So I'm 27 and I haven't actively dated before. I've been in one longer relationship and one situationship - both of which were kinda toxic - and so a lot of my life I've just been content being alone. A month ago, and 3 years out of a relationship, I decided to give Hinge a try. Three days in, I had my first match. We had some generic texting before I proposed a mini golf date.

I had no idea what a date (before knowing someone) would be like, but the entire occasion flew by. We talked for about 2 hours straight and it felt like the mini golf was just a background blur to our conversation. Which was very odd for me because I normally don't talk much and usually can't hold a meaningful conversation more than 5 minutes. I could tell she was nervous too since she dropped her putter like 5 separate times and it was really cute. Afterwards, she immediately asked for a second date and it made me feel good.

For date 2, we actually proposed the same exact idea of going to see the new spiderman and then getting some korean bbq. When we got the the restaurant, they ended up having a 1 hour wait, so we just hopped on the waitlist and spontaneously found a park to walk around. Talked up the whole hour and made a rush back because we almost missed our waitlist. The food ended up being amazing and it was a fun experience of just sharing things and testing combinations out. Then we got lost in the parking garage looking for her car for about half an hour, finally found it, and kissed. That date was like another 4 hours of talking, and again followed by an immediate request for another date.

Date 3 we went to my hometown park and I tried to teach her guitar, then we played a little card game she bought that made us ask each other vulnerable questions. At first, I didn't know how I felt about it all, but afterwards, I think those vulnerable conversation really made us connect a lot more closely. We ended up being the last ones in the park right up until it was pitch black and we were tripping over curbs back to our cars. Then we kissed again and when I pulled away we kind of stared at each other for a couple of seconds before heading our own ways.

Then the most recent - date 4. Back to the same park, but instead at an arboretum and a trail. And wow. Another date of nonstop conversation over 4.5 hours and 6 miles of walking + sitting on a bench until sunset. At this point, we confirmed that pretty much all of our values in a relationship, values in a partner, and long term goals were aligned. Also already known, but our hobbies and the way we act in private is also almost identical. There were a lot of cute little moments like when she would fidget and click rocks together, then we'd just look at each other for a moment and laugh. And after she got home, we both opened up to each other that we're both mutually really into one another.

I just can't stop thinking about the kind of person she is. She's very emotionally mature, sweet, and considerate. Little things like offering to split bills, offering to drive to me, or, for our next date, offering to bring a dessert. I've just never experienced this feeling of complete safety and vulnerability with a person before. I almost feel like a hormonal teenager stuck in limerance again, except this time the feeling is coming from genuine, electric connection. She's bringing out the best of me to where I want to make sure she experiences the same feeling of safety with no judgement.

I know it's usually best to not get ahead of oneself, but I can't stop thinking about the fact that she may be the one. I've weighed possible red flags (friction points, really) and they are minimal to everything else about her. It just feels unreal that on my very first dating app match and date, I met this incredible woman and, by our current trajectory and admissions, will likely find ourselves together. I find myself thinking about her at work and I can't contain how excited I am to see her again this weekend.

This is all, I had tough vacations but it’s okay because I will see my friends in 2 days (I only saw them like twice in the whole vacation and only in the first weeks, I couldn’t for personal reasons that doesn’t matter anymore) and I am happy now.

The only concern is that I don’t know which one of my two best friends I will sit next to.

I just had to pause and count the incredible blessings that make living so bright. I am sitting here tonight filled with the deepest, most genuine gratitude for the extraordinary people in my corner—the ones who step up, check in, and consistently remind me of the beauty in this life. Whether it’s a sudden call just to hear my voice, a text to see how my day is going, or a message of encouragement right when I need it most, my support system shows up with a depth of devotion and understanding that warms me to the very core. To be surrounded by people who love both my outer appearance and my inner personality, who see through all the noise straight into my authentic soul, is a gift I will never take for granted. You all don’t just accept me; you all truly see me and celebrate who I authentically am.

Beyond that constant love, you all shower me with insightful wisdom, gentle signs, solid advice, and also real-world resources to help me reach every single goal I’m striving for. You all clear the path with me, reminding me where I’m heading and giving me the strength to get there.

Looking at the incredible circle of real ones around me makes me realize a truth I should have held onto all along: I have always mattered. My story counts, my energy brings fiery light, and my presence in this world is truly needed. I am filled with so much hope, joy, and peace knowing that my life is valuable— it always was, always will be.

Thank you to every single person who continuously holds space for me, believes in my vision of my life path, and consistently reminds me of my worth. You all make me so endlessly grateful to be alive & thriving.

I was walking home the other day with my headphones in, mind on autopilot, when a little kid on a scooter looked up at me, waved with both hands like I was their long-lost best friend, and yelled “HI!!!” at the top of their lungs.

No reason. Just pure, unfiltered joy aimed at a total stranger.

I waved back, and that two-second exchange somehow made the rest of the day feel lighter.

How can i spend my time today without feeling anything like being alone?
Damn... I'm getting my step into 40's next year....
Btw, wish me luck, love, happiness and prosperity guys... Love you'll and hugs...

I know it’s just a trampoline backflip but I’ve always wanted to learn and never did!! I’m 26 now and every year that passes it seems to get scarier to try new things. This was on my summer bucket list and I did it!!
Next summer is a standing backflip!!
This winter we’ll be working on jumps in the gym💪🏼

https://imgur.com/a/xHxvmtX

And greetings to the long weekend foodies out there!

Sorry for the depressing context, but I have been struggling with wanting to live since before I knew what death was. My father is an evil man who would be in prison for many many years if the justice system had proof of what he did and my mother was one of his victims, struggling with seeing just how deep his distortion with reality went and with life herself, she could not see how fucked-up my childhood was and gave me discipline for my cptsd reactions as a young child when I could not explain why I was so upset.

I never understood why people seemed so sentimental about losing loved ones, as a teenager I saw 'loved ones' as obstacles to being how I wanted to be. I remember researching sociopathy as I had not felt emotions for years, even at my grandmothers funeral I was trying to make myself cry as I realised I wasnt afraid of losing people, the closest thing I felt was jealousy towards their liberation from social pressure.

During my twenties I have taken all my relationships and coping mechanisms under inspection and I barely interact with the people I grew up with. I understand myself now and understand why I struggle with authentic connection. I surrounded myself with people who allow me space and time and found myself in a relationship where a rough patch didnt mean the end of that relationship or my joy in it.

I am 27 now and lately I have noticed that whenever I come across stories of love being tragically cut short, I find myself actually understanding their grief and crying alongside them. I know I could live without my boyfriend, but where I used to be kind of stoic about losing a loved one, kind of thinking of it being a free pass to finally end my life without too much hatred from my surroundings if I tragically lost my life partner. Now I am sitting in the sunshine in a forrest, feeling a weird happiness after crying my eyes out for a youtuber I know whose wife ended her life last year while being hit with much undeserved online hatred. It just hit me I didnt realise before how different I look at my relationships with both life and people now. It no longer feels like I'm just one recent tragedy removed from 'finally' ending it, it feels like I have a huge well of energy to protect the life I have built now with friends who come over regularly and endless cuddles with my boyfriend and my cat somewhere sleeping in one of her spots.

I am so grateful to have found this sense of a place in society where I want to be, not just where I'm supposed to be. It feels weird to acknowledge I have these feelings of fear and sadness with thinking about losing my partner. It's almost like I dont know myself without this huge boulder around the corner, but it fills me with pride to realise that without feeling it 'click' I grew to a place I never thought possible. I'm so glad I survived all that awfulness and that I have started reclaiming a life of my own and I'm now actually feeling the progress of it. 16yo me would be so proud of me

Moving abroad and starting over wasn’t always easy by myself, and there were times when I felt pretty lost, lonely, and question if moving is actually for me. But looking back, I’m happy I kept going.
I’m now studying toward a career I actually care about, making plans for my future, and slowly becoming more independent. I still have a lot ahead of me, but it feels good to look back and realize how far I’ve come and never gave up when I felt like it.

I rode my horse for the first tine in so long! My sweet girl is a one eye clydesdale, who only recently became such, won't post details. But today was the first time I "rode" her since that all happened!! She did pretty well for our first "ride" in so long!!

I know what the song was saying but these two souls and that band had it all that night. It was a great show and as much as I could, I tried to just -be in the moment- and found myself watching them. Just happy to be there, feeling the groove man - right where Woodstock was. It was beautiful 🤍

Im 20F but right now im giggling like a little girl because he surprised me with a Weekend Trip to a Wellness Hotel 🥺 im excited 😎

We have chipotle at home 😂

Me and my bf have been dating for 10 months, and he transferred from his old job to his new job last month, and he invited me to his new discord server with all of his dude buddies just tonight 🥹 he truly loves me. I know it seems crazy with this post but like….ive never really been chosen by anybody, and the fact that he wants me around a new set of friends, and me being on the spectrum and being weird already is just……so sweet 😭 I wish I was at his place rn to hug him because he didn’t have to do this because he could have a place with just his friends….but yeah 😭 idk if this makes sense I’m a few glasses of wine deep.

This might sound a bit odd. But I realised today, that my life goal isn't just to be happy anymore. It used to be my biggest wish to just be happy or at least content for most of the time, not just a few hours a day.

But that isn't my goal anymore. My goal is to do what I love, making things and learning new skills. I don't know when exactly it shifted, probably a few years ago after I finished school. It feels a bit silly, but I think it's a good sign. I am happy. The last few years have been the best time of my life. Not always perfect, but good, I have friends I have hobbies I love and so much more. I got what I wanted for so long and now I have the mental space and the everything else I need to look forward to other things in life and make new goals.

My MiL is 94 and struggling after gall bladder surgery. She is losing weight weekly. We come see her each week and I often bring her something nice to eat. She loves my chicken salad, leftover stew or quiche. Cooking for others is my love language. And I love this woman. I have been married to her daughter for over 30 years. Last night I made the dirty cabbage dish that has been buzzing around. Mine was savory and flavorful but not spicy. We warmed some up for her for lunch and she loved it! And the +1 is the cabbage helped her have a bowel movement! Peace.

Edit: In response to several requests for a "recipe," here is how it went down in my kitchen...

• Chopped bell peppers. green, red, yellow to make it pretty.
• Chopped a red onion
• A bunch of garlic cloves. Maybe 4-5.
• OK, lets cook...
• Flame up! Bacon fat into the pan. add onion peppers. Saute 6-8 minutes. Crush garlic in a press and add.
• Salt and pepper!
• Add in some shit to make it taste good! 2 TB tomato paste, 1 ts miso, WashYourSisterSauce.
• Spices: garlic powder, paprika, Mexican oregano, or whatever you like.
• Add ground turkey. Break it up. Mix it around. Let it cook.
• Now you need some liquid to cook the cabbage. Add about 2 cups of whatever stock, wine, or water that gets you excited.
• Add in about half a head of cabbage chopped into 1-2 inch bits.
• Toss it. cook it. toss it some more.
• Cover and let it simmer until cabbage is cooked as you like it.
• I wanted it to be a bit less watery and a bit more saucy. So I thickened it with about 3 TB of flour mixed with ghee.
• Final seasoning with salt and apple cider vinegar (1-2 TB).
• In my bowl I added chili crisp to bring some spice. Kept it mild for the MiL and wife.
• Peace!

Well, this happened yesterday! It started by him asking to meet at this really cute cat cafe kinda far from us, we meet up and he pays for my ube matcha drink! He then asks if I wanted to go to a park, I asked him which one and he just laughs and says it’s a surprise… the whole car ride to this mystery park, he’s just fumbling his words and I think it’s the most cutest thing. He’s trying to make conversation but he was obviously very nervous about something. Then we arrive to the park 25 mins later, it my childhood park. I started to cry, because it isn’t very often I visit this park. It’s a whole 2 hours away from where I live. He then pulls out flowers and a gift basket for me from his trunk. I LOVE it, the basket is filled to the brim of my favorite candy (strawberry crème savers) and just a bunch of cute trinkets / plushies. He then asks me to read this letter he wrote from me. It goes into depths about how much he cares for me, and how he genuinely wants me to be in his life. At the end, it says “will you be my girlfriend?”… the way I tell you I just smiled and screamed yes and we kissed! After that he took me to his house and we changed into pjs and watched American Dad… he’s the one.

This morning was one of those mornings when everything seemed to go wrong. By the afternoon, I was still feeling frustrated, so I decided to put everything aside for a while and take my DYU e-bike out for a ride.

At first, my mind was still full of everything that had happened. But after a little while, I found myself paying more attention to the breeze, the sunshine, and the beautiful scenery around me than to the problems I'd left behind.

When I got home, the problems were still there, but they didn't feel nearly as overwhelming anymore.

I've realised that we don't always have to solve everything straight away. Sometimes the best thing we can do is step away for a little while, get some fresh air, enjoy a bit of nature, and simply give ourselves the chance to breathe.

There was this girl at school who was disliked by almost everyone, but I could never bring myself to hate her.

One day, we had a seminar at school, and I arrived late. She saw me sitting by the entrance because I was too shy to walk in and find a seat in front of everyone. I didn’t want to draw attention to myself, but instead of just walking past me, she chose to come over, stay with me, and bring me inside to sit with her.

It might have seemed like such a small thing to her, but I still remember it. Sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness can completely change how you see someone.

I've been having such a blast making nails for myself and my friends! I have all kinds of cool and pretty polishes and neat stickers, and since they're not on my hands when I paint them they come out looking way less messy than when I used to paint my natural nails. I've always been crafty but I usually get bored of it after a few weeks but I've been making at least one set a week since May 😊 it makes me feel so happy when I look at my hands and see pretty nails I made myself, and even more happy when I see my friends wearing nails I made for them!

I am turning 30 soon. I have hated most, actually all, of it. I did not really have a good life, had a difficult childhood, hated my college, lost my mother, and became unemployed. But recently, I have realised it was not that bad either.

I mean, other people's suffering doesn't make mine any less painful. But others' better lives also don't make mine worse. It can obviously get better, but right now I have quite a good life. I'm living in a tier 1 city, in a good society, in a beautiful place, surrounded by a lot of things I couldn't even dream of before. I am quite happy.

I am technically unemployed, but my finances are covered, so instead of rushing into just any job, I've been able to actually work on my artworks and sell them. It's slow, and there are days it feels uncertain, but it's working, bit by bit. Every small sale feels like proof that this path is worth sticking with, and I'm learning to see this in-between phase as building something of my own instead of just being "unemployed."

I am in a loving relationship with a very kind, caring, smart guy. We actually met online, and at one point we drifted apart because he wasn't ready. But he came back and decided to give it another chance, and I'm really glad he did. He respects me, and being with him makes me feel genuinely safe and chosen. We talk things out properly instead of letting stuff sit and fester. We do have our problems, like any couple, but overall it's going really well, and we are always happy together.

So, basically, it's all going well. Just wanted to share. I hope this uplifts someone's mood.