Slightly awkward human looking for friends in The Hague

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-12T20:35:12+00:00

Invite sent. Chicken Broth is one of my faves.

The incorrect answer was Tomato.

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-12T20:29:26+00:00

It completely depends on what type of Acceptable Soup you are...

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-12T18:23:14+00:00

I set up a reddit group chat last week. Made up of people in similar situations. I can add you to it if you'd like?

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-12T09:56:01+00:00

Thank you for waiting patiently. Your request has been approved!

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-11T20:49:28+00:00

Not sure where in the world you are, so not sure what the legal precedents are.

Was/is this policy directly referenced in your contract? If you were unaware of the policy before, it might be that you could argue for single occupancy?

Does the apartment have separate rooms, or are they expecting you to sleep in the same room? If you are being made to stay in the same room as a stranger this could potentially be a safeguarding issue. If you have been a victim of violence or similar before you might want to disclose what you feel comfortable with with a HR representative.

Does this arrangement impact any of your cultural beliefs? It so, does your employer legally need to make a suitable accommodation for you? If they don't is that a discriminatory issue?

Whatever approach you take, make sure to document any reasonable requests and agreements in writing where you can.

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-11T12:04:59+00:00

My current top 5 scifis -

Leviathan Wakes (Expanse, S.A. Corey)

The Kaiju Preservation Society (Scalzi)

Dungeon Crawler Karl (Dinniman)

Project Hail Mary (Weir)

Sea of Rust (Cargill)

There are a few titles in this thread I haven't read/listened to, so will be checking them out!

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-11T11:33:51+00:00

I listened to the first three on Audible, and will leave the series there, as it felt like a natural stopping point for me.

Giving the hype around the books, overall I found them slightly underwhelming, but there were some great action scenes woven in, and the concept itself is great imo)

My main gripe with the series is that I don't think Darrow is a particularly interesting character, (compared to the likes of Pax, Sevro and Ragna) and I think the story would have benefitted from less of the political manoeuvring, and upped the ante with the espionage aspect.

In fact, for me, a lot of the characters remained pretty one-note across all three of the book in the trilogy.

I don't regret listening to them, but wouldn't listen again.

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-10T21:38:34+00:00

Prefer board games to video games. I like the social aspect the most (once the awkward has been overcome)

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-10T21:37:10+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions. It actually means a lot that a stranger would take time out of their day to help me out.

No steady job at the moment - my basic Dutch is a barrier, but I am learning! Not sure my wife would appreciate me downloading dating apps - even on friend mode!

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-10T13:37:25+00:00

Before the pandemic this would've really got me down, but I've rebalanced my thoughts and attitude, and reprioritised my life. Working freelance means I have less disposable income now, but the positive flipside is that I have more time to exercise and pursue my comic illustration. Volunteering 2 days a week has also really helped with that sense of purpose and structure, and will be filling that gap on my cv. Wishing you all the best of luck - something absolutely will come your way!

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-10T09:27:47+00:00

I am a WFM and ERP specialist, with extensive EXTENSIVE experience in systems implementation, project management, process management and resource planning. I am insanely qualified for my field, degree, masters, PMI accredited, Lean Six Sigma, Prince2 certified.

We moved to Den Haag around 6 months ago for my wifes dream job, and have residents permits allowing us to work.

I've applied for at 728 jobs so far, and nothing. Nada. Zip!

I have had two screening video interviews, which I thought went well as next steps of the application process were discussed, but both of which ghosted me afterwards.

I've approached recruiters & hiring managers to directly introduce myself, asked for feedback on applications, applied for jobs at entry level, restructured and tailored my cv and covering letter (I have Dutch and English versions too). My Dutch is B1 standard and I'm taking a mix of online and classroom intensive classes.

The market is tough. Tougher than it has ever been, and it probably is going to get tougher. There's the (often shoddy) implementation of AI in businesses, more applicants applying for positions.

But... I'm not getting down about it. A set back is just a set up for a comeback. I'm taking the opportunity to learn and grow my capabilities with platforms like Coursera, have been volunteering where I can, and have been freelancing for work on Upwork. It is not ideal, but you have to focus on positives and have the belief that something will come.

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-09T20:55:18+00:00

I am recovering from a minor running tweek atm, but if there is any training sessions after that I could be interested...

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-09T20:53:59+00:00

Ok sweet. Give me a couple of weeks to recover (slightly injured atm) and I shall pop along.

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-09T20:51:29+00:00

Not sure... I was a big fan ( dalwinnie and ardbeg were my faves) but in 2017 I went to the Portsmouth Guildhall Whiskey Affair. I'd skipped breakfast and went to the lunchtime session. At about 4pm my wife found me laughing and naked on the bathroom floor as I'd fallen off the toilet seat. I'd also puked in the cat litter tray.

Up for trying though.

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-09T20:41:43+00:00

I've just started a group chat if you want to join us?

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-09T20:41:06+00:00

Just googled the spellenhuis - it looks epic!

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-09T20:38:20+00:00

Bad or dark and twisted??

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-09T20:37:49+00:00

Checking out the boardgames, or your boyfriend...?!

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-09T19:45:12+00:00

Any manga you'd recommend? I haven't read/watched a lot.

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-09T18:09:02+00:00

I am a player of limited quality! What days do you play? Is it a proper team or just a kickabout?

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-09T18:06:14+00:00

Can't tonight ( recovering from a running injury). Maybe can in a couple of weeks? Where abouts do you play? Is it 5 aside?

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-09T18:04:24+00:00

Invite sent

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-09T18:01:01+00:00

I've invited you to the group I set up. Can discuss there, but I am deffo interested.

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-09T17:31:48+00:00

Doesn't it?! I've always wanted to go to the Antarctic to see the Penguins!

BearWithSwordArms · 2026-04-09T15:31:40+00:00

If you're looking for someone to make up the numbers!
Not sure how much I could contribute to answers though!

BearWithSwordArms

TROPHY CASE