It’s interesting you mention they’re encouraged to translate your paraverbal communication style; I didn’t realize that but it makes sense. I’ve often been intimidated by situations necessitating a translator, as a therapist, because of uncertainty in how humor would translate- so to speak- for clients with other family norms/cultures. But that moment of gold at the end made me laugh out loud! That’s wonderful! 😆

This. Got a place just before the pandemic that wasn’t well taken-care-of and had German roaches, assuming that’s what you’re seeing (tinier, and fast as hell) got this kit (granted it was $20 cheaper a few years ago) and rotated out with a couple of the other kits that come after A’s formulation every 6 months. Gone after 2 years. Now I just see the regular ones sometimes- because FL. Saved my sanity.

Also, I wouldn’t advise feeing the critters to your chameleon since you don’t know what the critters have been exposed to or got into, pesticide wise.

To add to what others have said, boundary-setting is a skill we develop over many social interactions. It may feel awkward or mean setting a boundary initially, but it’s essential to maintain one’s “social battery” and priorities/sanity.

Speaking of priorities, those are a good indication as to when setting boundaries is helpful. For example, you have an important appointment to get to, but a family member/friend is asking your help with something at around the same time. Communicating you have a prior engagement at the time of your appointment while being willing to help out after, or giving them suggestion on how else they can get the help they need, is you setting a boundary of what you can do with your time.

When we have concerns of feeling like an asshole, we want to consider from where that originates. Sometimes we’ve been raised around family members or “friends” who take advantage of another’s kindness and treat people maintaining boundaries as the villain (e.g. “Why are you leaving us hanging?/ Why couldn’t you help me/your Old Man out this one time?”). This is often a sign of emotional immaturity/ poor insight, empathy, and/or self-awareness. Healthy connections will respect your boundaries and maybe check in later if a raincheck is suggested. When interacting with people who don’t respect “no” as a full sentence and answer, sometimes reminding them of our limits and empathizing with the person’s situation can disarm them.

Well, that took a turn. Sorry to hear that! I love how picking/making a new together is becoming slightly more common that in earlier decades.

Right?! Who is cutting onions, damnit. Another example of looking for the helpers, per Mr. Rogers.

Increasing one’s credit [score] is helpful for when citizens want to make large purchases/transactions, such as getting a homeowner’s loan and car, in the US. Having lower credit is an indicator to banks that one is not “trustworthy” with their (bank’s) money. And with property prices soaring and most salaries stuck in the 60s (I may be exaggerating a little, haven’t checked exact numbers lately), it’s hard not to NEED a loan for those. Direct debit is nice to have, but there are advantages to credit cards if the user is wise with their money/credit knowledgeable. Though, it’s systemic.

Back when I was using reddit, I found Uplifting News to be a helpful source of positive information. Some of it can be reminders of our boring dystopia, like students helping another by starting a laundry program at the school, but it’s something. Here is the lemmy version.

I feel like religion/conservatism plays a role in this mindset. There’s a lot of pride in self-sacrifice and at least appearing “strong” in the face of adversity even if it’s regarding your health. Not that I agree with it at all. I’m all for unlimited such days and self-care.

I saw it as an eyesore in contrast to the dark background. Plus, it just looked strange/random. No significant reason.

Bamboo sticks or a small trellis sounds smart. I’ll keep in mind to give it a taste of the outdoors before permanently moving it out there if I do. Much appreciated!