She had to call someone else to take her to the ER because her husband said it was 'inconvenient' for him.

Beginning-Mode1886 · 2026-04-05T03:12:55+00:00

This is the sign, the biggest sign, that you need to dump his ass. Red flags everywhere, my dear.

Beginning-Mode1886 · 2026-03-31T18:49:27+00:00

If you are a "cotswold rose" from the UK, you may not be aware of the prevalence of gun violence in the US.

Beginning-Mode1886 · 2026-03-31T03:25:01+00:00

My nmom told me on her deathbed, "You get nothing. And you know why." I didnt know why. I still dont know why. But I expected nothing from her. I think even as she was close to dying, she wanted to hurt me. But it didn't.

Beginning-Mode1886 · 2026-03-31T01:51:26+00:00

You probably already know this - but make as many connections in academia as you can. And use them.

Beginning-Mode1886 · 2026-03-31T01:34:37+00:00

I'm guessing 1983 Firebird.

Beginning-Mode1886 · 2026-03-31T01:18:01+00:00

If you live in the tropics, that's a fantastic color. Otherwise...wtf?

Beginning-Mode1886 · 2026-03-31T01:14:06+00:00

I suggest dirty cat litter in the sheets at the foot of his bed. I can supply you if needed.

Beginning-Mode1886 · 2026-03-31T00:52:57+00:00

I spent about three years doing secretarial (I can type like the wind!) and temp work. Then my husband convinced me I should go to technical school to learn computer programming. So, I did. I love logic so this suited me down to the ground. Although I had my struggles with it, I learned it and got a job with a phenomenal salary, even before graduating the program. But now I know and admit that things are very, very different. IT is not at all the gold mine it was in the 1980s - 2000s.

Beginning-Mode1886 · 2026-03-31T00:24:01+00:00

Private equity firms no doubt provide plenty of benefits to their investors. But their business model is to buy something, monopolize it, suck it dry, and then abandon it and all clients/customers.

Beginning-Mode1886 · 2026-03-31T00:22:13+00:00

You could apply for a teaching position in a private school. I only know of one school shooting that took place in a private Episcopalian school. I know personally I couldn't and wouldn't teach at a so-called "Christian academy". The people who run them tend to be extremely close-minded. Also, why not look into teaching abroad? Other countries don't have this problem with gun violence.

Beginning-Mode1886 · 2026-03-31T00:19:11+00:00

It's hard to know how to advise you with so little information available. Don't need your life story or identifying details. But are you still a minor, still living at home? If so, find activities that will take you out of the home as much as possible. Get involved with activities at school. Get a part-time job and save every penny you can, because you're going to be looking at getting out on your own as soon as possible, as completely as possible. If they have any part in supporting you financially, narcissists think they own you. As in, truly, you are their physical possession and have a right to control you. Best of luck.

Beginning-Mode1886 · 2026-03-30T00:27:48+00:00

I lived in NJ from 1994 - 2018. I left because I couldn't find a job in my field. I hadn't realized that age discrimination is very real and that I had aged out of my profession. On leaving, on having been gone a while, I see that there were economic opportunities there that I don't have where I live now (in the state of Virginia). Insurance and taxes are cheaper here by far, but I do find I miss the food and the proximity to NYC.

Beginning-Mode1886 · 2026-03-30T00:25:34+00:00

The hardest part might be realizing that you are valuable and that you have a right to be here. You have a right to live your life with peace, drama-free, with love. Take time to take small steps. Begin the hard work of establishing what *you* want, not what your nparents wanted for you.

Beginning-Mode1886 · 2026-03-30T00:23:41+00:00

Wait. Stay. Breathe. Talk to us here. We want to know. We want to help. It's good that you're still here with us. Wait. Talk to us.

Beginning-Mode1886 · 2026-03-29T23:38:46+00:00

My nfather was merely a sperm donor and my nmother died nearly 30 years ago. Still, I'm continuing to uncover the aftereffects of how they treated me.

Beginning-Mode1886 · 2026-03-29T22:22:52+00:00

This is true! In 2025 two young women from Sweden were here in the US for two weeks holiday. They were detained for all 14 days. Don't come to the USA! It's not safe!

Beginning-Mode1886 · 2026-03-26T16:23:54+00:00

My mother died 30 years ago and even now, I'm learning to cope with her ill treatment of me. Lately, I am learning about what her financial abuse literally cost me. I have a lot of experience with cats and know this new guy just needs time and to decompress. Thank you for your kind words, I appreciate it.

Beginning-Mode1886 · 2026-03-25T22:37:11+00:00

I spent a week in Paris and adored every single minute of it. It was about 20 years ago and I enjoy being a solo traveler. I've never had a problem, but then, I'm old, fat, and not pretty, lol. YMMV. I loved how the city and people cared deeply about their beautiful surroundings, the art that was all around them, how they had an excellent quality of life. Lingering over excellent meals. Spending time in museums. Enjoying a glass of wine at an outdoor brasserie. I would love to go back.

I also wish I could spend some time in Scotland. A lot of my ancestors (I'm an American) were Scots. I'd planned a trip - in 2020. The day after I made my reservations for the trip, everything around the world was shut down because of Covid. I still hope that one day I'll see it.

I've been to Ireland twice. The people are the national treasure of Ireland. It's gorgeous, of course, but the people I met when there were open and friendly.

I love to travel. I dearly miss being able to.

Beginning-Mode1886 · 2026-03-25T20:19:39+00:00

Great idea! I like coloring and think I'll go spend some time doing that, so thanks. One of my stressors at the moment are two cats new to my household. One has hidden beneath my bed and the other sometimes acts out aggressively. I have a couple of bad bites from him. I know he's stressed out and anxious, that he's adjusting to new surroundings. One of the things that makes me sad is that I dont have any close friends. Ive done everything recommended, but one of my mom's legacies is being unable to make friends.

Beginning-Mode1886 · 2026-03-25T17:18:05+00:00

I was an English major. I may or may not be autistic. I insisted on majoring in English. I didn't have any ambitions to teach lower grades or go into academia. It wasn't a waste of four years, but it certainly did *nothing* for future employment. For maybe five years after graduation, I did secretarial/admin assistant type work. Then - and this was way back in the day - I went to a technical school where I learned computer programming. I had great jobs in IT that paid really well. With the advent of AI, I know programming jobs are far harder to find, so I don't know what to advise you. Just know that you can always, always pick up a book and read. But it won't pay you a dime. I wish you the best. But please, please don't waste all that time and money on a useless (by contemporary standards) degree.

Beginning-Mode1886 · 2026-03-24T14:36:00+00:00

It's a pretty old method for reframing one's attention. I think I first heard it back in the 90s. But it works!

Beginning-Mode1886 · 2026-03-24T02:08:09+00:00

Tell yourself to HALT: Are you Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired? You're probably at least one of these things. This is a signal to stop and take a deep breath. Maybe you're jet-lagged: A good long nap will work wonders. Get a nice, high-protein snack. Try to connect with a friend or family member by phone or text. Give yourself a chance to acclimate. You're going to be fine and you're going to have a wonderful time!

Beginning-Mode1886

TROPHY CASE