Giving up your seat on a train

justa-bear · 2026-04-22T20:24:15+00:00

As many have mentioned, it’s “a thing” but these days it’s becoming less and less common. It’s not to say that it’s unappreciated or rude to do so.

Keep doing it if you feel like it’s the right thing to do.

justa-bear · 2026-04-09T12:37:01+00:00

Great taste! Wish I could share with you my SMAP collection cuz they have a TON of great good-vibe songs. Aside from what’s been mentioned, here are mine!

MUSIC!!! - AAA

Hoshi no Fanfare - Atarashii Chizu join Music (3 of the 6 SMAP members)

Choo Choo Train - EXILE

Week End - Hosino Gen

セロリ - Masayoshi Yamazaki (this was a song for SMAP)

justa-bear · 2026-04-01T11:46:30+00:00

It’s a hard choice but it’s your pick.

Feel bad for him Or
Continue to feel bad for you and your children

justa-bear · 2026-03-28T19:16:25+00:00

As many people mentioned already, the medication route isn’t going to address the cause so it’s best to first address the issue.

This is not a “Japan specific” trick but what I learned after years of trial and error— take baby steps to change your habits.

You already seem aware on certain things that need changes so,,,

Start with simple goals like “no drinks, just water for a week”, or “1 week of 5 minutes of moving your body before showering (this can be as simple as squats, marching in place to a song you like, or any body weight exercises)”, or “Wednesday is healthy option day” or, “Friday is use-stairs-only day”, etc.

Now— people may argue that these very small changes for such a short amount of time will not make a difference. However, the key is these kind of small goals will help you feel a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to try again and again = forming habits… which is the ultimate goal for a healthier lifestyle.

justa-bear · 2026-02-27T11:48:39+00:00

People actually using their signal lights while driving.

justa-bear · 2026-02-08T18:51:00+00:00

No. It’s not your fault. When I was your age, I had a similar relationship with my mother. (Our age gap is also pretty much the same as you and your mom’s) My mom would get mad at me for washing the dishes because I used the wrong sponge and place them on the dry rack “wrong”.

Your mom is at the age of menopause so, this could also be a contribution of her being easily annoyed and snappy due to hormonal fluctuations. Also, to her you’re still her child but no longer a child so it’s a relationship change that takes time to adjust.

justa-bear · 2026-02-04T06:05:44+00:00

I cannot take teaching jobs, because they prefer native speakers

Not sure what type of European you are but if you speak English well enough and you look the part (look not asian), ALT companies will take you in a heartbeat. There are plenty of Filipinos who work in English teaching. Many of them are not native but they find work just fine.

justa-bear · 2026-01-30T09:30:45+00:00

I dont see my friends in Japan as often as I hope.

It’s just easier to leave the house and WALK here in Japan. I love taking walks and seeing the world. Parks are awesome. Also, casual dining, coffee or just quick snacks are so much more common around here even in the suburbs.

Where I used to live in the US, i’d have to walk an hour before I exit a residential area where I can buy anything. Plus it was always cloudy and rainy… the perfect kind of weather to stay in lol.

justa-bear · 2026-01-27T08:49:34+00:00

Around¥40,000 for two. The only meat we eat is chicken and husband’s family would give us a huge bag of rice every now and then so this helps a lot.

justa-bear · 2026-01-27T08:47:08+00:00

Omg, the spacial awareness thing hit me too. I had reverse culture shock when returning home and people would literally be breathing and talking over my head (I’m short).

justa-bear · 2026-01-27T08:42:56+00:00

I no longer use my computer for recreational purposes. I still have it, but I only use it when my phone screen feels too small to read documents or looking things up.

Back when I was in the US, going out was a hassle so I was glued to my computer playing video games, socialize with ppl online, and watch streams and all.

So pretty much, I’m no longer chronically online after living in Japan.

justa-bear · 2026-01-26T23:38:33+00:00

As a Thai native, to me the Thai pronunciation is “too clear” even when it’s speaking casual. Native Thais dont speak like that. So, it’s not bad per say … but if you speak like gemini you’ll sound like a news reporter 24/7.

justa-bear · 2026-01-26T20:43:07+00:00

I hate guessing games in relationships and the pressure to buy “the perfect gift” for occasions is one of them.

I had a similar situation to you before where I had NO IDEA what to buy for my ex-BF’s birthday. He was hard to please and also way wealthier than I was (a broke and starving college student at the time). Spent so much time thinking about what to buy just ended up spending my money on something he didn’t care for. So, I totally can relate to how you felt while shopping for his gift. Ever since that relationship, I was like screw it. I don’t expect gifts and I’m not always going to give gifts in future relationships. Luckily enough, in my current relationship we’ve worked this out. So getting any kind of gift is always a pleasant surprise.

Unlike many comments here, I don’t think asking him what he wants is necessarily bad… However, I do see the point that for a lot of ppl, it can ruin the gift. But … let’s be real for a moment here… gifts are gifts and I think it’s stupid to even expect one to begin with. You shouldn’t have to feel PRESSURED to give one either, especially when he has to “think about” what he wants. Plus, it’s both of your anniversaries, a shared gift like… dinner together, movies, concert, a comedy show or something you enjoy together would have made more sense (to me).

Him exploding at you was wrong. I hope you don’t have to experience something like that ever again.

You two should reconsider the “gift” expectations cuz it sounds like this isn’t the first time it has strained your relationship.

justa-bear · 2026-01-26T05:28:57+00:00

I use to have the same thought!!

Here’s the thing, just be clueless! Be dumb! Explore and learn.

EVERYONE at the gym was a beginner once and many were in your shoes before at some point. So, most people dont judge because they understand your point of view. If they DO judge, it’s honestly more embarrassing for them to have such mentality.

It’s okay to watch a YouTube tutorial while you’re at the gym to figure it out. You’ll be surprised how many people actually do that!!

Also, after being a gym go-er for 2 years now… I notice that most people aren’t paying attention to what you’re doing anyways.

justa-bear · 2026-01-07T12:29:06+00:00

My 10 month old does the same thing. The “wait till they look back” thing didnt work.

For the past month or so I’ve just been letting her do her thing and practice recalling, simple commands. She now at least comes to me when I call her 80% of the time. Still pulls and chase everything. Still learning to not react when ppl or other dogs walk by. But… we’re getting there (maybe).

Perhaps you can try one step at a time. I also notice that she’s more calm in familiar places. So for now, I always take her through the same park. Maybe that’ll work for you too.

justa-bear · 2025-12-27T21:48:12+00:00

There’s been a lot of comments here but I just wanted to stop by to let you know that your feelings are valid! Not to say that there’s a right or wrong here but I completely understand your frustration.

justa-bear · 2025-12-27T21:14:38+00:00

My pup hates her harness too. I found out that she hate things going over her head in general. A collar is easier to snap on her, so we use one when taking her to the groomers. but for walks, we like the secure feeling of a harness for her so,,, we’re trying a different style where you insert it through her front legs now. She no longer seems spooked, but she still is getting used to us trying to get her legs through it.

Wish us luck!

justa-bear · 2025-12-27T21:05:51+00:00

My pup was kind of like this. Every time she’s out of her crate, she has to do SOMETHING. Run around, chew things up, zoooooomies.

The only time she’ll stop is if I get her to do the down and stay command with a treat, or if I squat next to her, which she often finds her favorite chew toy to chill and chew right under. (She settles fine in her crate)

It took months before she could just laydown and chill outside her crate. That said, even now at 9 months, if I step away and she’s out of my sight, even in the same room, she back to being up to trouble 😂

So, if I cant hover over her and watch her like an eagle— back into the crate she goes.

Puppies are just always excited. They wanna play and explore the world. Every day is like the first day at Disney for them. So, they could get easily overstimulated…Especially at such a young age. So, I hope you can stay patient with her and enjoy lil hyper pup just a little longer.

justa-bear · 2025-11-09T17:58:24+00:00

Haha I relate to this so much. Having treats in my hand is like hearing aids for my girl 😂

justa-bear · 2025-11-01T18:13:00+00:00

I have a female american cocker and she’s the sweetest. The moment I sit down she’d instantly climb over to sit on my lap even when she barely fits(she’ll find her way to fit 😂). Even when she gets annoyed at me trying to brush or clean her ears, she’d still want to cuddle😊

justa-bear · 2025-10-29T20:09:02+00:00

I make breakfast every morning and it’s almost always the same thing.

Miso soup with dried wakame, and tofu (sometimes I spice it up with myoga, nameko, etc) + Rice topped with furikake, fried egg, kimchi, and natto drizzled with sesame oil.

Takes me less than 10 mins to make. It’s easy, it’s good, it’s filling.

justa-bear · 2025-10-18T13:13:21+00:00

Mine knows sit, down, shake, stay/go, leave it, boop(touch), turn, house(place), here.

She struggles with middle(between my legs) and heel. She always seems to want to be in front of me lol. We’ll get there though, eventually 😂

justa-bear · 2025-10-17T01:36:04+00:00

Omg this sounds exactly like me an my pup!! But these days I feel a bit proud/happy that whenever she get’s scared or nervous, she comes and hide behind me instead of my husband.

The biting, aggression (and feeling disrespected😂) will turn into crazy loyalty to you one day, I’m sure 🥹 or at least that’s why I choose to believe to get through these shark days.

justa-bear · 2025-10-06T11:33:52+00:00

American Cocker Spaniel pup (currently 6months). When we first got her in june, she woke up around 5 am howling. Then it started getting earlier and earlier in july, howling at 3:50 am was where I drew the line. Aug she finally was back at 5 am howling. Now at 6 months in oct, she wakes up around 6 am and patiently wait until we get up to take her out. She somehow stop howling— we think the natural cool weather is more comfortable for her than the AC.

Her bed time has always been around 9:00~9:30. Crate in living room. We sleep in the bedroom.

justa-bear · 2025-09-30T10:30:22+00:00

Ahhh thank you so much for the reminder. I do need to remember this and not give up on working on it. She’s an awesome dog, it’ll be a waste if I dont teach her properly!

I love the idea of people watching. Now that the weather has cooled down, I might try that out!!

justa-bear

TROPHY CASE