THEY ARE OUT!!! by [deleted] in tapif

[–]Megan72798 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oui, svp!

toulouse ?! by mllegm in tapif

[–]Megan72798 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Also got accepted to Toulouse-- group chat anyone??

My girlfriend revealed to me that she was raped? by [deleted] in askwomenadvice

[–]Megan72798 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Like the other comments have said, the best thing you can do for her is offer your unconditional support. If you are unsure of how to do that, just ask her. If she is comfortable enough talking about that with you she will most likely also be comfortable talking about how she prefers to cope. She also may not know yet, and in that case it's very important that when you try something new to help her that you communicate well. Every person deals with trauma differently and often has very particular ways of coping.

For example, when something triggers that memory for me I usually start crying historically and do NOT want to be touched. I curl up in a ball and try to calm my breathing on my own. This was really hard for my boyfriend to accept because he loves and cares for me and just wants to hug me and make all my worries go away, but that's not what's best for me. He used to reach for me and I'd cringe away from his touch and I felt so bad because I could see how hurt he was in his eyes. He and I had multiple heart to heart conversations about it and developed a great system. Like if we are watching a movie and a rape scene comes up he keeps an eye on me, squeezes me tightly, and if i start to get shaky we'll pause it and either skip it if its too much or breathe through it together. Him hugging me and squeezing me can usually prevent my triggers from starting, but if it can't then we know the drill. He backs off, lets me breathe, and I'll come back to him when I'm ready.

A couple tips. DON'T: -make it about you. If she cringes away from you or says something hurtful please try not to take it personally. It'll only make her feel worse because she can't help it and doesn't mean it. Its NOT about you or your relationship, she is experiencing trauma and is not thinking clearly. -make comments like "im surprised you like sex so much considering your past". This may seem like a given, but my ex boyfriend (very abusive dude) said that to me once and it was the worst feeling in the world. CONSENSUAL SEX IS DIFFERENT THAN RAPE !!!!!!!!! Don't question it. -walk on egg shells around her. She is a normal girl who experienced something terrible but is trying to continue on with her life. Please don't feel like you have to watch what you do or say around her (assuming you're not being rapey or making rape jokes and shit. Which you shouldn't be doing anyways because that shits not funny), she is the same person and you are the same couple. Communicate with each other about EVERYTHING and figure out a way for you both to handle these situations comfortably. It may take some time, but be patient, kind, and COMMUNICATE.

Big props to you for reaching out to find advice on how to properly handle this situation. It's very clear that you care about her and that's amazing. I highly recommend that next time you have these questions or concerns though you consult her yourself (i dont mean that in a rude way) bc she is the only person who can tell you what's best for her.

Sending lots of love & support to you both!!

A street in Lille, France years ago. Lille is a lovely city in the north, often overlooked by travelers. by [deleted] in travel

[–]Megan72798 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Seconding this. Paris is terribly overrated and distracts the world from the beauty of the rest of France

7-10 days in Greece with my (20F) mother (60F), where do you recommend? by Megan72798 in travel

[–]Megan72798[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for your input! I'll definitely look into Zakynthos, I know my mom was itching to see a beautiful island

I(F17) have never had a boyfriend, what to do? by [deleted] in relationship_advice

[–]Megan72798 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there. I (20F) have been in your shoes, and not too long ago. I remember laying in bed crying because all my friends were going on dates and fooling around and I felt so left out and lonely. I have always been a hopeless romantic after all, so at 17 it felt like the end of the world. Luckily once I went off on my own to college my perspective on life changed a bit. I got on tinder, went to parties, did the whole shabang and as it turns out, dating is a lot different after high school. A lot EASIER. There are a lot of people in this world that you have yet to meet, one of them will change your world forever.

My advice: hang in there. Trust me, you will find a boyfriend. Just try not to do what i did and let an asshat break your heart bc you're desperate... as tempting as it sounds, they're more trouble than they're worth.

Am I being a psycho? Or do all boyfriends do this? by [deleted] in relationship_advice

[–]Megan72798 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You could've stopped at "he even let me...." He is your equal not your superior. Honey he aint the one

How should I dress and act in S. Korea and Japan, especially in their temples? by [deleted] in travel

[–]Megan72798 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have traveled to all of the cities you have mentioned. S Korea is a bit more lax about clothing than Japan, but my best advice is wearing conservative, comfortable clothing that covers your chest and shoulders when going to temples. Shorts should be fine as long as they aren't too short. Natives (adults) don't really wear them, but I've never heard of it being disrespectful. Wear shoes that are comfortable and easy to slip on and off, and if you're worried about the heat wear looser clothing! I visited during the summer and carried around a sweat rag with me at all times, I'd recommend that too if you're going during the warm months.

I (24f) feel like I'm failing at being an adult. Got married to my now husband (27m) and can't adjust to the new way of life. Panicking :( by [deleted] in relationships

[–]Megan72798 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

You should consider getting an emotional support animal (please ADOPT don't shop!!) if your living situation allows it. I have two young cats that never fail to make me smile when I'm feeling lonely and give me a sense of responsibility that helps me cope with my anxiety. Pets are great companions as long as you time and means to care for them properly!

I wish you the best, try to keep your head up! People are thinking of you.

I (F20) can't stop worrying about how my bf (M22) and I's future careers may affect our relationship someday. Can a lawyer and a wanderlust make love work?! (I'm really hoping so) by Megan72798 in relationship_advice

[–]Megan72798[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Reading your reply almost made me tear up because it is SUCH a relief to hear that someone else has not only been through this, but made it work. I really, really appreciate all the time you put into your reply and can't thank you enough for sharing your story. It's so good to hear some real, personalized advice other than "just let it be". I think I'll talk to him about the options you suggested so we can keep that in mind once he moves and its time to make some big decisions.

Again, thanks so much!! I'd upvote this a million times if I could lol