mega thread What are you thinking?

[EtchASketch 3,047]

Update on the situation: 

Spoiler

I gave the letter to him during passing period and he confronted me about it during lunch. (The cafeteria was full.) He kept pressing me on why I didn't want to be friends anymore and I kept saying "I just don't want to." He kept asking why I didn't just tell him I wasn't comfortable. It's just not that easy to say things and speak up. I'm too afraid to hurt someone. I felt very little in this moment. I suddenly felt like I was to blame and that I should just say sorry and force myself to say 'we can be friends again.' He asked if he was still eligible to get my phone number and I stupidly said "I'll consider it." Maybe he is right and it's all my fault and I should have never second-guessed what we had.

Another reason why I couldn't be as assertive as I wanted to be is because of how he responded. It's...he pretended like he wasn't upset about this. But I could sense how angry he was. He hid it so well in his expression and somewhat well in his voice. He had that smile on his face, yet I knew there was fury in him. I don't like that at all and I'll be sure to avoid him as much as possible.

 

[ThePinkestofPones 5,678]

2 minutes ago, Interstellar Sketch said:

Update on the situation: 

  Hide contents

I gave the letter to him during passing period and he confronted me about it during lunch. (The cafeteria was full.) He kept pressing me on why I didn't want to be friends anymore and I kept saying "I just don't want to." He kept asking why I didn't just tell him I wasn't comfortable. It's just not that easy to say things and speak up. I'm too afraid to hurt someone. I felt very little in this moment. I suddenly felt like I was to blame and that I should just say sorry and force myself to say 'we can be friends again.' He asked if he was still eligible to get my phone number and I stupidly said "I'll consider it." Maybe he is right and it's all my fault and I should have never second-guessed what we had.

Another reason why I couldn't be as assertive as I wanted to be is because of how he responded. It's...he pretended like he wasn't upset about this. But I could sense how angry he was. He hid it so well in his expression and somewhat well in his voice. He had that smile on his face, yet I knew there was fury in him. I don't like that at all and I'll be sure to avoid him as much as possible.

 

I got two words for him "Buck" and "off" 

If you need to talk about it, dm me

[Dawnshine Wonder 2,629]

10 minutes ago, Interstellar Sketch said:

Update on the situation: 

  Reveal hidden contents

I gave the letter to him during passing period and he confronted me about it during lunch. (The cafeteria was full.) He kept pressing me on why I didn't want to be friends anymore and I kept saying "I just don't want to." He kept asking why I didn't just tell him I wasn't comfortable. It's just not that easy to say things and speak up. I'm too afraid to hurt someone. I felt very little in this moment. I suddenly felt like I was to blame and that I should just say sorry and force myself to say 'we can be friends again.' He asked if he was still eligible to get my phone number and I stupidly said "I'll consider it." Maybe he is right and it's all my fault and I should have never second-guessed what we had.

Another reason why I couldn't be as assertive as I wanted to be is because of how he responded. It's...he pretended like he wasn't upset about this. But I could sense how angry he was. He hid it so well in his expression and somewhat well in his voice. He had that smile on his face, yet I knew there was fury in him. I don't like that at all and I'll be sure to avoid him as much as possible.

 

Very brave of you to bring it up though, thank you for being honest about how you felt about him because you will only get to the root of the problem he is causing if you talk about it with people who will understand your plight. I'd rather not be caught in the middle of this however that said, I don't want you to be abused any further, it was very important for you to discuss this with people. Sometimes people will put on a show, only for them to violate your boundaries some more. You recognize his manipulation and that is good, it means you have the power to be assertive and tell him no, and if he doesn't like it, then that's tough. He can go kick rocks, I don't want him to die and neither do you, however it is clear friendship with someone like him is impossible, until he recognizes where he went wrong.

[Sparklefan1234 177,516]

On 2025-05-13 at 1:27 AM, TheRockARooster said:

I love my friends and I hope they know that.

[TheRockARockster 53,396]

1 minute ago, Sparklefan1234 said:

Thank you, Rarity. 

[Raskolnikov 991]

40 minutes ago, Interstellar Sketch said:

Update on the situation: 

  Hide contents

I gave the letter to him during passing period and he confronted me about it during lunch. (The cafeteria was full.) He kept pressing me on why I didn't want to be friends anymore and I kept saying "I just don't want to." He kept asking why I didn't just tell him I wasn't comfortable. It's just not that easy to say things and speak up. I'm too afraid to hurt someone. I felt very little in this moment. I suddenly felt like I was to blame and that I should just say sorry and force myself to say 'we can be friends again.' He asked if he was still eligible to get my phone number and I stupidly said "I'll consider it." Maybe he is right and it's all my fault and I should have never second-guessed what we had.

Another reason why I couldn't be as assertive as I wanted to be is because of how he responded. It's...he pretended like he wasn't upset about this. But I could sense how angry he was. He hid it so well in his expression and somewhat well in his voice. He had that smile on his face, yet I knew there was fury in him. I don't like that at all and I'll be sure to avoid him as much as possible.

 

There is no reason to doubt yourself on this. Angry people can be terrifying but he's only angry because in a way he feels entitled to you and your friendship and that is shameful of him - his response seemed manipulative and all the more reason to feel justified in what you wrote. "No" is a complete answer. "I don't want to" is a complete answer. His angry emotions about your boundary setting are his emotional issue to solve and that does not involve him having his way.

Hugs

I understand your fear though, don't feel bad for not reacting ideally... especially considering your family circumstances it makes sense to be afraid and it is very impressive to do what you did regardless. :]

Edited May 15 by Raskolnikov

[Acinonyx 1,019]

2 hours ago, Interstellar Sketch said:

Update on the situation: 

  Reveal hidden contents

I gave the letter to him during passing period and he confronted me about it during lunch. (The cafeteria was full.) He kept pressing me on why I didn't want to be friends anymore and I kept saying "I just don't want to." He kept asking why I didn't just tell him I wasn't comfortable. It's just not that easy to say things and speak up. I'm too afraid to hurt someone. I felt very little in this moment. I suddenly felt like I was to blame and that I should just say sorry and force myself to say 'we can be friends again.' He asked if he was still eligible to get my phone number and I stupidly said "I'll consider it." Maybe he is right and it's all my fault and I should have never second-guessed what we had.

Another reason why I couldn't be as assertive as I wanted to be is because of how he responded. It's...he pretended like he wasn't upset about this. But I could sense how angry he was. He hid it so well in his expression and somewhat well in his voice. He had that smile on his face, yet I knew there was fury in him. I don't like that at all and I'll be sure to avoid him as much as possible.

 

Stick to your convictions, you made a good move here. Even if it doesn't feel like it right now. 

[Slumberlumber 845]

6 hours ago, Raskolnikov said:

Hmm - how long are you leaving it to brew for? Assuming you are using tea bags maybe it may be easier for you to leave it on for 1-2 mins instead of 3. Or you may just not be a fan in which case herbal teas are pleasant enough without the bitterness :] I do enjoy a vanilla rooibos. I think loose leaf prepared tea probably tastes better but I haven't explored that avenue yet... I really enjoyed Lipton vanilla caramel tea for a sweeter experience.

 

Thinking I need to cook soon lol

I let it steep for 4 minutes. I like black teas cause than you can flavour them (almost) However you want. Herbal teas to my understanding already have a pre-set taste.

[Slumberlumber 845]

6 hours ago, Dawnshine Wonder said:

Stevia works best for sweetening tea from my experience, doesn't take much of it and it doesn't come with the same negatives to your health as fructose does. In small amounts sugar is not a bad thing, we'd die without glucose in our blood and sugar exists in fruit, but it's really difficult to ignore the craving of simple sugar when it starts, which is probably not a good thing.

I'm lucky I don't have an addiction to sugar. It's just much more preferable to taste than straight black tea in my opinion.

[Clawdeen 16,517]

I'm surprised making this many purchases this early in the morning didn't trigger the fraud alert on my card lol

[Iforgotmybrain 6,389]

Why are people still using packing peanuts in 2025… I hate those things so much, just use bubble wrap and packing paper instead, it’s so much better. Less mess, and less wasteful if you’re really crazy and still use the styrofoam peanuts instead of the organic ones.

[Snoopy Fan 5,909]

39 minutes ago, Iforgotmybrain said:

Why are people still using packing peanuts in 2025… I hate those things so much, just use bubble wrap and packing paper instead, it’s so much better. Less mess, and less wasteful if you’re really crazy and still use the styrofoam peanuts instead of the organic ones.

You make a good point 

[Acinonyx 1,019]

A few disjointed hours and several apocalyptic dreams later and I am here, that was something.

[Raskolnikov 991]

11 hours ago, Slumberlumber said:

I let it steep for 4 minutes. I like black teas cause than you can flavour them (almost) However you want. Herbal teas to my understanding already have a pre-set taste.

It can depend I suppose, I've had herbal teas that could use a small bit of sugar before but others are fine as is.

Though maybe I'm not the best person to discuss this as I tend to have both my black tea and black coffee completely plain these days, I think I've just become immune to the bitterness at this point hahah

 

I should take my sciatica supplement today as well as tomorrow... not looking forward to the nerve flareups tomorrow. o_x

[Slumberlumber 845]

12 minutes ago, Raskolnikov said:

It can depend I suppose, I've had herbal teas that could use a small bit of sugar before but others are fine as is.

Though maybe I'm not the best person to discuss this as I tend to have both my black tea and black coffee completely plain these days, I think I've just become immune to the bitterness at this point hahah

 

I should take my sciatica supplement today as well as tomorrow... not looking forward to the nerve flareups tomorrow. o_x

Your taste buds have been hardened to the point of withstanding the bitterness of....will, bitter teas and coffees.

[Dawnshine Wonder 2,629]

12 hours ago, Slumberlumber said:

I'm lucky I don't have an addiction to sugar. It's just much more preferable to taste than straight black tea in my opinion.

I couldn't give up sweeteners in my tea if I tried, however I don't want to end up with type 2 diabetes. So the way I see it, going with stevia or some other non calorie sweetener is a compromise. Type 2 diabetes would make mine and anyone else's life more chaotic than without it, not something I wish on anyone. However keeping the calorie count down in diets does help, it's not just the sugar that is in drinks we need to watch out for, it is the carbohydrates in everything we consume, it all adds up, processed or not, which is why calorie calculators are recommended, people need to weigh up what they burn each day vs how much they need. I don't do the best at it, my diet is average at best, I don't exercise a lot either, however by not having sugar in my tea every time, I at least minimize the risks associated with sugar.

[Slumberlumber 845]

3 minutes ago, Dawnshine Wonder said:

I couldn't give up sweeteners in my tea if I tried, however I don't want to end up with type 2 diabetes. So the way I see it, going with stevia or some other non calorie sweetener is a compromise. Type 2 diabetes would make mine and anyone else's life more chaotic than without it, not something I wish on anyone. However keeping the calorie count down in diets does help, it's not just the sugar that is in drinks we need to watch out for, it is the carbohydrates in everything we consume, it all adds up, processed or not, which is why calorie calculators are recommended, people need to weigh up what they burn each day vs how much they need. I don't do the best at it, my diet is average at best, I don't exercise a lot either, however by not having sugar in my tea every time, I at least minimize the risks associated with sugar.

Who knew eating, one of the things we need for survival, could be so dangerous.

It's getting where I live. Time for some summer fun. Also I'm going out this weekend probably to a place called Diablo's Emporium! A spooky neat place!

[Raskolnikov 991]

5 minutes ago, Dawnshine Wonder said:

I couldn't give up sweeteners in my tea if I tried, however I don't want to end up with type 2 diabetes. So the way I see it, going with stevia or some other non calorie sweetener is a compromise. Type 2 diabetes would make mine and anyone else's life more chaotic than without it, not something I wish on anyone. However keeping the calorie count down in diets does help, it's not just the sugar that is in drinks we need to watch out for, it is the carbohydrates in everything we consume, it all adds up, processed or not, which is why calorie calculators are recommended, people need to weigh up what they burn each day vs how much they need. I don't do the best at it, my diet is average at best, I don't exercise a lot either, however by not having sugar in my tea every time, I at least minimize the risks associated with sugar.

Call me strange, but I have never done anything akin to calorie counting - I just follow "Πᾶν μέτρον ἄριστον" - "everything in moderation", and try to cook reasonably nutritionally balanced meals and try to avoid McDonalds style takeouts that may as well be nutritionally worthless. (though the moderation certainly leaves my body when chocolate is involved, LOL.) It's most likely not everyone but I think stressing too much about calories tends to give some people a really weird and stressful relationship with food. Least that's my thoughts on the matter, I've not given it much thought 🤔

But I'm also lucky to be able bodied/not have a pre-existing condition, I imagine the reality is quite different for e.g. prediabetics...

[Dawnshine Wonder 2,629]

2 hours ago, Snoopy Fan said:

You make a good point 

I managed to get one of these items off Ebay, it will arrive in due time.

I am hoping the green LED strip will give it the effect I am hoping for, make the green gooey stuff beneath the action figure of Queen Chrysalis look like it is glowing. as the light from the shelf reflects off of it I'm not a scientist or engineer so I don't even know what the outcome of that is going to be. The theory checks out, but will it work in practice?

[Snoopy Fan 5,909]

The technology in the Monsters Inc world must be pretty impressive if it’s able to convert screams and laughs into energy.

[Tropical Melody 7,107]

15 hours ago, Slumberlumber said:

I let it steep for 4 minutes. I like black teas cause than you can flavour them (almost) However you want. Herbal teas to my understanding already have a pre-set taste.

Seriously cut down the brew time. If I'm having milk in it (normal) then it's 3 - 4 minutes, if not, then just enough so it goes dark, then out. Say 2 minutes. Sugar just covers up flavours you don't want, I'm cutting right down on sugar so it's got to the point if there's just a bit too much sugar that's all I can taste now, and I don't want that. My next task is cutting down sugar in black coffee, I have got it down to half what it used to be, which was a heaped teaspoon, for a mug. What was a slightly weird flavour turned out to be too much sugar, now I'm getting more coffee flavour.  

 

[Slumberlumber 845]

2 minutes ago, Tropical Melody said:

Seriously cut down the brew time. If I'm having milk in it (normal) then it's 3 - 4 minutes, if not, then just enough so it goes dark, then out. Say 2 minutes. Sugar just covers up flavours you don't want, I'm cutting right down on sugar so it's got to the point if there's just a bit too much sugar that's all I can taste now, and I don't want that. My next task is cutting down sugar in black coffee, I have got it down to half what it used to be, which was a heaped teaspoon, for a mug. What was a slightly weird flavour turned out to be too much sugar, now I'm getting more coffee flavour.  

 

Interesting....I'll have to try less steep time.

[Astralshy 28,863]

How much could I eat without getting to much weight?

[Dawnshine Wonder 2,629]

With the plasma ball setup, it is time to get the other ornaments. Not sure what their life expectancy is but I would turn it off just in case before bed. It's also a reasonable distance away from my Raspberry Pi 5 system, shouldn't cause interference, but if it does, the plasma ball can still be switched off. Some safety advice I picked up on Quora I have noted, do not put aluminium foil on it, as a plasma ball is a small Tesla coil generating static electricity, but can generate a small electrical shock enough to burn if mishandled. Probably not the best thing to use with my headphones in the room, but wow they look cool.

[Snoopy Fan 5,909]

How was Patrick able to fit inside that box?