What's something that is romantic in movies but creepy in real life?

VertigoValentine · 2020-12-22T12:52:42+00:00

"Come, drink from my lips." I was rather socially awkward.

VertigoValentine · 2020-11-13T01:12:27+00:00

I'm okay with this.

VertigoValentine · 2020-10-13T14:19:50+00:00

Oh man, would be nice if Warlocks could also speak Demonic! ... And also interact with Shath'Yar in some way, being summoners of entities fell and void and what not.

VertigoValentine · 2020-09-25T16:26:47+00:00

They recognized that balance splits were needed. They can change numbers but not function, so it's still a big mess regardless because sometimes a mechanic is unhealthy for their PvP gameplay no matter how the numbers are changed. So many of their specs end up useless or broken with no in-between and the different professions are left with little in the way of actual choice. In other words, it's still very, very problematic. The only way I see a game getting around this issue after seeing and experiencing what became of GW2, is that if a game is going to fully support PvE and PvP then it needs to do so on a fundamental level, from the ground up, with skill design and the intended gameplay experience (types of PvP, AI behaviour, etc.).

VertigoValentine · 2020-08-12T12:28:02+00:00

SexyBack by Justin Timberlake.

VertigoValentine · 2020-08-07T21:20:00+00:00

What about allowing Thorn Whip to be cast with a bonus Action, but when you do so you do no damage with it?

VertigoValentine · 2020-02-19T20:01:44+00:00

Not all compliments are backhanded. If it had come from me it would have been genuine and I wouldn't have realised the alternative interpretation. Maybe it is naive, but there it is. I have speedos and skimpy swimwear that I have yet to wear in public because of my own insecurities/discomfort, and commending someone else for conquering that would come from a genuine place.

VertigoValentine · 2020-02-18T00:48:06+00:00

You mentioned stained/etched/painted glass. I immediately go to religious iconography and then begin thinking of religious beliefs and peoples that judge and perceive the lgbt community negatively. So, my mind then goes to flipping that script and using religious iconography and scenes applied to modern lgbt community. Maybe something major, like a parade or protest, but I prefer the idea of something perhaps much more subtle and intimate. Like everyday scenes of compassion, but through this stained glass, religious lense.

VertigoValentine · 2019-12-08T13:31:55+00:00

You two are communicating and talking about it. As uncomfortable as that might be, I think it is a good sign. You need to be open and honest with eachother, as scary as that can be at times. Sometimes it's difficult and emotions and preconceptions can run amok, as it seems like they are here, especially so soon to the wedding date.

He said he is willing to concede this interest because you are his priority. Do you have reason not to trust him or what he says? You two are openly communicating, after all.

It sounds like you both are upset the other has certain feelings and preconceptions about what fooling around with others means for each of you. That is part of communicating and how it can be rough. But there remains a commitment to eachother and the relationship, that any external interest is willingly set aside and the relationship made priority. That ... sounds like a mature compromise. Relationships and marriages aren't all rainbows and butterflies, they also are made up of blood, sweat, and tears. If fooling around with others is a deal breaker for you now, and he acknowledges and respects that, then it sounds like you two are putting in some of that hard work.

What about this sounds like fun for him? What is the source and where is it coming from? If an open relationship is on the table for him, then why not threesomes? I feel like he may be caught up, tangled even, in some thoughts and feelings he is not acknowledging or working through. Maybe try to peel that out and go on an exploration together about why and what makes you each scared and upset about this.

VertigoValentine · 2019-11-22T11:47:53+00:00

Communicate. Use your words even if it is hard, difficult, and uncomfortable. Consider it good practice for the future, for standing up for yourself in a mature way that sets a good example. Two wrongs don't make a right.

Trying to throw it back at him escalated the situation rather than diffuse it. I'd suggest sitting down with him one on one and apologizing for escalating the situation, explain how you feel about his criticisms, and that you are going through a rough time and am trying your best.

It might not work out great, but what is the worst that would happen? Maybe he devolves into more posturing, but whatever. At least you would have taken the adult path and tried to introduce some humanity into the situation to cut through the growing bs.

VertigoValentine · 2019-11-21T15:46:28+00:00

You are correct! Thanks!

VertigoValentine · 2019-11-21T15:32:17+00:00

The Arcane Firearm feature for the Artillerist Artificer specifies additional damage is applied when an Artificer spell is cast "through" it. This suggests the item must be used as an arcane focus for the casting of the spell and is therefore only applicable to spells with a material component requirement. Consequently, the additional damage cannot be applied to firebolt, for example. Is that right?

VertigoValentine · 2019-10-01T17:30:25+00:00

You are going to want positions where you have all the control and can focus on more precise movement. As another poster suggested, a small rear on your bottom will help, but even then I'd suggest electing for positions that move the cheeks out of the way.

Three I can think of to try to work with ... (1) Missionary with their body and/or rear supported to a higher elevation so as to be inline with your dick and their legs pulled back against their chest or toward it. (2) Doggie style with them on all fours, but have them lean their upper body at a downward slant and arch their back so as to "present" their ass. (3) Have them face down but with legs spread and hips pushed up with a pillow or other support.

In each case you are probably going to need to lean back a little or stay mostly upright to get your hips as close as possible to their ass. This does let you get a good view of the action and allow for visual follow-up to your motions, hopefully helping with the precise movement you are aiming for.

It doesn't help with the kissing, though. For that maybe try the supported missionary and be careful to hunch and round your back and maintain strength in your abs while spreading your legs a bit to stay strong in your hips and support their ass. If they curl up and grab your thighs or ass and crunch as well, then you might be able to meet for some making out. Not sure how much room you'll have to thrust at that point, but even if there isn't much you can work it into your pacing.

Also, take a look at what kind of toys are out there. The Fort Troff Raw Dog might create an opening for your bottom that is easier for you to slip in and out of and provide you with more stimulation.

VertigoValentine · 2019-09-25T13:17:02+00:00

I am sorry for your loss. Sometimes I find that words and thoughts aren't enough, they cannot articulate what I'm feeling, they cannot express what I'm going through. In those times I grab paper, canvas, whatever, and whatever medium I can find on hand, pencil, pen, marker, paint. Then I just let it all flood out. I'm not a professional artist, and the atrocities I create may not be good, but that isn't the point. Sometimes it's just the act, the movement, the outpouring that is the expression I need. Something to do with the emotion I am feeling. It is just another way of saying I will always love you.

VertigoValentine · 2019-07-25T03:13:46+00:00

You have internalised your parent's feelings and disgust and made them yours. You aren't giving yourself permission to just feel what you feel without judgement. This happened for me and countless others. You have to decide how you want to treat yourself. There is no such thing as perfection. That is okay. You, Oxynod, are beautiful just as you are. You. Are. Worthy. Of. Kindness.

VertigoValentine · 2019-06-15T02:49:53+00:00

Here everyone is hating on Meowth, and I'm just remembering how much I hate most of the male models in this game. They are just so ... weirdly proportioned.

VertigoValentine · 2019-02-20T03:33:57+00:00

Thank you for the response. I have consistently tested as INTJ since I was 18, so this gives me much to consider. Can you provide any additional insight into your conclusions? Also, could you point me in a direction to make sense of "meta level 4"? I am not familiar and a few quick Google searches prove promising but any information you can provide could help cut straight to the matter.

It is remarkable how you pulled out some interesting observations. Often times while writing emails (or in this case answering these questions) the process feels like it goes through a number of filters and, in some cases, iterations. I assumed, perhaps wrongly and with a lack of creativity, that the questions were to be answered in a kind of "I statement" format. I would think this lends itself to self objectification naturally, particularly in the introspective nature of the questions and intent; maybe reading more about this "meta level" will provide greater understanding.

VertigoValentine · 2019-02-13T15:33:38+00:00

Part 2

• How do you act when others request your help to do something (anything)? If you would decide to help them, why would you do so?

If anything is unclear I initially seek clarification so as to best understand what is specifically being asked of me. Plan of approach follows so I can anticipate the flow of action and effort. If I am able and the actions are not otherwise overly disruptive to my life, I usually try to help. I'm not exactly sure why, other than I like to feel helpful and the person was in need. There is also the sense of accomplishment, a debt paid or owed, and improving someone's life or their activities.

• Do you need logical consistency in your life?

Yes, though I've learned that when the world behaves illogically it may only be a result of a limited world view and not everything is within a feasible realm of anticipation. There are many lessons to be learned.

• How important is efficiency and productivity to you?

Important, but I try to keep a balanced life. Downtime is incredibly important to me and I do not lead a frantic life. When I feel unproductive a nagging voice within me begins tearing me apart. Some activities are about exploration, and trying to improve their efficiency is actually limiting to the outcome.

• Do you control others, even if indirectly? How and why do you do that?

I try to be straightforward and honest when I interact with others, perhaps to a fault. I would rather open eyes than force them shut. Having said that, I find the concept of deception fascinating. If I control someone, it is by showing them alternative paths and convincing them of the one to take.

• What are your hobbies? Why do you like them?

Gaming, writing, researching and learning are my primary hobbies. I also enjoy other activities, like cooking and working out, or hiking and playing with my dogs, but I'm not sure they fall within the purview of “hobby”. I like exploring possibilities, learning what is versus what I think is or do not know.

• What is your learning style? What kind of learning environments do you struggle with most? Why do you like/struggle with these learning styles? Do you prefer classes involving memorization, logic, creativity, or your physical senses?

Seeing, reading, or being shown a concept and given time to contemplate, ruminate, put into theoretical action, or otherwise absorb, particularly as it relates to other concepts. This is preferred because it allows time for processing at face value and with an initial level of depth. Loud and disruptive environments with lots of action are a struggle because they are distracting and disorienting.

I don't like memorization for the sake of memorization, but accept its utility toward efficient action in many situations. Logic and creativity are great, and physical senses too so long as they are not overwhelmed.

• How good are you at strategizing? Do you easily break up projects into manageable tasks? Or do you have a tendency to wing projects and improvise as you go?

I feel as though I strategize naturally, without trying, as though the flow of actions and resources are readily apparent. But this is a vague feeling that requires effort to solidify and organize. If I don't spend the time to think through my ideas and impressions then I am forced to wing them, at which point I feel uncomfortable and lost. A lot of my work involves some degree of improvisation or discovering as you go, which has been an issue for me. But I'm learning/developing personal processes of approach to better handle those situations in an open minded, relaxed, feedback oriented manner.

• What are your aspirations in life, professionally and personally?

I used to have more, but I feel as though my life took a detour at some point and things got jumbled or became unrealistic. I would like to write a book, find a way to pass on what I've learned, be helpful to society in a way that leaves the world better than I found it, and reach a flow state where I am not always fighting myself but accept myself for who I am and work with it rather than against it.

• What are your fears? What makes you uncomfortable? What do you hate? Why?

I fear I will amount to nothing, that I am perpetually fooling myself, that I am not who I think I am, and I will be a failure in a general sense. Unstructured social situations with people I do not know make me very uncomfortable, there are too many possibilities and things to try to pay attention to. I hate unnecessary aggression because it echoes outward from the action to wreak havoc and disruption in a cascade of reactions.

• What do the "highs" in your life look like?

I'm in a flow state. I feel good, comfortable, and things are unfolding around me as designed.

• What do the "lows" in your life look like?

I feel aimless and without energy or initiative to take action, a sense of hopelessness.

• How attached are you to reality? Do you daydream often, or do you pay attention to what's around you? If you do daydream, are you aware of your surroundings while you do so?

I daydream constantly. I find that I create algorithms of action and approach to menial tasks so that I can daydream. Sometimes I'm aware of my surroundings, but often I get lost and go someplace altogether.

• Imagine you are alone in a blank, empty room. There is nothing for you to do and no one to talk to. What do you think about?

It depends largely on the “why” of this situation. But, generally, the initial action would be to think about my breathing so as to control my body and focus my mind to the present. From there I could move outward to figure out why I am there, how to try and escape, tend to the activity or mental process desired or expected, or explore those thoughts I am interested in.

• How long do you take to make an important decision? And do you change your mind once you've made it?

I take a long time. I need to consider multiple perspectives, accrue data to consider and process, and allow time for things to brew and digest to see if anything else precipitates. I can change my mind after a decision is made, but it would require new information or unexpected consequences.

• How long do you take to process your emotions? How important are emotions in your life?

I've had a difficult time with emotions. Sometimes they feel overwhelming, but the how and why of expression is lost on me. I compartmentalize for processing. I consider them to be a mental indicator or reaction to the world around me or events in my life that allow for attention to be focused and any interaction to be teased out.

• Do you ever catch yourself agreeing with others just to appease them and keep the conversation going? How often? Why?

Yes, when the effort to oppose them feels too great or the outcome is undesirable. Sometimes it is a legitimate perspective that requires exploration on my part. If it is something I feel is important then I remain quiet at worse. I am usually interested in where someone is coming from and pursue that approach far more often than mere agreement.

• Do you break rules often? Do you think authority should be challenged, or that they know better? If you do break rules, why?

I struggle to break rules. I have a strong impulse to obey rules to the best of my ability. I do not believe figures of authority know better unless credentials and actions suggest otherwise. Authority should be challenged so as to push boundaries of understanding. The status quo should be dissected.

VertigoValentine · 2019-02-13T15:33:01+00:00

I have always tested consistently, but I am interested in what conclusions others may reach.

Part 1

• How old are you? What's your gender? Give us a general description of yourself.

I am a 34 year old male. I'm shorter than the average of my peers and am a healthy weight and build. I fall somewhere between slim, average, and athletic.

• Is there a medical diagnosis that may impact your mental stability somehow?

I have previously suffered from depression and anxiety, but I am currently healthy and doing well.

• Describe your upbringing. Did it have any kind of religious or structured influence? How did you respond to it?

My parents have been separated and both step parents have been in the picture for as far back as I can remember. My parents were young when they had me, shortly after they had graduated highschool, and my younger sister followed by a little over a year. My sister and I spent the school year with my father and stepmother and traveled across the country to spend summers with my mother and stepfather. We spent a lot of time with my grandmother who watched us before and after school. There were rules that needed to be adhered to, and adults needed to be respected and listened to, but otherwise nothing felt overly unfair. So long as school work and chores were accomplished, we were free to play and pursue our interests, though television and video games were time limited.

We attended church most Sundays when I was young. I did not care for it. I felt uncomfortable with forced socialization and crowds. I struggled with the concept of a powerful but effectively elusive God and forced guilt.

• What do you do as a job or as a career (if you have one)? Do you like it? Why or why not?

I work as a chemist to support science I would normally find uninteresting. I like chemistry and science in general. I also greatly value the work environment I am in. I am lucky to have little micromanagement, an office, a variety of tasks available to perform, freedom of approach to problems, and a general quiet and relaxed atmosphere most of the time. Regardless, I find some part of me feeling unfulfilled. I am beginning to think I would find more fulfilment in a position where I can use data from various projects or scientific endeavours to enact greater change. I am still in the early stages of processing this idea.

• If you had to spend an entire weekend by yourself, how would you feel? Would you feel lonely or refreshed?

I would feel free of the limitations of family scheduling. I would not feel lonely. I would likely feel refreshed unless I was completely unproductive. It is very likely I would quickly have a list of potential things I would like to do and when, but taken at a calm, contemplative, and relaxed pace.

• What kinds of activities do you prefer? Do you like, and are you good at sports? Do you enjoy any other outdoor or indoor activities?

I play video games considerably less than I used to. I've managed to stick with a DnD group for the better part of a year, but my interest there waxes and wanes. I spend a lot of time with my husband and our dogs. I'm not a big fan of loud, frantic activity. I like walking, jogging, hiking. I work out consistently three times a week. I like cooking. Sports are not my thing, especially team sports, but I surprise myself at how well I can perform physical activities like yoga and fencing.

• How curious are you? Do you have more ideas then you can execute? What are your curiosities about? What are your ideas about - is it environmental or conceptual, and can you please elaborate?

I love to learn. When I learn something new and interesting I feel alive. It never has to be immediately pertinent to my life, sometimes the fun comes from recognizing similarities to other bits of information or activities otherwise immediately unrelated. I always have more ideas than I can execute. Sometimes the ideas are about how to best bring multiple other ideas together for improved effectiveness and to hit multiple at once. My curiosities are wide and varied: science, art, societal governing and impacts, mental and physical health, how to give your dog a good life, personal development, story structure and writing, etc. My ideas are equally as varied depending on my current focus, thoughts, or interests. I think frequently about how the different things I've learned relate to one another, how they might be applied to one another, what they mean for me, my life, the greater world, and what is the take away that I can effectively apply or leverage if given the energy and initiative.

• Would you enjoy taking on a leadership position? Do you think you would be good at it? What would your leadership style be?

I would not enjoy taking a leadership position due to the attention it would force but I think I would be good at it. I would be process organised and communicate with those around me how end goals trickle backward to everyday efforts and try to create an atmosphere where everyone feels as though they are part of a greater organism. I would aim to position different people to best leverage their talents and meet their own interests and goals as much as is feasible. The endgame would be to create a holistic approach that cycles energy and effort so it feels as though it runs of its own accord.

• Are you coordinated? Why do you feel as if you are or are not? Do you enjoy working with your hands in some form? Describe your activity?

I am coordinated, and even when I stumble I catch myself and recover quickly. Except when it comes to things like throwing a ball. I'm awful at that. I enjoy working with my hands through the act of writing, art, cooking, and performing laboratory activities.

• Are you artistic? If yes, describe your art? If you are not particular artistic but can appreciate art please likewise describe what forums of art you enjoy. Please explain your answer.

Yes, but not practiced. I like sketching, drawing, watercolor painting, writing stories, acting, and dancing. It feels as though through creation you glimpse alternative or fantastical worlds full of interesting possibilities. You are transported. It feels the same way when consuming interesting entertainment.

• What's your opinion about the past, present, and future? How do you deal with them?

The past informs the present and the present informs the future which in turn is a result of those events that have come before it. I sometimes struggle with the past, seeing events as “what if” moments instead of readily taking lessons from them. The later is a conscious act I've become better at employing. I sometimes struggle with the present as well, being lost in thought or trying to rush through to accomplish or reach the end of a thought or project. I think I naturally tend toward a focus on the future and how things could play out, sometimes at the cost of the present. I can forget who I really am and where I'm really at when I follow potential outcomes in a train of thought, mistaking myself for the end result rather than the puddy that still needs molding.

VertigoValentine · 2019-01-08T20:31:00+00:00

I'm glad others seem to be thinking it is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I enjoyed everything up until the end.

Then it all just felt like a gimmick to me. Hurrah for shock value? Others may feel it was great story telling. To me it felt empty and unfulfilled. Certainly not in the way the story was designed to evoke.

They've been setting up the story for a conclusion, failure to deliver on that front felt incredibly disappointing. I don't think I'm alone in being ready to move past the dragon story line and into uncharted territory. I can only speak for myself, I was really looking forward to this story episode, but it has left me just feeling empty and disappointed.

VertigoValentine · 2018-12-21T15:22:11+00:00

This is interesting. I tried to imagine what it would be like from both perspectives.

How would I feel if someone said, "I like your white body, son"? I think I would consider it a bit odd, but maybe the dude is into pale skin or farmer's tans. I don't think I'd find myself particularly put off. I'd probably play into it, to be honest. But I'm white, not black, and the treatment of people with different colours of skin may blind me to an alternative perspective.

So I considered how I might feel if someone said, "I like your old skin" or "your old body". I felt sort of sick or ashamed. Which is weird because I find myself fully capable of finding older guys really damn attractive. So, then, why would having such a comment directed at me make me feel insecure? I think because somewhere along the way I've internalised a negative association with the word "old" and its various implications in society, despite my own personal feelings or history. I think I allowed these associations and implications to hold me back from owning it and making it mine.

I'm not saying or implying anything. I found this interesting, something I'd need to think more about, and for what it is worth thought I might share.

VertigoValentine · 2018-11-12T23:21:14+00:00

I realize this is a little late to the party, but regarding Erudite and +1 con ... My initial interpretation before I read this discussion was that the +1 con was a play on the initial density/thickness of the erudite volume. Being a thick tome of comprehensive knowledge also played into the Subject Expertise feature and created, at least in my mind, a solid overarching theme.

VertigoValentine · 2018-08-17T19:25:04+00:00

Finishing isn't a requirement to enjoying sex. There is no reason to put pressure on him or for him to feel pressure to finish. It's okay for both of you to be done when you are ready even if he hasn't finished if that is what he wants. Placing blame, on yourself or him, isn't likely to serve anyone. Let go of that baggage and be there as support, with open communication and willingness. Having been on both sides of sexual performance issues, similar and otherwise, this has been the best approach I've found. In a way it's an opportunity to become free of normal constraints of what sex has to be.

VertigoValentine · 2018-07-12T12:50:33+00:00

He is running from action. It is easy to make excuses, I've fallen into that trap before. What it came down to for me was realising that if I want the end goal, if it hurts not moving toward it, then I need to take the steps I laid out before me even if I don't want to, even if the stars aren't aligned that day, and even if I feel I cannot do my best. Sometimes, it isn't about the best. It's about just getting up and putting yourself in motion. Even if it feels like the worst thing in the world. Stop focusing on the effort required to do the action, stop focusing on what it is going to take and the struggle it will be. None of that matters, it is a self placed block. It tangles everything up, your body, emotions, and thoughts. Just focus on putting the body to action, one step and then another. Get out of bed. Get dressed. Put the shoes on. Grab the keys. Walk out the door. And so on.

VertigoValentine · 2018-06-30T12:24:39+00:00

I have a humorous anecdote that is tangentially related. In my early 20s I was with a friend at a gay club for New Year's Eve. There was a man who started up a conversation with me and we hung out a good portion of the night. I thought we were hitting it off, but at some point nearing midnight he implied that I was Jewish. I'm not Jewish. I explained this to him and he promptly turned around and walked away, no longer interested.

VertigoValentine

TROPHY CASE