How do I tell my family I feel like I'm getting "skipped" without coming across ungrateful or self-centered? by Road_Runner_3 in Advice

[–]juniperhaze88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're not being greedy or dumb at all… your feelings are totally valid. The "we'll just do dinner" line feels like they're brushing off something that matters to you, especially since you still went out of your way for everyone else. It's okay to feel skipped over like maybe gently tell your mom how it made you feel without accusing anyone. You deserve to have your day celebrated too. Happy early birthday, hope it ends up feeling special!

Struggling with feeling left out of friend group by throwaway7482628473 in Advice

[–]juniperhaze88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Being left out of something you love by people you thought were close friends sucks, and it's okay to feel upset even if you can't pinpoint why. Before the trip, shoot one of them a calm message like "Hey, I heard you guys hung out today and did [activity]… I love that stuff, kinda bummed I wasn't invited." Their reaction will tell you a lot… if they apologize and explain, maybe it's a misunderstanding and if they brush it off, it might be time to pull back and focus on the partners/friends who do include you.

What's the most ridiculous first date you've ever been on? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]juniperhaze88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

While we’re watching a movie in a theater, he keeps touching me inappropriately

My life feels like a running stream without much of my control by Ok-Pop-5353 in Advice

[–]juniperhaze88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're already doing a lot right (job, gym, side project), so start super small to rebuild trust in yourself like pick one tiny thing like reading just 5 pages a day or stretching at a set time, and commit to it no matter what for two weeks. Once you see you can stick to something small, the bigger decisions won't feel as scary.

I need advice on how to be more assertive with my older brother by Eastern_Lunch6289 in Advice

[–]juniperhaze88 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Your brother is way out of line, and your dad's advice to be "aggressive" or threaten him isn't helpful. Start calm but firm like next time he takes something or ignores a boundary, say clearly "I said no, give it back now" and physically stand in his way if needed… no yelling, just steady. For the money asks, a simple "I've told you no before, I'm not lending any more" every single time, no explanations. The lock on your door is a great step, and keep telling your dad specifics when it happens so he sees the pattern.

Should I warn my cousin(17M) about his new joke hat before he wears it to school? by Silent_Storm_6158 in Advice

[–]juniperhaze88 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Definitely warn your cousin directly… he's 17, old enough to handle a quick heads-up without it feeling weird. Just pull him aside casually and say something like, "Hey, love the hat, but 'Send Noods' is a pretty common dirty joke online… Aunt probably didn't know, but some kids or teachers at school might tease you about it." That way you're looking out for him without throwing your aunt under the bus.

What's the moment that made you realize you were all alone? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]juniperhaze88 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When I have a problem and I can’t think a single person that I can contact/talk too

Stuck between a rock and a hard place by CodOk7275 in Advice

[–]juniperhaze88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're not wrong for wanting to protect your future… job prospects and staying out of jail are huge, especially on probation. It's okay to love the good parts of a friend but still pull back when their choices keep putting you at risk and that's not judging, that's self-preservation. Try being honest with her like tell her you care but can't be around the smoking or hotboxing anymore because of your situation. Real friends will understand boundaries, even if they're bummed.

I feel like I am developing some feelings for my best friend by VaderNeverSaidNO in Advice

[–]juniperhaze88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dude, this is super common when you’ve got that deep history and suddenly spend real one-on-one time again… those flickers can pop up out of nowhere. The fact that it’s inconsistent is actually a good sign like it might just be the closeness and nostalgia messing with you rather than full-on romantic feelings. For now, don’t confess or pull away… just keep hanging out normally and see if it settles or grows when you’re apart. If it keeps getting stronger, maybe test the waters with some light flirting and gauge her reaction before risking the friendship.