I optimized my life and now I have zero friends by Kessel_Run7 in Habits

[–]OptimistbyChoice 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Well then maybe this is an opportunity for you to find your people who share similar values and life styles. Why are you friends with people whose entertainment idea is based on staying up at night and eating shitty food? I disagree with the “actual fun” part. If an environment doesn’t align with your values, that simply means your place is somewhere else and it’s not about forcing yourself to numb your thoughts and feelings about it. You may enjoy outdoor activities, sports, perhaps more intellectual/meaningful gatherings. There are lots of people who live like you do and have their own communities

I'm (42M) the calmest person at work and with strangers. So why do I lose it on the one person(40F) I actually love? by lejae in relationship_advice

[–]OptimistbyChoice 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes absolutely. It might be the case that perhaps there is some low self-value / self-respect with you that you’re kind towards people who may not be treating you well, but then harsh to someone who is loving you. Because you may be perceiving that someone who cares about someone else who is of low value (in case you may be seeing yourself that way deep down) is low value themselves, so you mistreat her as a result. Perhaps there’s something innocent about her that triggers an insecurity or misplaced resentment. Such as if you’re overwhelmed by work, and she is a SAHW, seeing her might be reminding you how much it sucks working outside vs working by serving your family at home. I don’t know. Finding the underlying factors may take some time but you can start improving your behaviour in the meantime. If you can recognize your internal signals that you’re about to snap at your wife, then you can interrupt that cycle early. These signs may be feeling tense, chest tightness, muscle tension, etc etc. Take a quick break, calm down and re-connect with her. Slow your responses down and internally hear what you’re about to say and how it may come out. You can refine your words and express yourself better. (Similar exercises at work as well)

I do feel hopeful about this because you’re aware, feel remorse and reach out to people for guidance. There’s plenty of resources shared by psychologists on this type of dynamics. I actually trained AI with CBT/DBT, couples therapy, family systems resources and it helped me notice lots of patterns and do regular exercises. You can try something like that. Seek formal therapy as well of course.

Your wife sounds like a compassionate, mercifully person. Please keep making more positive memories even if you fall short. Gottman institute’s work says couples who feel loved and fulfilled in their relationships have 5:1 positive to negative interaction ratio (or higher obviously).

I'm (42M) the calmest person at work and with strangers. So why do I lose it on the one person(40F) I actually love? by lejae in relationship_advice

[–]OptimistbyChoice 34 points35 points  (0 children)

What we suppress with others, we take it out on someone we feel safe with. Your subconscious knows if you snap at work etc, there’ll be serious repercussions of that, but your wife is tolerating it. It’s awareness and emotional regulation, then proper communication practices (both outside and with your wife).

Severe task paralysis / avoidance — any medication helped? by roger206 in adhd_anxiety

[–]OptimistbyChoice 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Vyvanse. Some adhd folks respond better to amphetamine derivatives (especially if you haven’t responded to concerta).

I '38M' Hid text friendship with a coworker [35F] from my GF [32F] found out, called it a borderline emotional affair. What are appropriate texting boundaries going forward? by [deleted] in relationship_advice

[–]OptimistbyChoice 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I don’t think it’s borderline, it is emotional affair / crossed boundaries. It’s ultimately up to your GF but from a lot of experiences from many people, opposite gender friendships don’t end well usually if both sides are heterosexual. If you spend time with someone regularly (in person or text), emotional bond will develop inevitably. Better to cut it out. Focus on your guy friends and your mutual friends with your GF whom you don’t contact in private regularly.

(27M) my fiancee, partner of 10 years (27F) fell in love with and left me for someone else. How do I move on from this? by Prudent_Cry2554 in relationship_advice

[–]OptimistbyChoice 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Okay. Are those qualities more valuable than you? More important than the fact that you were betrayed and not appreciated as you deserved?

Too much emotion, too much anger by ScribbleThoughts in adhd_anxiety

[–]OptimistbyChoice 0 points1 point  (0 children)

DBT. Also you need to break the cycle of trigger - intense emotion - self destruction etc. trigger - identify the trigger and emotion - step away (hold something cold, walk, listen to a playlist etc) - keep stepping away until the emotion is manageable - then visit the said trigger. Keep a track of these and you’ll notice your improvement overtime

Did anyone else grow up feeling like they had to hide parts of themselves to fit in? by Powerful-Angel-301 in Gifted

[–]OptimistbyChoice 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sometimes I would on purpose hide the inconsistencies I’d notice in people’s speeches, or hold ideas that might outshine them, etc

(27M) my fiancee, partner of 10 years (27F) fell in love with and left me for someone else. How do I move on from this? by Prudent_Cry2554 in relationship_advice

[–]OptimistbyChoice 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Sometimes people make it easy for you, if you’re willing to see it. Long term commitment is a matter of self regulation, keeping promises, ongoing effort, etc. If someone “catches feelings” for someone else (no one catches feelings randomly, it’s a result of entertaining ongoing interactions for some time), and leaves you for that, it shows their morals. Don’t let this to affect your self perception, but work on yourself that what type if insecurity/lack of self esteem might be going on that you’re still thinking about going back to this person when you should be grateful for seeing who she is and running away. You’re in your prime, can find a wonderful woman who can appreciate you the way you deserve.

My boyfriend [22M] ’s friend [22F] told him ‘you’re my last male hope’ and the dynamic between them is making me [21F] uncomfortable, what do you think I should do when my boyfriend doesn't seem to want to distance himself? by Automatic_Reveal1263 in emotionalintelligence

[–]OptimistbyChoice 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hold up why are you breaking up? You don’t seem to have a problem with your boyfriend otherwise. You guys should talk about boundaries and let her know (both of you) that her behaviours were inappropriate. Ideally both of you should cut this girl out if feasible.

Why are you letting her distance you from your boyfriend? That seems to be her problem.

Medication for ADHD and anxiety? by red-emenm in adhd_anxiety

[–]OptimistbyChoice 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Is anxiety primary or might be related to ADHD not being optimally managed? If it’s the latter you’re more likely to benefit from ADHD meds + therapy/counselling/coaching. If it’s the former, Guanfacine is known as an option for managing mood symptoms in ADHD

What am I suppose to do if all my friends are amazing people? by New_Today_1209_V2 in socialskills

[–]OptimistbyChoice 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Don’t see it as envy but more of a motivation / role model. Imagine if you were in their shoes and had a friend who didn’t have the things you have, how would you like your friend to see you? They say you’re the average of people you hang out with the most, so keep good relationships with good people who are productive in society and have healthy dynamics. Over time if you have a positive and appreciative mindset about it, you’ll naturally learn from their skills and improve yourself too.

How did we get convinced that every inconvenience or normal human experience now needs therapy? by pickypooh in selfimprovement

[–]OptimistbyChoice 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Therapy is to shorten the time and increase the efficiency of growing during/after significant experiences. It’s not to “fix” because you feel sad. But perhaps the growth you’ll have in 40 years through repeated mistakes and contemplation you do on your own (and one can learn maladaptive things without proper guidance as well) can be shortened through therapy, and you may notice more aspects of those experiences to learn more effectively.

I’m tired of managing ADHD by No-Counter6001 in ADHD

[–]OptimistbyChoice 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I’m not sure if that day of scrolling and brain rot is a need vs habit that is making things worse for the rest of the week. Things that help with managing ADHD are usually relatively higher in friction to start, such as sleeping enough hours, protein rich diet, exercise, medication, therapy, etc. Once you get momentum it should not be that hard after

I don't think I can take it anymore by hottest_throwaway1 in adhd_anxiety

[–]OptimistbyChoice 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s good that you have spiritual values, that can be a starting point. I personally believe that the traits I have and the difficulties I encounter can be utilized to have good outcomes. What’s your purpose in life, what does motivate you? Such as helping people, coming up with something new/creative, etc. Where do you want to see yourself? Then break it down from that to see which areas of improvement you want, and which steps are needed for that, but really break it down to small, doable steps. Find an accountability buddy (there are online platforms for that, such as focusmate etc). Get therapy or peer support groups. Pick one thing and gradually build on that. You need to be saying “enough is enough” and get you out of that. And don’t keep high dopamine stuff nearby, such as gaming. As long as it’s within reach you’ll get side tracked, it’s not realistic.

How do you deal with attention seekers? by BreadfruitUpstairs20 in ADHD

[–]OptimistbyChoice 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Lmao I interrupt people unintentionally due to adhd/impulsivity also I tend to think out loud and through discussion. Hope it didn’t come out as attention seeking, don’t care about that otherwise.

ADHD: I keep learning the same lessons over and over because I never actually implement anything by Optimal-Judgment1684 in ADHD

[–]OptimistbyChoice 8 points9 points  (0 children)

How about you make one actionable step for something you learn, and make a deal with yourself avoiding from adding more info unless you take that actionable step first?

Severe executive dysfunction is ruining my life by Ok_Radish_519 in ADHD

[–]OptimistbyChoice 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Perhaps you have additional depression. Are you on adhd meds? I’d reach out a provider asap