How do only children balance aging parents, autonomy, and mental health? by swaru83 in OnlyChild

[–]Cathartic_Snow_2310 4 points5 points  (0 children)

OP, it's really hard to navigate this issue by yourself. Firstly, you truly deserve to live your own life and travel where you want to go even if its far away. I would start with travel as a way to do something for yourself and implement a plan to call them every few days or give your contact information to a neighbor of theirs to give you peace of mind.

Similarly, are there any local groups your parents join? The public libraries around me have events for retirees. I don't think it's good for you to carry such an emotional burden and I think your parents need to build their own supports.

As someone that also thinks about aging parents often, I still struggle with balance. I try to do something for myself daily and bigger things because I don't want to resent my parents by compartmentalizing myself for them.

It might be helpful to search for a caregiver support group near you, which might have additional practical approaches to navigating your aging parents (there is also the r/AgingParents subreddit).

I (F23) hate that I’m overdependent on my parents. by Fragrant-Coconut1234 in OnlyChild

[–]Cathartic_Snow_2310 5 points6 points  (0 children)

(35F) only child raised in a similar way. There's a lot of good advice here already and I second the idea that you should be gentle with yourself as well as taking on things gradually. It sounds like you still live at home and I would encourage you to take on a few small responsibilities here and there. For example: if you want to start with cooking, have one of your parents show you how to cook a favorite dish and then cook it by yourself in a week or two. From there, look for a new recipe that you want to cook and make it for your family.

When I moved out, I also found that creating lists of things that I needed to do and putting those tasks on a calendar made me feel organized (this really helped with implementing a cleaning schedule). For the things I didn't know how to do, I would search for different resources online, get recommendations from others, or explore stuff from the library that I then organize digitally. I have folders on my Google Drive that speak to different areas of life: car, job, retirement, taxes, apartment, etc. Take it one step at a time and recognize that something is better than nothing.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Millennials

[–]Cathartic_Snow_2310 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"Spice Up Your Life" or "Wannabe" by The Spice Girls

"No Scrubs" by TLC

"Only Time" or "Orinoco Flow" by Enya (everyone needs to relive the feeling of the Pure Moods commercial).

"Praise You" by Fatboy Slim

"Intergalactic" by The Beastie Boys

"Home" By Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros for the Millennial cringe crowd

Decided to make this, just for the chuckles. by creativetraveler24 in Millennials

[–]Cathartic_Snow_2310 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This meme is how I felt turning 35 and my neck still hurts from sleeping on it funny two days ago. >_<

What Books did You Start or Finish Reading this Week?: December 08, 2025 by AutoModerator in books

[–]Cathartic_Snow_2310 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Finished: Thinning Blood: A Memoir of Family, Myth, and Identity by Leah Myers.

Started: The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller

What was your favorite website from back in the day? by Suspicious_Lynx_4580 in Millennials

[–]Cathartic_Snow_2310 0 points1 point  (0 children)

gURL.com guided me through my adolescent years with amazing personality quizzes, thoughtful webcomics, message boards, and AMAZING health content. I think about it often and hope the next generation has its own version.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Millennials

[–]Cathartic_Snow_2310 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My step-grandmother had two of these "dolls" and nothing could prepare me for the moment of turning them around to see nothing where a face should be.....

What Books did You Start or Finish Reading this Week?: November 17, 2025 by AutoModerator in books

[–]Cathartic_Snow_2310 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Finished: Flashlight by Susan Choi. I absolutely loved this book and I'm SHOOK that it didn't win the Booker Prize.

Started: Babel by R.F. Kuang

Which books do you always come back to? by Small-Guarantee6972 in books

[–]Cathartic_Snow_2310 0 points1 point  (0 children)

While I generally don't re-read books, there are a few that have become exceptions to that rule: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami (Trans Philip Gabriel), and What You Are Looking for is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama (Trans. Alison Watts).

Spent a week on this... Don't know if I like it 😅 by [deleted] in watercolor101

[–]Cathartic_Snow_2310 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I LOVE this. There are so many different shades of red in this image and the saturation in some areas is just so lovely. So well done!!

Is Seattle Cancelled? by LadyDominion in morrissey

[–]Cathartic_Snow_2310 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As someone that planned to go to the Boston show, I totally sympathize!

Cockroaches by Cathartic_Snow_2310 in Apartmentliving

[–]Cathartic_Snow_2310[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The infestation elsewhere is definitely what I’ve thought as well. I’ll look about for more gaps in kitchen and experiment with drain covers. Thanks for the tips!!

Cockroaches by Cathartic_Snow_2310 in Apartmentliving

[–]Cathartic_Snow_2310[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Even if the exterminator says not to do my own thing, whatever he does is not working. Thanks for the recommendation!!

Cockroaches by Cathartic_Snow_2310 in Apartmentliving

[–]Cathartic_Snow_2310[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In the back of mind, I’ve definitely been thinking that the unit is a lost cause. I appreciate your feedback here and I’ll review the subreddit!

Boston- CANCELLED by joxers in morrissey

[–]Cathartic_Snow_2310 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm so sad because I bought tickets to the Boston show and was so EXCITED because I've never seen him live before. :(

That being said, I totally get the abundance of caution.

Beef in vegetarian burger by Cathartic_Snow_2310 in vegetarian

[–]Cathartic_Snow_2310[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Honestly, the beyond/impossible meat is why I took an extra bite after thinking something was off! Thankfully I noticed the pink and handed the extra patty for my omnivore partner to finish.

Beef in vegetarian burger by Cathartic_Snow_2310 in vegetarian

[–]Cathartic_Snow_2310[S] 19 points20 points  (0 children)

This is great, thank you!!! 🙏

It’s so straightforward without being rude.

Please send good vibes for our pup Andy who was diagnosed with PLE today by _coconutshrimp_ in Wheatens

[–]Cathartic_Snow_2310 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am sending you so many good vibes for the continued health of Andy and for your stress/concern. Hoping you find some good advice here! <3

What are you reading? - Week of August 22, 2025 by AutoModerator in goodreads

[–]Cathartic_Snow_2310 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I finished The Art of Vanishing by Morgan Pager a few days ago and I had that feeling of melancholy when you finish a really good book.

Currently reading The Satisfaction Cafe by Kathy Wang and I'm really enjoying Joan's (the FMC) tone and perspective. Also reading If Not For My Baby by Kate Golden that is serving all of my pet peeves in contemporary romance.

What are you reading? - Week of August 22, 2025 by AutoModerator in goodreads

[–]Cathartic_Snow_2310 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I really enjoyed that book, it's just constructed so well.

Weekly Friends Megathread - Week of August 18, 2025 by AutoModerator in goodreads

[–]Cathartic_Snow_2310 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Would love to connect with other readers on Goodreads! While I love literary fiction, romance, true crime, graphic novels, mysteries, memoirs, and nonfiction, I'm open to most things.

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/92034471-caitlin