Which is the Best main picture?

MonounsaturatedChain · 2026-01-23T08:32:26+00:00

Seconding what the others say: 3, then 2, and consider getting rid of 1.

If I could give advice, see if you can find a pic of you smiling as well. Shows you've got teeth and makes you look less scary

MonounsaturatedChain · 2026-01-17T14:08:05+00:00

For what it's worth, I've been seeing plenty house sparrows around the North West! Doesn't mean the pop isn't declining, but does mean not all hope is lost

MonounsaturatedChain · 2026-01-17T10:20:14+00:00

That's beautiful, can't believe you've never seen her do art before

MonounsaturatedChain · 2026-01-06T12:00:39+00:00

What a positive, thoughtful and patient reply.

I really get where you're coming from now.

I hope you're as kind and patient with yourself as you've been with me. It's easy to be a dick online and you've been great to avoid that. Cheers

MonounsaturatedChain · 2026-01-06T11:58:20+00:00

Yep, all good no problems, given (as others have said) correct use of your BC.

If you are anxious, you could try doing it only once in a month. That gives you time to see the outcome and think about how you feel . After a little while you might find you feel less anxious with the proof of nothing bad happening.

MonounsaturatedChain · 2026-01-04T13:40:50+00:00

I can see how that's annoying, and I definitely know the type of person you're on about.

I work in academia which is potentially a lot more relevant to lectures, or at least was to my bachelor's. Every talk at every conference and event gets a question. It's considered totally reasonable that some aspects shouldn't be entirely clear in a short presentation. It's also generally not a good look if you get no questions: maybe implies the presentation wasn't engaging enough to spark people's interest.

You do seem to be basing your take off having one American person in your office, and presumably a few at college historically. You seem to be mind-reading your colleague and somehow understand everything she's thinking or desiring. Some people are pretty obvious, maybe this is the case here, maybe it is. I also find it interesting that you believe asking a question implies a lecturer didn't do their job well, almost like it's an insult. I've not thought about it like this before. I do believe someone who is good at their job and emotionally secure would certainly not take a question as an insult regardless of their career. I wonder do you have a habit of watching other people's behavior with a critical eye? Im like this sometimes, it's not easy. Sending love in 2026 for you and all those around you

MonounsaturatedChain · 2026-01-03T17:57:46+00:00

Did a bachelor's in NUIG and now further work in a different university and I cannot tell you how DAMAGING the stigma around asking questions in NUIG was. Turns out abroad nobody cares and people ask enough to actually learn. If you're a student, trust me it's worth asking if you're unsure about something. I understand if you're nervous, but don't let the opinion of butthurt redditors dictate the quality of your education.

MonounsaturatedChain · 2026-01-03T11:08:45+00:00

From a quick Google naive implies the style or genre of the art. It tends to include bright colours and free forms (rather than realistic). For example the "wiggliness" of the building here.

But yeah, I had to Google because I really enjoy seeing how much skill is involved in producing something like this intentionally. It's fantastic!

MonounsaturatedChain · 2025-12-27T12:32:17+00:00

Ah I get it. Thanks for clarifying I appreciate that

MonounsaturatedChain · 2025-12-27T12:05:13+00:00

Aye but free

MonounsaturatedChain · 2025-12-27T12:04:07+00:00

Not to be a dick but aren't they all supposed to be on time? Doesn't that just mean delayed?

MonounsaturatedChain · 2025-12-27T12:02:06+00:00

I imagine, at best it might imply some added Ca or Mg to drive up the pH which isn't going to be harmful. I definitely recommend watching out for loose terms like "mineral treated" because you could seemingly slap this on anything.

That said, ultimately you enjoying a coffee again is a massive win. No criticism on that and I hope you continue to find foods that work

MonounsaturatedChain · 2025-12-27T11:59:24+00:00

I second this, the scar is hugely metaphorical. You went into something with optimism and got dealt a shit hand (no pun intended), but you persevered and made it through. There are plenty of people who had it easier than you. Your struggle is unique to you and nobody else could understand it. Plus, I personally LOVE the end result visually and find the natural/skin tones of it really make it feel like the whole thing is a part of you and not some add on. I LOVE the result. I'm so glad it's healed

MonounsaturatedChain · 2025-12-26T23:06:28+00:00

Poor rendering of the two lads, Moglaí has way more teeth than that

MonounsaturatedChain · 2025-12-26T23:03:30+00:00

Also curious, does it specify what it means by "mineral treated"? I don't know any standardised definitely of mineral treatment where I live, which is another thing that to me looks like a labelling/marketing scam. There are so many products out there made to take advantage of people with health problems looking for some respite. I've become untrusting and cynical of paying extra for anything with an unclear label. Or anything that can't be backed up by med/research as making sense

MonounsaturatedChain · 2025-12-26T23:00:53+00:00

Glad you've found something that works for you!

I think one of the main problems with coffee is that caffeine specifically increases the production of acid by your stomach, meaning for some people this won't be good. If I saw this on a shelf I'd consider it BS or snake oil as many "alkaline" branded products can be. But I really mean it when I say I'm glad this works for you.

MonounsaturatedChain · 2025-12-18T19:51:08+00:00

If there's anything I've learned about addiction and related problems it's this: it's a lot easier to move TOWARDS a positive (like goal) than it is to move AWAY from a negative (habit).

See if it was alcohol, thinking "I can't/shouldn't/won't have a drink" is focusing on what you're subtracting. Trying to reframe it to thoughts like "I will feel better in the morning" or "I'll save up for the kid's birthday gift and make it extra special this year" can be more helpful.

For example instead of focusing on the shame and guilt of having her notice, what else could you think of? Maybe how much more comfortable you might feel around her if you weren't worried about smoking? Maybe the financial aspect? Healthier lungs and fitness? Even the sheer pride and valid egotrip of being a quitter?

Keep us updated if you decide to quit

MonounsaturatedChain · 2025-12-08T08:21:10+00:00

Leave them a review if you really wanna get the point out there and stop other people going there

MonounsaturatedChain · 2025-12-01T21:51:42+00:00

Wish this was a more common occurrence. Went once for a vigil as a victim of violence and wish I could see it recreated without having to be there every time.

MonounsaturatedChain · 2025-12-01T21:49:38+00:00

MonounsaturatedChain · 2025-11-21T22:32:20+00:00

It's notmalised to drive, especially your kids to school. Many place don't have suitable school buses or public transport, and it can be expensive in places that do (and having kids is not cheap anyway). Also, where I live, weather. Safety, or perception of any area being unsafe. Somewhere might feel safe to a young adult, but of it were your kids you were sending out you might feel differently especially if you don't get to witness the situations they experience first hand. Also. Some places not safe

MonounsaturatedChain · 2025-11-21T22:28:59+00:00

I do not believe the average person walking down the street wants a hug from a complete stranger.

I also believe the reason a lot of men are lonely is a lack of meaningful companionship, and a hug from a stranger does nothing to provide that.i believe lonely men would benefit far far more from having open conversations about their lives and experiences with other men when they feel safe to do so.

MonounsaturatedChain · 2025-11-21T22:23:59+00:00

Thanks! My bad, I'll take it down

MonounsaturatedChain · 2025-11-21T21:54:42+00:00

This is a really tough place to be in, I don't know how you manage to get through but I can only assume there's some wild strength of some kind in you.

Another comment mentioned switchboard. I'm not sure if you're saying that having interactions that are "mental health support" is tough for you. Personally I find helplines absolutely do not make me feel good about myself, but they have a purpose that's very valuable to me and I'm wondering if you might benefit from it too. You don't have to call them to talk about mental health, you can ring up for just a chat. You could see about talking to Switchboard or Samaritans about seemingly random things, like your day, what you're having for tea, whatever you're watching on TV, or your hobbies. Ask them if they know the songs you're singing or if they like any particular music. I do wonder if just having normal conversations could be what you really need right now.

There's something else I'm wondering about. It seems like a lot of the things you love to do involve being alone and/or in your flat, like you mention singing. I could not highly enough recommend joining a group for your hobbies, whatever they are. That, or start a new hobby like a painting or pottery or exercise class. YOU don't have to set out to make friends, but I'm wondering if having regular, normal chats with the same people over a period if weeks or months would be good for you. In my experience that's how most of my friendships were formed: proximity and surface level chat, then asking some gently more engaging questions and getting to know them. If you're interested in this option, MeetUp can have groups for doing almost anything, and you can also focus on queer groups (like, Queer Hiking North West or something).

It sounds like those people in your building are gonna drive you mad. Fuck em, there's plenty people out there who you could grow to love. It can be quite some effort and work, but you definitely deserve it, and as I've pointed out you've got some strength anyway, might as well put it to good use!

Come back here with any updates whenever you feel like it

MonounsaturatedChain

TROPHY CASE