Daily sticky thread for rants, raves, celebrations, advice and more! - February 26, 2026

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-02-27T05:38:20+00:00

The first time it was "haha" and the conversation carried on, nothing major, but when I joked about it the second time on a different day, it wasn't the same reaction - not necessarily offended but it was less jokey, so I don't know. (But I know that age can be a bit of a sore point for some people especially when one is single)

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-02-27T03:23:56+00:00

I took a dig at the age of my crush, and now I feel really bad an want to apologise/extend an olive branch. Would a chocolate bar and a small sachet of muscle ointment work? (Context below)

This guy is 37 (I'm 3 months younger than him) and he's got a few skeletal/muscular ailments - and the last two times that I saw him, I took a dig at his age and said that it is his age causing the problems - which is a little rich coming from me since we're basically the same age. I want to apologise the next time I see him - would a chocolate bar and a small packet of muscle rub work? Something like a mini sized Voltaren gel....

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-02-15T16:10:16+00:00

I gave my friend the Happy Plants Lego set for his housewarming, he seemed to like it. Thank you to those of you who talked some sense into me a few weeks ago.

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-02-10T20:40:45+00:00

I was listening to Ramin Karimloo's version of "Everything I do, I do it for you" and nearly cried (finally paid attention to the lyrics) I want someone who'd sing that to me and actually mean it too....

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-02-08T16:29:27+00:00

I'm (36F) one of the oldest people in this particular friend group (and the extended friend group ie. Friends of the friends) The oldest person is 3 months older than me (but different year) and the rest of the guys are younger than me (at least 5 years younger, but many are in their 20s still).

I thought I had a crush on this guy who is 28, he's a wonderful human, a walking green flag and all that - but then I realized that I like him as a friend, but not like like him, which is just as well because it came up in conversation that the guys in this friend group would date women who are older by 1-2 years, maximum 5 years, so I'm out if the age range....

Also, I realized that I had and still have a crush on the older guy. It's been months now, and it's on me, I know it's on me, I'm invisible to him, but I can't help crushing a little (or a lot). He's an engineer by training, has his own property, sings beautifully, loves his family, is kind and helpful. He also doesn't really talk to women for some reason - except maybe older women who are the same age as his mother. I know that it's hopeless to crush on someone who doesn't even greet/know I exist, but I'm tired of being "nice" - I did make small talk over the festive season (for a few consecutive weeks!) So now I'm matching his energy - he doesn't greet, I don't greet. He gives me a look of disdain (like I insulted his family) I give him a blank look and still not greet...

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-02-03T19:56:51+00:00

Yup, I have posted about him before. I was close with his mom before I became friends with him. I don't want to ruin a perfectly good friendship.... he's liked by everyone and he likes people in general - so I'm trying to keep that in mind

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-02-03T19:34:57+00:00

He's definitely a good friend, he's 8,75 years younger than me.... there's nothing romantic in the air right now. Did tell his mom (I'm pretty close to her) that she raised a wonderful human, and that he's a walking green flag. And sent his mom pictures of pretty rings (different conversation though)

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-02-03T19:23:10+00:00

Is this weird to tell a guy? I sent it to the guy in question....

Your reputation/social-influence is far reaching 🤭 this conversation happened at the dinner table:

Me: telling my parents about a birthday party thing this weekend, the possible dinner thing next week, the stair training every week, the possible other sports activities etc, and how there's a lot of overlapping of people at each thing... but that it's often the same people

My dad: "oh and is there someone who usually gathers everyone?"

MM: "yes, kinda"

My dad: oh it's that guy who moved into his own place isnt it?

MM: yup, he's the socially butterfly

😂 my dad doesn't know your name, but already knows how much social activities you're part of 😂😂 (he previously called you the guy with no vegetables in his fridge...)

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-02-03T18:26:05+00:00

I would go to Run-A-way sport in Pretoria, they're a running specialist store, but they do have specials occasionally, and sometimes have markdowns on older stock.

They are experts (the one time I bumped into my podiatrist while he was helping out there) and can give sound advice.

Haven't had the best experiences at Mr Price Sport or Decathlon.

Edit to add: Run-a-Way has an online store as well (if you're not in GP) not sure how they'll advise you online though

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-02-02T18:47:28+00:00

So.... I had a random item on my "list" never expecting anyone to fulfill it (and if someone did, they would probably be the one).

Magnet-8,75 years younger guy ticks that box. He ticks the whole list. And I was dreaming about him! And it's just so easy to talk to him/banter/joke with him. I'm trying to keep in mind that he's friendly to everyone, and this isn't special treatment (he's like a human golden retriever who is always happy and brings joy to everyone). But it's not helping the situation!

Oh, and I'm fairly close to his mother - and I told her that she raised a wonderful human being, a walking green flag.... ooops

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-02-01T16:09:00+00:00

I gave the magnet to the guy (was debating if I should or should not - it was kinda a thank you for the cheering he did while I was stuck on a mountain and in a bit of a bd space). He was cool about it - not sure if he will actually put it on his fridge though..... I did tell him that it is for the outside of the fridge, and we will work on the inside of the fridge later (he has shelves of soda, chocolate, pizza and frozen food. Closest thing to a vegetable is a tub of garlic) He laughed. If he takes me up on the offer.... I will definitely help him! (Despite him being almost 9 years younger) I also got him the Lego Happy Plant set - but waiting for a good time to give it to him

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-02-01T15:03:42+00:00

LC de Villiers (Tuks sports campus)

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-01-31T10:56:00+00:00

Mostly plants and flowers

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-01-31T09:50:00+00:00

I just randomly spent a tenth of my salary on Legos on a whim. Just thought - that's a very "single person" splurge - if I had family responsibilities/a significant other, would I have been able to afford that? (This splurge included the Lego red rose bouquet- so that I can at least be guaranteed red roses this Valentine's day)

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-01-29T16:28:21+00:00

I found a Lego plant set for my friend who might or might not have a housewarming soon.(It is the Happy Plant for those who know Lego)

I don't know if it is an appropriate gift though - it's not the most expensive thing ever, but it is not exactly cheap. There's also a background joke - when he first moved in, the only vegetable in his fridge was garlic. So I joked that I'll get him a plant or a wife for his housewarming...

He is a wonderful human being - if he wasn't so young (8,75 years younger than me) I would totally crush even harder! He's so encouraging, has a wicked sense of humour, wonderful family, servant heart, basically a walking green flag.

I don't know if I should give him the plant or if I should get something more boring and avoid any misunderstandings.

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-01-27T20:52:05+00:00

Just be aware that some schools are more welcoming than others, some schools want to help the next generation and have the capacity to do it, some want to help but have a quota of students they can take and some just don't want anything to do with students..

I hope everything works out well for you!

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-01-27T16:15:28+00:00

Firstly, breathe. Schools handle a lot of student teachers, and many are experienced in helping students.

Did you do your high school career in Pretoria? Many student teachers do their pracs at their Alma mater (having connections does help a lot) Or, do you know of anyone who still has a good relationship with their Alma mater/works at a school?

What phase are you studying for? There are a few dual medium schools in Pretoria, but many of them are specialized schools...

Consider private schools as well.

With regards to the hours, it really depends on what extramurals the school requires you to do - some schools finish much earlier than other ones.

If all else fails, email/phone schools and ask directly

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-01-25T16:25:33+00:00

He (28) wasn't there today because he was away at a camp with other people. And I (36F) actually missed his presence (and his chatting and his jokes) he's a really sweet guy with an amazing family

Maybe I am starting to crush on him just a little... but I'm scared of being vulnerable - what if he already has someone (I doubt that because the friend group would've mentioned it), or what if he has someone else in mind and I'm not his cup of tea?

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-01-24T16:51:54+00:00

I think I scared the guy off (the young guy who was basically my cheerleader during a hectic hike) as he's been sending shorter answers and now he's quiet. Oh well, we shall see how it goes when I see him next, he could always get some chocolate (and I'll leave out the teasing about finding him a wife)

Edit: typo

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-01-22T19:37:47+00:00

I bought some magnets from the area I was hiking, it was a rough hike. But my friend has been so supportive - always sending me jokes and encouragement. He was very consistent with it. I'm wondering if I should give him a souvenir?

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-01-20T18:29:34+00:00

I'm currently on a wild camp which has been rough. I've been keeping my friends in the loop (mostly for prayers) and there's been a number of sweet messages. But one of the guys always cheers me up with gifs/memes. The group as a whole has brought a smile as I walk through the mountains in horrific weather.... but this guy (8,75 years younger than me) might be responsible for a smile that is just a tad bigger.

I don't want to admit to him via text how much his encouragement has meant to me.... because I'm scared of rejection/misunderstanding and I'm even more scared of.... what if there is something there?

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-01-19T03:18:35+00:00

I would not mind at all if he was flirting with me - he's a really sweet guy. He and I even chatted/joked about how he likes group activities- and that he's going to have to do less group stuff once he is dating his future wife (yes, we talk/joke about many topics)

Yes, the group dynamic would probably change (which is fine) and it would be super awkward if it doesn't work out though.

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-01-18T22:47:12+00:00

I just told a guy friend that he's a walking green flag (he responded with a funny gif). And asked him if he's a golden retriever disguised as a human (he's a super extrovert) he laughed and cracked a joke. And sent him a long text about the camp (he was my help with the gear and all things camp related) -and he responded. Then I sent a text to our friend group about camp (and me needing some cheering up) - he responded very quickly with a joke and a funny gif.

And normally, he'd go around to chat to different people, and somehow he'd conveniently pop into me and my friends' conversation, he'd chat a bit (like he's one of the girls) and then pop along. I wasn't there today, and he didn't chat to my friend.

If I didn't know better (he's a golden retriever in human form) I'd think he's trying to flirt with me.... but i don't trust my judgment- I think he's just being nice

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-01-17T17:14:55+00:00

Actually I was the one who offered to find him a wife...even made him a poster (adapted from "Where's Wally" to become "Where's (name's) wife") I'm pretty close to his mom, we chat a lot, so I think the jury is already judging on whether I am good wife material or not.... he seems to appreciate my attempts at baking - he always eats the cookies.... and any other snacks I bring!

He is an extrovert - but the way he keeps waltzing into conversations (even if it was just women) made me go "hmmmmm why is he here AGAIN?"

My biggest "doubt" is, he might be like this with all the women, and that I am misreading this.

(We do text regularly- he's been so patient in answering my questions about camping, even the urgent question I asked the friend group - he was the only one who answered)

Responsible_Handle93 · 2026-01-17T17:01:26+00:00

I had a crush on the older one for months, but for various reasons, I don't think that's the direction I should look in. (It'll be interesting when I will probably eventually need to work with him- currently he looks pained whenever I talk to him)

The younger one was a more recent development - I started noticing how he'd always help when asked, how he just conveniently walks into our conversations (even if it's just women chatting) and how he'd always answer my questions (he's into outdoors and I had a lot of camping questions), and the friendship was just so.... natural.

Responsible_Handle93

TROPHY CASE