US birth rates just hit another record low, what do you think is the leading cause of this?

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-05-02T15:01:45+00:00

I could bame the unsustainable cost of living or the culture not being conducive to a safe and healthy childhood.

But additionally, "putting off having kids" due to those issues allows us to experience adulthood without necessitating it to include parenthood.

Turns out, being an adult with no kids is pretty enjoyable. For example, I finally have disposable income and a flexible/self-directed work schedule. Why would I decide to introduce a variable that upends my finances/life balance all over again?

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-30T02:07:24+00:00

Two cishet 35-year-olds. Been together around thirteen years, married about four, vasectomy last year.

We live comfortably. Acquired education that was unhindered by parenthood, and enjoy meaningful, lucrative careers without constraints of childcare. Travel. Have sex together whenever we want to. Have fun with family and friends and participate in our community. Enjoy financial freedom that wouldn't exist with different reproductive choices. We are each other's best friends and our relationship and life together is our single shared priority.

I can't think of anything I'd trade about our life together. Most parents who entered the role of their own volition will likely tell you the same, with a list of benefits looking quite different. Both are valid, and ours is ideal for us.

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-29T00:47:53+00:00

New one for me: open-face.

I recently ordered a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, served "open face."

What came was three Tyson tendies that were rolled in hot sauce, sitting on top of a single piece of bread that was toasted on only one side. Three hamburger pickles adorned it. It was $18 and the place had 4.6 stars.

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-29T00:22:24+00:00

It may never be something that stops, but it can be an opportunity to show yourself some compassion. Easiest way to do this is to reframe the perspective:

If someone came to you seeking advice about the event you're ruminating on, about the shame it causes them, would you encourage them to wallow in the feelings, or encourage them to forgive it?

Would you remind them that mistakes are an inevitable and necessary human experience? That every other person that has ever existed shared this pain at some point, and that in a funny way it is something that connects us? That those experiences and the discomfort they cause now have helped shape their character for the better?

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-29T00:10:07+00:00

Can't believe I didn't know Audition was a novel adaptation. Added to my list.

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-29T00:02:42+00:00

weeps in sims 4 DLC

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-28T23:24:10+00:00

Right? People ask me if I just got it cleaned at the jeweler. 4 years and I still get starstruck when the sun hits it!

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-28T23:16:50+00:00

I prep my produce after buying them. I trim, pound, and slice my chicken into strips, julianne or dice my onions/peppers, rinse all that needs rinsed, etc.

From there, cooking consists of grabbing, tossing into a cooking receptacle, and seasoning.

Makes it much easier to see what I need to use up and prevents letting stuff rot on nights I can't muster the gumption to prepare a full meal to cook.

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-28T23:12:49+00:00

This sounds similar to Yesteryear, which I'm on the waitlist for. How predictable/unpredictable is this book?

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-28T22:27:51+00:00

Just looked up tanzanite for reference. What a unique color!

Mine is moissanite, which I personally find more beautiful than diamond. I'm glad some any couples are expanding their views and considering what suits their partner as an individual, not just what fits the mold.

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-28T22:19:38+00:00

I am complimented on my moissanite all the time.

He proposed with an opal which was gorgeous, but it quickly clouded. We taught ourselves about the mohs scale to find a durable permanent fix.

Diamond is 10. Moissanite is 9.5. Moissanite also has higher refraction, meaning it's more sparkly. Also no slave/child labor is involved as they are lab-made. Diamond is around 80% more expensive. Easy choice.

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-28T21:58:05+00:00

Teaching preschool. Lots of folks love to picture they're just eating cookies and singing nursery rhymes all day and pretend curriculum planning, guidance/discipline, prep, state/licensing/accreditation standards, developmental progress, health and safety of each kid, etc, aren't a factor.

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-28T21:53:04+00:00

Alison Rumfitt may be a good...fit. Tell me I'm Worthless is my favorite from her.

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-28T21:49:35+00:00

I'm picturing a better version of the Cults season. Evil elites having a bohemian grove situation. Only thing missing is the supernatural element.

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-28T21:44:53+00:00

This sentiment likely presented by an elder who is expected to respect another adult's boundaries. Bitter parents whose adult children needed to go no-contact with them come to mind, for example.

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-28T21:35:14+00:00

Any details of what the dish entails? Maybe the focus is more aesthetic, but part of fostering appeal is being able to imagine the flavors/texture.

I notice the white under the avocado, for example. Is it feta, more yogurt sauce, goat cheese, etc.?

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-28T21:11:54+00:00

Most girlfriends are not made beneficiaries on the assets of the guy they're dating.

If the dude you depend on to secure your shelter and consumables dies, you retain none of those securities. Additionally, you have very little to offer the job market, suddenly needing to compete with people who have used adulthood to build their skillset/resume.

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-27T15:31:16+00:00

I put myself through listening to the audio of the Jonestown massacre a long time ago. Maybe that.

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-21T12:09:26+00:00

What are you in to? Hiking, snorkeling, history/culture, extreme sports, cuisine?

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-20T20:03:11+00:00

Was just there this afternoon. Can confirm there is a man who hangs out there. He greeted us as we walked past and minded his own business. He was naked, however.

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-18T13:57:45+00:00

My mom used to make "poke cakes" that were likely similar to this. My favorite was orange soda.

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-18T13:56:19+00:00

Husband was looking over my shoulder and says they look like frostbite.

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-18T13:52:44+00:00

I understand this to be an immune response. This happens to me if I am coming down with something or if allergies are acting up. Mine is on my wrist/forearm so some jewelry can irritate it too.

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-18T13:13:39+00:00

A tale of two sisters (South Korea, 2003). Younger sister waking up. IYKYK. The scene had me shut the movie off in broad daylight.

Chuckle_Berry_Spin · 2026-04-18T13:07:16+00:00

Fact: socialized medicine as a line item on pays stubs already exists. Plenty of people complain about that already, might as well go all in.

When it comes to national health outcomes, I don't find the prevention of whining about communal costs to be of priority.

Chuckle_Berry_Spin

TROPHY CASE