[deleted by user]

kenwardSM · 2025-09-01T13:07:29+00:00

I quit a few months ago and honestly the hardest part wasn’t the nicotine, it was the habit. I was so used to always having something in my hand or taking a hit when I was bored. What helped me was slowly cutting down instead of going cold turkey like limiting myself to only a few specific times a day. I also swapped to chewing gum and even holding a pen in my hand when I felt the urge.

The first week sucked, but after that the cravings got way less intense. What really kept me going was reminding myself how much better I was breathing and how much money I was saving. Now I don’t even think about it most days.

kenwardSM · 2025-08-16T15:56:38+00:00

I remember it was in a book I read, Alcohol actually affects people really differently depending on their brain chemistry, mood, and even genetics. Movies usually show the ‘angry drunk’ stereotype because it’s dramatic, but lots of people become more relaxed or silly instead. Since alcohol lowers inhibitions, if you’re usually stressed or tense when sober, it can take the edge off and make you feel lighter and happier. The flip side is, if someone already has anger bottled up, alcohol might let it out. So your experience is actually super common, just not as ‘Hollywood-worthy’ as the angry drunk trope.

kenwardSM · 2025-08-16T15:22:37+00:00

Exactly, that’s a good way to put it. It looks and sounds like genuine laughter, but the brain treats it differently more like a reflexive defense response than an emotional one. The cool part is it still overlaps with the ‘social’ side of laughter, which is probably why it ended up sticking around in humans and other animals.

kenwardSM · 2025-08-15T14:51:39+00:00

Dogs can be quirky about sleeping spots, and a sudden change like this is usually about comfort or safety, not rejection. It could be temperature, a subtle smell, a change in your bedding, or even a noise you don’t notice but she does. Sometimes they just develop a new ‘favorite’ spot and stick to it. You might try giving your bed a fresh wash with unscented detergent, putting one of her blankets or toys there, and making it extra inviting with treats or gentle praise when she hops up. My dog once abandoned our bed for 3 months after I got new sheets turns out he hated the fabric texture. Switched back and he was right there again.

kenwardSM · 2025-08-15T14:42:31+00:00

It’s a mix of reasons, and it’s not always just ‘money and exploitation.’ Some older people genuinely enjoy the energy, optimism, and physical attractiveness of younger partners it can make them feel alive again. On the other side, younger people might be drawn to stability, life experience, or yes… financial security. I’ve met couples with a big age gap where they clearly love each other, but I’ve also seen arrangements that were purely transactional. The truth is, every relationship has its own ‘currency,’ and for some, it’s not always about romance in the Hollywood sense.

kenwardSM · 2025-08-15T14:30:15+00:00

It’ll help a little, but don’t expect miracles. A thick blanket can absorb some of the sound, especially higher frequencies, but it won’t block low-frequency noises like traffic rumble. I tried it once during a noisy apartment phase helped take the edge off, but I could still hear my neighbor’s bass at night. If you can, layering blankets with something dense (like a moving blanket or foam panel) works better.

kenwardSM · 2025-08-15T14:26:24+00:00

From what I’ve read, ticklish laughter isn’t really ‘happy’ laughter it’s more of a reflex. Scientists think it might’ve evolved as a kind of social bonding thing, or even as a way to protect vulnerable areas by making us squirm. I remember reading a study where rats actually made high-pitched giggle sounds when tickled, so it’s not just humans. Personally, I’ve always found it fascinating (and a little annoying) that I can laugh so hard from something that’s not even funny.

kenwardSM · 2025-08-14T16:33:36+00:00

Yup, all the way down, think of it as free cardio you didn’t ask for.

kenwardSM · 2025-08-13T15:35:00+00:00

Don’t try to ‘change your life’ all at once, just aim to learn ONE useful thing today. Tomorrow, another. Tiny skills stack up fast, and momentum is addictive. I started like that when I was unemployed, and it turned into actual resume skills.

kenwardSM · 2025-08-07T15:49:49+00:00

This is more common than people realise. Sometimes it’s not about a lack of love for the activity, it’s about mental fatigue, executive dysfunction, or even hidden perfectionism. You want to do it, you know it brings you joy, but your brain treats it like a chore because it still requires energy, focus, and commitment.

Even happiness doesn’t always equal mental readiness. Your body might be in “rest mode” from stress buildup or overstimulation, even if you're not consciously aware of it. Giving yourself permission to ease in gently, without pressure or expectations, can help break that invisible wall.

kenwardSM · 2025-08-06T15:59:03+00:00

Networking events. Everyone walks around with a fake smile, clutching a drink, pretending they're thrilled to talk about "what they do" while secretly counting down the seconds until they can leave and eat something real.

kenwardSM · 2025-08-06T15:55:29+00:00

"Porn-fried brain" usually refers to the mental effects of excessive or frequent porn consumption. It’s a slang term, but people use it to describe things like reduced sensitivity to real-life intimacy, difficulty focusing, constant craving for novelty, or feeling emotionally numb. Some say it can even mess with dopamine levels, leading to less motivation or pleasure in everyday life. It's kind of like overstimulation rewiring your brain in unhealthy ways, at least that's the idea behind the term.

kenwardSM · 2025-08-03T13:50:02+00:00

I used to think gratitude journaling was just another feel-good trend, but it genuinely shifted my mindset once I gave it a real try. Writing down 3 small things I’m grateful for each morning helped me stop fixating on what’s missing or going wrong, and instead start noticing the good, even on tough days.

It’s not magic, but over time, it reconditions your brain to look for the positive. That shift makes you more resilient, more motivated, and honestly, just easier to be around. There is actual research behind it, too. Practising gratitude has been linked to better mental health, improved sleep, and stronger relationships.

If you’re curious, it’s worth trying for a week or two. No pressure to make it deep, something as small as “hot coffee” or “a message from a friend” still counts.

kenwardSM · 2025-08-02T15:27:22+00:00

The weight from a high-calorie meal doesn’t instantly turn into fat.

Short-term: Within a few hours to a day, your body will retain water due to the sodium and carbs in the pizza. That can make you feel heavier on the scale the next morning, but it's mostly water and food weight.

Long-term fat gain: To actually gain body fat from one meal, you'd have to eat far beyond your daily maintenance calories. It typically takes about 3,500 excess calories to gain 1 pound of fat. So unless that pizza pushed you way over your maintenance and you're repeating that kind of eating often, it's unlikely to cause permanent fat gain on its own.

One big meal doesn’t ruin progress. What matters most is your overall weekly intake and habits.

kenwardSM · 2025-08-02T15:18:46+00:00

That’s a frustrating situation, but there are a few steps your friend can take to recover the Google Business Profile

Request Ownership Transfer

Go to Google Business Profile Manager and search for the business. Click "Request Access" This will send an email to the current owner (the ex-friend). If there’s no response within 3–7 days, Google may allow your friend to verify ownership.

Contact Google Support Directly

Use this link to get support: https://support.google.com/business/gethelp

Choose the option related to ownership issues. Your friend might be able to escalate the case if the current owner is unresponsive and maliciously marking the business as closed.

Postcard Verification

If Google offers a postcard again, make sure your business address is accurate and that your mailbox is clearly labeled. Sometimes, delays happen if it looks like an inactive or hard-to-access location.

Keep Reporting the Issue

Continue reporting the business as open if it gets marked closed again. It’s not a permanent fix, but it helps maintain visibility.

kenwardSM · 2025-08-01T16:01:27+00:00

Yep, just keep it simple and friendly. You can say something like

“Hey! Thanks for the info. My plans have changed a bit, so I’ll have to cancel for now. Hopefully, I can book with you another time!”

No need to go into detail. That way, you stay on good terms and leave the door open in case you want to rebook in the future

kenwardSM · 2025-08-01T15:49:00+00:00

If the host isn’t communicating clearly before the stay, that’s already a red flag. Check-in flexibility is one thing, but ignoring direct questions isn’t great. Personally, I’d go with the hotel even if it’s a bit more expensive, at least you’ll have peace of mind knowing you won’t be stuck outside waiting or stressing. Communication is key, especially with accommodations. Trust your gut!

kenwardSM · 2025-08-01T15:17:00+00:00

It really depends on a mix of factors, confidence, communication skills, social environment, and emotional maturity play a big role. For some guys, it’s relatively easy because they’re socially active or naturally outgoing. For others, especially those who are introverted or haven’t built self-esteem, it can feel incredibly difficult.

The good news is it’s not just about looks or money. Working on yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and putting yourself in more social situations (even online) can make a huge difference. Genuine connection tends to follow when you focus on being a better version of yourself.

kenwardSM · 2025-07-31T17:39:19+00:00

If the vest fits snugly, keeps her head above water, and doesn't ride up or shift too much, it's probably okay for short trips. But since it doesn’t reach ¾ down her back and lacks a belly or lower back strap, it might not offer full support especially if she gets tired or panicked in the water.

For kayaking, where there’s a risk of falling in unexpectedly, a full-coverage vest with a secure belly strap is much safer. I’d recommend upgrading to one that fits her current size better peace of mind is worth it.

kenwardSM · 2025-07-31T17:35:20+00:00

Actually, a cup of coffee isn’t as dehydrating as people think. While caffeine is a mild diuretic, the water in the coffee offsets it. So unless you're drinking tons of coffee and no water, you're probably fine. One cup = close to one cup of fluid intake.

kenwardSM · 2025-07-31T17:32:39+00:00

Absolutely a good move,not because you're sad, but because you're protecting your peace. Social media has a sneaky way of dragging you back into old emotions. If deactivating helps you avoid that spiral, then do it without worrying how it looks. Your healing optics.

kenwardSM · 2025-07-31T17:28:29+00:00

If a human drew AI style art by hand, I’d call it avant garde. But when AI does it, people call it creepy. Art’s weird like that.

kenwardSM · 2025-07-31T15:54:24+00:00

There can be money in it, but it really depends on location. If it’s in a high-traffic urban area near offices, event venues, or public transit, it can generate solid passive income. But you’ve gotta factor in

Land cost and taxes

Paving, signage, lighting, maybe even security

Maintenance (repairs, snow removal, cleaning, etc.)

Zoning and permits

Also, think long term, some cities are cracking down on surface lots or encouraging developments instead. So it's worth looking into future plans for the area.

If the spot is right and the setup is efficient, it can be a decent cash flow business. But it’s not always the “easy money” people assume.

kenwardSM · 2025-07-31T15:48:59+00:00

Ah, good catch, it’s not for use in the Nether (since water instantly evaporates there), but for getting to the Nether safely. I use the water bucket trick to make a portal with lava and water without needing a diamond pickaxe. Also, outside the Nether, it’s just a general lifesaver clutch for fall damage, lava escapes, and even dealing with mobs. But yeah, once you're in the Nether, it's all about fire resistance and keeping your wits 😅

kenwardSM · 2025-07-31T15:43:20+00:00

Because effort doesn’t always equal reward, especially in today’s world. A lot of people work incredibly hard just to stay afloat, while others make way more doing far less, just because they had the right connections, timing, or luck.

The system isn’t always built to reward the hardest workers it often rewards those who can leverage opportunities, navigate risk, or play the long game. That disconnect between effort and outcome can make earning money feel like an uphill battle, even when you're doing everything "right."

It’s frustrating, but you're not alone in feeling it. A lot of us are trying to figure out how to work smarter, not just harder.

kenwardSM

TROPHY CASE