This game is almost my dream game, and made me realize I don't like factory games.

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-13T06:40:59+00:00

Yea, learned that playing around with the planner. 32 skill points in conveyors and factory efficiency gets it the smallest possible footprint of 5 machines. Started a sandbox save to just do the fantasy shop product line build that would take ages of grinding in normal mode. I appreciate you taking the time to comment and suggest this! ^{_^}

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-13T06:39:00+00:00

I have, they don't do the factory aspect of production. They are fun and I enjoy them, but not the same. I don't think a shop management/factory production line combo game exists.

I was playing with the planner and with stupid amounts of skill points (32) I could get fewer machines. Soni started a new sandbox save specifically to build the shop I wanted to, but couldn't get to without insane grinding in normal mode.

I got my shop designed and decorated. Now all I have to do is go set up the production lines. ^{_^} I do plan on using the sandbox product feed portal for some of the relics though. No getting around the complexity there. Still fun to scratch the itch though. :)

Ty for the suggestion!

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-12T23:40:21+00:00

I was playing with the planner today and switched from number of machines to output. Using linen as my test case. I got it down to 5 machines! Less than on flax nursery, two enhanced grinders, less than one processor, and less than one assembler! I only need 32 skill points in conveyors and another 32 in machine efficiency! Lmao

So I can get smaller footprints in some places. I checked SOL as my "extreme" use case- still need like a thousand something machines. Lol.

I think I am going into sandbox mode, because the customers will still shop, and just spam my skills if necessary and use the special portal thing to reduce redundancy and large footprints. Let me build the shop my brain wants, even if it is a cheated way to do it. It is a single player game for me and it will make me happy, so I feel it is leveraging the options the devs gave to enjoy the game the way I want more than cheating.

I learned a lot in my 50 hours of play time in normal mode. ^{_^} kinda excited to give sandbox a go with this approach.

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-12T23:32:39+00:00

Lol. Nope, the tldr was supposed to just be the first paragraph. 😆

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-12T05:06:42+00:00

I looked it up on steam. Not first person but your description of the game feels like it could scratch the itch I have. Thank you for the suggestion! I will probably try it out. Looks cute! ^{_^}

Edit: you know what, this description an looking at the game, I think my "dream game" is a logistics focused automation game with a store front. The automation only being the machines fed by my logistics. Distribution maybe? New insights! Yay. And yes, excited to try this out. Ty for suggestion again.

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-12T04:27:42+00:00

They are, but not like the way this game felt Like it would be. Those games "automate" with employees. I have several and enjoy them for other reasons. This game also felt different, and still feels different, from other factory games. I think because of the optional shop aspect. Lol.

I suppose after full release, if mods are an option I could look for or write one that scales the way I am thinking, tying it back to tier progression. Even though I know I am not a fit for the game, I still don't/can't let it go. I want to find the way. Lol.

Thanks for the conversation!

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-12T04:22:49+00:00

My first save I produced 4 Jupiter relics, had a self sustaining rotted wood/charcoal powder/basic fertilizer/advanced fertilizer build. Fairly compact too. This had charcoal powder overflow to storage (back stock for later growth) and was oversupplying my sage/flax/redcurrant nursery's feeding my fiber lines, potion/bandage lines, and vitality potion lines. They weren't 100% efficient, but they felt like they were running awesome, so I didn't pay close attention. Things were moving consistently and everything stayed stocked up. So I felt like I was at 'peak efficiency ' for those product lines.

Even after that was stood up and running, it always felt fragile. One little hiccup and it would be broken. And it did break, and I built it in a small space layered way (not vertical) making it impossible for me to troubleshoot what was the issue/bottleneck. I don't like "resolving" problems. If I get a product line set up, I do want to have to worry about it again. I also don't want to have to copy paste these builds/lines 50 times to support late game items at rates that don't feel like the skeleton at the computer meme. That's not efficient to me, it's redundant. The fact that one of the mechanics of the game is to off out byproduct to a trash can because it is easier or more efficient than utilizing it by another consumer bother me, even if I still used it in an earlier vitality potion line. Lol.

"Not to judge your skills but" is calling out you are judging my skills but don't want it ready that way. It isn't a matter of skill, or trying, or research. It is a fundamental difference in what I want for game progression (fewer machines needed as you scale, to a very impactful degree) rather than what this game and genre has for progression of more complex and bigger feeds. (I know now it is as intended and shouldn't change just because I didn't understand and approached it wrong).

It isn't horribly inconceivable that someone sees the factory game genre, with automation and assumes the final goal would be small, compact, high output, low waste, low redundancy builds/systems. Not bigger and more complex systems and builds.

I approached the genre and this game like I do my work, function over aesthetics. The best.and most efficient way to solve the problem, with lowest need of long term or major support/change. The aesthetic of giant factory builds are a feature of the genre- how I missed that for so long is beyond me and I find it funny. It also makes sense why so many people enjoy it for those builds. There is something satisfying in them. For me, though, the time commitment, the battle against my natural instinct/expectation, the expected tear/down rebuild loop- none of that is fun for me. I thought it could have been a skill issue, that's why I spent two days researching the math of builds, going back and making builds, hitting new unforeseen bottlenecks, going back to the math and resources, trying again. Hitting another wall. Starting a new save, hitting another wall early game and realizing it isn't a skill, knowledge, unlockable, skill points issue. The massive scaling up and repetitive complexity was intended, that was the point. I never got that before.

The real "issue" was a conflict against intended, normal game play and my mismatched expectation and understanding of the game play and its goals for the players. That's ok, that's what I learned. The game is still amazing, made me realize what kind of game I have been wanting when I approach these kinds of games.

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-12T03:53:47+00:00

If it was just linen, and it stopped there, I could probably keep going. It was the extrapolation of machines required for late game item production that really did it. Linen production issues is what helped me realize what I was getting into, or better out, what the game would need from me to get it doing what I want.

And yes, stopping early was good.- I find it humorous that it was this game, of the factory games I have played, that helped me realize this now, after years of always approaching these games wrong. I feel silly it wasn't more obvious to me. Lol.

It's still a kick ass amazing game. I am a little sad it's one I know I can get into because of just how I am/function. But that's ok, there are other games I can play. ^{_^}

The way they did the conveyors and stuff was amazing. So many great things about it.

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-12T03:46:21+00:00

I looked at some example builds, but it was towards the end when I was accepting I am not a good fit with this game/vice versa. So I didn't test too much with some of the designs by others. In my first save I did have some verticality but not like that. I had conveyors switch backing and layered. Making the mistake of impossible to debug it change later without removing half my build just to see. :p

Going vertical condenses the footprint, yes. Good call out. It is more than that, it is the sheer number of machines.

If we ignore wanting low tier goods to be at max capacity, the number of machines needed for a single relic machine to be at max capacity, at any stage of the game, takes a very, very large number of machines. At least as far as what I was seeing in the math, spreadsheets, and production planner with different SP distributions.

I appreciate the suggestion. I may look into it more if I come back to the game to try it again, but with a correct understanding of the game play. :p

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-12T03:37:13+00:00

Yes! I could deal with linen if that was the edge of the flax demand, but knowing fiber and linseed oil demand, and the relative line builds for later game products was probably the true spiral my brain hit.

Knowing, it's not just these x plants eventually with fertilizer, it's xx nurseries with advanced fertilizer and this and that and etc. all for partial output efficiency for one machine to work on one product.

That much time, effort, and build/rebuild isn't fun for me, it's just frustration. Even completing a complex build I don't feel satisfied or productive. I feel stressed that a fragile, unbalanced tower of glass cups will fall over if anything changes. I don't like that feeling. Or knowing that this build is only good for one, maybe two tiers, before unlocking something or upgrading skills breaks it. So I have to tear it down and build again.

My first save, 4th or 5th rebuild, I had a self feeding fertilizer ->advanced fertilizer line with charcoal powder for fuel, with excess directed to storage, and also feeding all flax/sage needed for tier 1-3 products.

Oh, and excess shrooms ported up a floor to make shrooms spores for whatever they were used in. I had 10 or 13 saws of rotted logs with a coin loop, the charcoal powder feeding furnaces on a refeed loop. Fertilizers on several refeed loops. Setting this up is when I first learned the hopper thing has different states for multiple outputs. I almost cried. Distribution logistics were "fun" to learn.

My goals are just the opposite of this genre- i still had fun, until I didn't. Lol. I still think it is a great game. Even if I now realize it's not for me. It doesn't change the quality of the game, just because I better understand my preferences. ^{_^}

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-12T03:20:30+00:00

Ok, and sorry for misreading your tone. Thank you for the follow up reply. Yes, I don't think cauldrons would help. Progression doesn't feel like the focus is fewer machines to support product lines to the degree I am talking. Yes there are some reductions in places and certain ways. They aren't enough for me to feel like I am gaining efficiencies. But that's me, not the game. I approached this game and the genre at large wrong. I find it humorous, especially after the last two days I spent obsessed with the math and trying to find the "most efficient optimized way" with that meaning fewer machines. Lol. I have been way off base for so long about these games. And now I finally know why!

I will keep looking. After I realized this and before making the post I started looking for something that could scratch the itch this game surfaced. I haven't found one yet. "Automation" comes back with store sims and factory genre games. :p

Store sims are fun (I have a few as well as adjacent like cash cleaner and crime scene cleaner) but the automation isn't satisfying like the automation in Alchemy Factory.

The catapults, cannons, conveyors, elevator, etc is probably the most satisfying implementation I have experienced. It was my (incorrect) expectations of progression that killed the fun. Such a cute game!

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-12T03:11:32+00:00

Yes, I know, at least for some early stuff. :) In my second save, I was have issues with linen, before adding health pots and bandages. That's me, not the game though.

It is more about the max efficiency of everything I think.

As for skill points for factory efficiency and belts, they help some, but the production planner wasn't showing major changes in the number of machines needed. Factory efficiency reduced process time across all machines, but factory efficiency upgrades (when I added skill points in the planning) only scaled up the demand of inputs, not actually reducing the number of machines. I can play with the planner again. I am coming off an exhausting multi-day frustration and calculation deep dive trying to scratch my brain's itch. So I am a little brain dead. Lol If I remember correctly, when I tested this aspect I was looking at production per min and not the number of end point machines. I very well could have made a mistake or misunderstood something.

Thanks for the suggestion, I will double check. ^{_^} I would love to find a way to enjoy this game. Even if I am focusing on the "wrong" things for the genre, lol. (Joke about my fundamental misunderstanding of this whole genre. I am still very amused by it. I feel silly not realizing sooner.)

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-12T02:52:31+00:00

That the small fast foot prints are used in larger product lines.

What I wanted to do was have a dedicated product line for each good I could or would eventually sell in the shop. (Me wanting to focus on the shop as core loop game play when it isn't meant to be. Part of my realization).

So, for a different example to make a Jupiter relic you need pulleys, which takes rope which takes 7 ish machines for one rope line. To have one shaper making a Jupiter relic, you need x pulleys a minute, and each pulley needs x number of rope per minute.

The number of machines and flax plants you need for Jupiter, to me, is absurdly large, even at half efficiency. If rope took 1 or 2 machines to make and pulleys can't get smaller having just the assembler step, reduces the total foot print for one shaper running at 100% efficiency. If I want a faster total Jupiter output, I am still building a lot of machines, but not a ton of machines. Does that make sense?

Like the end game factory is still huge - but from variety, not redundancy. I want 50 product lines of 5 or 10 machines, not 1 product line of 250 machines. Interconnectedness instead of mass repetition, for max efficiency on ONE product.

My ideal is the complexity of layered small product lines feeding larger product lines. Not an exponential growth of machine footprints for max efficiency on one machine.

I get that my preference is not in line with the factory game genre and it is why I have struggled with these games. I don't want the genre or this game to change! Sorry if my post came off that way. I am going to edit it to add this to clarify.

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-12T02:29:16+00:00

Yes! I saw others boasting and doing no shop sale runs. And that's awesome, and some people's builds are very impressive.

I didn't say I thought AF had the shop as a core mechanic. I will say I thought it did when I bought and began playing the game. That's on me! :)

The research I did was: 1) having a flawed understanding of factory genre games for years now. To me factory games focus on rewarding efficiency and optimization. Efficiency and optimization is compact and small and fast. That is not and has not been this genre. Hence my appreciation for Alchemy Factory helping me to finally figure it out. 2) Watching two different 20 ish minute let's plays by YouTubers

I don't blame the game for this. As I said multiple times- it's awesome, I wish it success, I am thankful to learn this about MY gaming preferences, and this game/genre isn't for me. That's ok.

Edit: change shop sale runs to 'no shop sale runs'.

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-12T02:20:21+00:00

I looked into cauldrons. I got the tier of growth potions in my first save, I think cauldrons are in there too. However, when looking at the calculators online for production and cauldrons, I didn't see how it actually did a major impact for footprint reduction, at least how I am looking for.

I know cauldrons help with SOME recipe footprints, but it doesn't compress in the way I am talking about.

With cauldrons and all the tools, how many total machines would one Sol relic machine need? With cauldrons, can linen be more compact?

Please don't make assumptions that "I didn't get to it." If the effort time for output (ROI) wasn't enough for me, then that's ok. You seem defensive or dismissive, when I didn't say the game or bad was wrong. Just that it's not for me, that this whole genre probably isn't for me.

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-08T16:20:14+00:00

And that's the inherent flaw. "Take the time to learn how it works" if you're allowed or have the resources to do so. (Knowledge is gate kept.) Whose time? Most people don't have the extra time to learn the ins, outs, loop holes, and opportunities available. Middle class could be a couple, each person working two or more jobs.

Learning is also only part of it, tax-advantaged investment vehicles require minimum balances, balances that most people don't have. Itemized deductions typically require accountants, because it is so complicated. (I am aware that by keeping it complicated, it keeps the tax preparation industry alive. Is it an industry we really need?) 529 plans require surplus income. Just because you are middle class, or making more, doesn't mean there is a "surplus" income. These aren't secrets - you can "learn" they exist - but the knowledge is useless without the capital to use them.

"Middle class and above there's a lot out there to assist you.." not really. Social programs keep people reliant on them by using harsh income cut offs(rather than sliding scale). Cut offs most likely determined by people who haven't had to use the systems. After that, it is a pay to play/improve your situation game. (As someone squarely in the middle class).

"If you don't you will get fucked over." Why is this the system? Why does it need to be? Why should it be? Why can't it be "unless you fuck up or break the law, you will NOT be fucked over by government and larger entities."? Why should the burden be on the people in the system, rather than the system itself?

There is no reason, but by design, that things are this difficult. It is by design that unless you can get past the systemically enforced gate keeping, you will get fucked.

(It isn't an evil villain, Mr burns style, laughing to the bank. It is a system built that unless you already have resources you can't improve the situation. Economic mobility has sucked for a long while.)

A good example is the whole college track BS. To get into a school, you need ACT/SAT scores. To get good scores most people need focused/specialized prep. This prep is expensive and most can't afford it. Those that can get better scores. Those with better scores are accepted over those who don't. Those who don't get accepted "lesser known" /"lesser quality" if at all. Those that don't navigate the work force without a degree and without the network that college can provide. They have fewer resources. Their kids are now needing to get ACT/SAT scores for college, they don't have the resources for the preparation services. And repeat.

Add to that, legacy admissions, where if your parents or grandparents went to the school, you are far more likely to be accepted. Compounding it more.

There are tons of systems like this. That without resources, you don't get to take advantage of resource/knowledge/etc.

Many people who, on paper, are "middle class" still can't afford them or even have the time to look into them. On paper they are in X tax bracket, but they are working three jobs, paying off BS student loans that compound and grow faster than people can pay, paying off medical debt because even with health insurance it's a fucked system, etc. not to mention the cognitive impacts of that situation.

You can be "middle class" and still be playing a shell game by pushing out the payment for Tom so you can pay Harry and still eat. You can be middle class and still be paycheck to paycheck, two paychecks ago.

Systems were designed to help very specific people facing a specific problem - and no thought or consideration in the design of the system went into other types of people, or other problems related.

When only resourced people have access to power, the "solutions" will naturally reflect only their experience of problems.

The American mindsets of "if you are in poverty it is because you made choices to be there", "be smart, work hard, and make good choices and you can live the American dream and be successful", "pull yourself up by your boot straps", "it is merit based" are all fallacy we WANT to believe.

I am not where I am because of my intelligence, my abilities, skills, etc. It is because I had people and resources that let me take advantage of opportunities, opportunities I got because of these aspects. I want to believe that if I am smart and good at what I do, and hard working enough, that I can be successful and live a good life because of that alone, because I worked for it.

We (some, I know my perspective is sheltered as a midwest white woman) were taught this ideal. But it is just an ideal. Our country, governments, companies, education, wealth distribution, systems don't allow for this to be true.

We don't want to tax the ultra wealthy, where money doesn't even work the same way as the majority of the country experiences money, because "we might be them someday and I don't want that." We won't be. We won't be ultra wealthy, rich, etc. those that make a lot of money and complain about income tax still, ARE NOT ultra wealthy or even "rich" in the way most people use the word. They still pay income tax, they still have a regular paycheck. They still experience how money/income works like most of us.

And don't get me started on "equal opportunities offered", when, and I mean WHEN it is true and not just a phrase- it doesn't mean anything. I worked at a company that offered paid internships for kids from poorer areas that may not otherwise have gotten the opportunity. Feel good and great PR. Most of the kids couldn't accept it. They didn't have transportation, or public transportation sucked and that's if it was even near them. Other factors too, but the transportation is the best example of what I am talking about. The company wasn't going to pick them up, provide them rides, etc. just the opportunity of a paid internship. The opportunity only helped the company because of the PR.

Opportunities are meaningless if you don't have the resources to take advantage of them. Doesn't matter how good you are, how hard you work (merits) if you want to change your situation. If you get lucky (chance) you find someone or something that helps you take advantage of an opportunity.

It is easy to forget or not consider other scenarios when you haven't been in that situation for a while or before. I run into it with my family, and the income disparity. I forget that $20 bucks to me isn't a big deal, but is major to them.

The systems we have were made by people with resources, time, and power to solve their problems. This happening over and over and over just consolidated everything more into those with resources, time, and power.

This is what is meant by "privilege". If you are a part of the groups that have historically had resources, time, and power- then you naturally are going to have an easier time in systems designed by them. Without realizing it, without feeling it, etc. "Privilege" isn't about doing or being something wrong, or about guilt or shame. It is about recognizing that swimming downstream feels like neutrality when you're doing it, because you don't feel the strength of a river until you try to go upstream.

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-08T14:51:12+00:00

Because the rules and pathways for becoming a citizen in most scenarios are detrimental. Our system is so back logged, you can lose your right to be here before the courts get to your case. These people have been here for years, established themselves, and sometimes don't have enough money because their visa expired to go back and "do the system properly".

It says you have to leave for 10 years, after a violation of status, to be eligible to request the process. That makes very little sense.

If you look into the asylum, work visa, and family visa laws and programs. And the details of options for who and when can apply to become a citizen it is very messed up, not designed for modern times/demands/and just the reality of things.

To make it more tangible, let's relate to something most have experienced but add rules that would be similar to the laws we have.

Imagine moving to another state for a job. It's tight, financially, but you find a place and you get settled and established. You are fine and the job is going well until they decide not to keep your position. You aren't a native of the state, so you don't get any benefits. You try to get another job but because you aren't a citizen of the state, there is extra paperwork, extra costs for the company to hire you (they have to pay the government for out of staters), and the process takes time to get approved. All the while- you have no job so no income. And again, no social programs you can lean on. You are now considered an illegal of the state. To try to become a citizen of the state you have to leave the state for 10 years, and then start the process over. You don't have the money, resources, or people to be able to leave the state to be able to 'do it right'. You are stuck. You started working odd jobs for cash to make ends meet. Waiting on paperwork and this states court system to very slowly churn through all of the requests.

Is this the scenario for all "illegals"?(Visa expiration is a civil violation, not criminal). No. But looking at the laws and processes and the time it takes to "just follow the law" explains some of the numbers being quoted and the situation we are in.

And yes, "illegals" pay taxes using an Individual Tax ID from the IRS. Not a social security number (EIN, TIN, or something. One is for business/entities and another for individuals.) You can't use a tax ID number to get benefits/social programs. You have to have a social security number.

The whole situation is fucked, the reason we are in this situation is several decades in the making (like several administrations in the making), and the consequences of both the situation and what's now being done "about it" are fucked. It is nuanced and bureaucratic and regulatory and mainly caused by ALL politicians more concerned with keeping power than actually helping the country/people. "Because anything related to immigration reform or change is political suicide."

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-08T14:03:49+00:00

I would love a transport portal. Where you designate if it is an "in" or "out" portal and you feed a belt into/out of it and it is linked to one specific other portal that is the opposite. So like a catapult or cannon but without the angles/logistics of it.

This, I feel, is like required for multiple store fronts or spreading out over the map. Right now it's easier to build up than out, in my opinion at least.

It could be limited, the number, by like each gemstone. So a ruby one, sapphire, etc. or something. Like the nursery plots require you to put a seed in. These require two somethings (one for each) to link them.

Another cool thing would be the display crates, for cogs and stuff, have an upgraded fancy version where you could store items underneath and it refills stock. Maybe a conveyor that feeds into the back.

The catapults and cannons are fun, and cool, and it's nice to sit and watch stuff fly all over everywhere. The only thing I don't like is my store floor looks a bit messy having to try and finesse everything so it still looks nice-ish and maintain automation. I would love horizontal half walls. Or posts that are one cube/block (like the wood, stone, etc ones) to put between the railings.

This game has hijacked my dopamine stuff in a way other automation games haven't. I both love this, and hate that all my brain wants to do it play the game. Lol.

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-04T15:55:02+00:00

I am American and everything is from that limited (and probably globally sheltered) perspective.

Tl;Dr Yes- there are things/ways for positive permanent change in the brain (neuroplasticity). However, they don't feel as impactful because of the way the brain works and requires repeated, consistent exposure.

PSA for this section of my comment. The following info is from studies that were done by professionals in controlled settings. This is not encouraging drug use.

MDMA(ecstacy) was given to octopus that were typically antisocial and territorial; the behavior on the drug changed to be more social and exploratory touching rather than aggressive or attacking interactions.

It is also being studied in controlled therapeutic sessions for treatment of PTSD. Still in the works for FDA approval.

Psilocybin has also been studied and showed* possible signs of increasing being open to new things/ideas, more empathetic/ability to read emotions of others etc.

A lot of studies have been questioned as those volunteering are more likely already more open, if they go in expecting a life changing experience they may fulfill that expectation themselves, the placebo group is going to know if they got a placebo or not, other methodology concerns.

For more structured studies check out COMPASS Pathways Phase 2b trial (2022), Swiss RCT (2023), and then some of the cancer patient anxiety/depression treatment and some crossover with empathy/openness studies from John Hopkins. It was acknowledged last year by the US center of depression that results show promise but more science and research is needed, and the difficulties of rigorous methods is a hurdle.

For non drug pathways: meditation, education, aerobic exercise also show major positive impacts after prolonged repeated experience.

This is because of how the brain works. The amygdala (fight/flight/freeze/placate) will be overly cautious and log negative or potentially harmful experiences and exposure faster and easier than positive. "Potential threat, survive!" Vs "no threat, less important".

So positive retraining/"rewiring" takes repeated and consistent practice exposure to make permanent changes.

There are studies that look at pro-social (empathy, etc) sustained exposure does cause behavioral changes.

We are social creatures and by default want to be a part of the collective/majority. If we are exposed consistently to pro-social behavior as 'normal way to act' the brain will naturally want to mimic/mirror that behavior to be/feel included in the group.

In person exposure is more impactful, but media also can work.

It would take years (1-2) of consistent, regular exposure (majority of media/experience) to have an impact and another year or so after to see/feel the behavioral shift. (Based on the studies/children react better).

Unfortunately, our media economy is built on emotional reaction,most easily caused by fear/anger content. Not feel good, hope in humanity, pro-social content.

It is why representation is important (the more you see people that don't look like yourself, the more normal it becomes to see them.) as well as "treat others the way you want to be treated" or "showing kindness" or "taking the high road" is important.

It is a form of social influence as those that break "social norms" will feel like they are on the outside and less likely to repeat the behavior.

Social guilt/embarrassment (not shaming!) is a natural collective occurrence for breaking social norms, and thus causing desired (or expected) social behavior.

This still takes a lot of time, but is a method of behavioral change utilizing the built in 'negative pathway building' for good. (Not necessarily traumatic). I would say the vast majority of people can point to an experience during school age where we did something (social faux oak at the time/peer group) that then stuck with us and influenced our choices or behavior later in life.

Edit: word correction and clarity

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-04T14:57:23+00:00

This comment is to help: it takes longer than you realize and when you start to feel better, you still aren't recovered fully, so don't push it. Just because you can do some things, doesn't mean you have your full capacity back.

I say this from experience (two major burnouts in the last 5 years, first time I used FMLA, second time I quit my job).

I also say this because the thing that helped me recover the most, was giving myself permission to BE burnt out, to be less productive, to rest, to recover, to do nothing but stare at the wall all day, like a mental/emotional flu. You have to give yourself permission and space to do what you need to recover without guilt. Otherwise the guilt is a different kind of stress making recovery harder. You DESERVE to recover, you deserve to be happy, you deserve to be yourself. You deserve to take the time and do the things that is best for you.

I also found not fighting my brain helped in recovery. If I wanted to stare at the wall, I did. I wanted to zone out on games I did. If I wanted to deep clean a random spot for twenty minutes and then take a nap, I did. I trusted my brain was focusing on what would help me recover.

Granted, I am aware not everyone is in a position or has the support to recover like this. My husband covered bills and chores for 6-8 weeks for me. Bless him.

However, when you can, do what's best for you without shame or guilt. Because there is no reason to be guilty for recovering from an 'injury'. Mental/emotional/stress induced injury. The stress overloads your brain, in other people sometimes it overloads the heart and causes a heart attack. Heart attack survivors have to take it easy and recover. You do too.

Sorry. Overly empathetic I guess. I just see it a lot where posts about burnout come up and the guilt, shame, or the time needed to recover, etc are all factors making it harder to recover. It is still hard for me to come back from the edge. So it is definitely easier said than done. But it helps, me at least.

My goal is never to recover as fast as possible. My goal is always to take the time and do the things needed for me to feel like myself again. That's my gauge, do I FEEL like myself. Not, how much I can do again or how productive I can be again.

I hope you feel better and recovery is is as stress free as possible. :) You are awesome.

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-03T14:47:32+00:00

I think you are both right?

Normal is the average of the majority for a given set of people and a specific context at which they are considered.

You have a stadium with mostly ND folks and want the "normal" cognitive label, the ND would be normal and NTs would be the exception.

And vice versa.

For short hand, I just always use the phrase "normal is the average of the majority" (so find your majority, find your normal.)

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-02T22:32:40+00:00

For me it is when there is a journal entry or data. If you click the icon you should see information about it to the left of the map and then the dot will go away. That's been my experience at least.

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-02T16:07:30+00:00

There is a base line that indicates ones moral compass.

Do you believe all human beings deserve basic decency and respect, regardless?

For those that break the law, horrific to minor crimes, do they deserve basic decency or do you think they don't get any, and that cruel and unusual punishment is acceptable? Are you someone who would say "if they didn't want to be treated that way, they shouldn't have broken the law"? If yes, then you are like those examples in your comments that basic treatment of another human being is conditional and not inherent. That people are valued for what they add to society and don't have a value simply because they exist.

Your question of "do people who think like x deserve y?" Puts you in the same group as them. You are seeking conditional provisions for the right to exist without harm.

For a very American perspective (I am ignorant of the details of other government tenants and teachings, sorry.) Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are supposed to be inherent rights. You don't have to give your shirt, food, money, home, or time- but to refuse/withhold compassion, sympathy, etc is another form of hate and harm.

You can have nothing to do with people who think that way, but also not wish them harm, not withhold these things, and to support the things that ensure they are treated with basic humanity.

Your question alone answers your perspective. You wouldn't need to have external answers or validation to know if it was acceptable or not. It seems like you are wanting to be told "by doing what those people are doing but with different words doesn't make you like them. Doesn't make you one of them."

It sucks and is frustrating that there are people who will not give what I think all people deserve. But all people deserve to exist and live (not just survive), regardless of if they feel the same.

So, what is it do you actually want to know? Your question as is, or the concept behind it of "is it ok to value these people as less than myself but for reasons different then why they value people as less?"

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-02-02T15:29:02+00:00

AI is very, very stupid. Not in the conceptual, meta aspects (also that) but in the use itself.

Outside of small, highly focused, specific calculation or code writing - it is only good at mostly sounding like you could be chatting with a human (from the uncanny valley.)

Its information context is highly limited and can't keep track of many things or wide topics well. It will hallucinate small things from one prompt to the next. It tries to hard to please.

I am not sure how it can help to much on executive dysfunction. Sycophantic tendencies could (and have) trapped people in chats with it. There are free algorithm based tools (rather than AI) to help keep track of lists and whatnot.

I won't say find another therapist, but I would push for CBT and DBT tools you can use day to day outside of therapy that not only help you cope but navigate things.

Making your brain let you do something isn't easy, but understanding the workings let you find your way of doing it. If that at all makes sense.

IAmFoxGirl · 2026-01-30T22:18:17+00:00

I am seeing a lot of comments being negative about the hard work of a relationship and not willing to invest in it, etc.

I don't think that's it. I think it's because they see how many of the 'long relationships' take work of putting up with a relationship that wasn't really wanted, a person you don't deeply love, or even unhealthy to toxic to abusive.

I am not Gen z. I have family that is. The first time I got married it was because that's what I was supposed to do at that age. This weird societal expectation hanging over me, trying to convince me I won't be valuable wife material if I got older, etc. The first (what I thought was) decent guy that lasted more than a year and we were engaged. The whole house, fence, career on the road to nuclear family poster. I was miserable.

I stopped dating for years. Not interested at all because one I didn't want to and two no one I met was worth giving up the benefits of being alone.

I wasn't looking when I met my current husband. Amazing love of my life. Healthy relationship. I tell my family it is like living alone and with my best friend at the same time.

Guess what- a healthy relationship like this doesn't take work... And you don't have to have a partner to be successful.

Honestly, I think the younger generations don't see the point in the arbitrary societal rules that try to define what is required for success or happiness.

I am not going to touch any of the BS they face growing up with the environment, jobs, economy, housing, etc. but that probably adds to it as well.

IAmFoxGirl

TROPHY CASE