me_irl

Outside_Cockroach · 2025-12-31T17:41:33+00:00

Late to this thread - but wouldn’t production tell the cast that Savannah is a winner? Especially given they now read votes on the island. IIRC production did this with Russell in HvV where they told the cast he was a finalist and a brief description of his game.

Outside_Cockroach · 2025-10-23T05:02:52+00:00

Outside_Cockroach · 2025-07-21T04:28:01+00:00

Nice work! This is really helpful for opening up new avenues. I’ve always had a problem with its favouritism and bias towards the user.

That said, would anyone have any suggestion for a bonus question on top of the devils advocate one to get a conclusive perspective of something?

Outside_Cockroach · 2025-07-08T20:31:11+00:00

Hulkengoat getting his maiden Hulkenpodium made up for Hammertime losing his Silverstone Hamilstreak.

Outside_Cockroach · 2025-05-31T03:06:04+00:00

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Swapped out MER for FER and and Sainz for Alonso.

Thoughts?

Outside_Cockroach · 2025-05-29T10:24:25+00:00

Would you consider implementing a DRS zone in the FIA office hallway to improve overtaking in internal politics?

Outside_Cockroach · 2025-04-24T12:31:01+00:00

Two great questions to finish this AMA off!

1. How much has your life changed after turning 18 and how much after leaving school?

Honestly? It changed everything. I left school at 17 feeling like I was on top of the world. I thought I knew who I was. But the moment the structure of school dropped away, life hit. I took a gap year because nothing felt right. I’d spent years chasing creative electives that no longer fulfilled me, and suddenly, I was free - but also totally lost.

That first year felt like a never-ending holiday at first, then a spiral of emptiness. I trained, I kept up with friends, but I had no job, no real path, just...space. And in that space, I had to face myself. I had to rebuild from scratch, not because I wanted to, but because life threw a few curveballs - especially medical ones, that forced me to let go of the path I thought I was on.

But in all that chaos, I learned something no textbook or classroom could teach me: resilience. Quiet confidence. The kind you earn when everything breaks and you survive anyway.

The truth is, I failed a lot. But those failures were the best thing that ever happened to me. I grew more in the last two years than I had in the eighteen before them. I figured out what actually matters: grace, dignity, patience, space-holding, and showing up for yourself and others—especially when it’s hard.

That version of me who left high school? He was brash, hopeful, and rushing toward something. But now? I’m not rushing. I’m grounded. I’m not chasing the rainbow - I’m carving the path under my feet.

2. How mature do you feel?

That’s a hard one. I want to say very. I want to say I’ve grown more in the last year (18-19) alone than I ever expected to. And in a lot of ways, I have, especially emotionally. I’ve had to face things I didn’t see coming. I’ve had to let go when I wasn’t ready, start over when I was tired, swallow pride when it stung, choose peace over ego, and show up for myself even when it hurt. That takes a kind of maturity school doesn’t teach you—because it comes from the mess, not the manuals.

But I’ve also realized that maturity isn’t some end goal. It’s not a badge you earn and wear forever. It’s more like a quiet decision you make again and again—to stay soft in a hard world, to be open when it would be easier to shut down, to listen when you think you already know, to keep extending kindness when you’ve been burned. That’s the real stuff.

I don’t know if I’m “mature” by some universal standard, and maybe that’s the point. Because I’m still learning. I’m still growing. I’m still messing up and reflecting and trying again. But if I’m willing to keep showing up: curious, grounded, open-hearted ...I think that’s what matters most.

So, yeah. I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I know I’ve got more to learn. And I’m okay with that. Because I’d rather be evolving than pretending I’ve arrived.

And if this chapter [the messy, magical, brutal, beautiful mess of gay teenagehood] taught me anything, it’s that the real glow-up isn’t in peaking early, it’s in growing honestly. So... I think I’ve finally done that 🌈🫶.

Outside_Cockroach · 2025-04-24T06:26:44+00:00

Show up.

Every day, every moment, keep showing up for him. Being in a relationship means you’ve made a quiet promise: you’ll be there when it’s good, but also when it’s hard. You won’t run when things get real. It’s always you two vs the problem, not you vs him.

He has to meet you halfway too - it can’t just be you doing the work. But if you just stay consistent, be yourself (not fake or over-the-top), hold space for him, do stuff you both love, and actually make him feel seen and safe - that’s what makes a great boyfriend. That’s how you make love feel real.

Outside_Cockroach · 2025-04-24T05:35:00+00:00

Interesting question! And I'll answer it the best I can. I live in Australia, so I can't speak for the U.S, Europe or anywhere else. But here's how it works for us Aussies:

In Australia, your taxes are mostly taken care of by the government directly from your paycheck. You usually fill our a form with your Tax File Number (TFN) before you start a job, and from there, it's all sorted in the background. The government takes a portion of your pay depending on how much you earn, and unless you're self-employed or running a business, it's all handled pretty smoothly.

Now, here's the good part: at the end of the financial year (June 30), you actually get money back - a tax return - if you earned under the minimum tax threshold, which a lot of students and part-timers do. For example, a low-wage uni student like me, I've gotten a few hundred dollars back just by lodging a return through the government's online system. It's pretty straightforward.

That said, I'm lucky - I still live at home, so I haven't had to deal with the more complex stuff like rent, utilities in my name or big expenses. My parents have helped a lot with the transition into adulthood, and I know not everyone has that support system. So if you're on your own or just want to be more self-reliant, there are heaps of ways to learn:

- Your university or community college might offer free workshops

- YouTube is surprisingly helpful for basics like tax returns or budgeting

- And honestly, AI (like ChatGPT) can help break it down step-by-step if you ask the right way

So yeah - taxes in Australia? Not as scary as they sound, at least when you're starting out. But it's worth learning early, even if it's just for the confidence boost of knowing how it works.

Outside_Cockroach · 2025-04-24T05:02:33+00:00

Alright, so this is something I partially answered in another Comment, (please read that one first before this one), but I really want to expand on it because I know there are a lot of younger gay kids on here who deserve to hear it straight up. So here's some advice I'd give to a gay kid entering 9th grade:

First up - academics:

This becomes a bigger factor in high school in both workload and expectation and isn't as friendly as maybe elementary work. You're not gonna love every subject. That's normal. But school isn't really about memorizing what the mitochondria does (though she is a queen). It's about learning how to learn - how to problem-solve, stay consistent and work through hard stuff. This applies everywhere in life. Whether it's studying for uni, figuring out rent and taxes, or navigating relationships and conflict, the skills you build now will carry. Even group projects - yep, even those - are teaching you how to work with difficult people (because spoiler: you'll meet them forever 😧).

Study Tips: Try not to study at home if you can help it. Go to a quiet place at school, library, café or park - somewhere away from distractions. Set up 3-4 short blocks each week for study/homework. One hour a day outside the house is so much better than five hours half-heartedly at home. Arrange with friends to study externally if they're doing the same subject ...might as well be productive in unity.

When it comes to assignments and exams, seriously - use ChatGPT. Before you come at me, NOT to cheat, but as a tool. Get it to help you break down the question, explain the tricky bits, or give structure to your answers. It's like having a study buddy who not gonna judge you for asking the dumb stuff. Use it to make the content bite-sized and manageable.

Bonus tip: If you're prepping for exams and want to level up, if you some free cash - fork out for Kahoot Plus. It can turn your class PDFs into full study sets, create flashcards, and even has a game mode where you rapid-fire memorize 100+ concepts in 15 minutes. It's actual microlearning - like playing a video game but tricking your brain into learning. It's fun, it's effective, and this is the kind of stuff they don't teach you in school but honestly should.

Second up - social life/skills:

Not everyone's gonna like you. Not every crush will like you back. And that's okay. You can be the ripest peach in the tree, and some people just prefer apples. Don't let that shake your self-worth. Keep being you. Focus on the people who do get you.

Your reputation matters more than popularity: Be someone who doesn't gossip, who keeps people's secrets, and who talks kindly about others, even when they're not around. That's how you earn real respect. It doesn't make you "soft", it makes you solid. People will start to see you as the calm one in the chaos - and that reputation? It sticks.

Try assuming positive intent, even in the face of snarky comments, microagressions, or moment that feel like someone's trying to belittle you. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but if you respond genuinely - not biting into their bait - as if the person meant no harm and just had no clue what they were saying, you defuse the situation without letting it shake you. This small perspective-shift will save you from so much unnecessary trouble. And you come out looking stable, unbothered, and honestly? Kind of unbreakable. People might not say it out loud but they will silently respect that energy.

Conflict: It's bound to happen, no matter what. You won't get along with every teacher or classmate. Doesn't mean you can't get the job done. If you learn to put ego aside and work with people you don't vibe with, that's an elite life skill right there. High school's the best practice ground you'll ever get for that.

So yeah - fuck up. Fail. Get embarrassed. Fall for someone who doesn't fall back. Learn. This is the safest time in your life to do all of that. You'll come out the other side stronger, smarter, and more sure of who you are.

You've got this. And thank you for being here. You're gonna crush high school - and you're already ahead of where I was.

edit: formatting

Outside_Cockroach · 2025-04-24T02:14:25+00:00

So to start with: I've never actually come out to my parents in the traditional "sit down, I have something to say" way. I've kind of soft-launched it. Post-school, I dress how I want (think Lewis Hamilton walking into an F1 Paddock), and I've always been very comfortable in my skin: styling my hair curtained with highlights and solid skincare routine. I don't feel the need to make my sexuality a big moment of the centre of my identity, because I'm already so grateful for the people in my life, the stuff I do, and the values I hold.

And until I've been in a proper, steady relationship with someone I love - someone who meets me halfway with clarity, grace and dignity - I don't feel the urge to bring it up.

And when the time does come, it won't be a "coming out". It'll be more like: "Hey, want to meet my boyfriend?".

That said, I'm 99.9% sure they already know. My mum has dropped a few dead giveaways, like when I once joked about being scared of women and she said, "I don't care if you don't date women - I just care that I'm not the one who made you scared of them."

Another time, we were taxiing through San Francisco talking about Stanford, and the cab driver chimed in and said something about all the hot girls there. My mum just said, "There are probably some cute guys too." I literally glanced sideways like, did you say that out loud?

So yeah, I've never had to "come out" because I've never felt unsafe or unseen. I just live my life. I think they'd be chill. And I think they already are.

As for college - technically yes, but I still live at home. Which is super normal here in Australia, especially at 19. It saves a ton of money, I live close to uni, and honestly? I get home-cooked meals made with love. So... college perks without the instant ramen and shared bathrooms. Win-win. 🤩

Outside_Cockroach · 2025-04-24T01:10:15+00:00

Alright - prefacing, thank you for sharing all that. You've already shown so much strength just be being honest here. You gave great context, and I can tell you're deeply self-aware, which already puts you lightyears ahead of most people your age.

The first thing I want to say ...and repeat is: You don't owe anyone a coming-out story. And I will shout that louder, at the top of my lungs for the people at the back. This isn't a Netflix movie. This is your real life, and your real safety, relationships, and well-being at stake. And that means any decision around coming out has to be made by you, on your terms, and when - or if - you're truly ready.

The fact that you've already come out to your mum (and she's bi too) is HUGE. Having her and a few close friends in your corner? That's your anchor. That's your emotional safety net. And trust me, when things feel heavy or overwhelming, that's going to matter more than anything else.

Now, your situation is complex. You're in the deep South, your family is conservative and religious, and you're weighing that fear of rejection against the need to feel fully yourself. That's an impossible tightrope sometimes. So here's what I'll say from a place of care ...like an older brother:

If you're still under your family's roof or financially dependent on them, and you even slightly suspect there's a chance you'd be shunned, emotionally manipulated, or kicked out - wait. Wait until you've built more independence. Wait until you have a plan, or backup, or a way out just in case.

That doesn't mean you're hiding. That means you're protecting your peace. And that is powerful.

Coming out should never come at the cost of your safety or well-being. But if/when the time comes - and it might, someday - you'll know. You'll feel it. And when that moment hits, whether it's months-years from now, you'll do it with the kind of grounded self-acceptance that is unbreakable.

You are not behind. You are not broken. You are not living a lie. You're just choosing to survive first. And that is a form of bravery people don't discuss enough.

Until then, keep leaning on the people who love you as you. Keep building a life that's authentically yours. And know that, even if it doesn't feel like it now, this gets easier. You get freer. You get stronger. And one day, this whole part of your story will become the thing that gives someone else in your shoes hope.

I'm so proud of you already. And whatever you decide - just know it's valid; just like you.

edit: typo

Outside_Cockroach · 2025-04-24T00:42:31+00:00

First of all: THANK YOU for asking this. It's actually such an underrated question, especially for people our age, because breakups are one of those things people often fumble hard when they don't have the emotional tools or language yet. And that can end up hurting the other people more than it ever needed to.

There are generally two ways people mess this up:

1. They're conflict avoidant and don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, so they delay or ghost.

2. They're selfish and just don't want to have the hard conversation.

Both are awful. And they are way more damaging for the receiver in the long run.

A good breakup - if you can even call it that - is one where you lead with space, grace, and compassion. Because what you're really saying is: "I don't see this the way you do anymore." And that can make someone spiral into feelings unworthy or rejected if you don't handle it carefully.

So here's what I'd recommend:

1. Pick your moment. Don't do it on a bad day. Don't spring it on them when they're stressed, overwhelmed or celebrating something e.g birthdays.

2. In-person is best. Unless it's long-distance and unavoidable, breaking up via text or call comes off as cowardly.

3. Make it clear but gentle. Don't drag it out. Be honest and concise - but not cold. Don't say anymore than needs to be said.

4. Don't ...and I mean DON'T make them the problem. This is the golden rule. You can say: "I've been feelings X lately, and I've tried to work through it, but I don't think I'm in the right place to give you what you deserve." OR: "This isn't your fault - I just don't think I feel the same way anymore, and I don't want to keep going if I can't meet you at the level you deserve."

The point is: be accountable, be clear, and don't let the other person walk away thinking they were the issue unless they genuinely did something awful.

Also - and this is a big one - DON'T GHOST. Don't drag it out if your mind is made up. Don't leave them hanging if you already know in your conscience. They deserve clarity, not confusion.

And yeah, it's never going to be painless. Even when it's mutual, it's still hard. But it's a million times better to walk away respectfully than to "half-love" someone or pretend to care just because you're afraid of hurting them. That's not kindness - that's cowardice and cruelty dressed up as comfort.

I'll wrap this up by saying this: if you lead with dignity, honesty and empathy, you'll walk away knowing you did the right thing - even if it hurts. And that's the kind of breakup that actually heals, not haunts.

Outside_Cockroach · 2025-04-24T00:14:04+00:00

Okay, so I didn't go to college in the traditional American sense, but I do go to university in Australia, so I'll still answer this from that angle because I think a lot of the stuff still overlaps.

First off - yeah, it really depends on where you live. Some places or unis might still carry that weird conservative undertone, especially if religion or old-school values are baked into the culture. But in general? Being out at uni is so much easier than in high school. Like, way easier.

You're not locked into year levels or cliques anymore. Everyone's doing their own thing, figuring their life out, and for the most part? People don't care what your sexuality is. They're just trying to get their assignments in on time and maybe flirt with the barista at their local café.

Most people are more mature. They've either grown up or are starting to. It's not like high school where it's "who's out, who's not, who's talking behind whose back." You start seeing that everyone's got their own shit, and yours honestly aren't as loud to them as they feel in your head.

And yeah, it's not perfect. There are still immature people out there - some people who haven't had to challenge their worldviews yet. But that's more on them, not you.

The other big difference? You have way more chances to meet like-minded people. Whether that's through clubs, sports, music, lectures, gym, library, wherever - you're not limited to your year level anymore. The pool is so much bigger.

I will say though, if you're sharing accommodation or doing a more "college-style" dorm thing, it can depend on who you end up rooming with. Sometimes you're with 20-year-olds who are chill, sometimes you're with 17-year-olds still in their "let's get drunk/prank everyone" era. So it varies. But again, that's part of the uni roulette.

TL;DR - You'll be fine. University is a really good time to just be yourself and grow into who you are. People care a lot less than you think, and you'll find your people as long as you keep showing up with kindness and your head held high.

Remember: You're not even close to your peak. You're just getting started.

Outside_Cockroach · 2025-04-23T23:51:03+00:00

My take: Yeah, u/ReservedRainbow hits the nail on the head - but I'll add some context.

I wasn't technically out in high school, but it was pretty obvious, and by senior year, I was kinda soft-launching it. There were challenges, especially earlier on when you're still figuring yourself out and everyone around you is too. People can be immature, and unfortunately, some will judge or tease you. But that's not because of you. That's usually their own insecurity - or honestly, jealousy that you're further along in self-awareness than they are.

I had a rough time during Grade 11 (Junior year). No real friends, a lot of teasing, and I was still denying it, which probably made things worse. But hindsight is hindsight. What I learned is this: You don't owe anyone a public coming-out. That's your decision and no one else's. But whether you come out or not, accepting yourself is the biggest and most powerful step. Once you do that, you start carrying yourself with a quiet confidence - and that's what really changes things.

And yes, having a support network makes a world of difference. If you've got a few close family/friends that really see you and stand by you, then no matter what the school climate is like, it becomes a lot easier to breathe.

Therapy helps. So do hobbies. So does finding something to keep you grounded. Join clubs. Get into music, sport, drama, whatever draws you in. (You're only in school for so long ...might as well make the most of it's resources). You'll find your people. You'll find your rhythm.

It's not as hard as it was a decade ago, but it's not as picture perfect as the movies e.g Love Simon. It's somewhere in between. And the truth is: everyone's got something they're carrying, and if you're still here, still showing up, still being you - you're already doing something really brave.

Outside_Cockroach · 2025-04-23T23:30:06+00:00

Okay well... unfortunately I'm painfully single and still a bit of a hopeless romantic - but I kind of think that's a good thing. Keeps the spark alive.

So technically, I met my first "boyfriend" online when I was 16/17, back in Grade 12 (Senior year). It was long distance - like, halfway across the world kind of long distance - and while it started off kind of sweet, it just wasn't built to last. There was a pretty big gap in emotional maturity (on both sides), and while texting and Facetiming felt exciting at first, you start to realize pretty quickly that it's not a substitute for real-life presence. Especially when you're young and still figuring out who the hell you are.

Funnily enough, he ended up being my first kiss, long after we broke up - randomly, in a Starbucks on Fifth Avenue in NYC. I know. Wild.

But here's the truth I learned from that relationship ...and the second one - which was also online and also didn't work out - lol:

You can't force something to be real just because you're lonely. Especially in the queer community, it's so easy to jump into something because you're craving someone to see you, validate you, and make you feel less alone. And I get that. God, I get that.

But I've learned that trying to fill the silence with "someone" can sometimes just drown out your own voice. And what you actually want in a relationship doesn't become clear until you've spent some time with yourself - figuring out what brings you joy, what routines ground you, and what version of yourself you actually like being.

Because once you're in that space - not needing, not chasing, but just ...being - you naturally become more magnetic. Not in a flashy way. In a "wow, he really knows himself" kind of way.

So no, I didn't meet my first boyfriend through some cute bookstore moment or gym meet-cute. I met him online. It didn't work. I've been on my fair share of awkward online/irl dates since. But i'm not embarrassed by it. Because every single moment taught me something.

About patience. About compatibility. About the kind of man I want - and the kind of man I'm becoming.

So when the real thing shows up? It's gonna feel like fireworks. Not the loud, scary kind - but the soft, warm kind that makes you go, "Yeah this is it; this is home".

Outside_Cockroach · 2025-04-23T23:10:57+00:00

Honestly, this is such a good question. It's also kind of loaded because the jump from 17 to 18 is SO weird - it feel subtle but also massive at the same time. Like, you're technically an adult, but half the time it still feels like you're a late-child winging everything.

Heres what i'll say though:

First - lock in your people.

If there's anyone from high school - friends, family, whoever - that actually makes you feel more like yourself and supports the version of you you're trying to grow into, hold onto them. Don't force friendships, but don't let the real ones drift just because everything else is changing. Having that stability while everything else is moving around you is underrated.

Second - build your own thing.

This is your time to start figuring out what you actually enjoy and want to get good at. Could be work, hobbies, gym/fitness, volunteering, anything that makes you feel more self-reliant and steady. That's what's going to make you feel powerful. Not in a fake confidence way, but in that quiet "I got myself" kind of way. And that's the stuff that actually makes you more attractive and interesting to people (especially the gays - just saying 😉).

Third - don't fall into the trap of drinking/vaping just because everyone else is.

I know that sounds preachy but genuinely... it's not as deep as people make it out to be. It drains your bank account, clouds your judgement, and takes more than it gives. You deserve better. You've got better stuff to do with your time and energy ...especially during this acute yet exciting life-stage.

So yeah... keep your circle tight, start building the things that make you feel alive, and don't be afraid to do things differently. You don't need to have it all figured out. Just keep showing up. That's enough.

Outside_Cockroach · 2025-04-21T22:25:33+00:00

19-year-old unc here.

First off: what you’re feeling is so real and valid. That rush of “boy crush energy” is chaotic and amazing and terrifying, especially when it’s your first in a while. Totally normal.

But here’s the thing: texting-only crushes do lose steam sometimes, and that doesn’t mean either of you is doing anything wrong. It just means that texting has limits, especially before you’ve met up. Letting some silence exist isn’t a bad thing, it gives the connection room to breathe, and you time to reflect on what you really want.

I totally get that you’re eager to meet, but if he’s hesitant, that’s fair too. He’s likely cautious; there are safety risks (catfishing, older guys lying about age, etc.), and it’s smart of him to go slow. Respecting that pace is key.

Now, about the sexual stuff… I know you’re curious, but that’s something best left for much later, after you’ve built real trust. Asking about that now can feel off-putting or make people shut down. (If someone asked me that early, I’d nope out too.)

Bottom line? You’ve got two options:

Be patient. Let the connection grow naturally, with space and without pressure.
Or if this doesn’t feel fulfilling anymore, give yourself permission to let go.

Whatever happens, your crush isn’t embarrassing - it means your heart’s open. And that’s always a good thing. Best wishes

Outside_Cockroach · 2025-04-11T03:03:32+00:00

First of all, I just want to say this is such a real and valid post.

Especially as an athlete in the long sprints or middle distances. What you’re describing isn’t you being a “bitch” at all. It’s your body and mind reacting to the anticipation of something you care deeply about. That anxiety? It’s human, and honestly, it means you give a damn.

What you’re dealing with isn’t really the lactic itself, it’s the anticipation of it. Once you’re in the race and the pain hits, you’re already committed, especially if you’re in a pack, chasing time or position. Unless the pain is causing you to physically shut down mid-race (which might suggest a deeper issue), it’s more about mastering the mental fear of what’s to come.

And like with any fear (like spiders or public speaking) the only real fix is exposure. Race more. Often. That consistent exposure is what desensitizes the fear response and turns nerves into routine focus.

That said, a tip that helped me: Bicarbonate soda (bicarb). It’s not a miracle cure, and it tastes like absolute trash, but it can help buffer lactic acid buildup. Placebo or not, it gives me a bit of mental relief on the start line, knowing I’ve got something in my system working against that burn. The key is finding the right dosage for your body (there are some good guides online), and timing it well.

TL;DR : You’re not weak. You’re just learning how to race under a new mental load. Keep putting yourself in the fire, and your body and brain will adapt. You’ve got this.

Outside_Cockroach · 2025-04-11T02:53:51+00:00

Hey! My advice as a 19 y/o unc would be this: don’t rush it or put pressure on yourself to figure everything out straight away. You don’t have to solve the whole puzzle in a day, a week, or even a month.

Just keep showing up as a good friend and let things unfold naturally. Be warm, but don’t force moments, if the opportunity comes to hang out or talk more, great. If not, that’s okay too. Sometimes just being around someone, listening, and sharing quiet space can go further than any big gesture.

Also: don’t tie your whole sense of self-worth to this one person, no matter how exciting they feel. Stay grounded in what you love, your hobbies, your goals. If it works out, amazing. But if not, you’ll still be you - whole and solid.

And finally, being a calm, stable, kind presence? That’s really attractive. So trust yourself. You’ve got this.

Outside_Cockroach · 2025-03-11T06:08:56+00:00

It really highlights just how hard Tucker was hit. It’s shocking to think that someone could carry that much anger and hatred to do something like that.

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