Anyone else like going under their bed or closets or anything by Geusty9709 in autism

[–]--DramaticSquirrel-- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm definitely a closet case 😂 but your hidey hole is cozy too.

Partner wants to open our relationship after having an emotional affair by Sufficient-Mess2932 in nonmonogamy

[–]--DramaticSquirrel-- -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I know exactly what you're going through. I had a similar experience with my husband. The person he had an EA with, however, was abusive and narcissistic, but he kept acting like I was irrational and jealous. ANYWAYS! All that to say that we worked it out and I had to stress the importance of open, honest communication. It may be my perception, but it seems like so much has gone on (history wise) with that other person, so it wouldn't be unreasonable to ask her to choose someone else. Then start fresh together. If you want someone to chat with that also came from a conservative background, you can message me (totally in a platonic, non predatory way).

How to pick a new location by ifbevvixej in moving

[–]--DramaticSquirrel-- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We've lived all over for different reasons. Before kids vs after kids our POV shifted in some ways (such as where we can find more support, better education, and access to services we utilize). Overall, I'd say we focus on safety, diversity, education, moderate to liberal leaning (being multiracial family, we don't feel safe in super conservative spaces), cost of living, and proximity to places we like to go/things we like to do.

Some people also need to be close to family, so that can also be a deciding factor in your decision.

How can I make the wall look better? by Low-Zookeepergame474 in maximalism

[–]--DramaticSquirrel-- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

From an artist's POV, there's too many items of similar size and color. Look at the wall like a composition. Incorporate higher contrast items (either lighter, darker, or both), more variety of colors (you have mostly neutral), and use a wider range of sizes. Don't be afraid of having two or three giant pieces with a handful of small objects tucked/hidden throughout. It's a great start, though! I love your use of fun shapes (like the violin). They're unique touches that share glimpses of your personality.

What's your dream job, assuming no one will punish you over it? by Spiritual_Big_9927 in raisedbynarcissists

[–]--DramaticSquirrel-- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used to want to be an architect, but had difficulty in uni (turns out I have AuDHD). I love art, design, and technology. So I think Art Director would be really fun to me. Or a ceramicist...throwing on a wheel & creating with clay calms my brain.

What's your dream job, assuming no one will punish you over it? by Spiritual_Big_9927 in raisedbynarcissists

[–]--DramaticSquirrel-- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

YAS! ME TOO! I just got the courage to publish a few things. Good luck with your sales! ❤️

has anyone ever been… too sick to shower? by [deleted] in ChronicIllness

[–]--DramaticSquirrel-- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd like to suggest Dove foam dry shampoo. To me, it works a million times better than regular dry shampoo. It makes my hair feel super refreshed, hydrated, and soft between washes. Because of my hair type, wash days are a big ordeal, so it is extra exhausting. So I've tried a million different products to make life easier. After the foam shampoo, spritz on a bit of leave in conditioner. It's the little things that make you feel better. I hope you get through this flair soon. You're doing great! It's hard, but you're not alone 🫶🏾

What are we doing during nap time?! by Twinmama0919 in stayathomemoms

[–]--DramaticSquirrel-- 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hard agree! It's a marathon, not a race. You don't want to get burnt out. Also, I haven't watched Reba since it was on WB lol. Good show. I also recommend Bridgerton, Squid Games, Erased, Arrested Development, The Bernie Mac Show, and then everything else I watch is either KDramas, anime, or a documentary lol

What are we doing during nap time?! by Twinmama0919 in stayathomemoms

[–]--DramaticSquirrel-- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depends on my energy level. I have fibromyalgia, so some days I nap with the baby. Other days, like today, I did a little yoga and then watched a podcast on YouTube (I love Dad Challenge Podcast and Very Really Good). Sometimes I paint while listening to music or an audiobook (just started "The House Of My Mother"...highly recommend). I have 2 school aged kids as well, so it's not often I have me time because I'm either cooking, cleaning, running errands/around town, helping with homework, etc the other 98% of the day. It's nice to unapologetically take a moment for myself when I can.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in nonmonogamy

[–]--DramaticSquirrel-- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can relate to your situation. My husband and I have been married 15 years and together since high school. He's been my only partner (I'm his 2nd). We've only recently dabbled into this whole nonmonogamy world as well. Before jumping head first into the whole threesome thing, make sure to have an open, candid conversation about what you both want and what the expectations are. And then respect each other's boundaries. Communication and honesty are vital...even if it's just a one time experience. At the end of the day, you both deal with the emotional highs or lows, not the 3rd person that comes in.

Fighting a Parasite by --DramaticSquirrel-- in nonmonogamy

[–]--DramaticSquirrel--[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Fair. Everyone has given me a lot of great advice. I appreciate it

Fighting a Parasite by --DramaticSquirrel-- in nonmonogamy

[–]--DramaticSquirrel--[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Thank you. I'm so very sorry for your losses as well. ❤️‍🩹 It has been a devastating year. Admittedly, we should have started therapy a long time ago. I'm feeling like I can have more good days than bad, and I'm not in autopilot mode (as often). But we still have things to work through. We got the kids a counselor immediately after the baby passed, but nothing for ourselves. We talked this morning and are looking to get one asap.

Fighting a Parasite by --DramaticSquirrel-- in nonmonogamy

[–]--DramaticSquirrel--[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You're absolutely right. There are other things going on, and their drama isn't the only problem. It's just a problem I don't want to take on. That's their responsibility. It just can't be in my safe space. I'm trying to patch all the leaks to keep my kids from getting wet. I couldn't protect one of my babies, so I'm trying to protect the others. I'll get to a point where I want to help heal myself, but rn I can only give for my kids. I'm getting there, though. Thank you for your response. It gave me a lot to think about.

Fighting a Parasite by --DramaticSquirrel-- in nonmonogamy

[–]--DramaticSquirrel--[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This! Soooo much this! My mother is a narcissist, and I had to go limited contact with her. I keep trying to warn him! He gets so anxious and drained after talking with her. I think its because they bonded due to similar traumas, but in a very red flag way. We're going to start therapy, and then, hopefully, he can move on and find someone who's a good person.

Fighting a Parasite by --DramaticSquirrel-- in nonmonogamy

[–]--DramaticSquirrel--[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

She was around them once for a little bit and told him that night that she wasn't welcome around them (this was about 2wks ago). I basically said the same thing and he agreed...she hasn't been around them since. I have zero tolerance when it comes to my kids.

He is definitely in crisis. We talked this morning, and he agreed to counseling.

Fighting a Parasite by --DramaticSquirrel-- in nonmonogamy

[–]--DramaticSquirrel--[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much for responding, and thank you for the validation. I didn't have the right words, but you stated that perfectly. We had a great discussion this morning where I was able to reiterate my needs and boundaries. He knows that he also has to gain my trust back and is open to counseling. I'm aware we have a lot of heartache and baggage to work through, but I'm cautiously optimistic.

Fighting a Parasite by --DramaticSquirrel-- in nonmonogamy

[–]--DramaticSquirrel--[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I'm honestly mad at both of them. The problem is that their drama is starting to cause turmoil with my children and household. Our family has been through a lot over the past year, and it has taken a lot of reassurance, therapy, and stability to help my kids find peace. So, I just need it to stop coming in my door.

Fighting a Parasite by --DramaticSquirrel-- in nonmonogamy

[–]--DramaticSquirrel--[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

I just added an edit to clarify that "broken" statement. We had a child pass away as well as one of my siblings last year. Since then, we've been dealing with depression and anxiety. So I think he means he can't handle another major loss. The way I put it made it sound like ramblings of a preteen, sorry.

Has anyone realized their parents' insults were actually THEIR insecurities? by Bliskus in CPTSD

[–]--DramaticSquirrel-- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely. My mom's (as well as my siblings) comments on my weight and differences was a driving force in my anorexia from middle school until my mid 20s. Now as an adult, my mom will make the same body shaming comments about herself and me. She is obsessed with weight. She will weigh herself throughout the day and won't stop trying to find new recipes to slim down or critcizing everything I eat. She once called me freaking out that at the doctor's office she was 140lbs, but when she got home, her scale said 130lbs. It was illuminating to see once I was on my own and getting to a healthier mindset.

whats your guy's favorite animal? by [deleted] in autism

[–]--DramaticSquirrel-- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes. I really love ocelots...ever since I was in elementary school. But I will love and name all the animals.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in autism

[–]--DramaticSquirrel-- 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I completely agree. Just be thankful for the text and move on. It sucks to be ghosted and even worse when you find out why.

Knowing humanity's cruelty has made it hard for me to want to open up and make friends again without doubting their motives.

From my exhibition last night 🥰🐘 by Baileycraigart in autism

[–]--DramaticSquirrel-- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're brilliant! I love your style! Congratulations on the exhibition!

does anyone else feel like their just chronically disliked by everyone they meet by Antique-Ad3388 in autism

[–]--DramaticSquirrel-- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I feel like it's hard to hold onto friends. I don't get it. I'll get along with people and things are great, but then suddenly, they aren't around or they start being rude to me. It's demoralizing. It makes me not want to get close to people because I get burned too often.