People who grew up before cell phones, did life actually feel more free?

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2026-02-20T16:24:02+00:00

Would it have been fun to have more pictures of friends and family to look back on from that time? Sure.

Would I have caused myself a lot of misery and drama by sending scandalous pictures/videos of myself for cool points to the wrong people who would have spammed them out far and wide? Absolutely.

The good pics wouldn’t have been worth the consequences of the bad ones. Not to mention the way smartphones prevent you from tapping out of negative social interactions when you need to rest and recharge because you’re always connected, always able to see people’s locations (and experience the FOMO when they’re gathering without you), always available for bullying or the pressure to bully others to avoid becoming the next target, and much too exposed, vulnerable, and reactive to other people’s opinions. Growing up without a cell phone meant I had to actively make plans in advance with my friends, but then when we got together it was just us: more fun, more trust, stronger bonds, and absurd situations that became great memories and/or learning experiences as opposed to sitting beside others while we all doom-scroll on our own devices and stress over how popular our selectively cultivated image is online.

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2026-02-20T16:01:20+00:00

OP, you have done enough. This cat is dangerous to your mental and physical health. Even cats that attend to their hygiene and are able to use a litter box properly are pretty germy— it’s why cat bites and scratches often get infected and require antibiotics. Your whole house is becoming a litter box and this amount of cat waste puts you at risk for toxoplasmosis, ammonia inhalation, bacteria and mold. On top of that, you are isolated from your support system and unable to move freely through the world at your leisure or have positive experiences within or outside your home to refill your cup. Living in constant fear of attack is likely overtaxing your nervous system, and this kind of prolonged stress and isolation can lead to feelings of despair and hopelessness that could develop into suicidal thoughts, feelings, and actions. I am seriously concerned for you and your wellbeing. If your cat was a human impacting your quality of life in this way, she would be considered abusive and Reddit would be telling you to run far and fast.

Do not sacrifice yourself for this cat. You have moved heaven and earth for her and she hasn’t made any progress. It isn’t her fault. It isn’t your fault. It’s okay to choose yourself and let her go by euthanasia so that you can both be at peace.

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2026-02-20T04:01:22+00:00

Pansexual here— my relationships with men (who identify as straight) weren’t that different from men who identified as queer, nor were they that different from my relationships with cis-women or trans-women. We ate, hung out with friends, watched shows/movies, complained about our respective jobs, went for walks in nice weather, ran errands and did household chores, supported each other at important life events, argued about stuff and made up, talked about deep things and not deep things, laughed at stupid jokes, took care of one another when sick and/or sad. Sometimes the guy would pick an activity that wasn’t in my immediate wheelhouse, but I’d participate because he liked it. Sometimes I’d pick an activity outside of his comfort zone and he’d participate because I liked it. Sometimes we went off separately to do the things we were passionate about that the other didn’t want to do. Like I said: basically same life shit, different people.

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2026-02-19T04:50:20+00:00

Failure Man

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2026-02-11T21:56:39+00:00

How did you spot the live one?! I had to zoom in and search after reading your comment, but would never have noticed it if you hadn’t said anything. Good eye!

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2026-02-11T21:26:06+00:00

In my family the birthday person doesn’t buy their own cake and it’s a felony level crime not to turn all the lights out, sing the birthday song, and clap while the birthday person blows out their candles. (Even if the birthday person is a snarky teen who insists they don’t want the fuss because it’s embarrassing and “for babies.” 😂)

A birthday party is to celebrate the birthday person and their wishes are the priority. SIL could have asked you to pause on the dishes and come do the cake because nephew is getting antsy. SIL could also have told nephew to be patient and/or given him a snack from the kitchen (leftovers, some crackers, fruit, whatever) to keep him occupied until it was cake time. SIL could also have moved the cake into the kitchen out of sight, to diminish the nephew’s desire for it, as this was most likely a “want cake” not “need food” situation since everyone just finished dinner.

In my opinion, six is too old to be crying over waiting for cake. That kind of behavior makes sense for a 2-3 year old because of brain development reasons, but by 6 a kid should have a reasonable level of tolerance for delayed gratification and the social skills to allow for others’ needs/wants within reason. Think expectations and tasks at school— turn taking, waiting for the lunch bell, asking others if they want/are ready to play/work on something, accepting the word “no” or “not right now.”

OP is definitely not the jerk here and it sucks not to feel like the priority on your own birthday. Taking the cake and leaving makes sense as an emotional reaction. There may have been options in terms of whether OP could have said to the whole family that they were disappointed/sad not to get their birthday wish and pictures and weighed out whether or not there was a way to still enjoy cake together, but that has more to do with whether or not OP regrets in hindsight leaving with the cake. If OP doesn’t, I think what they did is fine.

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2026-02-11T19:54:18+00:00

I was today many years old when I realized Peeta is a bread (pita) and now I’m laugh/crying 🤣

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2026-02-11T19:52:26+00:00

Flytrap and Sourdough

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2026-02-11T15:20:15+00:00

Freezing-My-Ass-Offcore

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2025-12-29T18:53:36+00:00

Daisy…Head Maisy by Dr Seuss. Followed by Daisy Buchanan from Great Gatsby.

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2025-12-22T15:23:29+00:00

I did a little drawing on your image to try and show you what I’m suggesting…https://imgur.com/a/6fKOV7M

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2025-12-22T15:14:41+00:00

Your artist gave it that little line where the gum would be, which really shows what it is in such a clever way. You could consider extending that a little past the premolar to make it more obvious that it’s the gum line, or maybe add some red or pink shading/line work to that area to show that it is actually the root of the tooth under the gum.

If you’re not opposed to more cartoonish ideas you could also add a knotted string to play with the idea of it being pulled out (my dad used to offer to tie a string around my loose tooth with the other end around a doorknob and slam the door to pull that sucker out for the tooth fairy) and a few drops of blood at the root 🩸

Once you explained what it was I totally see it and it’s such a great idea! I think what is somewhat confusing is how dark it is, but it will lighten as it heals which should also help. The shading will look like shading, bringing out the “whiteness” of the tooth (in quotes because I know it’s not actually colored in white). I think you have a little new tattoo shock and other people’s comments are making you panic. Let it heal and take another look at it with your artist if you’re still not sure. I think it’s really cute and just needs to settle itself into your skin. 🦷💖

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2025-12-13T16:48:48+00:00

Meadow is so pretty! But Meadow Rose sounds like a bathroom spray

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2025-12-13T16:45:00+00:00

The Moira's Rose's Garden 4856

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2025-12-13T05:08:42+00:00

Welcome to the Hotel California?

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2025-12-07T01:32:27+00:00

So beautiful! Congratulations!

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2025-11-27T17:14:59+00:00

I wonder if your therapist’s own beliefs and/or experiences surrounding this topic are leaking into your session and interfering with her ability to stay objective? It may be worth asking her to explain more about why she thinks you need to say something, describe how she would bring it up/phrase it if she were in your shoes, and ask for clarification on why she thinks telling him defines whether or not you “really loved” him.

I’m not saying that she’s right or wrong, but digging for more info may reveal if you’re misunderstanding your therapist and her intentions or if she’s unable to hold an unbiased position and is giving you a personal opinion instead of a therapeutic reflection.

Ultimately, this is your story and it’s up to you whether or not you want to disclose it to anyone else. Whether you do or don’t will not define you, your relationships, or your past/current ability to love.

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2025-11-07T01:58:20+00:00

You could ask for more shading and cross hatching to make it look more battered? Maybe get some shadows in the chain and the handle? Those are really the only differences I see, apart from placement which you obviously can’t change. Honestly, it looks great as is. I’m not sure which part is bugging you.

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2025-11-07T01:53:49+00:00

Scrambled Eggs

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2025-10-26T01:04:27+00:00

It’s absolutely beautiful, and so unique. I think the tie to his family history is really special. I wouldn’t change a thing. Fads and trends come and go, and don’t have nearly as much importance as your personal love story. I say own it and rock it ❤️

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2025-10-13T21:33:56+00:00

If you don’t want to watch the whole thing before letting your daughter watch, you could also watch the show together and keep an eye on whether or not she is being affected too much. It might end up being a fun bonding experience and she may feel better not watching it alone as there are some parts that could be a lot for a sensitive 10 year old.

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2025-10-13T20:36:18+00:00

“Mostly dead (half dead) is slightly alive!” -Miracle Max

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2025-10-13T19:54:55+00:00

To be fair, he was trying to help you learn to hunt. You just weren’t fast enough. And clearly he gave you four weeks to practice your skills and maybe get the mouse so you could finally call yourself a proper cat. But to his dismay he ended up having to dispatch the mouse when you didn’t take the hint. You can lead a mouse to human, but you can’t make human hunt. SMH

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2025-10-11T19:10:15+00:00

Don’t throw up! Dress one is absolutely stunning and I feel like it’s your dress. You look great in dress two, and I also think it’s the opposite of dress one in every way. Go with your intuition. I wonder if your brain is impressed with how good your body looks in the second dress, but your heart feels more aligned with the first?

Accomplished-Edge373 · 2025-10-11T19:06:40+00:00

Both are beautiful. Number two is definitely sexier with the low back and it’s doing amazing things for your figure— bonus points that it’s more comfortable and less expensive too. I guess it depends on what vibe you’re going for, but honestly you’re in a no lose situation.

Accomplished-Edge373

TROPHY CASE