always blamed himself,” she said suddenly, and Ethan frowned. “For not just letting you into civil engineering. For pressuring you into, well, violence.”
Ethan smiled wryly, staring up at the empty rafters overhead.
Such violence, Ethan, a voice whispered into his ears. Focus on your studies, not on hurting people. You’ll have a bright future, I’m sure of it.
Ethan sighed as he felt the memory rise unbidden in his mind. It wasn’t the first time his mother had spoken to him like that, and it wouldn’t be the last.
You can’t always rely on your fists, she would say. Sometimes, words are all you need. They can change lives, even save lives. They can be the difference between a happy life and a miserable one. Remember that.
Yeah, well, she failed to see it wasn’t hurting people he was after, but pushing himself beyond his limits. To prove to himself that he could. To feel the limits of his body, and surpass them.
To feel alive.
“Your father wanted the best for you,” she said.
“It doesn’t matter anymore.” Ethan gave his mother a sad smile. He talked with his mother a little bit after, but eventually, he excused himself.
She hugged him before he left. A tight, almost desperate squeeze that seemed to drag out for longer than it really did. Ethan wasn’t entirely sure how to respond and wasn’t able to think of anything better than giving her a couple of awkward pats on the back.
Then, when somewhere nice, he lit a cigarette. Stupid, useless, and unhealthy, but he had to do something to let off steam or his entire body was going to burst apart like a firecracker.
When it was nearly time for the cigarette to burn itself out, he suddenly got engulfed in bright light. He didn’t think, nor could he; it was just way too fast.
The last thought he had was something along the lines of ‘the fuck?’ before he crashed face-first into space-time itself.
-3-
Ethan slammed his head against the plush velvet pillow, groaning. Post-reincarnation—transmigration?—headaches were a real pain, especially when you woke up in the body of a drunken wastrel named Theodore Lockheart, the most indebted, despised, fucked up noble in the entire bordertowns—lands that were on the border of the world of the living; lands that were under the constant threat of the dead.
He was tired, irritable, and he had a headache so annoying it was almost as if his skull was split open. Not to mention, his nose was throbbing in pain from what he could only guess had been a one-sided beatdown.
Had the Baron gotten beaten to a pulp somehow?
It was possible, after all, Ethan did remember snippets of Theodore’s recent memories—nothing more than that, though. Theodore tended to suit up as a rich merchant. And he’d likely gone to the bar after losing his fortune earlier in the night, and then had likely fucked a wench or two, vented on the poor women, gotten punched and kicked out.
Groaning, Ethan peeled himself out of bed and forced himself to move. He had things he wanted to do today, like sit somewhere nice and contemplate the meaning of existence—or smoke cigarettes. But sadly, he had none, and he despised alcohol.
Strange, Theodore—no, Ethan, thought. Why do I so easily believe in all this? And why am I so easily accepting that I’m this bastard now?
Though the question was there, Ethan found that it didn’t bring up any emotions. It was like an empty sentence in his thoughts, with nothing behind it.
Ding! System Initiating…
Consciousness transferred...
Subject: Ethan
Social integration protocols activated.
Linguistic database uploaded. Communication in all known languages will be facilitated.
Confirmation: Subject has all their memories upon induction. Check.
Disclaimer: This is not a dream simulation. This is a permanent transfer. Subject has been induced to fully believe this reality, but nothing else inside the subject has been altered.
Confirmation: Memories and core identity remain unaltered.
Warning: The subject will perceive everything as real.
Directive: Enjoy the New World. Second chance protocols initiated.
The System has awoken within you. [Nur] is a world unimaginable power awaits. You, Ethan, have the chance to become extraordinary.
A [Quest] approaches!
Congratulations! You have unlocked the skill: [Magic Sensitivity]!
Congratulations! You have unlocked the skill: [Magic Perception]!
Congratulations! You have unlocked the skill: [Myriad Tongue]!
Ding! Please brace for loss of consciousness!
“What in the god-fucking-damned hell—?” Ethan muttered, then fell unconscious. When Ethan woke up again, a screen flashed in front of him.
Please select your preferred Class...
The screen, Ethan found, didn’t elicit any reaction out of him. It wasn’t shocking, nor unbelievable, it was just as if it was a universal truth he’d come to believe since childhood. Like a phone’s existence, or the internet, perhaps. The fact that he thought that way made him sigh. He just hoped anything else inside him hadn’t been changed.
Ethan looked through the page that appeared in front of him.
[Warrior (Common)]
Function: Frontline combatant
Prerequisite: None
Description: A Common-Ranked Class. Grants basic proficiency with all melee weapon types (sword, spear, ax, etc.)
Specialization Paths: Available after further training and/or meeting certain requirements: [Barbarian], [Knight], [Paladin], [Cavalryman], [Mercenary] (and more)
[Archer (Common)]
Function: Ranged Damage Dealer
Prerequisite: None
Description: Basic proficiency with bows and arrows.
Specialization Paths:
Adjacent: Unlockable after further training: [Thief], [Assassin] (and more)
Advanced: Upon reaching specific requirements: [Spirit Archer], [Magic Archer] (and more)
[Mage (Common)]
Function: Ranged Magic User
Prerequisite: None
Description: Basic application of magical abilities.
Specialization Paths: Unlockable after further study: [Warlock], [Alchemist], [Summoner] (and more)
[Healer (Common)]
Function: Support - Restoration and Enhancement
Prerequisite: A [Faith].
Description: Devoted healer, blessed with divine magic, requires [Faith] in a deity. A healer’s heart heals the spirit of ailing beings, providing great spiritual buffs. Can heal wounds and ailments of allies. Can enhance allied attributes and resistances.
Specialization Paths: Unlockable after advanced training (may vary by race or deity): [Temple Priest], [Battle Medic], [Nature Mender] (and more)
After looking through the available Classes, it didn’t take long for Ethan to immediately dismiss both the [Healer] and [Warrior]. [Healer] would be too weak unless he got to its Specialization Paths—not to mention he’d need to have faith in some god, which he did not—and [Warrior] meant he’d need to be close range all the time. Ethan didn’t like risk, thus that idea went to waste as fast as a blade through butter. That left him with two options, and a more or less clear idea of which choice to make.
[Archer] was dismissed for the sole reason that it didn’t appeal to him much, although he was indeed curious as to why it had [Thief] and [Assassin] as its Adjacent Specialization Paths. Regardless, there was only one choice left: Mage—something he’d have chosen anyway given that the system had given him [Magic Sensitivity] and [Magic Perception], although he’d yet to test those skills out. They seemed passive anyway.
Ethan selected his chosen Class.
Congratulations! You are now an [Unranked Mage].
You are capable of casting minor, beginner-level magics.
You can use magical implements and perform incantations with limited versatility.
Congratulations! You have gained skill: [Basic Magic Script]!
Congratulations! You have gained skill: [Elemental Spells]!
Due to your [Magic Perception] and [Magic Sensitivity], the effectiveness of magical spells and skills are now increased by 10%!
“That’s it?” Ethan blinked. “I would’ve expected, I don’t know, for my entire body to feel on fire, or something.”
Not that he ever had that happen in his life. Fiction really put false expectations into his mind.
Theodore Lockheart
[Race: Human]⨽[Rank: G]⨽[Level: 0]
[Class: Mage]⨽[Rank: Unranked]⨽[Level: 0]
[Skills]: Basic Magic Script (Lvl. 1), Elemental Spells (Lvl. 1), Magic Sensitivity (Lvl. 1), Magic Perception (Lvl. 1), Myriad Tongue (Lvl. 1)
[Titles: None]
Ethan sifted through the skills to better understand what he could do now.
Basic Magic Script – Level 1
Type: Passive
Effect: This skill allows you to understand and write basic magical notation of the world. Connection Effect: [Basic Magic Script] has established a Connection with one of your existing skills [Magic Perception], essentially giving you the ability to not only comprehend simple spells but also create the runes required to cast them. However, complex and advanced theories will likely be beyond your grasp at this level.
Elemental Spells – Level 1
Type: Active
Effect: You can cast basic elemental spells. At this level, your spells are limited in power and complexity.
Magic Sensitivity – Level 1
Type: Passive
Effect: You possess a heightened awareness of magical energies in your immediate surroundings. You can feel faint tingles or experience subtle temperature changes when magic is being used nearby. This ability helps you identify areas with magical activity or sense the presence of magic. However, pinpointing the exact source or nature of the magic might be difficult at this level.
Magic Perception – Level 1
Type: Passive
Effect: You can see the underlying runes whenever a spell is cast in front of you. However, deciphering complex spells to view their runes will likely be blurry or misleading at this level***. Connection Effect:*** [Magic Perception] has established a Connection with one of your existing skills, [Basic Magic Script], essentially giving you the ability to not only comprehend simple spells but also create the runes required to cast them. However, complex and advanced theories will likely be beyond your grasp at this level.
Myriad Tongue – Level 1
Type: Passive
Effect: You can understand and speak all the languages of this world. This skill allows you to communicate with most of the species you encounter. Complex conversations will likely require further development of this skill. Connection Effect: [Myriad Tongue] has established a Connection with [Basic Magic Script], essentially giving you an inherent understanding of the runic language of magic.
Holy... So, this world’s really like a game, huh? There are no stats, though. Why? Ethan rubbed his chin. The skills were nice. Ethan was excited to test his skills out when someone knocked once on the door and entered. “My lord,” said the man Ethan quickly recognized as one of his advisors, Cedric, “I’ve received notice that the duke’s men have begun their journey from the Capital.” He bowed. “They’re coming to collect tax.”
Saying so, Cedric left Ethan to ponder.
Tax? What?
In this world of swords and spells, tax consisted of the rarest of monster parts and materials. Priceless Relics were found in the Deadlands just out the border—lands that were full of dangers of the highest caliber, along with endless rewards. And because these materials and items were all of a higher value, not paying tax could easily put a small town like this into debt, unless the town managed to somehow attract a wealthy and profitable industry or find themselves a noble willing to spend his coin to help their people.
Such a noble couldn’t be Theo, clearly. After all, he was just a run-of-the-mill spoiled brat from a prominent aristocratic family—the typical wastrel born lucky into money and power without ever needing to work a single day in his entire life.
Regardless, the tax was Ethan’s issue now, and he wasn’t ready to deal with it given that Theo already had quite a debt in the first place.
Ethan’s eyes deadened.
Next >
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Hello everyone, I’m 18M. (18 years and 9 months old to be accurate). My height is 5’7. My father and uncles are taller than me. I can say that my height has been an insecurity for me. Is there’s a chance for a potential height increase ?. If so, how do I know ? Do i visit the doctor to check if my growth plates are still open ? Should I get my hormones checked as well ? (Growth hormone and testosterone)

I am not The OOP, OOP is u/Mediocre_Bluejay_555
AITAH for initiating a divorce while my wife is in the hospital after a car accident.
Originally posted to AITAH
TRIGGER WARNING: child endangerment, body injuries, car accidents
AITAH for telling my wife I don't give a damn how she drives when it's just her and her kids in the car but if me or our kids are in it she must be safe March 25, 2024
My wife had two kids before we got married and the have an actively involved father. We have had two children of our own.
My wife is a terrible driver but she refuses to acknowledge this. She has been in multiple accidents and even had her license suspended. Not for a DUI or anything. Just because she is a shitty driver. She will do stuff like reach into the back seat to deal with a kid rather than either pull over or let me or one of the older kids deal with it.
She got t-boned in August last year because she took her foot off the brake at a red light to pick up my son's soother that had fallen out. She didn't put the car in park. Thankfully only she was injured. All four kids were in the car.
I have had it. I told her that she is welcome to endanger herself and her kids. But that if I am in the car or if our children are in the car she will keep her eyes on the road and her hands on the steering wheel.
She is finally at the point in her rehab where she can drive again. I reminded her of what I said. I told her that I loved her. I said that her older kids were important to me and that I loved them too. But I told her that if she ever decided to do stupid shit while driving our relationship would be over and I would make it part of our divorce that she NOT be allowed to drive with my kids in the car.
She started crying and said she didn't do it on purpose. I asked her how exactly she took her hands off the wheel, took off her seatbelt, took her foot off the brake, and turned around to pick up the soother by accident. She said that I'm treating her like an idiot. I don't think I am. My children have to be safe.
Before you ask I try and do as much of the driving as I possibly can. I have stopped drinking when we go out. I traded in my car that I loved for an SUV so there is room for all of us. I offered to pay for Uber so she didn't have to drive if I wasn't available. She actually likes driving.
Her ex and her parents are on my side. He also told her that if she ever thinks about endangering his kids and he would either go for full custody or ask that she be barred from driving with his kids in the car. Her parents have threatened to stop helping her pay her stupid high insurance premiums.
She thinks we are being unfair because she loves her kids and would never intentionally harm them. She just loses concentration when one of the kids needs something and doesn't think to ask for help.
RELEVANT COMMENTS
Commenter

The part I’m hung up on is “you don’t care how she drives with her kids or if she’s alone”. If you care about her, you should. This part is alienating.
The topic itself; NTA. How you’re approaching it sounds like YTA.
Edit: I’m not defending her feelings. I’m saying all kids should be protected.

OOP

You have no idea how many times I have begged her to drive safely. But I agree that I should have been nicer.

~
I3ex_G

Yta, she’s already shown you she’s a horrible driver, why do you keep giving her changes. Tell her she doesn’t drive with any kids anymore. Her whole excuse of “I didn’t do it on purpose” she can say at the eulogy of your dead kid. Why are you guys giving her more chances? She can kill herself if she wants but ALL kids shouldn’t be in a car when she is behind the wheel. Any kids need a driver and you/ex are busy, than it’s an Uber. No excuse and no more chances

OOP

That's where we are at now. Our older kids have told her straight up that they will get out of the car or call the cops if she can't be safe.

~
Commenter

It’s the “when it’s just her and her kids” but not “me and my kids” you’re a family and this distinction alone makes you an asshole regardless of how horrible she is at driving.
If it’s that bad, you drive. And love your spouse’s kids as your own, otherwise what’s the fucking point of being a family? You remind me of my step mother because this is how she feels about me, and even after 20 years it still hurts.

OOP

Time number five. I contacted her ex husband to deal with her regarding their kids from the hospital on the day of the accident. I made sure his kids as well as mine were okay and I told him that I was basically forbidding her from driving my kids around but obviously I could not do that for his. He was at the hospital within half an hour. He agreed with me.

AITAH for initiating a divorce while my wife is in the hospital after a car accident. May 14, 2024
My wife was involved in a single vehicle accident. She was seriously injured but thank goodness no one else was in the car with her.
I have spoke to her about her driving habits and I warned her. I went to see her in the hospital and then I went to a lawyer. I am also going for full custody with only supervised visitation for her.
I am sick to death of her driving habits and I will not wait for her to injure or kill one of our kids with her bullshit.
I feel bad for doing this while she is in the hospital and facing charges. But I can't take any more chances on her.
RELEVANT COMMENTS
soycrockpot

Can you tell us more about her driving habits? Her age? Her health? Is she driving drunk? Is it something that can be worked on/is she willing to change? 100000% the kids safety comes first PERIOD. But are you ready to end a marriage without exhausting all possible options? Or maybe you have and those details aren't in your post? Forgive all my questions haha, just truly curious as to more details on the situation.
Regardless, I would document all the instances/dates of her reckless driving to have that info ready and keep the kids from riding with her at all costs.
Do other people in her life see this issue? Have other people tried to talk to her about it?? Ok that's all my questions for now. 😂

OOP

She has been in several serious accidents from getting distracted while driving. She was still doing rehab from her last accident when this one happened.

~
emjkr

NTA I remember your last post. Protect yourself and your kids.

OOP

I can't believe it happened this quickly. I'm just glad none of the kids were with her.

emjkr

I definitely understand that! Has she said anything about the new accident? Realised that she got a problem? If I remember right she was very upset about you stating that she should not drive with the kids in the car anymore.

OOP

She left some paperwork in the back seat. So she parked. Then she went to grab it. Unfortunately she left the car in gear and stepped on the gas and drove into a canal by the mall. I'm just done.

THIS IS A REPOST SUB - I AM NOT THE OOP
DO NOT CONTACT THE OOP's OR COMMENT ON LINKED POSTS, REMEMBER - RULE 7

Plotwise, there's certainly a lot at play here, but with an ensemble director like Joss Whedon at the helm, he manages to create amazing character dynamics and make everyone feel relevant on top of that. The film goes a different direction than you'd expect from a teamup movie and has our characters of strong personalities at odds with each other, which makes the stakes at hand feel way less hunky dory and more real and tangible. For example, something I never noticed prior to Captain America: Civil War was that Tony and Steve weren't particularly fond of each other with Tony mentioning how his father, Howard Stark, spoke highly of Cap all the time, but never supported him (Tony). In addition to that, Steve, having been the one to make the "sacrifice play" in his first outing, calls out Tony for fighting only for himself and not being the one who would ever make that call -- something that ultimately concludes Tony's character years later in Endgame. It's a dynamic that is pretty much the basis for the first three phases of the MCU happening the way they did and I'm very glad I rewatched this movie to notice the seeds of what became years later. Although they don't get much screentime together this time around, this also shows the believable friendly dynamic between Black Widow and Hawkeye, the two having been great friends in S.H.I.E.L.D. for years despite the latter being mentioned to have been sent on a mission to kill the former when they first met. That there was a detail I never caught before and it's told at an underrated moment where Black Widow is interrogating Loki on what his plan is -- Loki using Natasha's history to emotionally compromise her, eventually revealing that he will use their "monster" -- the Hulk -- against them. As far as Clint and Nat's dynamic, this movie was also the first mention of the famous unanswered MCU plot point known as Budapest, the question of which was answered in Phase 4's first film, Black Widow. The setup for so many significant MCU moments in this one film is astonishing and it succeeded in its own payoffs by both bringing all established heroes together and even including several supporting roles such as Agent Coulson and Dr. Selvig and giving them important roles.
The acting is also stellar as well; Robert Downey Jr. maintains his usual Tony Stark arrogant charm and witty charisma he had established in the first two Iron Man films, even improvising certain gags like him eating blueberries while talking about serious topics with Steve and Dr. Banner. As with the first Captain America film, Chris Evans continues to be one of my favorite parts of the MCU, exuberating that charisma of a soldier with a sense of duty who doesn't play around and puts the safety of others first -- the antithesis of what he suggests to Tony as I mentioned before. Like most Marvel movies, Cap also has some of the best quotes like when Romanoff suggests that Cap is dealing with gods to which Cap says, "There's only one God, ma'am, and I'm pretty sure He doesn't dress like that" -- a nice nod to comic book Captain America's Christianity. Up to this point, Chris Hemsworth has also been an exceptional Thor, demonstrating a more humble attitude toward Earth than he did in the first Thor movie while also acting vengeful like when he fights with Iron Man for getting in the way of him dealing with Loki. Being his first round as the Incredible Hulk, Mark Ruffalo does a pretty good job acting as Bruce Banner, maintaining a bashful, level headed demeanor when, secretly, he's "always angry", which allows him to control the Hulk persona a little more easily -- save for when he Hulks out due to the stress of the Helicarrier attack. Jeremy Renner wasn't given much to do in his small cameo in Thor, but he has more significant presence and character here with his dynamic with Natasha, as I mentioned, being the best part. As far as Natasha herself, Scarlett Johanssen shows much more acting ability here than her debut in Iron Man 2, showing she is much more prone to emotional breakdowns like when she acts emotionally compromised due to Loki taunting her about her past and later when she distresses over Bruce Banner Hulking out while she's stuck under debris. It was moments like this that turned Black Widow into more than just a badass beauty for me with her now being one of my favorite women in the MCU. Smaller roles like Clark Gregg as Agent Coulson and Colbie Smulders as Maria Hill are what you expect from those characters with Agent Coulson getting the most emotional moment in the film by being the one to die -- he comes back in the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. TV show, but at the time, this was the most emotional Marvel movie death apart from Uncle Ben in Raimi's Spider-Man. The acting of this movie would ultimately form the basis of these characters for their remaining MCU tenure and they would act very consistently for many movies to come.
Something that current movies in the MCU lack is good CGI and this movie has a lot of that, but it's very impressive CGI for that matter. With a whopping 2,200+ VFX shots, this film pretty much gave James Cameron's Avatar a run for its money (quite literally in terms of how fast it achieved $1 billion). The Iron Man suit CG is still a sight to behold with the contraption that removes his armor along the Stark Tower walkway being an impressive showcasing of digital effects as well as the evolution of Tony's technology. The Hulk CGI is also done well in how it captures Mark Ruffalo's face on the beast, which is something all Hulk actors have done, but, in my honest opinion, Ruffalo's facial capture looks the most natural; upon looking into the VFX shots of the movie, I discovered that Ruffalo also wore a motion capture suit with prosthetics on his upper body to emulate the Hulk's size. This was particularly useful in closeup shots such as when Thor and Hulk are fighting in the Helicarrier and made their interactions look more natural compared to the CGI dolls that have been used frequently in later Marvel projects. The look of the Helicarrier is also rather impressive with the ship being the largest ship put to screen in a Marvel project at that point and even the wideshots of it rising from the ocean present some clean, detailed CGI, making it look very lived in and used. Perhaps the most impressive use of CGI in the film is, surprisingly, the New York skyline during the final battle; potentially to avoid filming costs, ILM (Industrial Lighting and Magic) recreated the New York skyline in great detail and did an excellent job making it look like the real Manhattan with fictional landmarks (i.e.: Stark Tower). A well-known fact among Marvel superfans such as myself is that this film was almost canonical to The Amazing Spider-Man because Disney and Sony agreed to implement the Oscorp Tower from said film into the background somewhere in the final act. This idea was unfortunately abandoned, but it would have been an impressive connection between those franchises and, as of the present day, I am glad that Disney and Sony worked out a deal to implement a new version of Spider-Man into the MCU. That aside, the lengths to which this film went to make the CGI look natural was astounding and makes for some of the best VFX in Marvel before and since.
Shockingly for an MCU film, this soundtrack is actually decent as many sequences present what is perhaps the most iconic MCU theme song and superhero theme song in general, "The Avengers" by Alan Silvestri. Silvestri was previously in charge of the Captain America: The First Avenger soundtrack and, while his work wasn't too standout in that film, he more than exceled at giving the world the one theme song that most people besides Marvel superfans would associate with the Avengers. The swelling horns and heroic strings that display the triumph of the Avengers forming for the first time to save the world is so iconic, I am picturing the moment where it plays in the film as the camera circles around them forming up to take on the Chitauri invasion -- a very iconic group shot of the Avengers, for that matter. The formation of this team was not only a triumphant moment in-universe, but the fact that the theme is repeatedly used and reused for Avengers promotional material and in the following three sequels for that matter is a testament to its iconography and the impact the Avengers and other Marvel heroes have had on pop culture for the last decade and a half. I, personally, haven't listened to the rest of the soundtrack as I don't typically do that for film soundtracks, but the film score I could make out sounded pretty epic and befitting of the situations they were in, even the non-superhero action sequences such as the opening chase scene with Loki and co. running from Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D. forces. As with most of my reviews, I am often one to point out the vocal theme song made for the credits and in this case it's "Live to Rise" by Soundgarden. With the band having reformed around the time of this movie, this song was a hit upon release and, in my opinion, captivates the Avengers in their moment of triumph against Loki and the Chitauri. Rock songs have often been included at the end of superhero movies, even the 1990s Batman movies, and the Avengers has no shortage of music from and inspired by it on its aptly titled Avengers Assemble: Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture soundtrack -- I even listen to the Shinedown song, "I'm Alive" while working out. Of all the MCU movies, this is by far the one in which I can say the most about the music and that shows just how relevant the team has become both in culture and musically.
With all that's become of superhero pop culture in this day and age, it's only fitting to say that The Avengers has played a significant part in that in more ways than one. With its familiar plotline full of excellent character relationships and dynamics, its great acting talents, impressive VFX, and actually competent music -- for an MCU movie that is -- it's no wonder that the Avengers superhero team and its characters have become one of the newest pop culture staples in recent memory. While sadly the former passion and talent of the MCU has mostly gone away, lest we not forget how this movie brought to the limelight the concept of an interconnected movie universe with shared characters that have strong enough personalities to expand into a mega multi-billion dollar franchise. If this film serves as a testament to me personally, it was the beginning of my superhero nerd culture with both the then-upcoming and already existing Spider-Man projects I invested in cementing the reasons why I love superheroes so much nowadays. To me and many others, they may have larger than life personas, but with actors and aspects of their characters portraying well the humanity of the heroes showcases why we more often than not return to see these characters go on new escapades and take on new challenges no matter how formulaic the movies might get with time. All that said, I give The Avengers a solid A and recommend it to anyone, comic book nerd and casual moviegoer alike.

okay this is where i draw the line.
i’m not gonna say ask for format forgiveness, my autocapitalization is off and i don’t care—my words don’t hold any less of the truth. Krusty, Krispy, lacking Kreme, i hope you’re happy. you didn’t find what you wanted in a relationship that was built while you were a child and THAT IN ITSELF IS FINE. what’s not fine is marrying the man your kids called “uncle.” what’s not fine is taking your “best friends” heart and mashing it like you’re making homemade wine. you had no regard for the damage you did and you truly never will.
your current humans may have a father who presents some sort of stability but the baby you’re about to bring to this planet has no support. YOU have no support. i’m genuinely begging that you find it within yourself to grow up because as much as i’d love your world to crash, i would hate that life for such an innocent little being.
you remind me much of my sister, a mother of FIVE, a divorcee of FOUR. if you’re open to insight her oldest lives with me, her middle two are barely surviving with her and her youngest two are with their father. that’s four marriages and five babes in a 12 year span. you could be better, i’m sorry you don’t want too.
EDIT inself to itself and this post was made bc you got a puppy. don’t forget you travel like your life depends on it, you drink like you don’t have a liver, you refuse to shower because you like being gross and you can’t figure out how to do your daughters curly hair. i’d offer my big toe but you’d like it too much.

I grew up in a small town in south Mississippi. My mom and dad were only married for nine months, two years after I (27f) was born. I have an older sister (29f). My mom and dad split up and both of them always had mixed answers when I would always ask. My mom would tell me that my dad was a drug addict and she came home to him nodded out while he was supposed to be watching my sister and I. My dad would tell me that my mom cheated on him with my childhood stepdad. Before my step dad was my step dad, he was my grandmother's long term boyfriend. My mother slept with him and he ended up marrying her. Problem was, he was a registered sex offender. He served seven years in prison for sexual assault of a child under thirteen, ten years before he met my grandmother. My mom and dad then made a custody arrangement, my dad would have full custody of my sister, and my mom would have full custody of me. We got alternating weekends once we got a little older, but my sister and I were raised very differently. My step dad was a very evil man. He abused my mother, and he abused me in every way possible, for many years until i stood up to him. My grandmother on my mom's side had three daughters, my mom, and my two aunts. My grandmother on my fathers side had three sons. At one point, my aunt was staying with my uncle and my grandmother after she left an abusive marriage. They hooked up a few times, but ultimately she went back to her abusive husband. She ended up pregnant, and still says that he is her now ex husband's son. However, I cannot help but see the uncanny resemblance of my uncle every time I look at him. None of my aunts or uncles, neither of my parents, none of my cousins, not even my sister graduated high school. So it was a HUGE deal when I graduated high school and community college. Every adult in my life was in some sort of abusive relationship, or toxic. They would cheat on one another, do heavy drugs,etc. but none of them ever had and held a job of any type, other than one uncle who has been working in the same grocery store for thirty years. I had no role models growing up, I was abused and my mother allowed it. She married a sex offender, knowing she had a young daughter. The older that i get, the more I resent my mother for that. How could she? Every family member stayed in Mississippi, got married young and had several children. They are all very conservative, yee-haw, southern baptist, rebel flag flying rednecks.
College truly changed my life. It changed my mindset on so many things and made me realize that there is a whole world out there. I got into a "serious" relationship when I was eighteen. He was a raging drug addict with a list of mental disorders, seventh grade dropout. But that was what I knew. He was abusive. He isolated me, financially abused me by making me get fired from every job i had, mentally and emotionally abused me, etc. I lived with him and his parents for two and a half years. During that time, he had been arrested on Christmas morning, 5150'd twice, diagnosed with Antisocial Personality disorder (sociapathy), and dropped out of college. I stayed so that i could complete college, then I planned on leaving. None of my family has a stable home. The ones that do have stable homes are covered in filth such as mouse droppings, roaches, animal feces, etc. so i feared i had nowhere to go and i felt stuck. But I finally left. I slept on my sister's sofa or in my mom's spare room, but i was deeply depressed more than ever. I finally took a huge risk and moved to New Orleans on a whim. I packed up everything i owned into a suitcase and a backpack, I bought a one way train ticket and told myself I have nothing to lose but everything to gain. I've grown and evolved so much since,and I am truly happy I left Mississippi and got my life together.
Since moving to New Orleans and evolving into a better person, most of my family no longer liked who I was. Cutting off most of my family members and no longer caring what they think has made me so much happier and stronger. I do still talk with my mom and sister, my grandmother, two aunts and 3 cousins. My mom ignores me most of the time and never calls or reaches out to me, ever. She lives in an old trailer that is literally falling apart, infested with roaches and mice, mold and mildew growing everywhere, and cigarette smoke that sticks in the air with no circulation. She goes out of town (a few hours away to the delta) with her fiance and stays in a camper during the week most of the time. She has MS and a shopping list full of other illnesses and ailments, but keeps taking herself off of all her medications except her pain and heart medications. My mom used to be so clean and would never allow our house to be less than clean, and actually went out to town on her own for shopping or parks or zoos. She never goes anywhere now. She stays in her trailer or the camper constantly, except around christmas time, then she will go shopping. She is also a compulsive liar and loves to get attention from the family by faking illnesses and injuries. My sister lives in a double wide trailer in the middle of nowhere, on her farm. She is completely happy being a stay at home mom with her son, but I can tell she resents our baby cousin that she adopted from our older cousin, who lost custody of all three of her children because she is a drug addict and would let them go days without eating, or would leave her young, autistic children at home alone for extended periods of times. My sister ended up with the oldest child, who never saw a day of actual schooling until she ended up with my sister. She is eleven, and she is finally getting to first grade education levels. My sister and her husband scream at her for every little thing she does wrong or forgets to do. They send her to her room and won't let her out to play most of the time. My sister also has a TON of dogs and cats. She has some of her dogs in a fence behind her trailer, that never get interacted with and never leave the fenced area. She has some dogs that live in kennels covered in feces, only let out once or twice a day to use the bathroom. She has a few small dogs that she favors who are inside dogs and don't live in a crate, but she never takes them to a vet, they are covered in fleas and infested with worms. She says she only has cats to keep the rats away from her farm, so she has several fertile cats at all times, who constantly reproduce, run away, get run over, or eaten by a wild animal. I recently took a Snowshoe Siamese kitten from her, she found five kittens inside her walls. She gave one away, I took one and quickly worked to get rid of fleas and worms and got all her vaccines, two passed away young, and she planned on keeping one. When she would send me pictures of her kitten, it was so dirty and you could see the fleas from the photos. I felt so sad for her. Yesterday, my sister told me that kitten died and it hit me so hard. She would have been a beautiful cat, but she was neglected to death. No one in my family graduated high school or had any kind of fulfilling career. All of my aunts and my mother were all in abusive relationships, but they were completely dependent on their husband bc they are all stay at home wives. even now.
I had no positive role models. I never saw what a healthy relationship looked like, I was never pushed and encouraged to make something of myself and evolve. I was ridiculed for leaving Mississippi and told "you'll be back in less than a year."
Somehow I managed to make it. Now I have a fancy corporate job, making good money, with my own apartment, car, etc. I've never had a relationship that wasn't abusive, toxic, and terrible. I'm constantly terrified that i'm still toxic and bad. I'm afraid to allow my boyfriend to get too close or move in with me because i'm afraid that i will become dependent on him.
Anyways, my family sucks and I could have ended up like all of them, but something inside of me wanted more and a better life. This is the rant. Thanks for reading if you make it this far.

My mother, a gynaecologist, gave me to her mom, my grandmother at 3 months after birth till I was 3 years old. The reason I am told is that my mother wanted to do her MD. I have an elder sister who was 6.5 years of age at the time and my father was in the army so it was “difficult ” for my mother to care for me and do her MD. Poor solutioning and planning aside, whole thing sounds absurd to me now that I’m pregnant and expecting a baby of my own. And mind you, my mother is a gynaecologist. At 3 months the baby is just way too small to just give away. You couldn’t snatch my baby from me at 3 months, unless you wanted to be seriously injured. Could it be that she never wanted to have me but did because of pressure from her mother and that’s why she was ok to be rid of me? Could it be that she had had her fill of having a kid with my elder sister so it was been there, done that? I don’t know it is so hard to imagine because it’s so very hard to relate with! She missed my first word, first step, pretty much everything. I would be heart broken, like I don’t know what. And an MD is 2 years where I’m from- she still waited till I was well above 3. I would be counting days to be with my baby. First or fifth! Like, it’s my baby! It’s insane that she could just toss me and come play with me for a few weeks and then dare to call herself my mother! She finally brought me back when once they came to visit me at my grandmother’s house and I greeted them as “uncle” and “aunty” (this is the norm in Asia, you call strangers uncle and aunty 🙄) apparently that’s what “broke” her and she brought me back with her.
I don’t speak to my parents and barely to my sister but something about this narrative has always sounded a bit off to me. Everyone in my family lies skillfully so I guess I will never know.

Salam alaykum everyone,
I am a final-year student, excelling in my field. My mother has been sharing with our relatives that I am going to become an engineer and that I am currently doing my internship. I asked her to stop because I fear the evil eye. Since she started sharing this news, I have been struggling to find a job. Despite applying for four months and going through ten interviews, I always get rejected in the last round, often for vague reasons.
I spoke to my parents about my concerns, explaining that I believe the evil eye is affecting my job search. They dismissed my worries, saying the evil eye only affects those who believe in it. This was frustrating, especially when my uncle kept calling to ask about my job search, which felt like he was trying to give me the evil eye. Alhamdulillah, I have started praying again, but my parents still blame my job search struggles on supposed bad deeds.
During a recent car ride, after I expressed my concerns, my parents told my sister that I believe I am affected by the evil eye and laughed it off. My father even implied that my struggles are due to my own faults. Strangely, right after saying this, he cut his finger and started bleeding. Should I take this as a sign from Allah that my concerns are valid? How can I convince my parents to stop sharing my accomplishments with others?

Good morning, tributes, and welcome back to stories of Panem. Before we begin, I would love to thank the splendid Christian Blanco, the original writer of Tales of the Hunger Games, and Lauren from Panem Reborn, to which these tales are inspired by. I hope you all are excited for our quinquennial quell we have today. So if you're ready, let's go.
3rd Quinquennial Quell: 151 Tribute Names

• District 1: Joann and Nolan
• District 2: Lusimane and Maxie
• District 3: Iris and Astral
• District 4: Trita and Wayne
• District 5: Cassisa and Caleb
• District 6: Mississippi and Anthony
• District 7: May and Acorn
• District 8: Veilia and Jaxon
• District 9: Unknown Girl and Brenden
• District 10: Holly and Joseph
• District 11: Thalia and Bryce
• District 12: Alexa and Lincoln
• District 14: Cleopatra and Colin

As the 115th Games, the 8th Quinquennial Quell, came into light, a plethora of excitement spread around the Capitol, even remembering the success of last year's games. President McCaine went live at noon on the Fourth of July, reading the twist. Modeling his crisp white suit and long blue hair, which flowed behind him like a "walking Tarzan" according to Nico Anderson, this year's commentator, with Camilla due to Silca recovering from a car accident she had got into. McCaine then read the twist out loud: “As a reminder to the districts that fairness never really existed, this year's tributes would be chosen via the mentors.” Curious sounds of intrigue sounded in Snow Square as President McCaine signed off, leaving the Capitol lights to discuss among themselves.
In District 14, Ezra Montario had to tase the girl Cleopatra’s older sister after she tackled Ezra to the ground. Even Felicity Breen, the mentor for District 11, had to stop Thalia, the girl from 11, from punching a laughing girl after Felicity chose her. In District 8, Amanda Mills looked forward at the district's population, with her wife talking to her to keep her mind at bay. Mayor Ravenski also talked with Amanda as the citizens were being ushered into the square. “You’ll be alright, right dear?” Amanda smiled and nodded before standing up from her seat. Watching Mayor Ravenski finish his speech, Amanda rose up to the microphone, looking at the sea of purple. Camilla remarked, “They’re showing hope; that’s rare.” “Don’t get mad if I choose you. There’s nothing I can do.”
One girl then shouted, “Isn’t that what you said when you got your supposed death sentence?” However, before Amanda could respond, a peacekeeper soon took this girl to the Falling Factory. As this girl screamed out, Silca then recounted, “Thank God it isn’t her going in.”
Amanda then walked down into the square, noticing the frightened young youths and solemn older youths. As such, the 19-year-old victor walked over to the ladies, fashioning a dress that looked like a “funeral garment,” according to Nico. She then walked her way to the middle-aged youths; many started sobbing uncontrollably, causing Amanda to wince. Calculating a plan in her mind like clockwork, she then walked to the older youths. She then saw one girl, a tall brown-haired girl with hazel eyes, fashioning a long purple dress. “Come, come.” The girl sighed before taking Amanda by the hand, as many of the nearby youths sighed as Amanda plopped the girl back up, asking, “What’s your name, hun?”
“Veilia Winagin.”
Camilla praised Veilia for her strong atmosphere and for “not throwing a scene like many other tributes did.” Amanda soon nodded before returning back to the square, walking to the male section. Again, many of these youths were looking away, many of them clinging on for dear life. Amanda softened, seeing one crying into his friend’s shoulder before she continued further on to the 17-year-old youths. Strong-minded and staring forward, their faces turning a further shade of white. Finally, Amanda walked, seeing one boy looking her way. Camilla asked if the boy knew her, causing Silca to shrug. Amanda then took this boy by the hand, a tall blonde boy with blue eyes and a smattering of brown freckles, to the stage. Nico recoiled, seeing this boy’s light purple hat and suit, with Camilla recounting that it only made him more of a purple mouse.
As Amanda returned to the stage, the boy introduced himself to be 18-year-old Jaxon Chaneli. As Jaxon shook Veilia’s hand, Amanda announced the pair as this year's tributes for District 8. Moderate applause followed as Jaxon and Veilia met with their families. Veilia was visited by a stony-faced older sister and frantic younger cousins and aunts and uncles. She gently removed herself from them before walking over to her sister. “Don’t anger Amanda. I did that back when we were kids. I want you to try to win.” Veilia rolled her eyes and nodded before asking, “The feud ended, why are you still harping on it?” However, before her elder sister could respond, she was yanked to the train station by impatient peacekeepers. As for Jaxon, only his elderly grandfather visited him. Jaxon embraced his grandfather in a tight hug before thanking him for taking care of him during the war. Mr. Chaneli smiled before embracing him, saying, “Just do whatever you can to make it back.” Jaxon sadly smiled before going with the peacekeepers that were taking Veilia and him to the train. When they entered, they saw their mentor straightening out her long black hair. Amanda turned back at her tributes before shrugging and inviting them to the table with a table of fabrics.
“Here, knit.”
Jaxon and Veilia shrugged again before twiddling away with the fabrics. However, as Veilia began frantically making a shawl, Amanda sighed before telling them to focus their attention on the screen. As Amanda turned on a tape of her own games, Veilia shouted before hurling her sewing needle toward Amanda. As she caught the needle between her fingers, Amanda said, “Enough.”
As Veilia screamed out in a psychiatric trance, a peacekeeper soon injected a sedative into Veilia’s arm, and she fell unconscious. “Put her in her room.” As the peacekeepers obliged, Amanda soon took out a barber’s cape. “Wanna haircut?” she asked. As Jaxon shrugged and nodded, he sat down before listening to Amanda talk about the upcoming week in the Capitol as she gave Jaxon a haircut. “I do these with all of my mentees; we are the district of fashion, after all.” Jaxon laughed before allowing Amanda to continue his haircut. Finally, Jaxon’s haircut was finished; he now fashioned a side cut, giving him more of a daring appearance. Even Amanda laughed, saying, “I think I made you too fierce.”
Jaxon smiled before continuing to watch Amanda’s games. As they were reaching the finale with Ezekiel and Mason, Jaxon turned to Amanda, saying, “If my arena is as humid as that one, I would rather hop off my podium early.” Amanda then looked at Jaxon with a bewildered look before Jaxon laughed, saying he was joking. Amanda smirked before inviting him to sit with her on the couch. The two then talked about their personal lives, with Jaxon becoming intrigued when Amanda talked about all of the fancy clothes people wore in the Capitol. However, as she finished her speech, the train from District 8 arrived in the Capitol.
Amanda warmly waved at her fans at the platform before bringing out a very tired Veilia and a fierce-looking Jaxon wandering into the audience. However, as Jaxon was trying to talk to many of the Capitol lights at the train station, he had been pushed behind by Veilia. As she sniggered, Amanda quickly rushed over and helped him up, joking, “My, my, a sedative can change anyone’s mind.” Jaxon sniggered before being helped up by Capitol teens his age, obtaining a successful reputation, with many appreciating his laid-back attitude and sociable demeanor. This intrigued many Capitol lights about some of his fashion designs, as he was a fashion designer's apprentice.
Veilia’s crowd she had obtained from before had vanished with the drop of a hat, as commentators put it, resulting in her stomping in a fit. After a brief delay, Amanda then thanked the audience for their time before walking Jaxon and Veilia to the limousine. Along the way to the 8th floor of the accommodation tower, Amanda scolded Veilia for acting like a “four-year-old,” which resulted in Jaxon joking, “I guess she’s an amnesiac now.” As the limo arrived at the apartments, Amanda sniggered before leading her tributes up to their apartment on the 8th floor. As they arrived, Jaxon asked where their stylist was, resulting in a middle-aged woman to pop out and say, “BOO.” As Veilia shrieked, Jaxon smirked as Lacey Berrick introduced herself to the two before showing them the designs she had in mind. Jaxon admired the designs of pure silk but was mortified when Veilia jumped on the table, ruining the designs. As Lacey remained calm, Jaxon sarcastically said, “You don’t want 8 to get another victor.” Veilia laughed as she vindictively smiled, saying, “No one will get out of the arena now.” However, before Jaxon could respond, Amanda put a gentle hand on his shoulder, saying, “She can make a new one.” As Lacey pinched the nerve on Veilia’s neck, temporarily knocking her out, Lacey gave Jaxon a pre-made outfit that resembled leisurely Capitol couture. Amanda said, “I’ll see if I can put a divider up between the two of you.”
Jaxon nodded before sitting on the couch, putting on Capitol TV. Amanda soon joined before asking, “Which district do you want to watch?” As Amanda turned to the reapings in 12, Jaxon laughed, seeing the comedic scuffle that occurred, then became intrigued, watching the reaping in District 3 occurring, before asking Amanda to tune into it. As she did this, they were about to hear the female tribute being announced.
Mayor Doe was concluding his speech. Albert Latier, the district's appointed mentor, looked onward into the sea of yellow youths watching ahead in turmoil. With a flip of his cape, Albert walked down the stairs. Even many sounds of laptops could be heard typing away in the furthest enclosure of the male and female youths, which made most of the Capitol citizens watching in the viewing square chortle loudly, with Camilla sarcastically saying, “My, my, someone’s at work typing away.” Albert trailed further down before finding one young lady with a short frizz of red hair and large black glasses with green eyes. As Albert tapped this lady on the shoulder, she sighed before allowing the peacekeepers to lead her to the stage before she was plopped up by Mayor Doe.
As he asked her what her name was, the girl responded, “Iris Plummer.” As the 18-year-old shyly smiled at the nearby camera, Nico recounted that he adored Iris’s long yellow gown, saying he “wanted it for his personal collection.” Albert shook Iris’s hand before he returned to the reaping pen, walking to the middle of the pen. He looked at one young lad with similar glasses and a smattering of brown curly hair. Albert tapped him on the shoulder. As the lad jumped up, he sighed before joining Iris on the stage. This lad was revealed to be 15-year-old Astral Vaughn. Astral shook Iris’s hand as Mayor Doe announced the pair as the tributes for the district, bringing the pair to their holding rooms to meet with their parents and friends. Iris was only visited by a few of her server room friends, MJ and Joey. Iris embraced the two of them in a tight hug, expressing her appreciation for their companionship. As MJ began to sob about potentially losing her friend to the games, Joey soon reminded her to “run for the perimeter” as soon as she could. As Iris began to ask how this would be important, Joey placed his finger over Iris’s mouth, saying, “You’ll thank me when you get there.” Before Iris could protest more, peacekeepers soon took her to the waiting dock for Astral. Astral was visited by his professor parents and younger brother. He embraced his family members in a tight hug before listening to his father rant about any electric currency/magnetic field in an arena that might attract any electrical matter. Astral sighed before saying he had “all the electrical mind information one could muster.” “That’s why you’re the smartest in the district.”
Astral laughed before saying he would do what he could to come back. After one final embrace, the pair from District 3 were brought onto the hovercraft, where they saw their mentor playing a game that was being displayed via a robot hologram. “Is that my hologram game device?” Albert was caught off guard before looking at the short lad, saying, “You made this.”
As Iris chimed in, Albert’s face turned to surprise, and he smiled before saying, “3 has some smart ones this year.” Iris and Astral walked to the dining carriage as Albert talked to the pair about the upcoming week. He appreciated his tributes’ attentiveness before showing the past reapings in the districts. However, Astral made Iris giggle by mimicking Albert’s strict teacher-like personality by showing goofy faces and expressions. Iris smirked before Albert tossed some metals and wires out for the pair. “Why do you want us to make a battery?”
As Albert still beckoned the pair to do as he asked, he giggled to himself as Iris’s battery gave her a light electric shock. Astral noticed this before helping the 18-year-old rewire the circuits on her own battery. Iris smiled before ruffling Astral’s curly brown hair with her hand, joking, “You remind me of my younger brother Anteno.” Albert’s face whitened as he recalled Anteno’s death in the 112th Games. However, to not upset his mentee, Albert remained quiet before commending them on their teamwork with the battery exercise. As the train arrived in the Capitol, Albert smartened his tributes before the train settled in McCaine station. As the pair disembarked, Astral was approached by many eager fans his age, asking him about his renewable lightbulbs that he had engineered back in his district that had gotten popular. Astral laughed before taking a few of those out of his pocket, causing many of them to cheer and fight over them, causing Iris to gently bring Astral to her crowd of citizens. As the pair from District 3 geeked out with the Capitol lights, Albert swooped them up before thanking the Capitol for their time, with both Astral and Iris waving at their fans.
“We have fans?” Astral said in a surprising manner.
Iris smiled before saying, “You’re a little genius who got some of your inventions in the Capitol. Damn right, we got fans.” Astral laughed as Albert commended the two on a job well done before keeping the pair entertained as a short TV descended from the limousine roof with Albert signing to the Avoxes to put on the reboot of “The Bunger Games.” This beloved cartoon show from the second incarnation had been rebooted after the 113th Games by Killian Phips (who would also become a head gamemaker in later games). Once the pair from District 3 arrived at their accommodation floor, Albert shouted, “Keep the noise down, Heath.” As the 2s’s commotion settled down, Albert made a call to the pair's stylist, Elesa Mauvile. Elesa then showed up, saying how “adorable the geeky pair looked.” As the two gave each other bewildered looks, they were surprised when Elesa asked if she could see Iris’s goggles.
As Elesa looked further into the goggles, she gasped with manic stylist delight before squealing, “Astrologists, astrologists.” As Elesa and her team began to work, Albert sighed before saying, “At least the girl has talent.” After a half-hour wait, Elesa and her team returned to the apartment, where Iris and Astral’s cleanly made, stylish galaxy/astrologist-themed outfits were revealed. Iris wore a long dress with light blue and purple. Astral complemented the outfit with a long flowing black cloak with a galaxy-themed suit and black top hat. These outfits caused Iris to squeak and say how beautiful it was. Elesa smiled as Astral admired the galaxy stars on his suit.
Albert and Elesa both brought the pair down to the parade, being greeted with a comedic scuffle occurring.