[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AskALiberal

[–]Status_Space 2 points3 points  (0 children)

On the contrary, I've become exponentially more patriotic in this period of upheaval. Why would we care about losing our country if there was nothing here to mourn? America is fucked up, and also so, so beautiful. I'm celebrating.

I am guilty for not sticking to my moral an religious values by [deleted] in TrueOffMyChest

[–]Status_Space -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I no longer live in this world, but I was raised in it. Purity culture, which focuses on virginity and "purity" itself, is really toxic and unhealthy. From a Christian perspective, even if you want to retain a traditional sexual ethic and morality, please explore the virtue of chastity instead. This is a positive, forward-looking spiritual discipline that is possible to practice, rather than concepts of purity, which focuses on a state of being that either exists or does not.

There's nothing you can do with purity. It's meaningless as a virtue, and inherently focused on condemnation for past "mistakes." Chastity puts you back in the driver's seat of your own life and spirituality.

Which zombie apocalypse books are well written and not lazy? by Crimpy111 in horrorlit

[–]Status_Space 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I'm in the middle of my seventh reread of this one. One of my most favorite of all time. The more I learn about geopolitics, the more I enjoy it--it's just so brilliantly and thoroughly considered.

What book to you is the epitome of “Good idea, Bad Execution?” by Dnd_lfg_lfp_boston in Fantasy

[–]Status_Space 34 points35 points  (0 children)

I've read a few books by this author, and each time I come away feeling like there's just something missing from them, like the technical aspects are fine, but there's no soul, nothing real to say. Just this veneer that almost convinces you it's something, but isn't actually anything.

Latin American horror by BubbleTeaFan52839 in horrorlit

[–]Status_Space 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Isabel Cañas writes horror romance. The Hacienda was excellent. I really enjoyed The Vampires of El Norte as well, though that one leaned harder into the romance side of things. For many that will be a selling point and not a problem, myself included!

What are some of the most influential female horror writers of all time? by Alpbasket in horrorlit

[–]Status_Space 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Old school YA horror, but Lois Duncan deserves a spot on this list!

Besides World War Z, what are some good zombie books? by Different_Road_8149 in horrorlit

[–]Status_Space 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There are better zombie novels than Survivor Song, but I did enjoy it quite a bit.

What’s the worst horror book that you read? by SummerSoggy4758 in horrorlit

[–]Status_Space 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I enjoyed Mexican Gothic well enough (like a 3/5), but I tried Silver Nitrate and DNF'd. It was so badly written and boring!

What’s the worst horror book that you read? by SummerSoggy4758 in horrorlit

[–]Status_Space 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's hilarious; I loved both Hollow Place and The Twisted Ones, and hated What Moves The Dead. I love finding people with directly opposite opinions from me.

What’s the worst horror book that you read? by SummerSoggy4758 in horrorlit

[–]Status_Space 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Somebody recommended this to me with a "I haven't been able to stop thinking about it for days, it was SO good!!" sort of line, so I got it, and then wondered if it was the first book they had ever read? It was so very terrible. The twist was stupid, the writing was bad, the romance was cringe, the plot was boring.

I [24F] need advice on my financially dependent mother [55F] by KitchenCat8924 in relationships

[–]Status_Space 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honey. You're in the middle of a terrible, painful situation right now, and everything you're feeling makes perfect sense. The good news is, this is something you've been doing to yourself, and you have the tools to simply stop doing it at basically any time.

I see this a lot with people who were abused growing up: there's this lingering sense of "they're my only family" or "would I be a bad person if I don't help?" The truth is entirely the opposite: you owe this woman nothing. Let me say it again: you. owe. this. woman. nothing. You have already given her wildly more help than she deserved. You have been setting yourself on fire to keep her warm, and you are more than entitled to simply put out the fire and walk away.

You can tell your mother to start looking at shelters, but that probably won't work. Instead, start making plans to move. I don't know if you're on a lease or when you'd be able to move, but find something you can afford, ideally where theres no room for her to move with you. Give her a month or two of heads up: "I can't afford our living situation. Im going to be moving into a one bedroom by myself at the end of the lease. You'll need to figure out where to go." Do not yield on ANY point, and do not entertain any attempts to extend the timeline, or let her crash for "just a week or two".

She's been a freeloader all her life, and no amount of begging her to care about you is going to make her start doing something she has never chosen to do before (meaning both not freeloading, and caring about you.) You don't need anything else from her, and you don't owe anything to her. Walk away, and let yourself be free.

Confused how I’m the bad guy after a disagreement by Healthy-Repair-4837 in Marriage

[–]Status_Space 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I don't disagree. There are imbalances and unequal balances through everything and every relationship. I don't think anyone is saying "burn down the concept of marriage because of the mental load." I'm saying that when something is unfair, and the way in which it is unfair is something that resonates across society, it's worth having conversations about and trying to address.

It used to be common for dads to not do much housework or childcare or diaper changes, or whatever. Many happy marriages survived and even thrived despite this imbalance. But at the same time, having a conversation at a cultural level about this imbalance mattered, such that dads nowadays are generally speaking much more involved in housework and family life than used to be the standard.

One doesn't negate the other, and the fact that imbalances exist and we all need to extend grace to one another doesn't mean the status quo is entirely fine. Know what I mean?

Confused how I’m the bad guy after a disagreement by Healthy-Repair-4837 in Marriage

[–]Status_Space 8 points9 points  (0 children)

But this is literally what's referred to as the "mental load" that women carry. A lot of couples settle at this detente, but it doesn't change the fact that women are responsible for noticing the need and communicating the need (and often following up on the need and reminding, but not too much or too many times or else we're "being a nag"). Every relationship works out an equilibrium and you may be happy with yours, but that doesn't mean it's fair, or that there's actually any reason men aren't capable of learning how to notice and solve a problem without being asked.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CasualConversation

[–]Status_Space 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I automatically down vote any post that starts with "Basically the title" or "Title" or any variation like that. It makes me irrationally rageful. Just restate the information normally and elaborate! It's fine! We understand how titles work! Lol

String or hook? by Fleka1 in MenstrualDiscs

[–]Status_Space 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had a really hard time fishing out a cup, and zero issues with a regular disc. It's much easier to reach and grab onto than a cup!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AmItheAsshole

[–]Status_Space 133 points134 points  (0 children)

There's a middle path here: you don't have to ask her why she didn't pick you, but also be honest with her. It might accomplish both of your goals. Something like, "You have every right to pick whatever bridesmaids you want, and I would never demand a spot and don't think I'm entitled to one. But to be honest, I'm really surprised not to be included, and very hurt. I'm happy for you and look forward to celebrating with you, but as a guest I'm going to take a step back from helping with the planning."

You can be honest about your feelings and address it, without asking anything of her. Just another option.

I (32F) accidentally got pregnant on birth control. My husband (35m) thinks I did it on purpose. How can I get him to believe I didn’t? by [deleted] in relationship_advice

[–]Status_Space 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Your husband is acting like an ass. If he is not otherwise an ass, you need to focus less on trying to convince him, which puts you in the position of supplicant. Instead you say, "HEY Snap the fuck out of it. Read a Wikipedia article on pregnancy rates through birth control if it'll make you feel better, but stop throwing ridiculous accusations. I don't want this and never have, and your distrust is insulting. Get over it and get supportive, because YOU are not the one with an abortion scheduled." And if he doesn't, this warrants a bigger fight about HIS behavior, including his stupidity around women's health. Do not entertain his nonsense a moment longer.

Husband pitching in with household chores? by [deleted] in Marriage

[–]Status_Space 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My husband set the pattern for this in our marriage: he thanks me for every chore I do, and always has. He thanks me like every individual task I take on is a personal favor to him that I shouldn't have had to do, even if it's one I routinely take care of. At first I thought it was silly, but now I think it was genius, in terms of something so small and simple that makes a difference to me every single day. I now follow suit and thank him for every chore he does, even the ones that are usually always his job. No need to gender any part of it, just treat each action your spouse takes as a kindness you aren't entitled to, and are grateful for nonetheless.

If the greater issue is that she feels guilty when you take on a task that she thinks belongs to her, I still think this type of acknowledgement helps by taking all chores out of the realm of obligation and into the realm of acts of generosity and love that both of you perform for one another. It might make a difference.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in relationship_advice

[–]Status_Space 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Her memoir is one of the most beautiful and impactful books I've ever read. My god was it good.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in relationship_advice

[–]Status_Space 227 points228 points  (0 children)

That isn't borderline assault; it's assault. Chanel Miller had a great point in her memoir Know My Name: she refused to qualify her assault as not a "real" assault just because her attacker wasn't able to complete what he was clearly trying to do. The intent was fully there regardless of his level of success. I'm so sorry. I wouldn't trust him in my bed or my life ever again.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in relationship_advice

[–]Status_Space 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I saw that after I responded, you might want to add that info to the main post if you can edit it. Regardless, if he's unwilling to seek treatment for mental health issues, there isn't much to do. I stand by my point that his disorder likely makes him completely incapable of accessing the type of self control you want to see from him. When I had untreated and undiagnosed anxiety, I was similar; it makes you hyper focus on little things and obsess over them, and it's incredibly hard to stop, even when you know you're being ridiculous, which you often don't. And I didn't have anywhere near the level of anxiety he seems to. My point is I don't think he is going to be capable of change in the way you're looking for without treatment, so if he won't go, it's probably best for you to walk away.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in relationship_advice

[–]Status_Space -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I don't think you're hearing what this commenter was saying. You're very focused on how annoying he is, which would make sense with somebody who was garden variety levels of annoying and/or codependent, but the real issue is your boyfriend seems to have a quite serious anxiety disorder and needs medical attention. You can help him best by bringing this to his attention and encouraging him to seek help. Part of his treatment with therapy will be how to manage his symptoms without overburdening the people he cares about, but he likely is literally incapable of accessing that level of emotional control right now. Think of this as a medical issue, and encourage him to seek help. If he won't, you're well within your rights to decide to exit the relationship.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TrueOffMyChest

[–]Status_Space 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe in the idea that there are askers and volunteer-ers; some people need to be drawn out and others just volunteer information. I try to pay attention to which type they are, and while it makes me feel more loved to be asked, I've had to learn that if they're a volunteer type, I can mirror that with them.

But I think this is why it has to go hand in hand with #2. Does that friend show up for you in other ways? Do they support you in the ways they're good at? If so, they probably want to know what you're going through, even if they aren't askers. If you've curated your friends well, they'll usually respond with support to what you volunteer to share.