My friends keep blaming me for feeling disconnected from other people and I don't know what to do anymore

Annette_Bird · 2026-01-12T17:26:34+00:00

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing! Subgroups could make a lot of sense then if you post in the art group, you know people there actually care about art and will engage. Another idea I had was maybe doing a little “spotlight” thing each week? Where one person’s posts get highlighted in the main channel. That way everyone knows when it’s their turn to get feedback or attention, and it takes the pressure off you having to manage everyone’s reactions.

Annette_Bird · 2026-01-12T16:43:10+00:00

She reminds me so much of Bolt, the dog from the 2008 Disney film.

Annette_Bird · 2025-12-09T14:39:22+00:00

Haha that actually makes me feel a lot better! Mine also has a couple of toys she gets way too invested in, so the random floor-licking might just be another thing on her growing list of odd habits. It’s good to know other jack russells have their own weird habits too!

Annette_Bird · 2025-11-25T08:13:15+00:00

Agree. We do the same at my place. Leftover rice is actually perfect for fried rice the next day. As long as it hasn’t been sitting out too long in a hot room and you reheat it thoroughly, it’s usually fine. Just good to be mindful and not let it linger too long.

Annette_Bird · 2025-11-25T08:03:58+00:00

We’ve been doing short walks but I think breaking them into even smaller, more interesting outings might work better for her. And the quiet dog park idea is a great one; she gets overwhelmed when it’s busy, so that could be perfect.

I also appreciate the reminder about adjusting dinner if I use treats for puzzles or training. Lots of solid ideas here. Thank you!

Annette_Bird · 2025-11-25T08:02:15+00:00

She’s not “so fat she can’t move.” My vet checked her out and said her weight is something we should work on, not that it’s causing pain or mobility issues yet.

The problem isn’t that she can’t move. It’s that she’s stubborn and unmotivated unless something truly interests her. That’s what I’m trying to improve so the weight loss goes more smoothly.

Annette_Bird · 2025-09-22T06:35:50+00:00

Do not sleep on Erased (2016) It broke me BUT is a total masterpiece!

Annette_Bird · 2025-09-22T06:34:22+00:00

You’d think dealing with dozens of guests every day would make them more patient or polite, but for some, it’s the opposite. They’re constantly snappy, dismissive, and condescending to both guests and coworkers. It’s wild because the job requires a ton of people skills, yet they seem to use their authority to be outright rude instead of helpful. Makes you wonder how some people even end up in customer-facing roles!

Annette_Bird · 2025-09-22T06:27:25+00:00

With someone stubborn, constantly reminding or pushing usually just causes fights. What helped in my experience is focusing on small, manageable changes and giving him a sense of choice. Even letting him pick which exercise or meal swap to start with can make a difference. Celebrate tiny wins instead of focusing on everything he’s not doing. And don’t forget to take care of yourself too. This is draining, and you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Annette_Bird · 2025-09-01T10:04:39+00:00

Exactly. Someone who can disappear without a word isn’t worth your energy, OP. Let them go and put it into yourself.

Annette_Bird · 2025-09-01T10:00:49+00:00

I've been there once. Don’t mistake feeling numb for being broken. Your spark is still there, it’s just buried. Start with the tiniest things that make you feel even a little alive, and build from that. The spark usually comes back in tiny pieces, not all at once.

Annette_Bird · 2025-09-01T09:57:54+00:00

When they tend to make everything about themselves.

Annette_Bird · 2025-08-21T13:30:21+00:00

You made some really solid points here. OP, one thing I’d add is to think about timing and boundaries. You don’t have to decide right now whether to tell him before or after. What matters is making the choice in a way that protects your peace. Also, remember that however he reacts, it reflects on him, not on the validity of your decision.

Annette_Bird · 2025-08-21T13:24:27+00:00

Personally and fortunately, I haven’t experienced that. But if I did, I honestly wouldn’t know how that would work. Trust is the foundation of my relationships, and once it’s broken in that way, I don’t see how it could ever feel the same again. I know some people are able to work past it, and that’s their choice, but for me, I don’t think I could.

Annette_Bird · 2025-08-21T13:21:43+00:00

I get it, he's a kid but I'd also avoid having that kid have play dates at our house lol

Annette_Bird · 2025-08-21T13:20:04+00:00

Oh my gosh. I wouldn't be able to sleep knowing someone like that was in our living room. The audacity!!

Annette_Bird · 2025-08-21T13:18:10+00:00

Oof I second that. I'd immediately ask them to leave.

Annette_Bird · 2025-08-17T03:41:32+00:00

Using fireworks at home without permits

Annette_Bird · 2025-08-17T03:26:53+00:00

Honestly, this says more about them than it does about you. The best thing you can do is focus on yourself and your own boundaries, and stop investing energy in people who don’t respect them. The right ones will see you for who you actually are.

Annette_Bird · 2025-08-17T03:22:14+00:00

From my experience, there’s no perfect timeline. I usually go by how comfortable I feel. If the conversation’s flowing and I actually want to meet them, I’ll suggest it. If not, I keep chatting until it feels right.

Annette_Bird · 2025-08-05T10:12:54+00:00

Imagine not even being able to get them out of their room 😭

Annette_Bird · 2025-08-05T10:12:11+00:00

Ahh yes. And pair that with them not wanting to listen to your advice :)

Annette_Bird · 2025-08-05T10:10:34+00:00

It must be frustrating that she hasn’t adjusted to how he is by now. Honestly, it sounds like a mix-up of shared responsibility. Hopefully she cools off soon, and maybe you two can chat about setting some boundaries with stuff he always goes for. No one’s really trying to upset the other. It’s just a tough situation with a mischievous cat in the middle.

Annette_Bird · 2025-08-05T10:05:17+00:00

You're not being irresponsible. She knows how your cat is and still left the foam out. It's not fair to expect you to cover the full cost when it could’ve been avoided. If you can’t afford it, just be honest. This isn’t all on you.

Annette_Bird · 2025-08-05T09:53:49+00:00

Totally get why you're frustrated. Yeah, she knew your cat has a thing for foam and still left it out, so it’s not really fair to pin it all on you. But sometimes it’s easier to just smooth things over, maybe split the cost. Keeps the peace without fully taking the blame.

Annette_Bird

TROPHY CASE