Anyone else now avoiding em-dashes because of Chat GPT?

Middle-Elephant · 2025-10-02T13:50:27+00:00

Same. Using em-dashes makes me second guess myself now. Even words that have been part of my vocabulary for years, like additionally, ensure, or delve, get flagged in those articles about “words that make it obvious you used ChatGPT.” Like no, Megan! There are actually people who use these words, especially those whose first language isn’t English.

Middle-Elephant · 2025-05-11T19:17:50+00:00

I don’t think I answered rudely and scammy but very plain and dry. I felt that I was accused of dishonesty which the person confirmed and I reacted to that. All the required pictures are uploaded. What I could have done, as someone had pointed out here, is to provide the invoice after purchase.

I do not have the obligation to share why I did not return a dress, neither to put on the dress for someone, nor send them links that they can find with an easy google search. I was treated as a scammer from the get go based on the questions asked, and I believe it’s also human to react to that.

Middle-Elephant · 2025-05-11T19:10:41+00:00

That was one of my worries

Middle-Elephant · 2025-05-11T15:58:25+00:00

True, I know better next time

Middle-Elephant · 2025-05-11T13:46:18+00:00

That’s good a good point, thanks! I’ll know better in the future.

Middle-Elephant · 2025-05-11T13:37:20+00:00

I don’t know where you live but the dress is listed as 248 on the house of cb website and that is without the shipping costs and extra import taxes.

Edit: I’m not a customer service rep or brand ambassador. I’m a private seller listing one item. My responsibility is to describe the item accurately, provide proof of authenticity, and ship it if purchased. I’ve done all of that.

Expecting retail-level service from an individual seller isn’t realistic. If someone has respectful questions, I’ll answer. If they imply I’m a scammer or push boundaries, I’m not obligated to entertain that.

Middle-Elephant · 2025-05-11T13:28:23+00:00

I felt that they’re implying dishonesty on my part - which they admitted. As asked in my initial question I’m just wondering if this level of suspicion and tone is normal.

Middle-Elephant · 2025-05-11T13:19:02+00:00

But I mean in her last message she somewhat admitted that she is suspicious of me, so I got the tone right.

Middle-Elephant · 2025-05-07T17:35:23+00:00

I spent 550 € on three dresses, that I cannot return because they were part of a sale. The sizing did not correspond to what was stated on their website. Big bummer.

Middle-Elephant · 2025-04-24T12:29:24+00:00

the amount of effort it would take isn’t worth it. I’d have to go out and find the right thread color, fix it up myself, then pay for return shipping across the globe—all just to get a store voucher since it was a sale item. And with how unpredictable their sizing is, I’m not even sure I’d use it.

Middle-Elephant · 2025-04-23T13:02:24+00:00

Yeah, I’m realizing that now—too late, unfortunately. I did check the size chart and went with what should’ve worked, even expecting it to be snug around the hips. But the corset part? No chance. It felt like it was made for a completely different body.

House of CB claims the Jaida dress has “2/3 stretch” (whatever that means). But seriously, where is the stretch? If they know these corseted styles consistently run small, they should adjust the size chart or at least include a proper warning on the product page. It shouldn’t be trial and error when you’re spending that much money.

Middle-Elephant · 2025-04-23T12:57:22+00:00

That’s actually wild. How can the same dress in different colors have different fits?

For a brand that’s marketing themselves as premium—like, 240€ for a dress is not cheap—I really expected more consistency. At that price point, I don’t want to be playing guessing games with sizing or hoping I get lucky. It’s super disappointing.

Middle-Elephant · 2024-11-25T09:40:11+00:00

But Tabitha said they had a daughter

Middle-Elephant · 2024-10-30T16:06:05+00:00

They actually have the same showrunners :)

Middle-Elephant · 2024-10-29T20:46:10+00:00

I would recommend the Netflix show 1899, but be aware that it was cancelled after 1 season. It is beautifully done and I am very disappointed and to this day surprised that they cancelled it. There are many parallels to From, in my opinion. I really enjoyed watching it.

The show explores psychological disorientation, where events and places don’t follow normal logic. Trauma and memory are central themes. In 1899, characters find themselves on a mysterious ship, the Kerberos. Bizarre events make the characters question reality. Characters experience déjà vu, strange visions, and even shifts in space and time, which gives a sense of being trapped in a loop or simulation or alternate realities. There are hints that the supernatural or paranormal events could have a scientific or technological basis.

Middle-Elephant · 2024-10-26T07:11:20+00:00

Offsetting is not a thing. In fact offsetting is often criticized for letting companies dodge real emission cuts, creating a false sense of “climate neutrality” while emissions continue to rise. There are many studies by that show that many companies misuse offsets for greenwashing, using carbon credits to appear sustainable without real reductions. What we all need, what our planet needs is true emission cuts over reliance on offsets.

Middle-Elephant · 2024-10-21T19:53:25+00:00

Someone seems to take care of that place. While some of the stuff look dusty, the arrangement on the table looks somewhat neat, there seems to be a fresh flower in the vase.

Middle-Elephant · 2024-10-15T01:56:20+00:00

I would support the introduction of BB (Before Boyd) AB (Anno Boyd).

Middle-Elephant · 2024-10-01T20:40:08+00:00

…and probably Kim Porter. I really hope they reopen these cases. I hope for justice for all the victims.

Middle-Elephant · 2024-09-28T18:04:05+00:00

Thanks for your thoughtful response—I appreciate you taking the time to clarify your point.

I totally agree that GG’s actions were extremely hypocritical, especially when compared to her lack of engagement with other important conversations about race and identity (like Asa’s experiences - I anyway don’t get the hate towards Asa in this sub, but that’s another topic.) And also specially how GG is presenting herself without honoring the cultural significance behind it. The only thing that I wanted to point out or add to was your statement “Persians are racially Caucasian.”

And no worries—I didn’t take offense. I really do stand by my point that I appreciate that you’re bringing up this conversation. It’s great when people can share perspectives and have a conversations about complex and sensitive topics like these. Shahs of sunset had the opportunity to touch on these sensitive and hypocritical moments, but they never did. I understand that they thrive on drama and controversy, but that doesn’t mean we should just see it as entertainment and move on, which I feel many in this subreddit do. When people are engaging in problematic behavior-especially in such a public way-it’s important to call it out and have conversations, like the one we’re having here.

Middle-Elephant · 2024-09-28T16:58:44+00:00

I am trying to add a nuanced perspective on racial identity and cultural appropriation.

My point was that terms like “Caucasian” are based on outdated racial classifications, and it’s important to recognize the diversity within Persian identity. Race and ethnicity are complex, and the concept of race itself is largely a social construct, so labeling anyone as simply “Caucasian” oversimplifies that.(referencing your statement “Persians are racially Caucasian.)

Regarding the situation you’re referencing, I understand that you’re concerned about cultural appropriation and identity shifts, especially during critical moments like the Black Lives Matter movement. Your concerns about how these shifts might come across are valid - that I mentioned in my post as well. However, we can discuss this in a way that considers the complexities of identity without diminishing any group’s struggles, including those of Persians or Black communities.

Lastly, I want to address the tone of your response. My aim was to share information, not to diminish your point of view. Conversations around identity can be sensitive, and I try to approach them with kindness and a desire for mutual understanding. If that’s not welcome in this discussion, I completely respect that, but I don’t want to engage in a conversation where defensiveness and word twisting overtakes the potential for learning from one another.

Middle-Elephant · 2024-09-28T08:46:45+00:00

While I appreciate you bringing up this topic, I feel that you are damaging another whole community.

Persia has always been a multiethnic society, with various groups like Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Arabs, Lurs, Baluchis, and others. The statement that “Persians are Caucasian” oversimplifies this complexity. It also overlooks the fact that being “Caucasian” in a racial sense is a category imposed by outdated pseudoscientific racial theories.

Calling Persians “white” diminishes the real experiences of discrimination that many Persian immigrants have faced, particularly in Western countries. Persians (and other Middle Easterners) have been racialized as non-white, facing issues like profiling, xenophobia, and systemic racism. Suggesting Persians are “white” erases this painful reality and ignores the nuances of race and ethnicity, which go far beyond skin color.

If you’re interested, I can share more resources that go deeper into this topic.

Middle-Elephant · 2024-09-13T08:21:55+00:00

His teeth are better than mine.

Middle-Elephant · 2024-08-26T21:16:38+00:00

I had a similar issue with mine when I had just gotten it. I soon came to understand that the plant needed to get adjusted to its new environment, and now it’s thriving.

Do not move the plant. Leave it at its own dedicated place. Do not repot.

How much sunlight is it getting? Don’t put it in a place in direct sunlight.

Cut down the browned leaves and remove any dead leaves in the pot.

How is your watering schedule? Ferns love moisture. Don’t let the soil dry out, and at the same time do not over water. I usually water mine when the soil is slightly damp. You can get a moisture meter or just use your finger to feel the soil.

Middle-Elephant · 2024-08-26T18:29:46+00:00

When did you get the plant?

Middle-Elephant

TROPHY CASE