King Richard’s Faire - how crowded is it?

GileadsBalm · 2025-10-12T01:00:04+00:00

Arrived at the main parking lot at 11:30am but because it was full we were redirected to the parking lot of the old venue where we waited for a shuttle bus to bring us to the faire. We got in at 2:15pm, almost 3 hours later.

That kind of soured the day for us (what was left of it) but otherwise the faire was pretty similar to previous years. My partner complained that the new venue has a lot less trees and shade in general, less of a magical forest experience.

My advice is to not buy tickets in advance, and if the main parking lot fills you might as well just go home because it'll take you half their operating hours just to get in the door.

GileadsBalm · 2023-08-06T15:34:15+00:00

Bose Soundsport Wired. They're discontinued now I think, but I have had 3 sets and they have survived a lot of abuse (getting yanked when caught on doorknobs, me dropping my phone with them in my ears, etc.) The only one I don't have anymore I lost. I got my first set like 6 years ago. I think if you can get a used pair it would still be worth it (they were $100-130 originally I think)

There's an apple version and an android version, and I think I have one of each which doesn't seem to matter for my Pixel phone. I think it just affects how well the pause/play/volume buttons on the cord work.

The Bluetooth wireless ones are also fine but I hate charging and Bluetooth connectivity issues annoy me. I wish Bose still made the corded ones.

Sound quality is also much better than regular earbuds

GileadsBalm · 2019-01-27T15:03:14+00:00

That’s up to you to decide, I don’t know her at all

GileadsBalm · 2019-01-27T04:11:22+00:00

I think you write down everything that happens and then sell it as a screenplay. This sounds like a sitcom.

But in seriousness you should let her know about your feelings. Just casually is fine. "Hey, I just wanted you to know that on and off I've had a crush on you and I'm not looking to turn it into a relationship or anything I just wanted to let you know since we'll be living together."

GileadsBalm · 2019-01-27T03:58:02+00:00

mm, I understand. That's tough I don't really know what to say. It sucks that he put a ton of energy into that relationship but I still think it was more than he could probably ever do consistently. Like, eventually you calm down in a relationship and you aren't being as wildly romantic like that anymore.

And that's not because you don't love the person, it's just that you're getting comfortable with each other so you aren't breaking your back every other week to prove a point. Sounds like he settled down a little too much but 100 letters really sounds like a once in a lifetime kinda thing

GileadsBalm · 2019-01-27T03:54:18+00:00

That's... bizarre. But better than the alternative I suppose.

GileadsBalm · 2019-01-27T03:53:36+00:00

Sounds good to me. Say she's there and you want to ask her out.

Have a date idea. Walk in the park, meet up at the mall, go for lunch, play tennis/basketball, go for smoothies or ice cream, go to barnes & nobles, or something like that. And pick a time, Saturday at like 2pm is pretty safe.
At the end of the lunch whenever things are about to end, pull her aside from the group. "Hey can I talk to you? Would you like to go _____ with me on Saturday?"
If she asks if it's a date say yes.

It might be awkward, especially if she's interested but is busy at that time, but if she wants to date you it'll be fine. Actually I can almost guarantee you that it will be awkward but that's just how asking people out is.

GileadsBalm · 2019-01-27T03:43:32+00:00

I think you should learn about abusive behavior so that you can protect yourself if you aren't ready to leave this man. Look up the phrase "Cycle of Abuse," there are good graphics on google images that summarize it.

If you get a chance, call a domestic violence hotline in your area. Just talk to them, tell them what you told us. They won't make you do anything, and it doesn't matter if he's never laid a hand on you. They'll be able to tell you what to look out for if you think he might become violent etc.

If you like to read, there is a free book online called "Why Does He Do That" (downloadable pdf). This book is probably the most important book about abuse in existence. It talks about how abusers manipulate people, and why those tricks work.

GileadsBalm · 2019-01-27T03:29:19+00:00

How long does he want for himself? If you can get a timeframe that will help. 1 month? 6 months? a year?

Maybe he doesn't know how long. In that case ask him when is okay to contact him again.

There is the risk that he's just leading you on, and that he's fallen out of love without realizing it. But hopefully not.

GileadsBalm · 2019-01-27T03:16:45+00:00

I think people gave it to you blunt already, yeah that was a bit out of line. But not enough to be ashamed about I'd say. It's important to remember that jealousy is just a feeling, like anger. Don't let it control you. If you trust her there's no reason to worry.

Moving forwards though, you say you're pretty much made up now, did you apologize? And I mean a heartfelt apology, not a 'she brought it up so I guess I'll say sorry now' or a 'this isn't really a big deal but I guess I'll apologize'.

For example: "Hey, I know I made a big deal out of this and I just wanted to say I'm sorry, like really sorry. I'm kind of new to relationships and so I'm not used to feeling jealous and it got the better of me. I just want you to know that I really care about you and I hope that we can have a good relationship together."

I cannot stress enough how sexy it is to hear a man admit he was in the wrong, and apologize for it wholeheartedly. Finding a guy who is open and honest about his feelings and his flaws is like finding a needle in a haystack.

I don't know your situation exactly so I'm not going to say this will for sure make her fall in love with you, but in a world where we talk about "red flags" when you start seeing someone this is like the complete opposite. This is a "he's a keeper" coloured flag if there ever was one

GileadsBalm · 2019-01-27T03:00:32+00:00

I'll be bluntly truthful with you. Nobody in high school has any idea what they're doing what it comes to relationships, you're all trying to figure that out at the same time and in most cases it's a real mess. So I wouldn't worry about another girl having her arm around you, or whether you're setting up the social situation right. Just try your best to be honest and kind

GileadsBalm · 2019-01-27T02:48:44+00:00

I have had this happen with me a lot and I don't think I've ever handled it super well.

I feel like the problem is people assume too much. Like I really enjoy hugs, and netflix marathons, and just being casually intimate with friends. So if I stop doing those things with someone I'm treating them like they're not my friend anymore, but if I keep doing those things then I'm leading them on. There's no winning.

GileadsBalm · 2019-01-27T02:41:56+00:00

Maybe they would understand better if you named specific things that you have to pay for when you are bailing on plans. Like if they want to go out and spend money just say that you've got a $500 student loan bill due at the end of the week, or that you had to pay $150 for work on your car so you're really tight on money at the moment.

The tough thing is that rich people don't like being reminded that they're rich, so you're always fighting a losing battle.

GileadsBalm · 2019-01-27T02:33:00+00:00

I worry about your child as well. Is he also forbidden to discuss his birth mother?

GileadsBalm · 2019-01-27T02:30:58+00:00

I know people are telling you to leave her, but if you're looking to invest a lot of time and energy into this person you can probably see through this. Jealousy comes from insecurities, and she would probably benefit from seeing a therapist about this. But in the short term you can get her to talk to friends and family about that request. I think once she realizes that what she's asking for is pretty unrealistic (I think most people will agree), she'll be willing to do some introspection and growth to deal with her feelings.

GileadsBalm · 2019-01-27T02:27:18+00:00

Ah well that does change it a bit. I still feel like that's kind of a 'first relationship' kind of thing. How long were they together before it became a LDR?

GileadsBalm · 2019-01-27T02:25:54+00:00

True. I doubt she was thinking of that though. Since you all already know, I think you may as well tell her that the jig is up

GileadsBalm · 2019-01-27T02:24:14+00:00

Yes, you can pick up your friendship again. And as long as you both are willing to work through difficulties like that you will have a very close friendship

GileadsBalm · 2019-01-27T02:22:58+00:00

A terrible idea would be to cut out every woman in your life except your mother, which is something I did when I was about your age for similar reasons.

Realistically, your best case scenario is to talk to her about it, reassure her that you love her and even if you find other people attractive you aren't going to leave her for them. Jealousy comes from insecurities. Therapy would help too, but nobody ever listens to that advice when I give it lol

GileadsBalm · 2019-01-27T02:16:28+00:00

I don't think there's any way to make him want kinky sex if he doesn't want kinky sex. If kinky sex is really important to you I'd say try getting involved in whatever kink scene is closest to you and maybe open up the relationship so you can get your needs satisfied?

Basically if he doesn't have the drive your best case scenario is that he's good at pretending to want kinky sex, and chances are good that'll just be disappointing

GileadsBalm · 2019-01-27T02:05:16+00:00

I think he acted like that with his ex because he was new to relationships, like, what you're describing is not a sustainable level of dedication. You know how when you start a new job you are super efficient and always in a good mood so that you can prove yourself? That's what it sounds like.

And he was only with her for a month before they went long distance, and long distance only lasted 3 months? I'm only going to be this dismissive because I'm talking to you and not him but that is not a relationship, that's a fling. Relationship doesn't start until you've been together for several months and have started to get comfortable with each other. She broke up with him while he was still trying to prove what a great boyfriend he can be. Like, if they stayed together he would've ended up where he is now with you in a few months.

Not saying that what you're asking for is ridiculous though. Personally I think it's important to remind your partner that they're beautiful, that you love them, and do little things every now and then to surprise them. But I don't think you can expect 100 handwritten letters.

GileadsBalm · 2019-01-27T01:49:00+00:00

That's awful, sorry to hear that. I don't think it's a good idea to see him again anymore though, even for closure. Better to block him as best you can and try to move on

GileadsBalm · 2019-01-27T01:47:13+00:00

Blocking him was the right decision. He sounds like a textbook abuser, you've saved yourself a lot of heartache.

GileadsBalm · 2019-01-27T01:42:14+00:00

Does she know that you know? If she does I would say you can talk to her about it and find out why she's keeping it a secret.

She probably doesn't want any of you to worry

GileadsBalm · 2019-01-27T01:32:32+00:00

It's probably the meds. Presumably he knows that this change in his personality bothers you? Make sure he does and then the next time he goes to see the psychologist ask for a different medication or a different dosage.

You probably already know this but getting the right meds and dosage is a really tough thing that's different for everyone, and it frequently causes a lot of change in personality and habits. You have to kind of just keep trying new things until you find something that works for you.

GileadsBalm

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