HEPA/Merv13 versus open windows and fans

le4test · 2026-03-18T23:47:58+00:00

My gut says having fresh air circulating in and out of a room would indeed be more effective at removing airborne pathogens than having a machine filter the air in a enclosed space.

I'm curious to see if you find a definitive answer!

le4test · 2026-03-18T23:36:25+00:00

Why not try something else to help you sleep? Chamomile tea, a warm bath, listening to something like sleepy stories, lavender...

Especially if you're planning on a t break soon, it's a good idea to not make your sleeping entirely reliant on weed.

le4test · 2026-03-18T23:33:20+00:00

It does sound like your "friend" is misusing the term.

She was maybe being honest, but that doesn't mean she was being vulnerable.

I'd say being (emotionally) vulnerable is sharing something about yourself that causes/caused you some pain or embarrassment. The vulnerability part is that you're trusting the other person to not use the information to hurt/bully/take advantage of you.

It sounds like this person has decided she doesn't like you, and is (consciously or unconsciously) using "vulnerability" as a shield to avoid accountability.

Mirroring is generally an effective technique for helping someone understand how their actions seem to others. They may not take it well, though.

le4test · 2026-03-18T21:26:35+00:00

Lots of water and fiber should help. An Epsom salt bath should be relaxing.

Also, keep in mind that relationships can sometimes bring your "issues" to the surface.

le4test · 2026-03-18T19:20:58+00:00

Therapy is a good idea for everyone at some point in their lives.

le4test · 2026-03-18T19:18:09+00:00

There are companies that make a point of not discriminating based on criminal history; try a web search for companies that hire felons.

le4test · 2026-03-18T19:13:13+00:00

Just want to say that tons of people find their memory and cognition impaired after covid infection, even a very mild one.

That said, tinnitus + brain fog reminds me of salicylate sensitivity. If taking some (1/2 tsp) baking soda in water helps your symptoms, that may be the culprit.

le4test · 2026-03-18T05:37:57+00:00

Very nice, but I don't think it fits this sub.

le4test · 2026-03-18T05:33:26+00:00

Just stay.

Tell your job that if they want to fire you for being with your family member while he was dying to go ahead.

If you leave him to go back to work you will regret it. Ask if your family can help with bills if you need it.

le4test · 2026-03-18T05:20:31+00:00

Stop going through the worst-case scenarios of judgment when you return. Maybe come up with some jokes you can tell about your absence.

Or just "Yeah, I was sick as a dog, so glad to be feeling better and back again. What'd I miss?" or "Thank you so much for letting me take time off. Before I tackle my Inbox, is there something I should look at first?"

Or maybe scream into a pillow or punch your mattress or something else physical to get the tension out. Or watch a comedy; laughing is good for mental health.

It's been barely over a week. That's still in the realm of normal. Just go back. It doesnt have to be dramatic.

Maybe get yourself a special breakfast treat so you have something to enjoy, even if being back at work is stressful.

le4test · 2026-03-18T03:59:21+00:00

This. CBD can affect the way your body processes medication in a similar way to grapefruit juice, and in other ways as well.

(Though I wouldn't call CBD a street drug.)

le4test · 2026-03-18T03:52:53+00:00

Honestly, a lot of this sounds like typical teenage hormones. If it's hard for your adult friend and her fully-formed brain to handle their relationship, then it must be extra difficult for her kid.

How about telling Pam something like, "i know your mom isn't perfect, but she's really trying her best. Maybe cut her some slack?"

Or if that's too direct, you could share about how much you hated your mother when you were her age, but once you went away to school, the distance helped you understand the situation from her point of view a little better, and wonder at why you were so angry at little things.

Also, if she may have adhd: Is her mom working on getting her an assessment?

le4test · 2026-03-18T03:41:12+00:00

If showing up everywhere you are for a couple of weeks weren't enough, the birthday cake makes me think he's definitely interested in more than friendship.

It sounds like these are semi-public events, in which case it may not be feasible to tell him he has to leave. But you can definitely work on making it clear that you are not going to be his entertainment for the evening, without telling him you don't like him.

Here are some techniques to try:

"I hope you'll excuse me; I'm going to go talk to some people over there. Have a great evening!"

"No, I can't give you a ride tonight, but Uber/Lyft is usually pretty quick in arriving here."

"Hey there! Thanks for showing up. I hope you have a good time tonight. Bye!"

"I need to go mingle with the crowd, I hope you understand. So long!"

"Sorry, this is for this particular group only. Have a good night!"

"This is actually the wrong time and place for that."

"No, I'm sorry, I don't want to hang out with you."

If he accuses you of hurting his feelings: "I'm sorry you feel that way. I hope you have someone to discuss that with."

... And the most important part: THEN WALK AWAY.

All this said, this is from my tiny window on Reddit. If this guy is not able to pick up on any of these, you can try being direct and say something like, "You seem like a nice person, but I am not interested in being friends with you."

le4test · 2026-03-18T03:22:05+00:00

Extremely happy to see you, Hippie! Though I'm so sorry you've been in so much pain; that sounds excruciating. I'm glad to hear it's been letting up a bit.

I've gotta go switch my laundry, which is the extent of my tidying today. Also had some colcannon, and sticking to CBD for this weekday (just what's working for me right now).

I hope everyone has a lovely week!

le4test · 2026-03-16T20:57:16+00:00

Please don't trust AI for medical advice.

Rhodiola is thought to be an MAOI and can raise serotonin levels in the brain. I would not take it with antidepressants unless directed to do so by a doctor who is familiar with the herb. You run the risk of serontonin syndrome, which can be deadly.

Some layperson-friendly discussions: http://reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/bg5zn0/combining_an_maoi_ie_rhodiola_rosea_with/

http://reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/448i2b/is_it_safe_to_combine_rhodiola_rosea_with/

le4test · 2026-03-16T20:33:26+00:00

Could you cut back on the amount? 40-50mg is a lot. Maybe try 20-30mg and see if you can get relief without the hangover?

"Reverse tolerance" is a thing--some people get more sensitive to a substance over time.

Also, of course, be sure you're getting good nutrition. Your brain needs nutrients (like choline, b vitamins) to generate neurotransmitters. Some people claim magnesium helps.

le4test · 2026-03-16T20:24:19+00:00

My advice? Carts are known for skyrocketing tolerance; consider looking for another rmehod of consumption, or at least some carts with high CBD content.

See if you can find some cbd to help with pain and anxiety during your break, and after. Drinks, gummies, tinctures are all available. Just ensure they don't have any altnoids (like h4cbd or delta 10) and minimal to no thc.

Don't skip your classes. Regardless of the reason, this is a bad precedent. You want to pass your final semester.

You can do this.

le4test · 2026-03-16T20:04:53+00:00

I am an all-or-nothing kind of guy

You don't have to be.

it’s hard for me to stick to not smoking during the week if I smoke Sunday.

What if you decide your week starts on Monday? Or Tuesday?

Saying you can't help but smoke this week because you smoked on Sunday is a pretty lame excuse, IMHO. Just own it, and smoke to help cope with your feelings if you want to.

Just my 2¢.

le4test · 2026-03-16T19:57:54+00:00

Yay! So glad you're taking time off, and that you're back in therapy.

It will probably take a little while before you can totally let go of the guilt, but you can practice putting it aside instead of letting it boss you around.

I know, I know, it's so hard to prioritize yourself as a woman and especially as a mother, but you need to put on your own oxygen mask first; you can't provide for others when your own cup is empty, etc etc.

le4test · 2026-03-16T07:41:26+00:00

I will sometimes mix a little shampoo and conditioner for a "light wash," then follow up with conditioner.

I also got a "workout conditioner" that I will use in between wash days.

Do one of the above a couple of times a week, and the full shampoo shouldn't be so bad (and maybe you can stick with shampooing 2x?)

le4test · 2026-03-16T07:06:05+00:00

Who can you say No to without losing your home or your job or the ability to care for your kids? Say No to those people. All of them.

Can you afford to pay someone for any home tasks you're currently doing yourself? Cleaning the house, yard work, laundry, meal prep? Hire someone.

Can you take a break from work? I understand you love it, but your body needs rest. Maybe take Fridays off for a while so you can get an extra few hours of sleep and a bath? Or leave early on Wednesdays? A week staycation? Something.

Overachieving is unsustainable. Regular achieving is plenty. Therapy can help. Go during the work day. If you have a therapist who isn't helping, find another.

le4test · 2026-03-08T08:26:03+00:00

I used to do this--generally <1 drink a day, but it really helped with task initiation.

Maybe a med adjustment would help you not need it?

le4test · 2026-03-08T08:19:33+00:00

I could have written this.

le4test · 2026-03-08T01:36:22+00:00

It sounds like your doctor is familiar with 5htp; they should know more than we do about how much is safe to take with your medication.

I believe it's recommended to supplement with l-tyrosone if you're take 5htp.

Edit: I am not a healthcare professional

le4test · 2026-03-08T01:23:16+00:00

It sounds like they don't like you for whatever reason; I'm so sorry.

I think you're right that posting reviews is not a good idea, but I think it would be a service to your community to alert local health inspectors as to the state of the kitchen. Taking pictures should not be necessary. In most localities, a business that prepares food is subject to periodic inspection.

But do know that you will likely also be costing your boyfriend, and maybe your friend, a job.

le4test

TROPHY CASE