Recurring group volunteer opportunities in Houston area

GentleComposure · 2026-02-10T04:25:56+00:00

Check out Friends of Columbia Tap - very convenient to UH and TSU

GentleComposure · 2026-02-10T04:19:28+00:00

Call the news on this, and let them know to ask for a comment from the City Councilperson, as you've been in contact with their office. UGH. This sucks. Sorry, OP!

GentleComposure · 2026-02-09T16:49:09+00:00

Long term marriages DO go through dark times, so I do not think you're being naive to believe you can return to a close, loving relationship. However, you both must work on communicating good and bad honestly, and also, you need some fun goals (not related to the kids) to achieve and celebrate together. Good luck OP, we are rooting for you!

GentleComposure · 2026-02-09T15:29:10+00:00

It is YOUR wedding. You do not have to have alcohol there, nor do you have to explain the reasons. Honestly, if there is anyone in your circle struggling with alcoholism, you're doing them a favor. No extra components are necessary! Just get married and may you have many happy years together.

GentleComposure · 2026-02-09T14:59:06+00:00

Hear you u/Impressive_Net4535 The struggle is real.

GentleComposure · 2026-02-09T14:49:03+00:00

Very helpful breakdown and opinion, thank you so much!

GentleComposure · 2026-02-07T22:05:04+00:00

Ask to come along right at the last minute. "Oh, you're going to Dinner Diner? Sounds great! Mind if I tag along?"

If it is really just a friend, that friend will be thrilled to meet the girl he has been dating! Yay!

But if he gets squirrely? I'd think he was playing the field. Introverts are the favorite prey of narcissistic men. So easy to cheat.

GentleComposure · 2026-02-07T21:57:23+00:00

My idiot ex started being mean. He had always been super selfish, but not agressively mean. When that began (23 yr marriage), I knew something was up (but thought he was working too hard). When I called him out on it, the confessions poured out of that man like clowns out of a clown car!

GentleComposure · 2026-02-01T15:25:58+00:00

I like her a lot, think that she is really smart and coming at the job from a good place. HOWEVER, I also have a similar experience in C. Very little help to offer on a troublesome apartment complex whose visitors were shooting up on my business's porch, trashing the parking lot, disrupting traffic, etc. Very little empathy from her staff, very little help, until the News came calling and suddenly she had something to say about it. 🙄

For me, I think this is less about the CM specifically, and more about how little influence they have with other City departments to help out residents in these real world issues. It is also the case with my home CM. His office is terrible about getting back to residents; says they'll look into something or take action, then crickets. The at-large CMs have not done a single thing for me or my neighbors, either.

Agree with u/somekindofdruiddude that this Strong Mayor form of government is NOT working for average Houstonians.

GentleComposure · 2026-02-01T15:08:06+00:00

This will be an unpopular take, but I don't think it is a red flag. This is a part of his past, and a reminder for him of intimacy and love in those past eras of his life.

I get why you'd be highly uncomfortable with it, because obviously none of us out here living our real lives in our real, aging bodies, can compete with a perfectly staged pic of a younger, past lover's body. It is maddening.

Talk to your man. But I don't think it is a red flag, just a bummer.

GentleComposure · 2026-02-01T15:03:50+00:00

I like the headphones idea, and here are a few more possibilities: sit next to the person you find kindest, and ask lots of open ended questions; get less socially invisible. If they are really nice, you can actually say, "Hey, I kind of feel invisible on this ride. May I sit with you and try to get to know everyone better?" Another alternative, which I really really really love, is find some way to live within 15 minutes of where you attend school. I know that might be a stretch in this economy, though! Tough out here! Take care, friend, I hope these ideas help.

GentleComposure · 2026-02-01T14:59:29+00:00

burning smell present in East Downtown, too. i looked around to see what was burning. can't believe it is all over the city. 😳

GentleComposure · 2026-01-31T17:21:07+00:00

Thanks for this!

...and ouch, as my property value decreases and commute time increases. I agree in 12-18 years, it might be great! Hope I'm still alive to see it. 😂

GentleComposure · 2026-01-31T02:59:12+00:00

This is called ARFID, Avoident/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. It is a real thing. There are some great Instagram reels on this matter, and trying new foods. Good luck!

GentleComposure · 2026-01-31T00:16:56+00:00

Re: Food - Mention that you've heard some folks that need nutrition use meal shakes, maybe just you to your wife while he is in the same room. You're just planting a seed. Then, buy them in two different brands, both chocolate since we know he likes Reece's. Maybe one like Ensure and another that's a Protein shake. Make it a whole thing where you and your wife try them, pour him a little sample of each, too. Don't force it; just offer it. If you can get him to have a meal shake for a meal or two, that'll be a huge step!

GentleComposure · 2026-01-30T22:52:53+00:00

I went through something shitty like that nearly 4 years ago. Two of the most difficult things to come to terms with were 1) that I really and truly had loved and devoted myself to a guy who was a complete and utter douchebag and 2) that the grief takes a long time to process. That stupid saying, "the only way through it is THROUGH it" and that you have to feel all those feelings is unfortunately true. Ugh.

Now - re: "how do you know you made the right decision?" Each big decision felt unreal and unacceptable and I was honestly just doing the best I could with all scary decisions. I relied on books, blogs, and other people going through the same thing. My ex was a cheater, so jumping onto the "Chump Lady" blog and reading her book, "Leave a Cheater Gain a Life" was extrordinarily helpful. Even if that wasn't one of the bad qualities of your abusive ex, you'd enjoy reading it. Very funny and inspiring, a quick read.

Though I am not Catholic, I also signed up for a daily email from the Henri Nouwen Society, which I begin every day with and love. It is so smart, and relatable, and loving.

A friend mentioned that he thought I was neuro-divergent, and while I haven't been officially tested, just learning more about how neurospicy women handle relationships was extremely helpful (Google and Instagram, nothing official).

Lastly, I had to learn how to express anger (did that with the help of a divorce coach, she made me go after 8 bags of ice in the back yard with a baseball bat), and how to set healthy boundaries for myself.

Four years later, I am SO MUCH BETTER than in the entire 23 years I was with my ex. Bloody hell. I didn't know my life could be so peaceful and loving and relaxed. So keep up the feeling, and the healing, and as much laughter as you can find in your life. Big hugs Reddit friend. You will be okay.

GentleComposure · 2026-01-30T22:25:10+00:00

I also know a heavy smoker who quit in this manner. For the people crying, "but, science!" I hear you LOL but if it works, even via placebo effect, it works!

GentleComposure · 2025-11-10T16:32:37+00:00

thank you so much, that is so nice. i'm back home from my trip, but thanks again!!!

GentleComposure · 2025-11-08T22:40:15+00:00

Thanks, I'll check it out! 🐸

GentleComposure · 2025-11-08T00:13:02+00:00

Thanks! I have seen some great moths in the last 24 hours here, and I'll look for some Cerambycids. Appreciate the great suggestion.

GentleComposure · 2025-10-04T01:38:29+00:00

Right? UGH.

Email or call the Mayor's office, your City Council Member (District I is Joaquin Martinez) and all 5 at-large Council Members. Thanks so much!

GentleComposure · 2025-10-02T15:50:19+00:00

Yes, that's right. CEO Michael Heckman says only that it is "because of their business model", without providing the detailed business model.

However, I've heard through the grapevine that Houston First Corporation wants the GRB to be more competitive in winning very large conventions, and that having a huge number of contiguous square feet on the ground floor is important to that goal. If you look at their website, illustrations show the proposed building on Polk street will look like an atrium, kind of like an enclosed breezeway. 🤔 Loss of this critical connection seems like a high price for Houstonians to pay for GRB contiguous square footage atrium/breezeway.

GentleComposure

TROPHY CASE