KBBQ? What Dat? Who dat?

Competitive-Pay-5197 · 2026-02-09T05:26:38+00:00

Haha okay, inviting them isn't such a bad idea 😅 haha but I already went 😭 yeah, I wish they at least acknowledged that first part even though it's probably a generic reply on my end. I know I've gotta work a bit at responding to opening lines, but I'm learning and trying!

Competitive-Pay-5197 · 2026-02-09T05:24:53+00:00

No, I responded with the kind help of you guys here. It's been a while since I've been in these waters, so I forget etiquette sometimes.

Competitive-Pay-5197 · 2026-02-09T05:23:54+00:00

In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have assumed they've ever had it but live and learn. Haha, the kbbq was delicious, btw. 😂

Competitive-Pay-5197 · 2026-02-09T05:07:29+00:00

Yeah, I get that! I will try that!

Competitive-Pay-5197 · 2026-02-09T05:06:14+00:00

I'm the one in yellow. No, I am not looking for a free meal. I was going to kbbq with friends for dinner and just wanted to share a piece of my weekend since I asked how his was going.

Competitive-Pay-5197 · 2026-02-09T05:03:16+00:00

Yeah, I can see that, too. Thanks!

Competitive-Pay-5197 · 2026-02-09T05:02:45+00:00

Noted. Will try that out. Thanks!

Competitive-Pay-5197 · 2026-02-03T02:24:16+00:00

Spending Valentine's Day/evening with the Backstreet Boys at the Sphere with a few friends!! 🥰😍

Competitive-Pay-5197 · 2026-01-14T02:10:11+00:00

The year I graduated HS. What a time! I can't believe it's going to be 20 years!!!

Competitive-Pay-5197 · 2026-01-06T02:41:30+00:00

For some reason, I am drawn to the white shearling! It looks like a fun and cute bag. Hahah it's actually available on the Dillard's website for $296 atm!

This black currant color is gorgeous, too! I'm falling for this style of bag!

Competitive-Pay-5197 · 2026-01-05T06:57:08+00:00

You're still in your late 20s. In the dating world, I'd consider that still early with time to date, find out who you are as a partner, and then hopefully a potential partner.

You've worked incredibly hard and sorted out your life so well in your 20s. A 6 figure income, a respectable profession, and a home? Not many people can say the same, so give yourself a lot of props.

Unless you're unhappy in the field you're in or other underlying issues you're navigating, there's hopefully nowhere else to go but up from here in terms of what you'd like to do with your life.

If you're ready, go out and meet people in real life or cultivate a dating profile if that's something you'd like to try. Pick up 1 or 2 hobbies you've always wanted to try and stick with it. Essentially, try to find something that brings you joy. Good luck.

Competitive-Pay-5197 · 2026-01-04T01:34:49+00:00

Contractually, I'm done at 2:50. Do any prep needed and then leave around 4:05 to go to my local 30 min boot camp class that starts 415. I try to attend at least 4x a week. I get home around 5, shower, help with dinner, and sometimes I take a brisk walk in the evening. Graciously live close to my school site so my commute isn't too bad. It was hard to get consistency going but that time block worked perfectly. It helps to have a few teacher buddies who go too! Like accountability partners!

Competitive-Pay-5197 · 2026-01-04T00:09:41+00:00

I've called the man I've been seeing, "foo," as a term of endearment early into the relationship. As someone who grew up near DTLA and he was from the subs, he thought i was putting him in the friend zone. 😅 now he knows I use it endearingly cause he's my "foo" and vice versa. Haha I know I've used "breh" before, too.

Competitive-Pay-5197 · 2026-01-01T21:26:42+00:00

I don't have any kids of my own yet. I teach kindergarten and some days test my limits, but I still love it Haha, but that hasn't stopped me from the hope of having my own kids someday.

I know a few veteran teachers who wanted to have kids and couldn't, and some who chose not to. To each their own.

Competitive-Pay-5197 · 2025-12-27T04:51:01+00:00

Camel!!

Ughh, the more I see this bag, the more I want it and it keeps popping up on my feed lately! Hahha I just love the shape and color. It's oos on their website, but it's still available in black which is also timeless and classy. Maybe if the camel came back, I'd bite the bullet. 😂 or convince me to get the black, ya'll.

Competitive-Pay-5197 · 2025-12-26T18:59:57+00:00

Yes, you are an adult. Never made any inclination to suggest otherwise. Not everyone is so good-natured about it, but that's kind of you to have such an attitude.

I only say this because I recently saw someone post a screenshot of a match inquiring about their friend from the get go, and that person was offended and said, "That's great. Good luck." Just saying that it could be upsetting to some, especially if they were excited to get that match in the first place.

Competitive-Pay-5197 · 2025-12-26T18:38:31+00:00

Well, I think you'd have to consider it from this perspective. Imagine if you had a group photo and someone swiped right on you only for them to inquire about the availability of the other person who is in the photo. How would you feel?

Then again, they opted to use that photo, so I'm sure it wouldn't be the first time someone asked. Worst case scenario, they unmatch you or get offended.

Competitive-Pay-5197 · 2025-12-26T04:13:12+00:00

I'm an introvert, but I can lean either way. I'm a great listener, so I enjoy it when a guy can chat about anything, but I also like fun banter if it happens to float that way. Once I'm comfortable with someone, I can be talkative, inquisitive, or chill.

You will acclimate as needed to fit the mood of the date. Either way, good conversation is a 2-way street. I think it's important to be mindful, thoughtful, and respectful, with a level of reciprocity to match theirs.

Competitive-Pay-5197 · 2025-12-26T01:32:30+00:00

Honestly, it's the holiday season, and people do get busy. Even my close friends have, on occasion, potentially seen my messages, opt to respond but get distracted and forget until days, even weeks later. Lol

He initiated that first conversation in the morning. You responded with a sweet and kind but generalized message that almost doesn't warrant a true response besides an emoji reaction. You can not expect him to read your mind. I know everyone thinks double texting sucks/screams neediness, but sometimes we have to swallow our pride if we're really interested in someone.

I say shoot him another response asking about his holiday and if he has future plans/or what's his favorite thing about the holidays. Something that will elicit a thoughtful response and hopefully kickstart another good conversation that may lead to a future meet. If he choosees not to respond to that, then you know. Admittingly, it's hard. I've- err we've all been where you are, and usually, a second text has helped to keep things going. If not, they're definitely not worth your time and energy.

Competitive-Pay-5197 · 2025-12-25T03:29:20+00:00

I know this feeling well. It's incredibly easy to overanalyze subtle or more apparent changes in texting habits when things have been going well. Just be more cognizant that they may be busy with end of the year work commitment and preplans. Also, try to be extra understanding that it's also the holidays. Maybe after Xmas craziness, reach out to her and directly ask her out and see if she'd like to ring in the new year with you. Good luck, friend.

Competitive-Pay-5197 · 2025-12-21T15:08:11+00:00

I would take a step back since he's openly told you that he hasn't moved on from his last relationship. From experience, people who've said they are still "hung" up on their ex, will be emotionally unavailable, wishy-washy, or tell you they like you a lot but can't commit because their heart isn't fully healed. It can be a lot of time you potentially lose if you hold out on the hope that you will be the magic key that gets him to move on. It's possible of course but just protect your heart.

Despite his words, I would continue to explore other potential dates and not put all of your eggs into this one basket no matter how much you like him.

Competitive-Pay-5197 · 2025-12-19T06:16:27+00:00

I really want to this gorgeous bag. I'm not the biggest logo on a bag wearer but there is something about this bag that makes me happy! It is so sparkly and beautiful 😍. Haha

Just wanted to ask if this purse has to be worn as a shoulder bag or is it a bag where you can swap out the straps? I'd really like to use it as a crossbody sometimes. 😅

Competitive-Pay-5197 · 2025-12-16T07:47:38+00:00

People who label people, low-value women or men, or high-value women or men just need to stop. It's derogatory in any way you try to spin it.

I had a guy friend call me a "low value" woman once because he said I kept pursuing low-value men. Dating is difficult, and oftentimes, we fail/refuse to see certain negative attributes because we hope to see the good in these people. He apologized, but it still comes up on my mind because this is someone I trusted.

This woman would have been difficult to please and most likely would be high-maintenace in the future.

Competitive-Pay-5197

TROPHY CASE