Dear Anita

Sorry, I’ve been quiet. How are you and Bogart doing? 🤍

It sounds like have things figured out with him. No more accidents on the bed I hope? 🤍

It always astounds me how much puppies are willing to chew on literally anything. 😂

I’m really glad to hear that you found a new place to drink at that allows dogs and you bumped into a bunch of friends. 😊

After everything that has been happening with the tap room and the winery closing you really needed that win. 🏆 🤍

Are the bugs really big where you live? When I was visiting the US I was shocked by how much bigger all the insects were. They have some horrible bites, so I really feel for you. Hope you’re enjoying the summer. 🤍

Hi Serenewolf

That’s so kind of you to say! We are doing well thanks. He’s tons of fun for sure. If only he would share some his energy. 🩵

I’m glad to hear that things are going well in your new job. 😊

Congratulations on getting medication for your adhd as well! Things are happening for you right now and that’s incredible. 🩵

Hi Sisi

Well a kiss isn’t the worst, it’s not like you slept with anyone.

It sounds like you knew that person had a thing for you before you went drinking with them? Is that correct? I’m assuming you said no when you were sober.

For women, it’s generally not recommended to go drinking with a man alone even if you are friends and especially not if you know he has a thing for you. In this case, a friend you trusted kissed you. Much worse things can happen. It isn’t just your own inhibition that has to be considered. 🩵

Are you fairly young? Your parents really should have told you to be more careful because men can be quite predatory.

I think you did the right thing telling the guy you’re exclusive with. He deserves to know the facts and make decisions without being manipulated. Not many people are that honest. 😊

Do you think that maybe part of you is kind of ready for this relationship of sorts to be over even though you do genuinely like him? Or at least worry it might end at some point in the future? 🩵

How do you feel about being exclusive, not boyfriend and girlfriend?

It tells me that he has serious commitment issues. A lot of long distance relationships generally fail sadly. 🩵

Hi Kris

I’m sorry that your family started rejecting you more and more as you grew up. 🩵

It’s pretty common for kids in dysfunctional homes to be smiley and goofy when they are young. Those behaviours are what gets them positive attention. You relied on them for survival because you were so young. 🩵

But older children as they understand more and more about the difficulties of their situation. As they get rejected more and more for expressing themselves, start to feel more of an emotional distance. As the attention span and memory continues to develop feelings stay for longer and they are acutely aware of navigating the difficulties around then.

You just grew up Kris and did nothing wrong. 🩵

I think you did a great job expressing yourself and honouring your authentic self today! 😊

Hi Scotty

Sorry to hear about the trauma with your ex wife. 🙏

Wow you fought so hard to get your mind back. Not many people actually come back from that. You’re so strong for getting through it. 🩵

I can understand being a Christian who doesn’t like organised religion. It’s a shame that they prey on people like that. My mum much like yourself got into religion during a depressive episode. It was a cult for her though. Being raised in a cult leaves a sour taste in my mouth when it comes to organised religion. 😂

I agree that leaning into the parts you agree with and putting down the things that don’t work for you is the way to go. 🩵

That you’re able to find a measure of peace despite your circumstances is incredible. You’re in a really tough position.

Simplicity and not worrying about things too much sounds like a great mix to me. 😊

Keep up the good work! 🩵

Hi Devesh Tiwaro

Hmm well, it sounds like you’re choosing to deal with your responsibilities. You can either pretend you don’t want to do that and be upset, or acknowledge that these are your circumstances, your choices and take full responsibility for your decisions. Make peace with it. Look for ways to be happy inside your circumstances instead of wishing for unrealistic things. Maybe stop drinking and speak to someone about your troubles? 🩵

Depression comes when we expect more from life than we have. 🩵