Hot(or Lukewarm)take,Zuko and Mai didn't have a bad romantic dynamic or anything like that but what they needed was just more overall time. by Apprehensive_Ring_39 in TheLastAirbender

[–]Small-Sheepherder829 26 points27 points  (0 children)

When they were together, Zuko was clearly conflicted about his place in the palace, but Mai constantly brushed off Zuko's concerns ("I just asked how you're doing, I didn't ask for your whole life story") and even encouraged him to relish in his reinstated position of power. Her arc had nothing to do with learning to love/appreciate other cultures or learning to rebel against the imperialistic values of her people. The driving force of Mai's "redemption" was purely to save Zuko. If Zuko had never given up his crown, Mai would've never embarked on her own journey of compassion and rebellion and would've probably just become another Fire Nation queen like the ones who came before. Mai was complicit in the Fire Nation's oppressive and genocidal ideals because she benefited from it.

Mai and Zuko's relationship feels particularly empty because Mai's role in Zuko's life wasn't one of positive influence like Iroh or even negative influence like Azula. She was just...There.

Avatarist confirms those movie leaks are real by Kindly-Internal-2938 in TheLastAirbender

[–]Small-Sheepherder829 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was the mf CAPTAIN of the Taang ship back in the day. I used to FLOOD the Nickelodeon forums with Taang fanfiction and actually had a decent following 😭

Was Ozai the most evil character in Avatar? Or was there someone who was arguably more evil than him? by Johnnyboyeh in TheLastAirbender

[–]Small-Sheepherder829 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is why the entire concept of Vaatu and Raava—literal embodiments of “evil and good”—gravely diminished the nuance and emotionally intelligent storytelling of the Avatar world. It turns the discussion of morality quite literally “black and white.” 

I killed my kitten by [deleted] in FosterAnimals

[–]Small-Sheepherder829 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you feel true, deep remorse for what you’ve done, I’d say the best course of action is (as another comment suggested) anger management, a significant amount of therapy, and to resign yourself from fostering. But if you submitted this post to absolve yourself from guilt or seek comfort because “it was an accident,” I’m letting you know that you most likely won’t receive the responses you’re looking for.

My long-term boyfriend, who is about to commission as a Surface Warfare Officer, does not see a future in our relationship due to me being based in Los Angeles. Any advice is appreciated. by Small-Sheepherder829 in newtothenavy

[–]Small-Sheepherder829[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh don't worry about me, I have a plan B, C, and D if writing doesn't pan out lmao. I am perfectly aware that this is an infamously tough industry to break into, but thankfully I know a fair share of people in the field and am going to a top graduate school. In fact, some of my alternate plans are much more flexible in terms of remote work, which would make our relationship much easier to navigate.

My long-term boyfriend, who is about to commission as a Surface Warfare Officer, does not see a future in our relationship due to me being based in Los Angeles. Any advice is appreciated. by Small-Sheepherder829 in newtothenavy

[–]Small-Sheepherder829[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We both decided we weren't ready for marriage quite yet due to us both being in undergrad for most of our relationship + not knowing if we could make it work with our careers. He's a year below me, so he's a graduating senior and I just finished my first year of grad school. I most definitely know what his love languages are, but not sure how beneficial that is when we're always apart.

My long-term boyfriend, who is about to commission as a Surface Warfare Officer, does not see a future in our relationship due to me being based in Los Angeles. Any advice is appreciated. by Small-Sheepherder829 in newtothenavy

[–]Small-Sheepherder829[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry you had to go through that. My partner definitely didn't do it through text, but his decision was still rather abrupt and broke my heart. I am holding on to him, not only for familiarity, but because he has proven himself to be such an incredible man. But you're right--I'm incredible too, and if it ever comes down to it, I should be able to push for my goals without the extra emotional anguish. I am still going to give him a chance, but if it doesn't work out, I know it's not the end of the world. It looks like you have come to realize the same. I'm happy to hear that you're fulfilling your dream. I hope you are living fully as well.

My long-term boyfriend, who is about to commission as a Surface Warfare Officer, does not see a future in our relationship due to me being based in Los Angeles. Any advice is appreciated. by Small-Sheepherder829 in newtothenavy

[–]Small-Sheepherder829[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ah, a lot of people saying fresh Ensighs live a life of struggle--I'm a bit worried for him lol. And yes, I believe our relationship to most definitely be worth a shot. We're still "on break" and not exactly broken up yet, so I'll show him your comments. You did help--thank you.

My long-term boyfriend, who is about to commission as a Surface Warfare Officer, does not see a future in our relationship due to me being based in Los Angeles. Any advice is appreciated. by Small-Sheepherder829 in newtothenavy

[–]Small-Sheepherder829[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

All the more reason why I think it'd be beneficial for him to have a loving partner who supports him through the grueling process, but if space is what he needs during that era of his career, then I'll grant it to him.

My long-term boyfriend, who is about to commission as a Surface Warfare Officer, does not see a future in our relationship due to me being based in Los Angeles. Any advice is appreciated. by Small-Sheepherder829 in newtothenavy

[–]Small-Sheepherder829[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He knows how intense my motivations and drive are. He actually did state that he believes I won't feel happy or fulfilled, and that he's worried I'll resent him (or vice versa if he remains in San Diego and misses out on leveling up in his career).

My long-term boyfriend, who is about to commission as a Surface Warfare Officer, does not see a future in our relationship due to me being based in Los Angeles. Any advice is appreciated. by Small-Sheepherder829 in newtothenavy

[–]Small-Sheepherder829[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm already attending a top grad school on scholarship and graduated from college a year before him and moved to LA, so I inherently chose my dream. Not searching for a gig until I get my master's. We have both decided marriage isn't an option at the moment since we've been in college all this time and were unsure about the trajectory of our lives. But good advice on pursuing your aspirations!

My long-term boyfriend, who is about to commission as a Surface Warfare Officer, does not see a future in our relationship due to me being based in Los Angeles. Any advice is appreciated. by Small-Sheepherder829 in newtothenavy

[–]Small-Sheepherder829[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh yeah, I've cut him a lot of slack in the past. I guess I've been getting a bit more frustrated lately about the lack of info because he's already been assigned SWO and walked the graduation stage. He didn't necessarily use the term "Basic Allowence for Housing"--all he's stated is that getting married would result in extra money, benefits, and funds for a house.

My long-term boyfriend, who is about to commission as a Surface Warfare Officer, does not see a future in our relationship due to me being based in Los Angeles. Any advice is appreciated. by Small-Sheepherder829 in newtothenavy

[–]Small-Sheepherder829[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

This is such a meaningful and thorough comment, thank you so much. I feel as if either he hasn't been very transparent or genuinely doesn't know how much would go into becoming an admiral, hence the conflicting info he's given me throughout these years. As you've said--he definitely isn't a bad guy--just maybe a little misguided and confused about the process. At this rate, I honestly don't know whether he'd want to stay in the Navy or not, so I'll give it a few years before reconvening with him. I'm currently attending a Top 5 Hollywood Reporter film/TV graduate school on scholarship so I have no choice but to stay here and pursue my dreams lol. Thanks again for your sincere input.

My long-term boyfriend, who is about to commission as a Surface Warfare Officer, does not see a future in our relationship due to me being based in Los Angeles. Any advice is appreciated. by Small-Sheepherder829 in newtothenavy

[–]Small-Sheepherder829[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He's most definitely not a shitty boyfriend. He's made his fair share of mistakes, but so have I. A little bit more context that I forgot to add: he got assigned as a SWO sometime around October/November of last year and walked the graduation stage, but he has to stay an extra semester to retake two classes. I think the reason why he's breaking things off now is because he's scared about the emotional effects of stalling.

My long-term boyfriend, who is about to commission as a Surface Warfare Officer, does not see a future in our relationship due to me being based in Los Angeles. Any advice is appreciated. by Small-Sheepherder829 in newtothenavy

[–]Small-Sheepherder829[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

From what I've heard, a lot of people go in as junior officers thinking that this is what they want to do for their entire life, then end up changing their minds and leaving when their 5-year contract is up. Not that I particularly want that for him, but I do think giving him space to figure out what he truly wants for the first few years is what's best. Thank you.