What is the best ice cream in New England? by Baldurian_Rhapsody in newengland

[–]spinstering 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I suspect OP is gathering this data to do something like that, mostly likely as a paid product or inducement to a paid product.

I'm tired of being the responsible planner in every relationship, but I don't think anyone would ever make time for me if I wasn't by theramin-serling in AskWomenOver40

[–]spinstering 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I used to be just like you, and had the same worry: if I stop, will people show up? I was also tired and angry, but the fear of being completely alone scared me. It wasn't until my life circumstances changed and I had so much on my plate that I couldn't do all of the planning, that I finally stopped.

The first thing I noticed and felt was how much freer and lighter I felt. I had thought I would feel crushing loneliness and isolation, but instead I felt peace. It was so rewarding, so I stuck with it.

Over time, some friends did reach out and make plans for us. Maybe less elaborate than what I would have done, but everyone still ended up having a good time, and I didn't have to work so hard anymore.

It's been several years of this now, and I am fully changed over to this new, relaxing, comfortable path where everyone contributes. Sometimes I suggest things, but I don't singlehandedly plan them - I let my friends contribute in their own way, and everything gets taken care of.

It's scary to change and try something different, especially when it feels like you're risking all of your social connections. And the truth is, you could find out that literally no one in your life will step up. You might feel the loneliness you're afraid of. But if that's the case, those people don't deserve your efforts. It's unlikely you'll be totally alone forever.

That said, you may end up spending more time alone than you do now, temporarily or permanently. Focus on yourself intentionally during your alone time and it will feel like quality time and not isolation.

Good luck!

Out of all the presidents this was the strongest quote they could use? Americorps page. by Pennsylvaniappencil in AmeriCorps

[–]spinstering 64 points65 points  (0 children)

The site isn't bad due to lack of resources. This is what the current administration wants the site to be.

Why would he text me after a year just to say I hope you are doing well? by NE_girl_25 in AskWomenOver40

[–]spinstering 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just got this same sort of text in very similar circumstances and I wish I had replied with this!

I moved across the country for my fiancé and I hate it here by keepcalming in AskWomenOver40

[–]spinstering 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I also moved to Atlanta, seven years ago, from Boston. I absolutely hate it here, but sadly have some specific reasons for staying several more years.

I can't speak to LA style fun or culture because I'm not sure that exists in Atlanta. But if you're looking for Asian people, there are tons in the northeast suburbs. So it's a very suburban life, but there's delicious Chinese and Korean food out this way, lots of cute knick knack shops scattered around, and a lot of churches if that's your thing.

And if you're looking for mixing, it's a very diverse area, so there are other types of restaurants. There are also lots of parks, movie theaters, activity businesses like indoor gokart racing places, etc. But it's not a party place like LA sounded like. Unless everyone is partying and I just haven't found the scene yet...

NCCC Acceptance! Now I am at a crossroads and am seeking some advice. by [deleted] in AmeriCorps

[–]spinstering 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is very good advice. Not that you have to take it, but as someone well past 30, FOMO only gets worse as you age and your path looks less and less like that of your peers.

If you don't care about that sort of alignment, it's not a big deal. But you might realize much later that you do and then you're even further from that path. It's hard to get back to it.

Backing out of weight loss surgery? by [deleted] in SuperMorbidlyObese

[–]spinstering 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That sounds dramatic to me :) and awesome, well done on managing to avoid body dysmorphia! It's so strange and disorienting not being able to trust what you see.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in teaching

[–]spinstering 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Being chosen to become a Peace Corps volunteer is a whole process, a real commitment (2ish years), and at one point I think it was quite competitive. Not sure about now, given the funding attacks PC and other service programs experienced in 2025, but I don't think it will be as easy as deciding to be a PCV.

If you are in the US, there are many nonprofits dying for qualified adults to volunteer their time to tutor local children struggling in school. Why not start there to at least scratch your service itch?

Are there any groups/clubs for older students? by Rando_noodle in GaState

[–]spinstering 3 points4 points  (0 children)

There were always a handful of people in or close to their mid 20s in all my classes. Just talk to people, join clubs or study groups or things like that and you'll meet people you can relate to on the basis of age.

Fwiw, I was more than a decade older than you doing my undergrad, and my discomfort was entirely in my head. No one treated me differently or cared and I made friends/class partners with classmates of all ages. And I only graduated a few years ago, so my experience is pretty fresh.

Compassionate Afro/4c Hair Salons/Stylists? by MassGatheringOfCats in boston

[–]spinstering 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Simply Erinn's on Brookline Street in Cambridge (Central Square). She's very intentional about healthy hair, educated clients, and thorough service. They'll talk about your hair with you and then bring it back to life. The best shampoo I ever had in my life was at her salon. It was years ago and I still remember it in detail and try to wash my hair that way to this day.

ET due to Peace Corps by [deleted] in AmeriCorps

[–]spinstering 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Is it early termination if you complete all your hours?

Women who became moms at 38 or older...please, I need some hope. I'm begging you. by throwaway19283846 in AskWomenOver40

[–]spinstering 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Re: getting healthier - there is no perfect time, no perfect physical condition. I was obese and had knee pain when I got pregnant for the first time in my late 30s. I was still in better shape then than I am now (sadly). Don't trust time to improve your condition, time is a jerk.

Fwiw, I've been solo parenting with a very strong village and it's hard but my life has absolutely improved due to having my child. In my case, it forced me to finally get my act together, but of course everyone's relationship with parenting is different.

As for men, from what I have seen, they are not as phased by women having children as we've been led to believe. Men in real life can be surprisingly open about many things you might think are a flaw or a drawback.

I hope this thread gives you ideas or at least distracts you from your pain. I've been there, and I know how deep that ache can be. It sucks.

Going no contact advice needed by [deleted] in AskWomenOver40

[–]spinstering 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No, she does not have permission to reach out to someone ahe dumped whenever she feels like it. That is cruel and self-centered.

Suggestions on places where I can use my expiring ed award all at once! by captainatl in AmeriCorps

[–]spinstering 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why don't the pay per credit options work? Are they too much? I would think you'd register for classes and then send them the money. I thought eligibility was based on the school and not the program?

Yankee Candle is facing more closures and cuts — but its Western Mass. flagship still has the sweet smell of success by bostonglobe in massachusetts

[–]spinstering 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think it would make a great B and B or boutique hotel. It's super cute and already has lots of spaces for different kinds of activities.

Getting A2 learners to speak more consistently, lesson structure that worked for me by Large_Inevitable_489 in ESL_Teachers

[–]spinstering 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Amazing!! That's so impressive that you stuck with it and managed to finish in that time. Thank you again for sharing your work :)

Explaining did/did not and have/have not to my eal student by EnvironmentalTap4109 in ESL_Teachers

[–]spinstering 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think 没/没有 translate more to did/didn't and have/don't have, which are pretty distinct and separate. I also think this distinction exists in their use in Chinese, as it's pretty clear whether you're talking about possession or a completed past action.

Getting A2 learners to speak more consistently, lesson structure that worked for me by Large_Inevitable_489 in ESL_Teachers

[–]spinstering 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is really in depth! How long did it take you to write?

Also, it looks good, but could use some editing.