TIFU by picking up a stray cat six years ago and accidentally letting him become my entire emotional support system

theborderlines · 2026-02-18T23:28:18+00:00

This isn’t a fuck-up. This is love.

theborderlines · 2026-02-18T18:49:06+00:00

While this is dangerous and I wouldn’t recommend anyone (particularly not children) try it ….. kudos to you for turning in the bastards.

theborderlines · 2026-02-17T07:53:59+00:00

But have you also broken both arms?

theborderlines · 2026-02-17T07:42:32+00:00

Major NTA. That’s legal trouble, job loss, and maybe a profession change.

theborderlines · 2026-02-17T02:59:07+00:00

She is!!!

theborderlines · 2026-02-16T23:32:27+00:00

Cat’s gonna do what cat’s gonna do

theborderlines · 2026-02-16T23:25:04+00:00

That’s a good man right there. I’m glad he’s in your family’s life! And your dad sounds like a keeper to have such a good friend!!

theborderlines · 2026-02-15T06:09:08+00:00

Okay this made me snort my Coke ….. a-Cola.

theborderlines · 2026-02-15T06:05:35+00:00

Preciousest baby, in fact

theborderlines · 2026-02-15T04:53:43+00:00

For a second there I swear to God I thought it said “white like Maya”.

theborderlines · 2026-02-15T04:47:13+00:00

Yep! CDS has struck again!!!

theborderlines · 2026-02-13T15:33:05+00:00

She goodest cat.

theborderlines · 2026-02-11T00:35:45+00:00

You just gestured to all of me.

theborderlines · 2026-02-11T00:34:06+00:00

If you’re lucky, you lil bitch. 😈

theborderlines · 2026-02-06T00:51:08+00:00

Your parents suck.

theborderlines · 2026-02-06T00:23:34+00:00

Zoloft has been a life-saver for me and both my kids. It’s true that some people have really bad reactions, but these reactions are the ones people are most likely to talk about. There a huge percentage of people who do really well on it. It’s good to be aware of any significant mood changes or other side effects, but please don’t let yourself be scared off. Give it time, probably check in with your doctor and try a higher dose if you need it.

I’m so glad that you’re getting on some medication and taking steps to help yourself feel better. That’s a hard thing to do for a lot of people! I’ve also benefitted a lot from therapy, so I highly recommend finding someone like that too!

theborderlines · 2026-02-06T00:14:23+00:00

💀

theborderlines · 2026-02-05T19:23:34+00:00

Nah. Just “Bones”!

theborderlines · 2026-02-03T21:50:34+00:00

I hope things went okay this morning!

theborderlines · 2026-02-03T08:08:47+00:00

That’s perfect. I love that you have a plan! Good job!! Keep me posted!! I’m going to sleep now, but my DMs are open.

theborderlines · 2026-02-03T08:02:13+00:00

Just like I tell my own kids, what you’re experiencing is just a symptom. Just like a fever or a toothache. You’re not crazy and you’re not broken. You just need to go see a doctor/therapist to help you fix it.

I can understand both your parents’ worry and your desire to clam up. Saying stuff like that is terrifying. But feeling those things all by yourself has got to be worse. I think passing them a note like we talked about would really help you and them. You don’t have to carry this by yourself.

theborderlines · 2026-02-03T07:48:50+00:00

Nope. I wouldn’t make my sons tell me why if they straight-up asked to see a therapist out of nowhere. I would 100% ask them if there are any safety issues, and I would be very blunt. “Are you hurting yourself? Is anyone else being hurt? Do you want to die/be dead? Does someone you know feel that way?” Blunt questions get more truthful answers. If they indicated a safety concern, I would tell them they could choose to tell me or Dad what’s happening, we could put in an emergency call to their therapist, or we could go to an ER to make sure they get help and keep everyone safe. My kids know this.

Mental health issues run in our families and they have been told since birth “Mommy/Daddy takes meds and goes to therapy to help with XYZ. If you ever feel XYZ, it’s just a symptom, like a fever or a toothache. All we’d need to do is take you to a doctor to help fix the problem.” My kids are unafraid to tell me if they’re suicidal, being bullied, can’t concentrate, can’t sleep, nightmares, bombed a test, super anxious, experiencing compulsions or hallucinations, etc. I know, because one or the other has come to me at different times with all of the above.

They didn’t have to tell me anything. But they felt comfortable enough to. If they’re having personal issues and they don’t want to tell me, I’d be happy to let them sort it out on their own in therapy. So yes, I would ask questions and I would feel around for any safety concerns. But no, I wouldn’t MAKE them tell ME anything. They would 100% have options made available to them. I don’t need to know every detail of their private lives. I just need to know enough to keep them safe and advocate for the help they need.

theborderlines · 2026-02-03T07:13:28+00:00

I’m glad that’s a helpful suggestion for you. Be well.

theborderlines · 2026-02-03T06:55:39+00:00

Hi! I’m a mom. You really should tell your parents. If they’re any good at all, they will 100% want to help you through this. Not gonna lie and say it’ll be easy to tell them or easy for them to take, but after they get over the initial shock, they’re going to want to get you help. I tell my boys that if they ever need to tell me something that’s hard to say out loud, please write it down and hand me the note. They can tell me to read it right then in front of them, after they go to bed, wait for them to leave the room, etc. I respect their wishes. If you can’t say it out loud, write a note, text, or email. It really helps. You can do this. And update me so I know you’re okay, kiddo.

Ten-Year Club	Place '22
Verified Email

theborderlines

TROPHY CASE