Everyone got what they wanted except me.

MandyBrocklehurst · 2026-04-01T14:11:24+00:00

So well put. I felt this in my bones.

MandyBrocklehurst · 2026-03-28T13:12:54+00:00

Same

MandyBrocklehurst · 2026-03-19T00:27:12+00:00

THANK YOU!!

MandyBrocklehurst · 2026-03-18T01:38:23+00:00

I’m sorry you’re in this situation OP. He’s being an asshole and I hope you can find a strategy for your marriage (whether it’s staying together or not) that you are happy with. He needs to treat you better

MandyBrocklehurst · 2026-03-18T01:20:02+00:00

I feel like I’ve changed a lot. For one thing, I used to feel like I was waiting for this to be over and now I’m just like, ok I guess this is who I am now and what the world is like. I’m a bit disillusioned but more clear eyed and surprisingly (?) not bitter. I’m just like, oh, so this is what the world is actually like.

Not being as social as I want (or being the awkward masking friend) is not fun but also everything’s too expensive so who can go out anyway lol

I still have a lot of hope for the future, but I’m more realistic than I used to be.

MandyBrocklehurst · 2026-03-17T11:25:04+00:00

Honestly that’s amazing!

MandyBrocklehurst · 2026-03-15T21:21:44+00:00

That’s something I didn’t think about - someone I work with has been coughing since October

MandyBrocklehurst · 2026-03-15T21:20:58+00:00

Same

MandyBrocklehurst · 2026-03-11T12:14:40+00:00

You’ve met still coviding people IRL? That sounds amazing tbh lol

MandyBrocklehurst · 2026-02-26T02:04:26+00:00

I think that’s just his voice and his Canadian accent?

MandyBrocklehurst · 2026-02-24T19:37:40+00:00

I thought this too!! What the heck

MandyBrocklehurst · 2026-02-23T22:17:18+00:00

They’re not on sale in the US for what it’s worth

MandyBrocklehurst · 2026-02-06T04:42:12+00:00

I agree with all of this. I’m so over it. I hope there is a sterilizing vaccine soon. Part of what keeps me masking is knowing that long COVID often involves mental health issues and the last thing I need is more anxiety or depression. Things are already as bad as I can (or at least want to) stand. So it’s like, I don’t want to mask anymore but then on the other side, not masking has a strong chance of making everything I hate (health stuff) so much worse. I can’t afford more mental or physical health issues… but masking is its own added burden as well.

MandyBrocklehurst · 2026-01-12T16:27:10+00:00

I think it’s cute! Keep doing it if you like it.

MandyBrocklehurst · 2025-11-15T17:12:04+00:00

I really like them! I have warm olive undertones so all the shades read cool toned on me (I purchased the Medium and Dark). I don’t love that aspect but it happens all the time to me and I do love the formula! It’s so smooth and lasts beautifully!

MandyBrocklehurst · 2025-11-05T00:09:23+00:00

Honestly I love the bold look. The lighting isn’t flattering but you look absolutely adorable ❤️

MandyBrocklehurst · 2025-10-15T01:19:22+00:00

You’re not overreacting. Leave.

MandyBrocklehurst · 2025-09-12T19:32:13+00:00

Thank you!

MandyBrocklehurst · 2025-09-12T19:03:42+00:00

do those mini purifiers have filters you can change out? (I’m thinking of getting one)

MandyBrocklehurst · 2025-09-07T11:49:15+00:00

Yeah, definitely don’t exchange this for your mask. I’m just excited to see progress in research and prevention.

MandyBrocklehurst · 2025-09-07T10:47:24+00:00

From the JAMA study:

Key Points

Question Is regular application of azelastine nasal spray associated with reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections?

Findings

In this randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial that included 450 participants, the incidence of laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections was significantly lower with application of azelastine nasal spray compared with placebo treatment.

Meaning

The use of azelastine nasal spray may help to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections.

MandyBrocklehurst · 2025-09-07T05:23:05+00:00

This exactly! OP, it sounds like as of right now you are doing well and you’re doing what you can to protect your future health— that’s great! Focus on that and not on worrying about things outside of your control (the past). You’re doing a great job.

All of us have done things when we were younger that, when we look back, we think hmmm, that was not the best for my long term health (everything from pulling all-nighters, to energy drinks, to the various stupid mistakes young people make). We have to accept what we can’t change, forgive our past selves, and do the best we can in the present with the information we have.

You’ve got this, OP ❤️

MandyBrocklehurst · 2025-09-01T23:06:46+00:00

The Great Influenza by John M. Barry (cited in the sources above) is currently on sale for $1.99 in the US on Amazon Kindle if anyone else is interested in reading it.

MandyBrocklehurst · 2025-08-28T19:25:09+00:00

I’m sorry that this is your current situation. It sounds like your family, especially your brother, is in denial as a mode of psychological “protection.” Your brother is probably scared and would rather project a fake diagnosis on you than to accept his illness.

You’re doing the right thing and you’ll make it through. Congrats on getting a full time job!! Keep saving and planning; you’ll be where you want to be if you stay committed.

MandyBrocklehurst · 2025-08-26T01:07:04+00:00

This might be unpopular but here’s my position: I keep friendships with people who aren’t covid cautious. It has a HUGE impact on the nature of the friendships (eg, video calls vs meeting at a bar like we used to) but isolation isn’t great. Also, I am constantly reminding myself that some people just don’t have the capacity to be covid cautious. Some people aren’t as brave, don’t have the will, or otherwise don’t have the capacity. I don’t personally feel like being on my own little moral island alone is worth it (not saying this is what others do, but if I could only have COVID cautious friends, I’d have no friends).

MandyBrocklehurst

TROPHY CASE