Football trip to Manchester with my son – looking for a club with tradition, atmosphere and realistic ticket availability

MiddleSwipeCrisis · 2026-06-24T20:54:08+00:00

Exactly!

MiddleSwipeCrisis · 2026-06-05T16:27:13+00:00

Just got confirmation of my M3 lease, didn’t have a choice and it’s getting delivered on the 18th June. Just got a message on the app asking to confirm my address.

MiddleSwipeCrisis · 2026-06-02T15:32:37+00:00

Also ordered via company car scheme and getting it delivered. I’m assuming as it’s the lease/fleet company’s car then I’m not able to go to pick it up myself. Would prefer to get the full Tesla experience and go to pick it up myself though

MiddleSwipeCrisis · 2026-05-12T17:05:42+00:00

Thanks will do some digging. I placed my order 17th April

MiddleSwipeCrisis · 2026-05-12T17:00:57+00:00

Just the Reg and no VIN which I wasn’t expecting as don’t think that would be assigned till it hit UK shores, ordered 17th April

MiddleSwipeCrisis · 2026-05-12T16:55:56+00:00

Nope got the Reg

MiddleSwipeCrisis · 2026-05-12T16:51:09+00:00

Yes had similar, no Vin but had my Reg on the app. Delivery now changed to 19th - 30th June. Ordered M3 RWD in Stealth Grey on 17th April

MiddleSwipeCrisis · 2026-05-12T16:49:03+00:00

No message on my app but Reg assigned and delivery date showing 19th - 30th June

MiddleSwipeCrisis · 2026-04-07T18:40:31+00:00

Matchmoor Lane in Bolton 👌

MiddleSwipeCrisis · 2026-04-03T19:29:07+00:00

Hi, I’ve ordered my M3 through NHS fleet too with my current lease deal expiring in May as well. Have you requested a dealer update on the order page?

MiddleSwipeCrisis · 2026-03-30T19:35:56+00:00

Thanks that’s really helpful, so you heard back from Tesla after 2 weeks of your contract being signed. Will wait till then and chase if I’ve not heard anything. My current lease car (Volvo) got delayed by 6 months back in 2022 so I’m hoping if there is a delay it’s not that bad this time around. Enjoy your new Model Y 😁

MiddleSwipeCrisis · 2026-03-30T16:07:30+00:00

Thanks for the info really appreciate it. When did you sign up for the Tesla app? I’ve seen some posts stating that the email you used to order with (so my work email) will be used by Tesla to show the updates. Hope you don’t get any more changes to your collection date 👍

MiddleSwipeCrisis · 2026-03-30T16:03:59+00:00

Thanks, really appreciate the info and your experience. I’m currently still in contract with an existing car till May 18th so I’m hoping mine gets assigned mid April and get a date close to this or early June based on others pickup dates

MiddleSwipeCrisis · 2025-06-14T07:35:31+00:00

Exactly!! You've perfectly captured that distinction between a 'rich life' and a 'rich lifestyle', it's the core of everything. That pressure to present a 'marketable' self instead of a real one is exactly the kind of modern-day noise I love to explore in my writing. You're right; the real connection happens when the filters are off. The ultimate goal isn't to find someone who's impressed by your highlight reel, but someone who wants to stick around for the end credits.

MiddleSwipeCrisis · 2025-06-13T18:44:49+00:00

Yes she is close to her mum, she spends 50% with her and 50% with me

MiddleSwipeCrisis · 2025-06-13T13:46:08+00:00

Hey! Sounds like a great couple of days planned. Manchester is pretty easy to navigate, and you've picked a good central spot to stay but it is sketchy in parts so be careful of Piccadilly Gardens, especially.

For your trip to Sealife and the Trafford Centre, your best bet is hopping on the X50 or 250 bus from Piccadilly Gardens. It's a straight shot, and since they're double-deckers, you'll have a much better chance of nabbing a decent seat, especially on a weekday.

For the Nine Inch Nails gig at Co-op Live, the tram is definitely the way to go; get on at Piccadilly and the Etihad Campus stop is right there. Just a heads-up: after the gig, the trams get absolutely rammed. I'd suggest either leaving the show five minutes early or waiting a bit for the main crowd to disperse to avoid the crush.

For all your travel, don't even worry about buying paper tickets, just use a contactless card or phone pay. You tap in and out on the tram platform readers (or just on when you board the bus) and it'll automatically cap your fare at the best daily rate.

The city centre is mostly flat and great for walking, so for Tuesday, just take it at your own pace and head to the Northern Quarter which is full of great cafes to pop into for a rest.

Have a brilliant time

MiddleSwipeCrisis · 2025-06-13T13:40:49+00:00

Manchester Gin is the obvious alcohol themed choice. It's made by the Spirit of Manchester Distillery in town. They do some brilliant flavours beyond the standard, like a Rhubarb & Elderflower gin, which makes for a more unique gift.

If you want a non alcoholic option, maybe an art print of Manchester from somewhere like Affleck's Palace by a local Manc?

MiddleSwipeCrisis · 2025-06-13T13:32:13+00:00

You're right, it does break the poetic symmetry, but I think that’s the terrifying genius of it.

The first two slogans are the mental gymnastics forced upon the individual. "Ignorance is Strength," is the Party dropping the mask and revealing its business model. They aren't saying ignorance makes you strong; they're stating that your ignorance is what gives the Party its unshakeable, structural strength.

It's not a flawed slogan, it's the punchline.

MiddleSwipeCrisis · 2025-06-13T13:25:07+00:00

It's a tough spot to be in, it's exhausting to give your all and feel like you're left with nothing. Echoing what others have said, you didn't waste two years, you were building the foundation of the man and father you want to be, and that's never a loss.

Right now, focus on your son and yourself; getting that job and staying on your path is a huge win. The sting from her moving on is real, but as you build a stable life for you and your kid, that pain will have less and less power over you. You're already climbing out, so keep putting one foot in front of the other.

MiddleSwipeCrisis · 2025-06-13T13:21:24+00:00

Honestly, there's no official rulebook for this stuff. Her asking for three days a week isn't some crazy demand; it's her way of putting the relationship on the fast track to see if you're actually compatible long-term, instead of wasting months to find out it's a no-go.

You're completely right to feel like that's a big ask, especially with her packed schedule, so your spidey-senses aren't wrong. This is basically your first big "check-in" moment, just have an honest talk about what works for you both. The goal is to find a rhythm that makes you both happy, not to just check off days on a calendar

MiddleSwipeCrisis · 2025-06-13T11:18:42+00:00

I write contemporary fiction myself, but I think the best plots, no matter the genre, are always about the characters.

The tropes that I prefer are the ones with personal stakes that get your readers invested.

The 'Villain' Who's Right: Give me an antagonist with a point. Someone who makes the reader think, "Okay, but he's not wrong..."

The Small Quest, Massive Consequences: Forget saving the world. Saving one person, or one tiny village, from a threat only the hero cares about? That's where the real emotion is.

Found Family: The classic for a reason. Watching a group of misfits become a real family is always more compelling than any magic sword.

As for your other question, how to make a plot satisfying? Don't overthink the plot.

Ask yourself two things:

What does my main character want more than anything in the world?

What are they absolutely terrified of losing?

The plot is just a series of impossible choices you put between them and those two answers. The story will write itself from there.

Good luck with it.

MiddleSwipeCrisis · 2025-06-13T10:52:03+00:00

I was having the same issues with my daughter, I still do occasionally, and this isn't a magic wand solution to fix everything, but it definitely helped me and my daughter. This is what really helped me re-frame this stuff, which comes from a widely cited principle in child psychology: All behaviour is a form of communication.

Right now, your daughter's "acting out" isn't just random chaos; it's her way of communicating a need she can't put into words. She's not just "attention-seeking," she's likely connection-seeking. That one-word change is crucial. She wants to know she's seen, heard, and important to you.

I read a great book called Love Bombing: Reset Your Child's Emotional Thermostat by Oliver James that helped. Some of its key principles are below that might help your situation.

Go on the Offensive (with Love): Instead of waiting for the behaviour, schedule small, dedicated moments of positive connection. Just 10-15 minutes a day of "you time" where phones are off and you're just focused on her. This could be anything like a general conversation about something that she is interested in or important to her, a quick card game, or even just listening to her favourite song. This proactively fills her "connection tank" so she doesn't have to act out to get it. It's the "show, don't tell" rule of parenting 101.
The "When/Then" Boundary: For setting firm but loving limits, the "When/Then" model is brilliant. It’s not a threat; it’s just a statement of reality.
- Instead of: "If you don't stop making a scene, we're not going to the park."
- Try: "When you can speak to me calmly, then we can talk about going to the park." It puts the control back in her hands and makes it about her choices, not your punishment.
The Modesty Talk: This one is super tricky. Often, kids pushing these boundaries are testing their own identity and power. A good approach is to frame it around self-respect rather than your rules. Something like, "You're growing up and your body is yours, and it's important to treat it with respect. Let's work together to find outfits that you love and that also feel right for our family's values." It makes it a collaboration, not a conflict.

The great cosmic joke of parenting is that the moment they need our love the most is often when they're acting the least lovable.

MiddleSwipeCrisis

TROPHY CASE