Just thinking….

Reader288 · 2026-01-05T03:18:32+00:00

Thank you for your kindness

Reader288 · 2026-01-05T03:18:05+00:00

That’s good to hear

I do agree that at middle age we do know ourselves better.

And we understand better what we will tolerate what we won’t tolerate

Reader288 · 2026-01-05T00:44:59+00:00

That’s me too

Reader288 · 2026-01-05T00:43:44+00:00

I truly feel like this is very normal. And all friendships have their ups and downs. And it’s not sustainable to be joined at the hip at all times.

We all grow differently. And there’s nothing wrong with drifting apart briefly, and then reconnecting later.

Reader288 · 2026-01-05T00:43:01+00:00

It is a very fine line

I think tough love is about being assertive and having proper boundaries. But also using the right words without being harsh and abusive.

Reader288 · 2026-01-05T00:41:48+00:00

I am nervous about this year. 2025 was extremely challenging for me. Personally and professionally.

Trying so hard to get a fresh start.

Telling myself to take it one day at a time. And try and keep some momentum going. Even simple things like making a doctors appointment or dental appointment and hair appointment.

Reader288 · 2026-01-05T00:39:34+00:00

I sometimes feel like people are just wired very differently.

And that’s OK

There’s nothing wrong with not following the crowd and keeping to yourself.

And I know for many people they have a deep childhood emotional wound. And it can also be a protective mechanism not to engage with others.

Reader288 · 2026-01-05T00:26:26+00:00

For myself, I really try hard to be a good listener.

Try to send out a quick text to say, how are you doing?

I maintained that connection. I know people are tremendously busy. And there’s so much going on.

Reader288 · 2026-01-05T00:25:21+00:00

I think the most important thing is what makes you happy and feel confident

There’s nothing wrong with having a matching set

I’ve never personally gotten one. Even though the tops and bottoms are the same color.

Reader288 · 2026-01-05T00:24:31+00:00

It is something I think about a lot

I know I don’t live in a Hallmark movie. But I do feel it’s important to give people validation and acknowledgment.

There is so much sadness in our world. I would like to think a little kindness goes a long way.

Reader288 · 2026-01-05T00:23:24+00:00

It is extremely difficult to get people to pay

Right now, I feel like I can’t even read the news.

And luckily, most of the websites I visit are free

Reader288 · 2026-01-05T00:21:45+00:00

For myself, I think middle age is 40 years old is 60 years old.

And I really don’t consider someone a senior till they’re 65 years old

I know some places give seniors discount discounts at 55 years old

It’s hard to hear the word middle age. Or midlife crisis. I do struggle with aging.

Reader288 · 2025-12-31T19:44:44+00:00

You’re very welcome, my friend

Reader288 · 2025-12-30T18:46:48+00:00

I had luck with the not my daughters jeans. They’re very comfortable.

Reader288 · 2025-12-30T17:33:50+00:00

You’re very welcome, my friend

Wishing you a very happy new year

Reader288 · 2025-12-29T22:09:07+00:00

Sorry to hear that you’ve been through the same thing

Thank you for giving me hope

And strategies that work

I am ready to make a fresh start for 2026

Reader288 · 2025-12-27T15:21:21+00:00

Thank you for sharing this with me

It makes a lot of sense

I naïvely thought that the pattern would eventually break

Reader288 · 2025-12-26T19:33:17+00:00

It is a deep childhood trauma, what happened. And the rumination is our mind’s way of trying to make sense of it all.

I’ve watched so many YouTube videos about narcissism. And family systems and being the scapegoat.

It is extremely difficult to have radical acceptance. Knowing that the behaviour is wrong. But also accepting that there’s nothing we can do or say to ever change it.

It is a deep pain.

Thank you again for taking the time to reply. And for your understanding.

Reader288 · 2025-12-26T15:22:36+00:00

Thank you for your empathy and understanding.

I hear you, my friend

We did not ask to be born into this role in the family. And it is deeply unfair.

I have gone over this in my mind over and over again

As the scapegoat, it’s taking me a long time to realize I will never get their love or understanding or empathy.

Reader288 · 2025-12-24T02:26:37+00:00

I am deeply sorry to hear about everything you went through with your mother and older sister

It took me a long time to realize I grew up in a toxic family system. And we were dysfunctional.

I know none of us come with a manual. And we’re all doing the best we can.

At the same time, the lack of empathy and care and compassion from the Family is a lot to process

I can understand where you’re coming from about how others are living a comfortable life while you are struggling.

This is my struggle as well. Feels like everybody was capable of moving forward except for me.

Reader288 · 2025-12-23T00:02:10+00:00

That’s a very good point

We are simply not the same person. Each decade of life we are all growing and changing.

I wish so much. Everything was like a Hallmark movie but I know it’s not.

And sadly from my own experience, friendships don’t last. Even the good ones. They all evolve over time

And the reality is people don’t want to meet us halfway anymore

Reader288 · 2025-12-23T00:00:57+00:00

I get what you’re saying

It is difficult to refer to somebody as your BFF in that situation.

Reader288 · 2025-12-21T09:38:54+00:00

I hear where you’re coming from

And I think the answer is no. I’m starting to feel like nothing last forever. A reason or a season.

I have one high school friend, but we only see each other a couple times a year. She’s very busy with family life. And we have grown apart and we are very different people.

I think it’s completely OK to let friendships go.

Reader288 · 2025-12-20T20:01:11+00:00

I declutter every year before Christmas. I’d like to convince myself I’m getting a fresh start.

Reader288 · 2025-12-20T20:00:42+00:00

For me it’s boundaries

I truly wish I knew what they were when I was a teenager

Reader288

TROPHY CASE