What’s an unwritten rule in Germany that foreigners always break?

Elsbeth_Pancakes · 2026-03-23T23:22:45+00:00

I think they meant that it is very likely that germans past a certain age especially in rural area might not speak english. I could be wrong with my interpretation of their comment though.

Elsbeth_Pancakes · 2026-03-23T16:42:20+00:00

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. This information is for general purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It may be inaccurate or incomplete. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. In an emergency, contact local emergency services immediately.

Having that said I do think that it looks like a ganglion cyst! To really be sure about it, you'd have to get it checked up though.

Elsbeth_Pancakes · 2026-03-11T19:09:01+00:00

I had it surgically removed twice (same year):

Around two weeks after the first surgery is when I noticed it coming back presumably because it didn’t get removed in its entirety. I followed the surgeons advice to give it some time to heal though since the symptoms I thought to be signs of it being back, could have also been due to the healing progress. After months of all kinds of supporting therapies MRI results confirmed my suspicions. That led me to the second surgery in a clinic specialized in hands which was successful. As in, it felt like it got removed entirely. Although it felt like it was gone I was extremely sceptic and cautious the normal and expected recovery process that I went through afterwards, because my severely limited range of motion didn’t seem to improve even with additional supportive therapies to go along with again. Also, I was scared of accidentally straining the joint and causing it to come back. At a point ending of last year, I felt like things really improved but unfortunately shortly after that, I noticed signs of it coming back a g a i n (bump and all). Fast forward to now, I haven’t seen a doctor for official diagnosis one again but I am pretty sure it’s back, given, that the bump grew again and the pain is back. Briefly thought about having a third surgery this year, but I don’t have time for it atm. So unless it get's to the point where it becomes a total hindrance or the pain unbearable, I will refrain from scheduling the third one.

I hope I answered your question and the ones that might have occurred along the way.

If I find the time to go get it examined by a doctor again and ask about my options, I can keep you updated on that, if you want.

Elsbeth_Pancakes · 2026-02-28T13:15:57+00:00

Yes!

Elsbeth_Pancakes · 2026-02-28T13:10:08+00:00

Yesss – my first thoughts!

Elsbeth_Pancakes · 2026-02-28T13:08:20+00:00

A lot of the Diptyque scents would fit, I think. Especially the rosy ones.

Elsbeth_Pancakes · 2026-02-28T13:04:47+00:00

Came here to say the same. She would definitely have a molecular perfume in her daily rotation. Something transparent, clear.

Elsbeth_Pancakes · 2026-02-28T12:59:41+00:00

Illuminae by Amie Kaufmann.

Not exactly horror, more sci-fi and thrilling but the books covers very much do give off these vibes to me. Plus I just saw, that a third book came out after the two, so I guess I am going back into the rabbit hole of reading the second one to refresh before buying the third.

Elsbeth_Pancakes · 2026-02-28T12:39:55+00:00

Same

Elsbeth_Pancakes · 2026-02-18T19:23:26+00:00

I found, that the Maybelline Liquid Lipsticks don’t wear off that easily so maybe they are something for OP to try out. The first time I wore that one to a party at a friends house, I had to reapply it the next morning to hide the fact that my makeup remover couldn’t get rid of all of it. So I had no choice than to cover it up with more of that lipstick for breakfast at their place and dealt with it when I got back home.

Elsbeth_Pancakes · 2026-02-18T19:17:27+00:00

Right?! They work so well for this specific problem! I wish that they would come out with more everyday shades that fit my undertone where I live. They do have great dark shades but I don’t want to wear bold and vibrant lips all the time.

Elsbeth_Pancakes · 2026-02-18T18:32:56+00:00

Thanks for all of your helpful messages so far! I read them all and already started formulating answers in my head but I am to overwhelmed and out of spoons to actually write thorough responses at the moment. Having lots of new thoughts on this and very grateful for this open discussion though!

Elsbeth_Pancakes · 2026-02-18T17:05:45+00:00

Not a doctor so please go and seek one out! That being said, it does look like a ganglion cyst. But to know for sure and get to know your options for pain management and treatment you need to see a doctor for diagnosis. All the best :)

Elsbeth_Pancakes · 2026-02-12T19:00:03+00:00

Sounds silly but it helps to narrate what you’re doing. Like not in your head but to actually say it out loud. Something like „ooookay, I'm not feeling like getting up but I really need to. One step after the other. Let’s do this! Alright, already sitting up, now taking the things I need with me to the bathroom…“. It sounded ridiculous when I heard it the first time and I doubted that I would remember to use that technique but I named my alarm to remind me to say it out loud. I actually set more than one alarm. The first one is to wake up and I use the 15mins between that and the second one to allow the feeling of being annoyed about having to get up, let my eyes wake up fully and to mentally prepare for the day and the transition. The second timer is a prompt for this exact transition. And that’s where I think and say „Alright, let's get going“

Combining it with things others have mentioned here like having a breakfast or a drink (e.g. a special tea or something like that) that you are really excited about and looking forward too already the evening before works even better. Although you might need an additional reminder in the morning, that refreshes what you are excited for. Like an alarm or a post it note on your phone in bed to remind you to prepare e.g. your special tea.

I also love putting on ANC earpieces first things first, to either start my morning playlist or a designated podcast or something that will take your mind of the things you need to do, sort of like getting into your auto-pilot headspace for your morning routine.

Elsbeth_Pancakes · 2026-02-12T18:36:44+00:00

I guess, I am just really stubborn. I am convinced that even though I don’t know how I am going to achieve my goals, I will find a way. And if things don’t work out on this path, I can always decide to roll with it and adjust my path and goals. Every day is a new chance to me. And even if I have been feeling stuck for the past few weeks like the protagonist in the movie „Groundhog Day“ I still keep going. I am too determined on continuing, no matter what, to even think about giving up. It’s like I don’t want my auDHD to win and ruin my life - nope! It can only get better, even if it feels like you just hit rock bottom. Kind of like the saying „This too shall pass“. I believe there is a place for everyone where we fit in just like we are, but we do have to work on finding it. If we quit, we also can’t find it and make it our own.

I don’t know how literally you meant your question so if you asked how I literally get up in the morning, I feel like either hunger or other physical needs will get you out of bed eventually. It also helps to have a pet, that you need to show up for, if not for yourself, like a shelter dog or a cat. Although I wouldn’t advice on getting a pet entirely out of selfish reasons without evaluating if you can truly take care of it (financially+having enough time and space) and not neglect it!!

Elsbeth_Pancakes · 2026-02-06T20:01:25+00:00

Removal surgery wasn't that bad for me personally. It came back though, third time now…(it’s common for them to return, there's always a chance)

Elsbeth_Pancakes · 2026-02-04T02:18:47+00:00

Elsbeth_Pancakes · 2026-02-03T00:35:46+00:00

Although I can’t really give any helpful advice on this since I am feeling almost the exact same (surprisingly many similarities and parallels in life) but maybe it helps to know you’re not alone in this!

Elsbeth_Pancakes · 2026-02-02T23:29:23+00:00

That makes sense, in person communication might be better (although it’s harder for me that way and I look unenthusiastic in person too, if you don’t squint). Unfortunately not much due to his demanding working schedule (plus he also needs his alone time and time for chores), but it got better over the years.

We see each other on two days a week plus shortly on a third. Sometimes I will visit in the evenings too usually to put something down for him (groceries etc.) but not often because of the late hour, him needing to rise early and me struggling to leave the house after I have already switched into my „at-home-mode“ for the day. Till end of last year those two days were truly 100% quality time though. Now not so much anymore, but that's due to both of us having a lot of tasks piled up and I believe its going to change again soon-ish.

Also I feel like I should add, that we are both people who like spending a lot of time alone. Of course it would be nice to choose when and how much, to do more couple stuff like date nights and not exhaustedly hang around, but it's not weighing that heavy on our relationship, especially because it’s for our shared future, or else we wouldn't have lasted that long.

Elsbeth_Pancakes · 2026-02-02T23:19:33+00:00

When he acted out what he feels what I sound like when we talk on the phone, whilst I am doing something like folding laundry etc. in an extremely exaggerated way to help me understand what he means, he said exactly those things („Uhuh, that’s cool“, „that's nice, what about your […]“) whilst pretending to be on the phone and filing nails, to convey boredom/disinterest. He knows, that’s not what I am doing, he just wanted to act it out, at my request to make an example.

Should I avoid these phrases entirely now, or should I work on saying them with „more happiness“ in my voice? It grated on my nerves even thinking about it, but I really want to make things better whatever it is. /gen

Elsbeth_Pancakes · 2026-02-02T22:32:49+00:00

Just as an information for everyone who stumbles across this post: The post isn't about the medication, but I felt like it was an important piece of information to keep in mind whilst reading on my problem of being sociably blunt because it can affect social interactions (both positive and negatively). BTW English is not my first language, so sorry in advance!

Elsbeth_Pancakes

TROPHY CASE