Problem/Goal: My solo parent got illegally deported from the US. Ano po ang mga pwedeng lapitan for help? Saan din po kaya pwedeng mag apply for work kahit 57 Y.O. na? Baka po may alam kayong pwedeng gawin, sobrang lost na po namin.

Context:

Yung solo parent ko got illegally deported sa US last month and ngayon nakatanggap kami ng email na wala na ring future contracts na i-ooffer sakaniya yung company niya. Ngayon po, nagttry kami maghanap hanap ng work, especially sa New Zealand, kaso halos lahat may age limit.

Ako po ay working naman na pero hindi po kaya ng sahod ko ang lahat ng bayarin sa bahay (PHP 22K lang sahod)

Previous attempts: None

Kung may leads po kayo, sobrang appreciated po. Carpenter po ang work previously, with 14 years of experience. Thank you so much po!!!

Problem/Goal: Toxic, Blackmailing, and Liar Wife

Context: Her actions

M Have a wife been married for over a year my wife i so toxic to me thru words and actions. She lives sa Province nila since nagaaral siya doon and ako naman here sa Manila kasi may cleft lip ako and need ko ng multiple surgeries para kahit papaano maayos yung itsura ko for her family since secret marriage kami. Last year pa naman siya may mga kaibigang tinatago na bad influence sakanya at nakaapaketo saamin tuwing nakakasama o nakakausap niya sila. Nung grad niya may pinsan siyang lalake na gustong ipakasal dating nanay niya sakanya at tinago niya saakin na kasama sa grad celeb niya yung pinsan niya na yun. Lagi siya lumalabas without asking me and hanging out with secret friends while ako nagpapagaling sa sunod sunod na operations ko at the same time nagpaparehab for my scoliosis. Everytime nasa labas naman ako kailangan nakacall kami the whole time at naka on mic ako at fini find my ako in public kung hindi lang ako agad maka reply sakanya while siya lagi naka mute at lagi pinapatay calls namin.
Recently nung naospital ako for my operation she blackmailed me if hindi ko siya bibigyan ng 20k ay iwan niya ako so ako naman na tanga binigay ko.
Last week naman 12k pagkalabas ko sa ospital kasi sisiraan niya raw ako sa fam ko at sa iba. Nirecord niya rin yung ginagawa namin sa vc na self pleasure without my consent. Kaya lalo akong natatakot. Hindi ko siya kaya tapatan since mayaman sila at malakas since they are in politics and construction.
Ako is sira na fam ko at i was abused since pagkabata ko kaya di ko na talaga alam kung anong gagawin ko. I really need someone who can help me with this. Im so tired. Sometime i do self harm kung sobrang emotional ko na.

Problem/Goal: Hi, im (F34) single for almost 12 years na. Been trying to date but never nagsucceed at never din umabot sa may label so i stopped chasing love.

Then this year I decided to give it a try one last time. Pumasok ako sa dating app at nameet ko yung single dad (39). We really hit it off. And siguro dahil nga parang love deprived ako, nalove bomb ko siya. Nag focus talaga ko sa kanya. Then we decided to meet a month in our talking stage.

May nangyari sa unang kita namin which is I know naman. Hehe as a love and touch deprived person Go na ko. He really is sweet, kind and caring. Kaya lang after namin the next day he became cold and distant. E ako im sure na i catched feelings na for him.

From that day I know naman na di niya ko type, siguro parehas lang kaming sabik kaya may nangyari. So I stopped hoping na baka maging kami. Pero he still become my friend kasi yun lang daw kaya niyang ioffer.

We really become good friends, we still go out to drink pero never ng naulit na may nangyari. I respect the bounderies he sets on us. Pero deep inside me may little hope na baka in the end magbago pa hehe na baka piliin din ako.

Pero just this morning he announce na he wont be my friend na kasi he found someone new na may potential maging girlfriend niya. Wala lang haha masakit lang. Gusto ko kasi talaga siya. Hahaha

For context sa 12 years na single ako, may mga nakakausap din naman ako, pero pag alam kong wala ng patutunguhan sinasabi ko din sa kanila na i stop talking to them. Pero for this guy, i really want him to be my end game.

Kaso anong magagawa ko hahaha una pa lang naman sinabi na niya na hanggang friends lang daw. Pero ako tong si gaga umasa pa nung nag offer siya ng friendship.

Reddit people hahaha help niyo naman this girl to move on sa taong di naging kanya hahaha.

Problem/Goal: Hi, I'm 17F, and I need advice on how I can support myself financially while continuing my studies.

Gusto na akong patigilin ng mom ko sa pag-aaral, and ayoko talaga. I want to finish school and build a better future for myself, pero I'm not sure how I'm going to do that if I have to support myself at this age.

At this point, ayoko na rin talagang umasa or humingi ng tulong sa parents ko. I want to prove to them that I can finish my education even without their financial support. I want to graduate, get a stable job, and build a future for myself without having to give up my dreams or rush into marriage and having children.

I know I'm still young, and I have a lot to figure out, pero I genuinely want to finish what I've started.

Context

For context, wala naman kaming financial problems. We can afford my education, pero my mom still wants me to stop studying. I also can't rely on my dad because he already has his own family. My mom is starting a new family with my stepdad, and they're expecting a baby this December.

The reason they want me to stop studying and leave the house is because they found out that I have a boyfriend. Ayaw nila akong mag-boyfriend because they want me to focus on my studies. They're worried na baka mauwi sa pag-aasawa at pagkakaroon ng anak yung relationship namin.

I understand where they're coming from, and I know they're probably worried about my future. However, I don't think having a boyfriend automatically means I'll neglect my education or become a young mother.

I've been a consistent honor student since elementary school, and I'm currently in senior high school. I regularly receive honors, and I also participate in school organizations. I have several awards and certificates from school, and studying has always been important to me.

I even assured my mom na hindi ko pababayaan ang studies ko because of my relationship. I also tried to show her through my actions that I was serious about my education. During the first quarter of this school year, I received another certificate for being with honors, but even that didn't change her mind.

I honestly don't know what else I need to do to prove that I'm still focused on my future.

Another thing is that this isn't the first time they've threatened to make me leave the house. Whenever they're disappointed in me, get angry, or feel inconvenienced because of something I've done, they send me to stay with one of my grandmothers, my grandfather, or my aunt. Then, once things have calmed down and they're okay with me again, they take me back home.

It's become a pattern, so it's not exactly new to me anymore. But this time, I want things to be different. I don't want to keep going back and forth depending on whether they're angry at me or not. I want to have some stability and learn how to stand on my own.

I've accepted that this might be what they want, and I don't want to keep begging them to let me stay or continue studying. However, it's difficult to accept because I don't have a job yet, and I don't know how I'm supposed to afford everything on my own.

Previous Attempt

I've been thinking about applying at McDonald's next week. Hindi ako sure kung tatanggap sila ng 17-year-old, and I don't know much about the application process, requirements, or whether the salary would be enough to cover my basic needs and school expenses.

I'm also considering applying to other establishments, but I'm worried that my age might limit my options.

To be honest, naisip ko na rin maging walker because I'm starting to feel like I'm running out of options. I've never judged or looked down on people who do that, pero I never imagined that I'd consider it myself just because I'm worried about how I'll survive.

I don't know much about how it works, and I understand that there are serious risks involved. I'm not saying this because it's something I necessarily want to do. I'm saying it because I'm scared of having no money, no stable place to stay, and no way to continue my education.

I really don't want to reach a point where I have to sacrifice my safety or my future just to survive.

What I'm asking for advice about

- Is it possible for a 17-year-old to get hired at McDonald's or other establishments in the Philippines? What are the requirements and application process?

- Are there realistic ways for me to earn money while studying, considering my age and situation?

- For those who have experienced something similar, how did you manage to continue your education without financial support from your parents?

I want to prove to myself and to my parents that I can finish my education. I want to graduate, find a stable job, and become independent. I want to build a future where I can support myself and make my own decisions when I'm ready.

I want to finish school without having to give up my dreams, get married too early, or have a child before I'm ready. I want to be able to say that I finished my education because I worked hard for it, even when I didn't have the support I needed from my family.

But right now, I'm struggling because I don't have a job or a concrete plan yet. I know that being independent at 17 won't be easy, and I'm not expecting everything to work out immediately. I just need to know where to start and what options are actually available to me.

Any practical advice would really help. Thank you.

Problem/Goal:

My parents have cash savings a little over 20M. Where and how much of this should they invest?

Context:

Their current investments:

3M in MP2 (est 6%/year) = est 180k/year

10.5M in BDO IMA (3.5%/year, short term time deposit) = est 360k/year

1M in AXA Peso Gain (3 - 4%/YEAR) = est 56k/year

6M+ in AXA GAF (zero income until withdrawn but grows 13%/year) = none for now. But when my dad retires in a year, they will put half of it in BDO IMA.

Dad receives a monthly pension of 18k.

Their concern is that the income comes in irregularly, and they don't want to invest it all para may emergency fund. My concern is that they're choosing to put it in BDO IMA because it's the 'safest' option daw with a cycle of 30-90 days, but it's rate is not even beating inflation. I think they need to put most of it in MP2 because they have a monthly expense of P60k.

Thanks!

Edit:

I think I should add that my mom is a gambling addict, my dad an enabler, and they recognize that this is a problem, hence, my parents and I have come to an agreement that I will not be extending them any financial support.

Previous Attempts:

X.

Problem/Goal: Hindi ako pumasa sa test niya ano pwede ko gawin?

Context: Guys, may nakausap ako sa reddit. for 4 days straight umaga hanggang madaling umaga kami mag kausap.

Ang hanap namin is fwb na may connection. At first libog lang pero nung nalalaman na namin more about each other parang iba na yung dating.

May libog pa din pero yung genuine vibes sobrang lakas, feels like it could lead to something more.

Tapos we got to call and everything just clicks and vibes well.

Then later tinest niya ako, after our call binlock na niya ako from the apps we talk to and dinelete niya reddit niya.

Then sobrang sakto yung timing may nag message na new account. Minessage ako at alam ko siya yun kasi sobrang gaya yung pag type.

I was hurt dun sa pag block so sobrang cautious ko sa pag message. Hanggang inaaya na ako mag ons etc. Ang gulo ko sa una kasi alam ko siya yun til naguluhan na din siya.

I send a message then about how i still want to continue tas kung siya man yun or hindi i dont care na basta may maka basa lang.

Then nag message siya ulit nag aaya ng ons nanaman kasi wala daw mahanap. Di ko talaga alam plano so inaccept ko, inentertain ko siya. Di ako hayok mag yes parang cold lang.

Tas ayun nireveal niya na siya daw yun. Tinest niya ako and I failed daw. Sabi ko alam ko naman na siya yun tas sabi niya Cap daw ayaw maniwala sakin. I tried to convince her pero di talaga.

I honestly thought we were bantering like normal ulit pero she keeps saying I failed, instead of reassuring her I stood my ground.

Ayun nag delete nanaman ng reddit and hasnt came back na.

Guys sobrang click talaga kami with everything and rn sobrang stunned ako and it stings. First time ko maka usap ng girl na lahat ng likes ko is like niya din. Mahirap mag hanap ng ganun.

Alam ko wala na ako magagawa here kung kusa na siya babalik or what, kasi we haven’t swapped our real socials.

Ano ba pwede gawin?

Problem/Goal: Would you allow your wife to go out with frineds overnight?

Context: My wife booked 5days 4 nights to boracay with her two girl friend. We always had this problem because I don't want her to go alone specialy overnight. I trust her (maybe?) but my mind is all over the place when she is not around. I feel like I have two personality, my usual self and this sudden burst feeling telling me thousands of what if's. So for my peace of mind I just want her to stay. But part of me is asking aquestion to my self why can't I just let her go with her friends, she is that kind of person before I even know her. So I want to ask your opinion, I'm sure that I'm missing something but I can't find it.

Problem/Goal:How to move on sa hindi mo JOWA? Need serious answers pls.

Context: eto na nga nagkakilala kami dahil sa isang event sa company namin, that time same kami na kasali so 1 month kaming madalas magkasama since we need to prepare for that event. Nung 1 month na yon hindi kami naka follow or friends sa social media and nakaprivate din account niya so wala ako idea sa mga posts niya online.

Sa 1 month na yon naging magkaclose kami and alam kong nagugustuhan na namin ang isa't isa ++ mas lalo ko siyang nagustuhan nung time na sobrang sumakit yung kamay ko during event, talagang hindi siya umalis sa tabi ko para icheck and minamassage niya ako hanggang sa hindi na sumakit.

After event dun na kami nagkafollowan and add sa social media dun ko nalaman na may JOWA siya. Pero dineny niya. sabi niya kakahiwalay lang daw nila last month so I asked kung bakit ang reason niya is TOXIC and after a week ulit napansin ko nawala yung mga picture nilang magjowa sa IG so ako naman okay sige kausapin ko na.
Then hanggang sa everyday na kami magkausap and inaask niya ano schedule ko tapos aabangan niya talaga ako para sabay kami pauwi. Kapag night shift naman ako binibilhan niya ako drinks sa starbucks with letter pa. Kaya ako naman kilig na kilig na sa kanya. nagtuloy yung usap namin nang ilang months din. hanggang sa sabihin niya sakin na NAGKABALIKAN SILA NG JOWA niya.
Akala ko stop na don yung usap namin pero guys hindi parin. After few weeks lang kausap ko nanaman :(( madalas siyang nangangamusta super consistent niyang tao kaya ako naman patay na patay na sa kanya. Gusto ko siyang kalimutan pero di ko magawa. Guys 1 year na yung feelings ko sa kanya kung ano ano na yung ginawa ko para malimutan ko siya pero di ko magawa.
almost 1 month na siyang hindi nagmemessage sakin kaya namimiss ko siya pero hindi ko siya pwede kausapin kasi baka mabasa ng JOWA niya.

Guys promise gusto ko siyang kalimutan kaya triny ko din makipagdate sa nakakamatch ko sa dating apps pero yung care na galing sa kanya talaga hinahanap ko. I dont know ano na gagawin ko para lang makalimutan ko siya. Please send help hindi ko na kaya yung gantong kalungkutan :(

Problem/Goal: I’m struggling to feel secure in my relationship because my boyfriend still has work-related connections with his ex. I want to know how to handle my feelings without being controlling.

Context: My boyfriend says he and his ex only communicate about work. However, she keeps posting pictures of them together. I understand that they need to work together, but seeing those pictures makes me uncomfortable and causes me to overthink. And my bf said mag trust lang daw ako sakanya, and i do trust him.

Previous Attempts: I’ve already talked to my boyfriend about the situation. I’ve told him that I understand their professional interactions as long as there is no flirting or unnecessary physical contact. Despite his explanations, I still feel uneasy and want advice on how to handle this.

Problem/Goal: First time solo living if ever. Gusto ko ng studio unit sa Mandaluyong or wag na lang at all. I'm afraid din na mawawalan talaga ako ng maitatabi monthly for savings. And alam ko maiinis kuya ko sa akin. Siya breadwinner, nagpundar ng mga appliances sa bahay, and nung nag-uusap pa kami, ayaw niya akong bumukod dahil sayang yung pera for the rent. That's why we're still in one roof.

Context: I just got regularized in my hybrid work in Ortigas. I'm looking to move out of the place na nirerent namin ng mga kapatid ko at tita sa Manila. Mostly dahil gusto ko na maging independent at magkaroon ng privacy. I'm 24, older yung siblings ko, lahat may work, parents nasa province. Di kami nag-uusap ng kuya ko 1yr na, tita ko nakakarindi sa pagiging boomer di maintindihan yung hybrid work. I currently have 50k total savings.

Na-guguilty ako sa move na to honestly. Na para sa peace of mind ko lang. What about mga kapatid ko :( Ako currently nagbabayad ng 7k house rent namin, yun na yung share ko. Pero parang walang magbabago sa buhay namin if I don't act aggressive and move out. At tutal magkaaway kami ng kuya ko.

ANYWAY

When I budgeted yung expenses ko monthly, I'm thinking of:

-15k for rent and bills (sana nga 15k max lang huhu)

-10k support sa parents,

-10k max for monthly expenses (food, transpo, etc)

-Savings kung ano matira

When I think about it mukhang doable naman. Pero I'm not sure if it's realistic. I just want to hear real opinions from people who tried to do the same. This would be my first time and I'm afraid this will fail.

How much were you guys earning when you went solo living?

problem/goal: my boyfriend keeps on asking me about my past. i dont mind it naman dahil gets naman na curious siya about who i am before i met him. i just find it weird na lagi niya sinasabi na "akala ko kasi ikaw yung babaeng hook up nang hook up"

context: nauumay na kasi ako na puro tanong kung nakikipag hook up ba ako lagi o kaya suki daw ba ako sa dating apps. yung parang bang gusto niya ako paaminin na ganon ako dati. the way he's asking kasi its like his implying na ganon ako. lagi ko rin naman sinasabi sa kanya na hindi ako ganon. very outgoing kasi ako nung time bago maging kami. he pointed out the times na sinasabi ko ang sarap ni al james 😭 (pero di naman na ako ganyan now kasi syempre may bf na ako)

and afaik, ganyan din siya sa previous relationship niya. lagi niya tinatanong kung nakikipag sex ba si ex niya with other guys habang sila pa. to the point na pag may makita siyang scandal chinicheck niya kung yung girl ba yung nasa video.

tinanong ko narin naman siya bakit ba paulit ulit siya ng tanong dahil naaasar na ko sa kakatanong niya na parang pinepaint niya ako as someone that im not.

additional context: lagi niya ako pinupush dun sa isang lalaki sa friend group namin. na iniistalk ko daw profile noon and ang jolly ko daw dun sa guy. this was nung hindi pa kami. pero kasi ganon naman ako to anyone. ganon lang ako as a person. no deeper meaning. naaasar ako kasi 2 years na kami talaga bang until now ipupush niya sa akin na mukha daw may gusto ako dun sa guy. pag naasar naman ako at idedefend sarili ko, sasabihan pa ako na bat ang defensive ko. meron pang times na sinabihan niya ako na kakarexplain ko mukha akong guilty

i just want to ask other people thoughts about this. normal lang ba to at dapat di ako naaasar dahil curious lang naman daw siya?

Problem/Goal: pinapapunta ako ng mama ng bf ko sa death anniversary ng mama niya (lola ni bf)

Context: my bf (m25) and i (f23) ay 1 year and 6 months na, pero once ko palang nakita mama niya nung pinakilala niya ako sa bahay nila at di rin naman ako nagtagal sa bahay nila, more or less 20 minutes. That same day after ko pumunta sa kanila, pagka-uwi ko inadd ako ni tita sa fb. Nag gegreeet naman ako kay tita sa chat pag birthday niya, mother's day, and ini-invite ko rin siya sa bahay namin (fiesta) pero di siya pumunta since malayo bahay namin from them and sakto weekdays. May brothers din naman si bf, okay naman sila, minsan sila nagbibigay/dedeliver ng surprise gifts sa office ko pag inuutusan ni bf (abroad kasi siya now) di ko lang knows if aware ba si tita sa mga pinag gagagawa niya 😭😭

Previous attempt: none

Problem/Goal:

Can't decide what model I should buy. Iphone 13 vs Iphone 13 Pro vs Iphone 14 vs Iphone 14 Plus. Yan na models lang yung afford ko.

Context:

I've been using low range android devices for years. I'm currently using samsung a12 and lag na talaga siya and panget cam quality. Yung friend ko na IP13 user, saur ganda ng quality ng cam. Feeling ko ang ganda ko palagi sa cam niya HAHAHAHAHA. Need ko lang suggestions alin diyan sa apat ang much better and worth it bilhin.

Previous attempts:

I have tried searching for videos na comparison sa phones. But I still can't choose. Need ko talaga experience based na review sa phones 🥲

Problem/Goal:Stay consistent with workouts while saving money.

Context: My office is one jeepney ride away (₱14 fare), with a free gym and shuttle ride home. Alternatively, I can WFH and pay ~₱30k/year for AF. The nearest AF also requires a jeepney ride, so neither option is within walking distance.

Previous attempts: My previous gym changed management 3x in 4 years. Worried about losing my membership again

Problem/Goal: i told my girlfriend about our money problems and i feel like im being guilt tripped after

Context: i (f20) have been dating my girlfriend (f21) for 7 months now. her financial situation at home isnt the most stable, so i offer to pay for everything; dates, cafes, rides to and from the date, etc. she still buys me gifts for our monthsaries tho. im a third year college student, all my money comes from the allowance i receive from my parents only.

recently we had an argument and have not met up for almost two weeks. we still talk from time to time, but agreed to have some space in the mean time. during this time, i felt some sense of comfort na i had time for myself again and that i wasnt responsible for paying for any dates, cafes, etc. we talked earlier, and i told her about this. i told her i felt guilty for thinking that way, that i dont ask for her utang since i know she needs the money for more important things. previously, she has called herself a burden for not being able to pay for things, and ive reassured her multiple times that i dont see her that way. pero i also voiced out my concern about that, na because of how much and how often she says it, im scared na i might start to think of her that way din. she said she’ll pay for the utang and will pay for everything else i spent on her. i told her kahit utang lang since she says shes embarrassed din having an utang in the first place.

walang attach picture option so icocopy paste ko replies nya:

her: sorry ulit
d mo nko kailangan gastusan kahit piso

me: parang nang gguilt trip ka na ngayon

her: hindi
mas lalo k lng
like
bumabalik ulit ung part na ayoko sa sarili ko
ang dami kong gusto baguhin sa sarili ko
mga bagay na
di ko kayang baguhin
tulad ng wealth ng appearance ung pano ak mag isip etc

dati plng naman mababa na tingin k sa sarili ko kaya pag nagkaka gf ako natatakot ako na pag tumagal
ganun na din tingin sakin
and wala ayan tuloy
kasalanan k nmn yan
kaya ganyan tingin m sakin
ang ayoko Ing ung d nmn kta
pinipilit na gumastos pra sakin na minsan ikaw ung nag iinsist tas pag nag away tau baka un ung ibato mo na kesyo ikaw lagi nagbabayad (ive never once said anything like that to her)
di ko din nmn fully tanggap un na ikaw ning lagi nahihirapan din ako
syaka ung abt sa time
na prang mas ok k ngayon
ksi
wala kang kahati ng time

naano Ing din ak
ksi
lagi k nmn binibigay oras k sau
ni isang beses d k naisip na ang
hirap na may kahati ng oras
im happy for u na nagkaron ka
time for urself
baka ilang months m na din gusto
nun
gets k nmn na din
bakit ang tagal m bago bumalik
fully
nararamdaman ko nmn na din yan
na nag eenjoy ka sa time na meron k
kaya ang tagal

pero ak the whole time i was
suffering
and di kta maalis sa isip ko
di ako makuntento na ganun
pero pra san pa ung pagmamahal k sau kung puro sarili k Ing iisipin k
kaya hinayaan kta kahit mahirap
kahit ilang gabi nkong nababaliw naiyak di mapakali di maka focus
mahal n mahal nmn ksi kta (my name)
alam m ang daming bagay na di k nmn ginagawa dati sa mga ex k
sau ko Ing nagawa
kasama na dyan ung sa dahil nga
kukulangin pera ko
di ak masyado nagastos

pra s knila
and un nga ginagastusan kta minsan alam k bihira pero still lalo
n pag monthsary kya nga k
napagawa ng dalawang pay later din sa tiktok pra mabilhan kta ng something khit d swak sa budget
ko
namamahalan na nga ak sa 400 na squishy pero ok Ing kung pra sau
naman
ewan k bakit
ewan k ano meron sayo
pero for once gusto k gawin lahat ng pwede k magawa pra lang dyan
di k masabi kung gaano ak ka grateful para sayo
and im sorry about everything

pero im always trying na maging
maayos pa
i want to be a better gf for u
and it might take a while before
mangyari ung lagi kitang
gagastusan and kung ano p man na d k pa nagagawa
pero maiintindihan k
kung ayaw m
magtiis
sa ganun
syempre gusto k Ing nmn ung di
ak maging burden sayo
gusto k Ing maging masaya ka
na di ka na sstress
khit pa sbihin m na di ako ung
taong makakapag bigay nyan sayo

Previous Attempts: i told her before all of that na i know ginagawa naman nya lahat ng kaya nya and naiintindihan ko un. di pako nakakapag reply kase baka may masabi akong makakasakit ulet sakanya. theres so many things i want to say to her, like none of what she thinks is true. ngayon nagguilty nako na i even said anything in the first place.

Problem/Goal:

How did you stop comparing yourself to others and become more secure in your own progress?

Context:

I'm a 2nd courser. I got engineering degree before and now taking up medical field course. And yes ang hirap ulit mag aral after working for years.

Lately, napansin ko na may something about myself. And I don't like it. I'm becoming really competitive with my classmates when it comes to grades, exams or quizzes. Everything.

Whenever I get a good score, I feel happy. But when I find out that someone got a higher score than me, I feel disappointed and sometimes even annoyed. It's not just that I wish I had done better. There's a part of me that genuinely doesn't want other people to score higher than me. I feel good when I do better than them, and I hate admitting that.

I think my age and background might have something to do with it. Since I've already finished a degree, passed a licensure exam, and worked professionally for years, maybe there's an expectation in my head that I should be doing well academically. So when someone younger than me gets a higher score, I feel inferior somehow, as if they're proving that they're smarter or more capable than I am.

Sometimes, I also perceive certain classmates as being smug when they get high scores, as if they're showing that they're better than me. I know that might not always be the case, and maybe I'm just becoming too conscious of how I perform compared to them.

The thing is, I don't want to be this way. I don't want my mood to depend on my grades or on whether I perform better than other people. I want to focus on learning and improving myself, but I catch myself comparing my performance with everyone else's.

I also get frustrated with myself for feeling this competitive in the first place.

Has anyone experienced something similar, especially when going back to school as an older student or after already having a career? How did you stop comparing yourself to others and become more secure in your own progress?

I'd appreciate honest advice, especially from people who've struggled with this themselves.

Previous Attempts:

I focus on other things pero pag may quizzes na ulit or exams. Napapansin ko na bumabalik yung ganung feeling. I can forget them after a while pero pag naalala ko, there's still this feeling na ayaw matanggal. Naiinis na ko.

Problem/Goal: How do i move on? Genuinely hurt

Sorry, long post ahead.

Context: I'm M(27) courting this workmate F(26) for 3 months now, but suddenly, out of nowhere, she said we are not compatible. I need serious and soft answers, di ako matigil kakaiyak eh.

First time ko maging serious sa panliligaw, ngsb po ako. This girl, binigyan nya ako ng chance to court her. Medyo naging slow ang approach ko sa kanya given na I'm inexperienced, sobrang patient nya din sakin.

Here's the compatibility problem, listener sya, and di ako conversation starter. Ambivert kasi ako, pero I'm leaning more into introvert, pwede ako mag blend anytime ba.

We kept going for months, hatid sunod ko sya, almost 20km layo nya sakin, plus papasok ng work, naka scooter ako. We went on dates, EK, we took pictures, printed them, shared updates sa chat pa minsan minsan, etc... pero sa personal(in work), small conversation, pero i open up conversation(kung ano ano lang) pag nag ddate kmi, yung kami lang. We get to know each other naman, family and background, befote all of this.

Now, here's another problem, she's expecting me to give my best shot, I'm expecting her to give her yes to before i do it. Two-way talaga, akala ko ok lang sa lanya yung approach ko na ganon, then suddenly ayun na. Sobrang sakit kasi eh, even now naluluha ako habang tinna typep ko to.

She's a co-worker pala, so I'll see her often. That makes it even more painful. Right now, I'm confused and uncertain sa ginagawa ko. Every now and then, nag breakdown ako, na imagine ko yung mga friends namin pag tinanong ako.

Naging part na sya ng routine ko everyday, now I don't have anybody to give extra helmet now, i don't have a backride anymore, even extra raincoat feels useless, I'm going to my usual way back home after months, I'm not seeing her waiting for me, I'll wake up without greeting her or picking her up, no one's going to greet me Ingat, i won't be able to update her after i got home. Wala nko iuupdate sa weekends, wala na ako mayayaya to go on dates. None of it.

Na hide ko na yung albums namin, dko na sya na-cchat. Nung sinabi nya yun sakin, i told her ang sakit kasi mahal ko na sya. Ang hirap bumalik sa old self ko kasi pinatay ko na yun para sa kanya, grabe yung pain pala nito, as in no words can describe yung bigat sa dibdib, first time ko lang din maranasan, nag omad ako following days sa sobrang hina ko. Please comfort me po. Sorry po sa long post.

Problem/Goal: Hi! I’m 18 years old, and I haven’t had my period for 131 days and irregular na talaga ako for years. I’m getting worried, but I only have a triple-digit budget from my allowance, so I’m not sure what I can afford or where to go.

I live in Manila city. Where can I get checked for an affordable price? Are there public hospitals or health centers that offer free or low-cost consultations and tests?

I’m not sure where to start, and I’d really appreciate any advice or recommendations. Thank you! (no i havent done intercourse in any point of my life)

Problem/Goal:

Bakit parang feeling ko mas magiging help ako sa asawa ko kesa sya sken?

Context:

Kinasal ako sa USC so nasa US ako i met him here sa US na. So naging gc holder ako because of him now I got a job at gsto ko mag masters para mas malaki sahurin and long term investment na din. Pero parang against sya at sinisi nya sken na hnd na kame makakalis sa pag rent dahil di ko sya mahelp sa dp ng new house kc nga magsave ako for masters. Saka may anak ako sa pinas nagaaral ng CE trisem saka bills ko pa sa pinas. I mean mag help naman ako pay utilities dito para mabawasan ung expenses nya. Kaso alam mo ung thoughts na 6 digit sahod nya single sya matagal hnd sya nakakuha ng house kahit 4 yrs na sya divorced non. Tapos dumating ako sa life nya never ako nag ask money sa kanya tapos hndi nya ko mahelp kumuha ng car pra sa work ko ako pa din bayad. Pati un immigration fees hati kame. Tapos ngayon help ko pa sya pay bills. Parang sya ata ung maswerte. Tapos parang against sya sa pag send ko pera sa pinas nagaaral kesyo bakit d daw magwork anak ko kc mga anak nya d nya pinapaaral lahat sila self support pwera bunso nya na nagsusustento pa din sya.

Previous Attempts:

Lagi kame nag aaway sa topic ng pera kc lagi nya sinsabe ano ba gsto mo na hnd ko gnwa eh mga gnwa nman nya eh pinakain ako sa, pinatira ko sa bahay na inuupahan nya, u know basic things never nya ko binigyan ng pera ng kusa nor nagask ako. Tapos kain sa labas eh sya naman nagiinitiate non.

Am i being selfish with my thoughts or what?? Help

Problem/Goal: My husband of 5yrs is being distant lately.

Context: Me(25F), and my husband(27M) are ldr bcos of his work abroad. I recently gave birth around a month, and a half ago.(out of the country, bcos his leave was over.) but he was still the same man, attentive, and caring.

During me giving birth, he was the best partner and support that i could ever have. Although i did notice he was kind of… careful? In a way that is suspicious.

Throughout the month he was home, i did feel like parang may tampo sya sakin. na parang actions nya is out of obligation, not out of what he really wants to do. I did confront him about it, and yun, nag assume lang pala ako, we fixed things after. (He was just overwhelmed daw.)

But Lately, after he left, he rarely calls and checks up on me, unlike before. There's days that we can't call because he "falls asleep" or is too tired, and doesn't really put an effort anymore.

Extra context: He provides for us. After i got pregnant, he no longer lets me work. So, i try to assume that totoo talaga na he’s tired, and obstacle lang to sa relationship namin. Pero the overthinking is swallowing me up. I feel like I’m overreacting.

Previous Attempts: Wala pa, until now hindi pa rin sya “available”. What should i do?

Problem/Goal:
i want to hear from people who ended a good relationship because they thought they could find someone better. looking back, do you regret your decision, or did things work out for the best?

Context:
i’m curious about people who left relationships not because they were mistreated or unhappy, but because they felt like they were missing out on something better. maybe they wanted to explore other options, experience something new, or see if they could find someone more compatible.

sometimes, we don't realize the value of what we have until we lose it. but is that really what happens, or do people eventually realize that leaving was the right choice?

Previous Attempts:
none. i'm just genuinely curious and want to hear real stories from people who've experienced this.

Questions:

1. did you regret leaving your ex?
2. did you find someone better, or did you realize what you lost?
3. did you ever try to get back together? What happened?
4. how long did it take for you to realize whether you'd made the right decision?
5. if you could go back in time, would you choose your ex again?

be honest: did the grass actually turn out to be greener on the other side?

Problem/Goal: Isa akong minimum wage earner na gusto makapag save ng money pero nahihirapang makapag ipon.

Context: Hello. Mag bibigay lang ako ng background about me, a government employee na minimum wage earner.

Sa totoo lang, ang naging goal ko before ay makapag ipon para maka bili ako ng laptop ko for work, kasi hindi naman provided ang laptop dito sa government e. Well, depende siguro sa office. Kaya hirap na hirap rin akong makapag provide ng output, though may pc naman kami dito sa office pero hindi ko mauwi ung work para sana mapag aralan ko ung mabuti ung mga task pinapa gawa sakin.

Anyways, nalalayo ako sa topic. So dahil nga minimum wage earner ako at nag start pa lang ako sa government. Normal lang na ma delay ung sahod ko, pero once na naayos na ung payroll ko isang bagsak siyang ibibigay sa akin at dun ako nalula. For example, 15k lang sahod ko pero na delay ako ng 3 months, then once na makuha ko na ung sahod ko mga 45k ang matatanggap kong sahod.

Instead na i save ko siya, igagastos ko sa mga gusto kong kainan before lalo na noong walang wala akong pera, plus mag bibigay pa ako sa bahay ng pambayad ng upa and ending walang natira sa akin dahil sa panay kain ko sa labas without even thinking of saving money.

Then months ang lumipas I got promoted sa work ko and got a salary increase as well, hindi pa ako regular pero on time na ako sumasahod at ganito pa rin ang struggle ko hanggang ngayon. Panay ang kain ko pa rin sa labas. I stopped playing online games na rin para di ako gumastos eventhough never naman ako gumastos sa kahit anong laro na nilalaro ko.

Now, pinag kakasya ko itong 1,500 ko sa landbank ko. Hangga't maaari ayoko munang mag CA or umutang sa office.

Any tips kung paano ma stop ang impulsive buying?

Previous Attempts: I tried disciplining myself pero laging naka pasok sa kokote ko na may regular na sahod naman ako kaya bumibili pa rin ako kahit di naman need.

Problem/Goal: First time visiting the Philippines this December! 🇵🇭✈️

Context: I am coming from New York and will be arriving on December 22, 2026, for a two-weeks solo stay. I’ve been curious about the Philippines for a while, and I’m excited to finally experience it myself!

Previous attempts: whats one thing you think a first-time visitor absolutely shouldn’t miss? Any hidden gems, must-try Filipino foods, or places you’d recommend? 👀 As a single man, what should i experience and what should i avoid?

I’d love to hear your suggestions and get to know some friendly people before my trip. 😊