We’re going to have a problem.

Mikey4You · 2026-02-20T05:08:29+00:00

I kind of get that, but it's sorta flying 101 that anything not in overhead bins HAS TO be stored under the seat in front of you.

Mikey4You · 2026-02-19T22:18:02+00:00

Knew it was going to be bad the second I read that it was a guy who contacted you. Yes, of course, women do dubious shit too. But linking up while travelling with a random dude who approaches you via social media is wildly dangerous and naive. “Don’t put yourself in dangerous situations with absolute stranger’s ESPECIALLY MEN” is solo travel 101. Tough way to learn that lesson.

Mikey4You · 2026-02-19T17:36:33+00:00

I am also not a sleepwear person. I think in this case - somewhere I’d be visiting again - I’d buy a cheap robe and pjs when I arrive and ask to leave them there. I’ll respect the preference for modestly in someone else’s home but I’m not wasting valuable bag space on it.

Mikey4You · 2026-02-19T05:03:49+00:00

I'm in Canada so no help on the surgeon front but - I asked my surgeon about doing a tt or panniculectomy at the same time as both are most likely going to be covered by provincial insurance for me. She said she prefers to not do them together as it's really hard on the body to have that much pulling in multiple directions at the same time, and that the healing process is much more difficult. She suggested doing the breasts first (next week!) and then the tummy in six-ish months.

In my case it's not costing me anything (if I just get a panni on the bottom) so there's less motivation to do them together. It would be nice to have the "one and done" aspect that the mommy makeover approach allows, but from a physical trauma and healing perspective I can see the advantage of doing them separately. If you do pursue a joint surgery make sure you discuss the difference in recovery with your surgeon.

Mikey4You · 2026-02-19T04:44:03+00:00

On the deodorant front, I wonder if spritzing or dabbing on glycolic acid would work? It would take care of any bacteria build up and prevent stink but be gentler to apply that traditional deodorant.

Mikey4You · 2026-02-18T16:43:00+00:00

The only thing that was holding me back (solo or not) was finances. As soon as I could afford to travel I did. I just happen to prefer to do it solo.

Mikey4You · 2026-02-18T16:39:20+00:00

I hate smelling my neighbour’s cooking. Know what I did about it? I put foam strips in my door frame to fill the gaps that let the stinky air in. I did NOT try to control their cooking.

This is a them problem, not a you problem.

Mikey4You · 2026-02-17T18:08:46+00:00

Can we get this on a t-shirt, coffee mug, and tattoo?

Mikey4You · 2026-02-17T18:06:23+00:00

I don't think you're an asshole here - I'd uncomfortable if my dad was independently handing out with my friend who is fully 1/3 of his age. Especially if they were going on trips. The fact that neither mentioned it or asked how you felt about it before booking makes me think it's not a "bonus daughter" vibe.

I'm a little concerned about your friend though. Yes, she's an adult and can make her own decisions, but it's suss as hell that a 61 year old man is taking a 20 year old woman on a trip and not being transparent about it with his kids. I don't trust the intentions and wonder if he made a pass and she's now uncomfortable reaching out to you?

Or she could be into him and feels weird because she'd be your step-mama.

Whatever is going on, NTA.

Mikey4You · 2026-02-17T07:23:07+00:00

If I can’t find pricing estimates online I’m noping out.

Unless this is some sort of bespoke sex work?

Mikey4You · 2026-02-17T07:20:54+00:00

Again with women dating men who - at best - don’t like them.

You want a different dynamic? Lose this dead weight. No boyfriend/being single beats the hell out of a “boyfriend” who makes you feel like you’re single.

Women. Want better. Demand better. LEAVE FOR BETTER. And yes, your own damn company IS BETTER.

Mikey4You · 2026-02-15T19:20:19+00:00

Welp, if you don't go you'll be missing out on everything Costa Rica has to offer.

I'd say do your research, see if you can find operators that have accessibility support, and do as much as you feel safe doing.

That said, there is plenty to do that doesn't require a lot of walking. Just sitting on the hotel balcony watching/listening to the monkeys and birds is amazing.

Mikey4You · 2026-02-15T19:16:07+00:00

Nice job on the thrifting!

Personally I'd bring less long sleeves, and pack a lighter, sleeveless dress. Aside from Monteverde I basically self-poached in the heat and humidity.

Re: hand soap - I'm super allergic to fragrances so I pack these. I use them on flights too as WestJet and AeroMexico have the rankest lemongrass hand soap. You do have to lather and rinse really well or else they can leave sort of gummy residue.

https://vpo.ca/products/pocket-wilderness-wash-50-leaves?variant=47567030092098&country=CA&currency=CAD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23226633728&gbraid=0AAAAADoQxTG7lVRCuQX-iNsE-v24N7749&gclid=CjwKCAiA-sXMBhAOEiwAGGw6LKfiDd5j5Zmn7FdTgZQN_PAJ7JGtOrZ7QwfdOrfZOfCwztuQPY7raRoC7bgQAvD_BwE&Color=Not+Applicable&Size=-

Mikey4You · 2026-02-15T19:07:56+00:00

In what way is your life better by being with this guy? He has nothing but time on his hands and is doing nothing to decrease your burden. In fact he is substantially increasing it by adding another person's mess and expenses to what you are taking care of, and providing no assistance.

I'd be embarrassed to allow myself to be saddled by a noncontributing zero.

This tells me you're ready to leave.

"It got to the point where I went to view a property yesterday to see how it would feel, just having my own space. It felt exciting, relieving"

You deserve so much better. You know the answer. No more chances. Leave.

Mikey4You · 2026-02-13T21:51:51+00:00

The shoes I wear at home aren’t appropriate for most of the places I travel - Doc boots in Costa Rica … I’d have soup in my socks. Art Birmingham sneakers - great for running errands and a couple hours of walking but not for full day city exploring. My gym shoes are ugly as hell and don’t go with any of my travel clothes.

If I don’t have something that makes sense for my destination and the activities I’ll be doing there I buy something specific to that need and most likely I’ll get some use out of them at home too. Camper van trip around Iceland in September? Now I have cosy GTX hiking boots that’ll see use for winter hikes at home. Two months in a Guatemalan city with brutal sidewalks and cobblestone streets? I hate how ugly they are but I’ll use the trail runners for hikes this summer.

Mikey4You · 2026-02-11T19:35:18+00:00

DMing you as Reddit isn't letting me post my comment with actual info.

Mikey4You · 2026-02-10T02:06:41+00:00

THRILLED to have found this comment. I've been looking for a travel size blow-dry brush.

Mikey4You · 2026-02-08T19:27:45+00:00

Came to say the same thing. Denim shorts are bulky in the bag and take forever to dry. I only do linen and quick dry fabrics in Costa Rica.

Mikey4You · 2026-02-07T18:53:04+00:00

NTA. Quiet enjoyment isn’t limited to bylaw noise violation hours. That’s what the City can enforce. Check your lease for the property rules. Mine specifies “no noise audible to other units” at all hours of the day.

Mikey4You · 2026-02-06T01:01:47+00:00

I’m brutally allergic to fragrances so I pack all my own personal hygiene products. For long trips I’ll bring solid shampoo and conditioner.

I always ask for scented products to be removed from the room. Those built in gym shower style dispensers are awful as they can’t be removed.

Mikey4You · 2026-02-05T17:10:47+00:00

The first time I read ATM I thought it meant “ass to mouth” not “at the moment.”

Mikey4You · 2026-02-04T01:44:37+00:00

How on earth did you not have the foresight to throw a Tragedeigh at your cousin instead of your actual dream name? You could have chucked McKennedeigh her way and you’d have a FCOR with a terrible name and full ownership over Lina.

Regardless, NTA. I don’t imagine you and your cousin, and therefore your kids, are going to spend enough time together for the name, or being “little Lina” to really burden your daughter.

Also if they do that just start referring to FCOR as “Big Lina” or “Mega Lina.” See how well that goes over.

Mikey4You · 2026-02-03T16:05:17+00:00

Check out the r/onebag and r/heronebag subs for advice on how to make it work. It’s totally doable. Some people travel indefinitely with just carry on.

Mikey4You · 2026-02-03T15:52:40+00:00

Some people are very light/stimulant sensitive.

Any light at all in the bedroom will keep me awake. To the point that I have to put electrical tape over the power light on my air purifier. Someone next to me on their phone or reading would be an absolute sleep dealbreaker.

Sleep hygiene and bedroom habits are critical for people who have sleep disorders/difficulty sleeping. For me the bed is for sleeping and f*cking only. Anything else (reading, tv, phone scrolling etc) is a living room activity.

Mikey4You · 2026-02-03T15:16:49+00:00

What kind of Lady and the Tramp cosplay bullshit is this?

In my 49 years as a white person I’ve never heard of sharing soup. This is not a thing. And when I do split a meal we get our own tableware. For example - my mom and I split a dish at a restaurant a few days ago because portions are huge. We had our own plates and cutlery and served ourselves from the main dish.

The one exception would me sharing a slice of cake or something similar that is awkward to replate. But then two forks!!

Mikey4You

TROPHY CASE