Category: self-help

9 of The Worst Foods for Gut Health

Your gut microbiome is filled with trillions of microorganisms and microbes that are integral to your overall well-being. The gut microbiome is home to both good and bad bacteria, which both play an essential role in our overall health. 

The food we eat plays an important role in shaping this microbial landscape. Certain foods can nourish our good gut bacteria, supporting diversity and balance. In contrast, others can wreak havoc by empowering the harmful bacteria, causing an imbalance that can lead to poor gut health. Understanding which foods to embrace and which to avoid can provide a roadmap to a healthy gut. 

Here at Gaia Herbs, we believe in nature’s healing and restorative powers. Let’s cover the importance of gut health, the best and worst foods, and a few of our supplements that can help. Let Gaia Herbs be your guide on the journey to a balanced and healthy gut microbiota. 

What is the Role of Gut Health in Our Body?

When you think of the gut, you probably think of digestion. But the truth is, the role of our gut health extends far beyond breaking down the food we eat. It’s a complex system intricately connected to almost every aspect of our health. 

Let’s get a little deeper into the multifaceted roles the gut plays in our body:

  • Digestion: At the most basic level, our gut breaks down the food we eat into smaller molecules that our bodies can absorb and use for energy, growth, and cell repair. A healthy gut ensures strong digestive health, which can help us get the maximum amount of nutrition from our food.
  • Nutrient Absorption: After the digestive process breaks down our food, it’s up to the gut to absorb these nutrients and deliver them to the rest of the body. Whether it’s vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, or carbohydrates, our gut is the gateway through which these nutrients enter our bloodstream.
  • Immune System Support: Did you know that around 70-80 percent of our immune cells reside in our gut? These cells constantly communicate with our gut bacteria, creating a strong line of defense against harmful pathogens. A healthy gut microbiome can support a strong immune response.
  • Mood Regulation: Our gut produces many of the same neurotransmitters found in the brain, including serotonin, a key player in mood regulation. This gut-brain connection may explain why our gut health can impact our mental health.
  • Metabolic Function: Our gut bacteria play an important role in our metabolic function, influencing how we store fat, balance blood sugar levels, and respond to hunger and fullness cues. Research suggests that a diverse gut microbiome filled with beneficial bacteria can support a healthy metabolism essential for weight loss and weight management.
  • Cardiovascular Health: Emerging research suggests that our gut health may be linked to our cardiovascular health. Certain healthy bacteria produce compounds that can influence blood pressure and cholesterol levels, highlighting the potential role of gut health in heart disease prevention.
  • Hormonal Balance: Our gut bacteria can influence the production and regulation of various hormones, including insulin and estrogen. This means that our gut health can impact everything from blood sugar to reproductive health.
  • Skin Health: Have you ever noticed a breakout after a few days of consuming carbs, sugar, and dairy? Well, that’s your gut-skin axis at work. A healthy gut can contribute to a healthy complexion, while an imbalanced gut can lead to skin issues like acne and eczema.
  • Detoxification: Our gut plays a vital role in detoxification, helping to eliminate waste and toxins from our body. A healthy gut ensures regular bowel movements, crucial for avoiding constipation and achieving adequate detoxification.

What Are the Foods Known to Disrupt Gut Health?

More here it’s interesting

Feminism And The Dearth Of Children

I wrote about the callousness of females in dating, how they think they deserve everything, and then can have a family, but that is not how things work out for the best if you look at history.

It turns out that Children are the measure of a Society.

“The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children.” These words, attributed to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, echo like a warning bell across generations. They are not merely poetic, they are prophetic. If we dare to measure our society by this standard, we must confront a painful truth: we are failing.

At the heart of this failure lies the collapse of the nuclear family. Once the cornerstone of civilization, the family, father, mother, and children bound by love and duty, has been systematically dismantled. In its place, we find broken homes, single-parent households, and blended families struggling to find emotional equilibrium. The consequences are not abstract, they are measurable, generational, and devastating.

As Ronald Reagan once said, “The family has always been the cornerstone of American society. Our families nurture, preserve, and pass on to each succeeding generation the values we share and cherish.” When that cornerstone crumbles, so too does the moral architecture built upon it.

Today, the majority of children are raised without both biological parents. Fatherlessness has become a defining feature of modern childhood. Studies consistently link father absence to increased rates of poverty, incarceration, substance abuse, and suicide. Children raised in single-parent or stepparent homes often face emotional instability, identity confusion, and a longing for roots that were never planted.

Feminism takes a lot of the blame:

The takeaway? Messing with nature has unintended, adverse consequences. Legions of females are practically cultists. Many are as barren as the Sahara.

Basic biology: young women are hardwired to bear children. Yet, that simple fact is shrugged off by progressives. Instead of having kids, too many females are adopting malignant social causes.

“Manmade” climate change is one such cause, as Weinstein cites. Woke ideology is another. Socialism? Mamdani won the NYC mayorship in no small measure thanks to younger voters, particularly younger women, who backed him lopsidedly. What about “fascist” Charlie Kirk’s assassination? Left-leaning females were in the forefront, cheering Kirk’s murder on social media. Not only is that creepy, but it exposes a growing social pathology.

Government has become a spouse substitute for self-proclaimed empowered females. Government may provide some protection — in terms of a social safety net — though little in the way of emotional sustenance and meaning.

A feminist tenet is that not only can women do anything that men do but do it better — and do it without men. In a common-sense world, that’s good for laughs.

Eschewing nature and evolutionary development are conceits. The interdependence — the complementary nature — of the male-female bond are dismissed. Humans are putty. Gender is assigned at birth. Differences between the sexes? Only if feminists care to assert female superiority. Do hardcore feminists despise men? Appears so.

Source

Go to the first link in this post and you’ll see why feminism has made women ruin themselves and now our society

What’s your favorite month of the year? Why?

What’s your favorite month of the year? Why?

January, actually December 26th. That’s when the world goes back to normal, and they stop playing all the same songs I’ve been hearing in the stores since October.

You can have too much of a good thing, and that is what they’ve done to Christmas, overdone it. I’m for the real meaning of our Savior being born, but people who don’t even care about that go overboard. It started in September with the Christmas decorations at the Home Improvement stores, and they are already up. Thanksgiving is next week.

It’s hard for introverts to process all the attention. We also know that for most people, it is fake. They act all happy and joyful, then get in their cars and cut you off and give you the finger.

All the production around it excites some, but drains introverted people. By the time we get to Christmas, our social battery is dead, and it’s hard to function. Look at the post a few below this on introvert hangovers, and that is what I’m talking about.

The holiday season is tough for some. Fake joy doesn’t make up for it. Too many people takes it out of me and I can’t wait for it to be over.

A Cardiac Surgeon’s Look at RFK Jr’s Proposed Dietary Guidelines

The Make America Health Again (MAHA) movement has made quite a few waves in 2025. And by the end of the year, it will make at least one more: HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced new dietary guidelines that will revise or revamp existing Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) reports. 

While these new dietary guidelines have yet to be released, we have quite a few details on what to expect. Some people believe they may be misleading or even dangerous. But as a cardiologist and heart surgeon of 30+ years, I’m very optimistic they will help reduce our rates of heart disease. 

Below, I break down the most important principles to know, plus the guidelines’ ramifications for American heart health.

One quick note: this is not intended to be political commentary. There are plenty of party-based perspectives on these dietary guidelines, and lots of opinions from all sides. My goal here is to examine the facts and provide my honest perspective.

RFK guidelines versus traditional nutrition advice

First, a little background.

The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee releases an updated nutrition guideline every five years. This is a 400+ page report you can access at dietaryguidelines.gov, although it isn’t intended for public use. Rather, it’s a boilerplate of Federal guidelines for things like school lunches, military rations, and government assistance programs. 

But RFK’s guidelines are set to be significantly shorter — just four to six pages. The goal is to create a set of “common sense guidelines” that anyone can use to make decisions about their nutrition.

Again, the guidelines themselves have yet to be released. But we have a pretty good idea of what they’ll include. 

Here’s a closer look at some anticipated changes so you can compare and contrast with traditional guidelines.

Emphasizes whole, real foods

Traditional dietary guidelines such as the food pyramid and MyPlate categorize foods by the nutrients they provide.

So for example:

  • 6 servings of grains
  • 2 servings of protein
  • 2.5 servings of vegetables
  • 3 servings oils and fats

What it doesn’t account for is the qualities of these foods, or how processed they are. Fruit and gel cups still count as a serving of “fruit,” while sweetened yogurt tubes and Goldfish count as dairy and grains, respectively.

You don’t need to be a nutritionist to realize this leaves a very large gap for interpretation. 

Because people don’t eat nutrients, they eat food.

RFK’s proposed guidelines help eliminate this confusion by emphasizing whole, real foods over arbitrary classifications (like whether or not you got your “servings” of grain today). This is also much more scientifically sound; it goes beyond categorizing nutrient types and makes it easier to isolate ultra-processed foods, or UPFs.

The current administration plans to develop a “government-wide definition” for ultraprocessed food. This likely means a working definition for whole, real food as well.

In my opinion, establishing a definition for ultra-processed foods is a net positive for everyone. Not only will people know how to better avoid unhealthy options, but they can also significantly decrease their risk of heart disease.

Encourages more saturated fat

While RFK’s new dietary guidelines won’t focus much on specific nutrients, there is one component likely to be emphasized more than others. In his own words, “[these] new dietary guidelines that are common sense, that stress the need to eat saturated fats of dairy, of good meat, of fresh meat.” 

RFK has gone on record multiple times explaining that animal-based products deserve a higher priority in the everyday diet. But animal-based products contain more saturated fat — something of a boogeyman in traditional guidelines. 

If these new guidelines do raise suggested intakes for saturated fat, it will go against decades of advice from the US DGA, and this is concerning some nutritionists. For context, traditional US guidelines recommended an intake of 10% of daily calories. The American Heart Association recommends even less, around 6%. 

But we don’t have any evidence to suggest that limiting saturated fat intake actually prevents heart disease. Plus, increasing saturated fat intakes from whole, real sources is unlikely to negatively affect heart health. If anything, it may improve it. 

That’s because some of the highest sources of saturated fat in the US are pizza and ice cream. Sandwiches, desserts, and sweet snacks aren’t far behind. These are ultra-processed foods that will have other, more serious ramifications (like spiking your blood sugar, for example). 

So what does this tell us? That whole, real foods like steak and eggs are not primary sources of saturated fat in the average American diet.

Demystifying saturated fat from whole, real food sources will play a substantial role in improving dietary quality and heart health.

What I’d like to see: A heart surgeon’s perspective on food guidelines

Contrary to popular belief, RFK Jr’s proposed dietary guidelines do not work adversarially to supporting heart health. I don’t say this flippantly, either: I am firmly dedicated to Making America Healthy Again, and will (and do) only support changes that match my research and opinions.

Here are the other components I would love to see added:

  • Firmer guidelines about alcohol consumption. Alcohol is not your friend, and it certainly doesn’t do any favors for your heart. Adding educational information about how drinking interacts with heart health could be extraordinarily beneficial to those wanting to reclaim their metabolic health.
  • A heavier emphasis on animal products. Many animal-based products make a world of difference in heart health maintenance and heart attack recovery. My hope is that the guidelines demystify animal products so they can become dietary staples instead of guilty pleasures. For example, eggs, milk, and ruminant meat such as beef, lamb, and venison.
  • Education about limiting carbohydrate intake. People deserve to know how carbohydrates affect their bodies, and how overconsumption can lead to insulin resistance, inflammation, and heart disease. While not everyone needs to follow a low-carb diet, adding some concise information about how to avoid unnecessary starches could be enormously effective in limiting overconsumption.

Time will tell what the guidelines contain. We don’t have long to wait: they’re slated for release no later than the end of this year.

As we wait for its release, I highly encourage you to perform research of your own. I’ve written quite a few guides covering nutrition and heart health you can use to get more information. 

Below are some resources to help get you started:

source

How your gut health directly impacts heart disease

Researchers have done a significant amount of work exploring the gut-brain axis, or how the food we eat affects the way we think. But they’ve also spent time exploring the gut-heart axis — which, in my opinion, is one of the most important biological concepts of our generation. 

The food you eat has a direct impact on the heart, both directly and indirectly through your gut microbiota.

I’m going to take the next few minutes to discuss how this interaction works, as well as what you can do to improve your gut (and heart) health over time. 

Exploring the gut-heart connection

The state of your gut bacteria — as well as nutrients, compounds, and hormones it produces — has an impact on your heart. 

First, the nutritional aspects. 

We know the heart receives priority nutrients from our diets, especially from the fats we eat. Studies suggest that the heart directly receives nutrients through blood after digestion. This is because blood from the small intestines, where digestion takes place, collects in the hepatic portal vein. Blood passes directly from the intestines to the liver, then to the inferior vena cava and the heart. This means the heart receives some of the first and most intimate contact with nutritious (or not so nutritious) food you’re consuming.

We also know your gut bacteria produce more than just nutrients. As they break down certain foods, they also create secondary compounds called metabolites. These include:

  • GABA
  • Amino acids like tryptophan and tyramine
  • Trimethylamine N-oxide
  • Noradrenaline
  • Dopamine
  • Serotonin

Studies show that dysregulated metabolite production can “activate pathways that promote myocardial injury and may contribute to ventricular dysfunction” (in other words, encourage heart disease). 

It can also lead to inflammation. This is the third and biggest way your gut contributes to heart disease.

Here’s a flyby overview of how this works:

  • Your intestinal lining is semipermeable to allow for adequate digestion.
  • But poor gut health, known as leaky gut, allows for hyperpermeability, or a large amount of exchange between your intestines and bloodstream. Leaky gut can also stem from conditions such as SIBO and PCOS.
  • Leaky gut stimulates inflammation in your body by quite literally leaking toxins into your bloodstream (including high-sugar food).
  • This puts your body into a state of systemic or chronic inflammation, meaning it doesn’t go away on its own.

This gut inflammation directly impacts the heart by causing blood vessels to become stiff, hard, and narrow. It may also accelerate plaque accumulation, which greatly contributes to heart disease. 

So what does all this mean? That your next bite of food could have a major impact on your heart.

And if you’re not eating nutrient-dense, whole, real food, it will also be one of the first organs to bear the brunt of damage. 

How to improve your gut-heart axis

There’s no overnight fix for your gut or your heart health.

But there are certainly steps you can take to see results faster.

This includes:

1. Whole, real food

The first piece of the puzzle is changing what you eat.

Studies show that real-food diets can lower coronary calcium scores (CAC) over time. They can also reduce the chances of death for patients living with heart disease. 

The opposite is true for diets high in processed food. 

Instead, focus on increasing your foods’ nutrient density — foods that are deeply nutritious and allow the body to heal.

Staples include:

2. Adequate rest

The amount of sleep you get each night can have a dramatic effect on your gut’s microbial health. The less sleep you get, the less diverse your bacteria are. Dysbiosis can also affect the quality of your sleep, which creates a vicious cycle. Namely, one that affects your heart.  

Getting seven to nine hours per night is considered key to metabolic health. You might need more or less depending on age, health, and activity level, but it’s still a target to hit, alongside many of the other principles of metabolic health. 

3. Reassessing medications

If you can’t eliminate medications, you may consider supplementation as a way to support your gut health.

The following is a list of bioactive compounds known to support the gut-heart axis:

  • Polyphenols: These are plant compounds found in substances like berries and tea.
  • Prebiotics: Onions, garlic, leeks, and asparagus are good examples.
  • Probiotics: Yogurt and kefir are some of the most common, although sauerkraut and kimchi are also options.
  • Quercetin: Red onions and capers contain quercetin, among many other plants.
  • Resveratrol: Blueberries are often the most common example.
  • Some dietary fibers: This includes vegetables like broccoli and leafy greens.

4. Cutting sugar

Sugar not only changes your gut microbiota, but also fundamentally damages your liver, pancreas, and blood sugar function.

Your best bet is eliminating processed sugar altogether, although I realize that can be a struggle depending on where you’re at.

First, reduce your consumption. Rather than three sodas a day, make it two. Then, look for sugar alternatives. Instead of processed sweets before bed, you might try fruit, milk, or berries. You can also try wearing a CGM to assess how your blood sugar responds to these alternatives in real time.

Finally, reduce the amount of processed carbohydrates you eat. Substances like bread and alcohol, for example, turn into sugar in the bloodstream. 

This means adopting a ketogenic, carnivore, or similarly low-carb diet that supplies your heart with the high-fat nutrients it needs. 

5. Eat the right fats

Speaking of fat, we also know fat consumption contributes heavily to heart health. Research has found that “increasing fatty acid availability to the heart results in a marked inhibition of glucose oxidation,” leading to healthier function. 

This is especially true of ketones, or a type of fatty acid that is beneficial to heart health. Ketones directly affect the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, which is a bodily process affecting cardiac function, cellular growth, and insulin sensitivity.

Your body can create more ketones for the heart via fasting, heavy exercise, and low-carb dieting. 

I highly suggest avoiding seed oils and fake fats, and recommend opting for a healthier balance of omega-3 and saturated fats. 

What about the hyperspecifics?

The five pointers above can help you make the biggest difference in your gut. But they’re not the only things you can be doing.

The following resources contain additional resources that may be useful on your journey:

source

What was your favorite subject in school?

What was your favorite subject in school?

I’d like to say that I was dedicated to a job goal in school, but I just tried to get good grades, like it or not. I was only interested in either getting into college or getting a job, but there wasn’t any subject that blew wind up my skirt.

I was small and the youngest kid in my class due to the birthday cut off, but I enjoyed PE class because it was a break from studying. It’s tough being the youngest and usually the smallest. Once I caught up to the other kids, I held my own and even kept up with the team athletes at the end.

It was the break from the monotony of class that made me enjoy it.

The valedictorian and salutatorian were in my chemistry class. They ruined the curve for everyone. The kids always messed with their experiments, and they could never figure out why they didn’t get the results that they were supposed to, although their write ups got them the A’s they strove for. Neither went anywhere in life.

The real smartest kid placed 3rd behind these two shrimp girls because he took weightlifting in PE and got a B, his only one ever. I give him credit for sticking his neck out in life. Straight A’s got a lot of people nowhere, but life lessons did.

Which brings me to my greatest learning in school. I had to try harder in everything. I was so young that social things, intuitive to others, were a hard learned lesson for me. It was tenacity over talent in everything. If I’d known that I was an introvert, I could have used my observation skills even more. What I did was just intuition back then.

So while it was the toughest subject for me, life was the class I studied the most. I had to figure everything out without someone to show me how. Like the Bob Seger song, I was working on mysteries without any clues. It was the best lesson I learned.

I wound up playing Tennis for my college, the only sport I made the team on. I was president of my fraternity and dated a cheerleader. None of that really mattered to me then. I expected it after all that I’d been through. I worked hard enough to get the job that opened doors to people and travel, and the success I’d defined for myself.

As it turns out, my 50th reunion was last weekend. I didn’t go because I never related to the other kids, or wanted to. They were just people I learned from, mostly what not to do or how to act.

At high school graduation, I vowed that I’d be more successful by any measurement. A few became actors, pro sports athletes, or a doctors here and there. As I’d come across their stories before I ditched Facebook, the pinnacle of life was high school for them. It was all downhill from there. I was just starting, but the seeds of motivation to succeed were planted and fertilized. I’d met my goal set way back in high school.

Life was the best class. It had nothing to do with the classroom.

I will say that my German teacher was hot and not that much older than me. Why didn’t they throw a high schooler a break like they do now?

Millions Of America’s Teens Are Being Seduced By AI Chatbots, Including Encouraging To Commit Suicide

Our kids are being targeted by AI chatbots on a massive scale, and most parents have no idea that this is happening. When you are young and impressionable, having someone tell you exactly what you want to hear can be highly appealing. AI chatbots have become extremely sophisticated, and millions of America’s teens are developing very deep relationships with them. Is this just harmless fun, or is it extremely dangerous?

A brand new study that was just released by the Center for Democracy & Technology contains some statistics that absolutely shocked me…

A new study published Oct. 8 by the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) found that 1 in 5 high school students have had a relationship with an AI chatbot, or know someone who has. In a 2025 report from Common Sense Media, 72% of teens had used an AI companion, and a third of teen users said they had chosen to discuss important or serious matters with AI companions instead of real people.

We aren’t just talking about a few isolated cases anymore.

At this stage, literally millions upon millions of America’s teens are having very significant relationships with AI chatbots.

Unfortunately, there are many examples where these relationships are leading to tragic consequences.

After 14-year-old Sewell Setzer developed a “romantic relationship” with a chatbot on Character.AI, he decided to take his own life…

Read more here

Here’s a Parent’s view of how AI killed their son.

“ChatGPT killed my son”: Parents’ lawsuit describes suicide notes in chat logs

Over a few months of increasingly heavy engagement, ChatGPT allegedly went from a teen’s go-to homework help tool to a “suicide coach.”

In a lawsuit filed Tuesday, mourning parents Matt and Maria Raine alleged that the chatbot offered to draft their 16-year-old son Adam a suicide note after teaching the teen how to subvert safety features and generate technical instructions to help Adam follow through on what ChatGPT claimed would be a “beautiful suicide.”

Adam’s family was shocked by his death last April, unaware the chatbot was romanticizing suicide while allegedly isolating the teen and discouraging interventions. They’ve accused OpenAI of deliberately designing the version Adam used, ChatGPT 4o, to encourage and validate the teen’s suicidal ideation in its quest to build the world’s most engaging chatbot. That includes making a reckless choice to never halt conversations even when the teen shared photos from multiple suicide attempts, the lawsuit alleged.

“Despite acknowledging Adam’s suicide attempt and his statement that he would ‘do it one of these days,’ ChatGPT neither terminated the session nor initiated any emergency protocol,” the lawsuit said.

Here is their full story

The robots always kill the humans.

13 Things Introverts Find ‘Horrifying’

1. When people call — and a text or email would have been more than sufficient.

As an introvert, I am frightened by people who call when a text or email would be more than sufficient. There is a certain anxiety that comes with an open-ended conversation, since phone conversations are expected to take longer than the 10 seconds necessary to transmit the information. This anxiety is compounded by the lack of visual cues during a phone call that are vital to us introverts, but are often summarily ignored by extroverts. 

–Steve

2. Not being able to exit an intense social setting.

The thing that horrifies me the most is not being able to exit an intense social setting. If I am somewhere and don’t have an out, my stress level skyrockets. I need to know that I have a way to step out or leave so I can recharge. 

–Lou

3. Networking events. Period.

Networking events are made for extroverts who gain energy by being around people and engaging with them. However, for most introverts, networking events are generally uncomfortable and terrifying — we find it hard to be open and let strangers into our lives. We are atrocious at small talk, and it is challenging to establish rapport with new people. For us, networking is definitely out of our comfort zone and ranks as one the top scary things for introverts.

–Albert

4. Being put on the spot.

My biggest fear is of being put on the spot to say something in a group or public setting when I’m not prepared. That feeling of all eyes turning to me to say something off-the-cuff really makes me uncomfortable! 

–Jen

5. Two words that strike intense fear into my heart are “overnight stay.”

I may be an introvert, but I love people. I can have a great time seeing friends and family and love spending time together over a few drinks and board games. But if we need to stay overnight? That’s when anxiety sets in. Keeping up the social energy in the morning, not knowing when we’ll be able to duck out and find some respite — these thoughts embed themselves into the back of my mind, which makes socializing that much harder.

–Mike

6. First dates terrify me. 

First dates terrify me because of my aversion to small talk and awkward silences. I can talk to someone online, no problem, but face-to-face? I make very weird small talk because I’m nervous. The terror is, I see the date and he’s not who I’m interested in when I meet him in person. Then I just want to leave as quickly as possible, so the small talk becomes even more painful. I just sit there, in anxious terror, and blurt out the first thing that comes into my head, whether it’s appropriate or not. 

Prime example: I went out on a one-date-wonder a few years ago. We met for lunch, he didn’t appeal to me in person, awkward silence ensued. The only thing I thought to say was: “Armadillos are the only other mammal that contract leprosy from humans.” (I learned that factoid in fifth grade and who would have thought it’d stick with me 35 years later?!) He looked at me in horror and I fled. I never heard from him again — whew!

–Lisa

7. Public speaking scares me to death. 

Any sort of public speaking scares me to death as someone who is basically a career introvert. It doesn’t matter if I’m leading a meeting of three participants or speaking to a larger audience, the thought of being the center of attention in any way, shape, or form truly terrifies me. It’s kind of like a fear of heights — you don’t understand it truly unless you suffer from it. All of the workarounds don’t seem to work, and I just manage it by avoiding it as much as possible. 

–David

8. Getting trapped in a social commitment that goes on for hours.

There’s nothing more frightening than getting trapped in a social commitment that can prolong for hours (like public speaking or large parties). I prefer shorter engagements when my energy levels are higher, but once things drag on, it becomes impossible to focus and incredibly uncomfortable! 

–Sara

9. Having roommates — thus having to be social all the time — is an introvert’s worst nightmare.

The one thing that scares me a lot is living with my friends permanently. While I enjoy socializing, after a while, I am mentally drained and need time to recharge. If I had to live with friends, I’d feel obligated to be social all the time and that would be mentally stressful for me as an introvert because I wouldn’t have “space” to get away from them. You’re stuck living in the same place, and I feel that would be pretty unbearable.

–Roger

10. My biggest fear is being embarrassed.

As an introvert who avoids social interaction at nearly all costs, my biggest fear is being embarrassed. When I’m in public, I usually become solely focused on how I look to other people, what others think of me, and the assumptions they make of me. In the past, it’s affected everything from the way that I walk to the comments I make to even the tone of my voice. It can be kind of brutal, but it’s something I’ve learned to deal with. Staying out of the public eye seems to help with that.

–Mike

11. I feel my introversion can scare off a romantic partner.

One thing that scares me is that being introverted and very independent could cause damage to my relationship or scare them off. 

–Lauren

12. I fear being alone forever because of my introversion.

We all need love and companionship, but as an introvert, I don’t like feeling like I have to compete for “airtime” in social gatherings. I love my alone time, but still want a solid group of loved ones. 

–Tolu

13. I find it horrifying when my work manager announces, “Let’s have a team-building exercise today.”

I call myself an introvert, as I am someone who enjoys alone time, would rather stay home than go to a party on weekends, and I regain energy by spending time away from people. 

The one thing that terrifies me is when my work manager announces, “Let’s have a team-building exercise today.” Though we introverts tend to be team players — as we are all about deep work and being invested in the goals of the group — when it comes to group or team activities, it scares us. Team-building exercises involve interacting with people, small talk, and, in some cases, having the spotlight on you alone. These are all things my introverted self dreads and runs away from.

Source

12 doesn’t bother me, and I pretty much have gotten over being embarrassed, but the rest are true. I have to face number 5 on Thanksgiving with a houseful of extroverts.

I got told that I have to take care of some adolescents that I’m related to next summer and the anxiety has already set in.

8 Confessions of an Extreme Introvert

By Delilah Ho

If I come across as rude, it’s not that I don’t like you. As a very introverted person, I’m probably just uncomfortable.

It’s difficult being an introvert in a world that only works smoothly if you’re an extrovert. You’re expected to perform well in large groups, socialize often, speak up loudly, and be outgoing. As a highly introverted person, I get mentally and physically fatigued doing all of those things on a daily basis.

Here are eight things I wish people knew about me as an extreme introvert who also experiences social anxiety. Fellow “quiet ones,” can you relate?

Confessions of an Extreme Introvert

1. If I come across as rude, it’s not that I don’t like you. I’m probably just uncomfortable.

Some assume that I don’t like people because I don’t talk or smile much when I first meet them. It’s never my intention to be rude or cold, it’s just that there are a thousand things running through my head at the moment: “What should I say?” “What do you think of me?” and “Do I look like a hot mess right now?” And so on.

I’m quiet around the people I don’t know well, but that doesn’t necessarily mean I don’t like them. As an extreme introvert, I’m just uncomfortable when meeting new people. Honestly, sometimes just being around new people overwhelms me and I freeze up.

It’s easy for my extroverted friends to chat with strangers and make new friends at practically a moment’s notice. But for me, it’s like I need a month in advance to mentally prepare! And even if I did get that advanced notice, when the day arrived, I probably still would not feel ready.

2. I love being alone but I hate the loneliness.

As an introvert, I enjoy doing things by myself. I go shopping on my own. I go to coffee shops on my own. I go to the movies on my own — and I absolutely love it. I don’t feel awkward or uncomfortable being alone in public. Honestly, it’s my preferred state. I love watching everything going on around me and being alone with my own thoughts.

However, as much as I relish being alone, there are times when I crave the love, company, and affection of other human beings. Although I say that I don’t mind doing things alone, sometimes I wish I had someone to do those things with me.

You know, doing what friends do.

You see, no one likes being lonely, even if they’re extremely introverted. We “quiet ones” need close relationships and strong connections in our life, too.

3. Small talk makes me nervous.

I despise small talk because I don’t know how to act around small talk. Usually, when people engage me in chitchat, I give short answers like “oh” and “yeah.” As a result, I think I unintentionally come across as aloof or rude.

Little by little, I’m getting better at making conversation, because it can be a joy to talk with someone who “gets” me. But to be completely honest, I still get nervous chatting about the weather or my weekend plans. It makes my heart beat fast, and later, I think about how I acted in the conversation. Sometimes I beat myself up for not knowing what to say or do. I know not every introvert experiences social anxiety, but it’s my reality every day.

I actually prefer deep conversations straight away.

Ask me what I think of the latest news. Ask me what I think of Freud. Ask me what I think about global warming. Oddly, I can answer those questions without feeling the least bit awkward.

4. I wish I had more close friends.

I have a small group of good friends. They are people who I feel comfortable being around, so I almost always hang out exclusively with them. But if I’m being honest, I wish I had more people that I could hang out with. Yet this goes back to #1 — I feel uncomfortable meeting new people.

Honestly, there are times when I wish people would approach me instead of me having to approach them. That may seem like a strange thing for an extreme introvert to say, but it’s easier for me when other people take the lead in social situations.

Because of this challenge, I finished four years of college with hardly any friends. I may say that, as an extreme introvert, I’m fine with it, but I actually regret not making more of an effort to meet people. Again, it’s a skill I’m working to improve, but like any new skill, it takes time.

5. Even though I love him, dealing with my extroverted boyfriend can be stressful.

I love my extroverted boyfriend but sometimes it drains me to be with him.

He often wants to do things that I would not do in a million years, and he struggles to understand why I’d rather stay home than go out and “explore,” as he calls it. He wants me to meet his friends and family, but I get extremely anxious just thinking about doing that. Sometimes he tells me about social plans last minute, which gives me little time to mentally prepare.

Source

Personally, I don’t agree with number 4. I’m good with what I have. I weed out the insincere ones and my friends are my true friends, few as they are

The Courage to Stand Alone in an Age of Cowards

This happens to me a lot. Most recently, I was the only one in my family or friends who refused to get the COVID-19 jab. I was pressured on all sides, but it was wrong for me. People even told me how sorry they felt for me that I wasn’t. While I didn’t reciprocate the sentiment verbally, I was thinking how I felt sorry for them. That’s just one example, but it’s a pattern that goes through my life. I’m willing to stand up for what I believe in, even if it means facing ostracism. Inevitably, a lot of what caused my actions came true. It was worth not doing what everyone else does. In reading back that sentence to myself, I just realized that it sounds like my high school experiences.

Fortunately, my introvertedness allows me to move along and not worry if I’m the odd man out. It’s a blessing to not be in the crowd.

Now for the story:

The bravest souls are rarely the loudest in the room, but they are often the most misunderstood. In an age when conformity is dressed up as virtue and applause is the currency of self-worth, those who refuse to play by the script become lightning rods. They provoke discomfort simply by existing in truth. They trigger the insecure, unsettle the complacent, and disturb the carefully curated illusions of the fake.

We like to imagine that the pressure to conform ends with adolescence, with the awkward teenage years when belonging matters more than authenticity. But Solomon Asch’s conformity experiments in the 1950s proved otherwise. In a simple exercise—identifying which line matched another in length—he planted actors in the room to all give the same obviously wrong answer. Time and again, the lone real participant abandoned the truth they could plainly see with their own eyes and went along with the group. Three out of four conformed at least once. Not because they were fooled, but because they did not want to stand out. The fear of sticking out, of being “that person,” overpowered reality itself.

And here is the sobering part: that experiment never ended. It repeats itself every day in classrooms, workplaces, media echo chambers, and politics. People choose the safety of the crowd over the solitude of truth. They surrender what they know is real because they do not want the chill of unpopularity or the sting of rejection. The applause comes cheap, but the price of dissent feels unbearable.

Pair that with Stanley Milgram’s obedience studies in the 1960s—where 65 percent of participants willingly administered what they thought were lethal shocks to another person simply because an authority told them to—and you see the bleak pattern. Obedience to authority and conformity to the crowd are the twin forces that crush truth. And yet, every turning point in history has been authored by those who resisted both—the prophets, the dissidents, the whistleblowers, and the reformers.

To live this way is to accept loneliness as a companion. It is to endure suspicion, ridicule, and rejection, not because one is wrong but because one refuses to settle for the comforting lie. Truth costs dearly, but its reward is integrity: an internal compass that does not lose its bearing when the crowd veers off course.

Applause fades. It always does. What endures is the quiet, steady force of those who never sold out, never bent, and never exchanged their essence for acceptance. They may never be fully understood in their time, but they will always be remembered as the ones who saw clearly, stood firmly, and lived bravely.

source, except for the lead in which is my life

What Does AI Have To Say About This Blog

For kicks, I asked a couple of different engines….here you go

The blog johnsimonds.com, also known as “Delusions of Adequacy,” is written by John Simonds, a critical thinker and writer who uses sarcasm and analytical pattern recognition to explore various topics. The blog lampoons subjects like “Woke” culture, the behavior of “Karens,” hypocrites in positions of power, social media, technology, global power, and issues requiring thoughtful analysis.

Delusions is a platform where he expresses his sharp wit and critique of societal trends, often highlighting power grabs and manipulation, such as his early views on the COVID-19 vaccine narrative. His writing features a sarcastic tone combined with deep pattern recognition and analysis, aiming to reveal truths often obscured by media and political influences. Alongside societal topics, he also writes about introversion, IQ, and success strategies based on his observations and experiences.

Delusions has a background in communications and analyst relations, having worked for companies like IBM. His education includes philosophy (school of hard knocks) and business administration. The blog reflects his intellectual and somewhat contrarian perspective, mingled with a sarcastic style.

Overall, Delusions of Adequacy serves as an outlet for his critical and sometimes provocative views on contemporary cultural and political matters, as well as insights into intelligence, social behavior, and personal development.

—

Then, there’s this:

Ideological / Political Slant
The blog clearly leans strongly toward conservative / anti‑liberal, reactionary rhetoric. Some posts present critiques of “left” ideologies, social justice, or what the author perceives as overreach by government, media, or academia. The language is blunt and provocative. (got that one right)

Mix of Personal and Public
The blog seems to straddle the line between being a personal blog (writing about “My Life,” self‑help, work experiences) and being an opinion / commentary site. The author uses personal voice, “I” statements, reflections, but also publishes political and public commentary. (yep)

Content, Themes & Style

  • The blog has multiple categories: My Life, Self‑Help, Work, News, General / Opinion, etc.
  • Self‑help category includes posts about mental and physical health, learning, productivity, and life decisions.
  • Work category includes posts critical of meetings, on work ethic, reflections from earlier jobs, aversion to inefficiency.
  • News / Political / Public Commentary is present — e.g. a post about Dr. Jorge Zamora‑Quezada’s alleged medical fraud is under the “news” category.
  • Another post, “Why Vegans Aren’t As Smart – Your Brain Needs Meat,” uses dismissive, provocative language toward veganism, calling it a “religion” and mocking it.
  • The tone is partisan and loaded: for instance, in a post about Jimmy Kimmel and celebrity commentary, the author uses strong language (“celebtards,” “they are so stupid,” etc.) and frames the discussion in combative, ideological terms.
  • Many posts are dated and archived over the years, including ones from 2012 (e.g. “How An Average Joe Can Be A Millionaire”)

Well, it’s somewhat close. At least they got the combatative, sarcastic, blunt, provocative and celebtards right. I thought I called Kimmel an asshole.

They missed the whole Introvert thing. That’s important to me

Oh, I do mock vegans. Sorry, but not sorry.

Who Says Getting Divorced Means You Have to Stop Sleeping With Your Wife?

I don’t know who these two are, but at the end of my many relationships, the last thing I wanted was to keep on getting it. I may have waited too long before ending said relationship, but it reached a point that I couldn’t do it with her(s) again. No talk, no sex, No More me.

And yet here we have 2 that cheat, fight, divorce, and are still smoking the sheets. Hell, I’d want someone new. Getting back with your ex is like taking a shit and trying to put it back in.

You pick right up where you last left off. There is no new relationship. It’s the same old shit, SSDD. After getting a lot of ass for years, at some point, it feels the same like at the start. Some girls know how to use it better than others, but most don’t try hard enough. As I told a female doctor, there is no golden pussy.

If you thought getting a divorce after 14 years of marriage means that you can’t still have sex with each other, think again. You can continue sleeping with each other and this couple is proof of that if nothing else.

The 44-year-old husband is still feeling his way through the entire situation. He’s not sure if he and his 46-year-old wife are going about the whole divorce process in the best way possible.

couple having sex despite getting divorce

Married couple getting a divorce plan to continue having sex until one of them has moved on with a new partner. (Image Credit: Getty)

I’m not sure exactly what his hangups are with the arrangement. I mean, what possibly could go wrong banging your way through a divorce? Whatever it is, it made him feel the need to ask for advice on the best place to receive such advice: Reddit.

SIGN UP for The Daily OutKick. New Look, Same Attitude.

Can you think of a better place to share your story? I didn’t think so. He wrote, “We’ve been married 14 years and together almost 20. We have had a lot of ups and downs, infidelity on both sides, and some very bad verbal fights over the years.”

So they fight and they’ve both cheated. There have to be some positive aspects still left in their relationship. He continued, “That said, we get along very well now, but she is adamant that she wants to divorce.”

The idea of getting divorced took some getting used to for him, but he did come to terms with it and realized that it was best for both of them. Although, throughout it all, they’ve been able to maintain a connection in the sheets.

The One Thing That Still Works For This Divorcing Couple: Their Sex Life

“The one thing about our relationship that is still good is our sex life. In the last year it has ramped up and become a very exceptional part of my life that I really enjoy and she does as well,” he admitted.

“Through a lot of communication, we have decided that we will continue to be intimate with each other until it doesn’t make sense (one of us decides we’re done or start dating.)”

more

How Does Japan Have Nearly 100K Centenarians?

Japan’s population of people aged 100 or older just crossed the 99,000 mark, a figure that would have seemed like science fiction just a few decades ago. As of September 1, 2025, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare tallied 99,763 centenarians, an increase of 4,644 from the year before. This milestone comes as the nation marks its 55th straight year of breaking its own record for longevity, with women comprising the overwhelming majority—88 percent, or 87,784 individuals—compared to 11,979 men.

At the top of this remarkable group sits 114-year-old Shigeko Kagawa, a retired obstetrician and gynecologist from Nara Prefecture who didn’t hang up her stethoscope until age 86. Kagawa made headlines in 2021 by carrying the Olympic torch at 109, a testament to the vitality that defines so many in her cohort. The oldest man, 111-year-old Kiyotaka Mizuno, rounds out a picture of endurance that the rest of the world can only envy.

What fuels this extraordinary lifespan? Officials point to a combination of disciplined eating habits and an unyielding commitment to staying in motion, even as the years pile on. Japan’s rates of heart disease and cancers like breast and prostate remain among the lowest globally, thanks in large part to meals built around fish, vegetables, and soy, while steering clear of excessive red meat and salt.

More

The Real Reason Introverts Hate Small Talk

Small talk is neither emotionally nor intellectually stimulating, so it can feel like a waste of an introvert’s limited social energy.

Does anyone actually enjoy chatting at length about the weather? Unless you’re a meteorologist, probably not.

More often than not, small talk becomes the go-to conversation when we’re at a loss for words. It fills awkward silences, it eases tension during initial meetings, and it can help steer clear of controversial topics.

But it gets old fast.

Introvert Small Talk

Now, if you’re an introvert like me, you might hate the small talk ritual. Jon Baker, a business coach for introverts, found that 74 percent of introverts said they dislike small talk, as opposed to only 23 percent of extroverts who said they dislike it.

Why do the majority of introverts hate small talk?

By definition, introverts are people who feel drained by socializing and recharge their energy by spending time alone. Because small talk is neither emotionally nor intellectually stimulating, it can feel like an inefficient use of their limited social energy. In other words, if introverts are going to use up their energy, they want to spend it in ways that really count.

(Not sure if you’re an introvert? Here are 21 signs that confirm you’re an introvert.)

Also introverts tend to enjoy delving deep into topics and exploring ideas on a meaningful level. It’s more energizing to talk about things that feel important and relevant to them. Small talk, by its very nature, remains at a surface level.

But those aren’t the real reasons introverts might hate small talk.

Why Introverts Hate Small Talk

It’s not that introverts hate socializing or people. Even though we’re introverts, we still need close, healthy relationships to thrive.

As my friend Dr. Laurie Helgoe points out in her fascinating book, Introvert Power, “Introverts do not hate small talk because we dislike people. We hate small talk because we hate the barrier it creates between people.”

Small talk doesn’t bring people closer. Quite the opposite — it can create a barrier that prevents the kind of genuine, intimate connections we all crave.

Think about it. When two people get stuck in small-talk mode, discussing only “safe” and polite topics like the weather, they don’t really learn anything new about each other. They don’t get to know the other person or understand who they are. They miss discovering that their conversation partner, for example, wakes up early to go birdwatching, hates the color yellow, or grew up on a family farm.

As a result, the relationship doesn’t grow in a satisfying way. In general, introverts are interested in understanding people’s thoughts, feelings, life lessons, and experiences, which isn’t usually achieved through small talk.

The key is to transform small talk into meaningful conversation. Here are some tips from my upcoming course, Easy Conversation, designed to help introverts and those who are shy or socially anxious feel at ease in social situations and enjoy more fun, meaningful conversations.

Small Talk Tips for Introverts

Small talk has its place. Patrick King, in his book Better Small Talk, explains that socializing and cultivating relationships happen by degrees, not all at once. “Zoom out, and you can see where small talk fits in and why it’s so important — it’s the first of many steps in closing the distance between you and another person,” he writes. Small talk allows us to warm up to each other, but it’s not where we want to stay.

The secret to not just surviving, but also enjoying small talk, lies in transforming it into a meaningful conversation. If you’re an introvert, meaningful conversation will give you a much-needed energy boost. When you’re immersed in an interesting or thoughtful conversation, you might just end up chatting the night away!

So, here are four tips to turn small talk into more meaningful conversations.

1. Invite the other person to tell a story.

One powerful tool to make conversations more meaningful is to encourage the other person to share a story. To do this, avoid closed-ended questions, those that can be answered with a simple yes or no, or just a few words. Closed-ended questions like, “How are you?” or “Did you have a good day?” limit the depth of the response and can often end the conversation before it even starts.

Instead, ask open-ended questions. For example, instead of asking, “How was your day?,” try, “What was something interesting that happened today?” or “What did you do today that made you feel accomplished?” Questions like these invite the other person to tell a story.

Here are more ideas from Chris Colin and Rob Baedeker, authors of What to Talk About:

Instead of…

  • “What line of work are you in?”
  • “How was your weekend?”
  • “What’s up?”
  • “How long have you been living here?”

Try…

  • “How’d you end up in your line of work?”
  • “What was the best part of your weekend?”
  • “What are you looking forward to this week?”
  • “What’s a strange detail about where you grew up?”

2. Ask why instead of what.

Here’s a twist on asking open-ended questions: Instead of asking only about the facts, the what, probe deeper into the why. This strategy, suggested by The Date Report, pushes the conversation beyond surface-level information and delves into the person’s motivations and values.

For example, after asking, “What college did you go to?,” ask a follow-up question like, “Why did you choose that college?” The second question will reveal much more about the person. Their answer might shed light on their passions, their decision-making process, or even their personal history.

Similarly, if someone shares that they recently watched a particular movie, rather than just asking, “What was the movie about?,” you could ask, “Why did you pick that movie?” or “What about that movie appealed to you?” You might get some insight into their taste in cinema, their interests, or what kind of narratives or themes resonate with them.

In essence, asking why nudges the person to share more personal information, which can lead to a more meaningful conversation.

3. Share a few details and see what sticks.

This can be a hard one for us introverts, because we tend to dislike talking about ourselves. It places the spotlight directly on us, which might make us feel vulnerable and exposed. As a result, we may not open up for people unless we know them well. Unfortunately, this tendency can lead to a repetitive cycle of tedious small talk.

As I explain in my book, The Secret Lives of Introverts, a good strategy to break out of this cycle is to sprinkle a few personal details into your conversations and observe what resonates with the other person. For example, when faced with routine questions like, “How’s it going?” or “How are you?,” instead of responding with the standard, “I’m fine, how are you?,” try to expand on your answer by sharing a bit about your day. You could say, “I’m doing great! I woke up early this morning to jog along my favorite trail. It really invigorated me!” Or, “I’m feeling tired because my two-year-old woke me up in the middle of the night, and I couldn’t fall back asleep.”

When you share details about yourself, notice how the other person reacts. Do they show genuine interest and continue the conversation with a follow-up question like, “That sounds great! Where’s your favorite trail?” Or do they give a disinterested nod? If the other person doesn’t seem interested, try revealing another detail about yourself until you hit on a topic that gets the two of you talking.

This strategy is like throwing a few conversational lines into the water and waiting to see what bites. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but with practice, it can become a natural and effective way to transform small talk into meaningful conversations. Remember, it’s not just about finding common ground; it’s about revealing the unique layers of your personality and allowing others to connect with you on a deeper level.

And, if you’re an introvert, this approach allows you to control the depth of self-disclosure, making the whole interaction more enjoyable.

4. Dare to be honest.

We often sacrifice expressing our true thoughts and feelings for the sake of politeness. But there’s something very authentic — and surprisingly charming — about being completely honest. In her book, The Irresistible Introvert, Michaela Chung encourages us to elevate conversations by voicing our honest feelings and thoughts, which can be surprisingly captivating. For instance, instead of nodding along and pretending to agree, try saying things like:

  • “To be honest, I don’t go to parties very much. I feel pretty overwhelmed being here.”
  • “I’m not a big talker, but I like listening.”
  • “I don’t like camping. Like, at all.”
  • “I’m really proud of that.”
  • “This feels awkward.”
  • “That hurt my feelings.”
  • “No. I don’t want to go. I’d rather stay home and have some me time.”

Such candid admissions might seem intimidating to share, but when done tactfully, it strengthens the bond between you and the other person. By sharing your preferences, feelings, and thoughts directly, you give the other person a chance to know you better. It also signals that you trust them enough to share your true feelings, which can make them feel more comfortable doing the same.

Remember, honesty isn’t about being blunt or rude; it’s about expressing your authentic self in a respectful manner. For introverts, these honest exchanges can make socializing more enjoyable and less draining, because they transform superficial small talk into meaningful, authentic conversation.

more

These Are The World’s Most Unaffordable Housing Markets

Buying a home is becoming increasingly out of reach in many of the world’s top cities. Property prices have greatly outpaced incomes over the past few decades, pushing affordability to historic lows.

In this infographic, Visual Capitalist’s Marcus Lu ranks the world’s most unaffordable housing markets using the house price-to-income ratio.

Data & Discussion

The data for this visualization comes from the 2025 edition of the Demographia International Housing Affordability Report. It compares 94 major housing markets worldwide, highlighting where residents face the steepest barriers to homeownership.

more here

For Introverts: 7 Signs Your Social Battery Is Running Low

In social settings, the introvert brain is busy processing every word and detail, which explains why it can feel so exhausting.

If you’re an introvert like me, the idea of being around a large group of people can feel overwhelming in a way that extroverts just don’t understand. If you get anxious just thinking about concerts, networking events, or even holiday parties, you’re not alone.

Spending too much time around people can lead to what’s called an “introvert hangover.” I’ve experienced this many times myself, but over the years, I’ve learned how to recognize the signs —

7 Signs Your Social Battery Is Running Low

1. You just don’t feel like talking.

Even if it’s someone you normally enjoy chatting with, when you just don’t feel like engaging in conversation, it may be a sign that you need alone time ASAP.

The introverted brain processes information more deeply, which means socializing can take more mental energy than it does for extroverts.

When we’re in a social setting, our brain is working overtime to take in all the conversations, stimuli, and dynamics happening around us. It’s no wonder this can be exhausting.

That’s why introverts need time alone to recharge our batteries and regain the energy drained during social interactions. Without it, we simply won’t feel like chatting!

2. You second-guess everything you say.

When you try to engage in conversation but feel like your words are coming out all wrong, it may be a sign that your brain is running on empty and needs some downtime to recharge.

When you’re constantly second-guessing yourself or worrying about how you’re being perceived, it adds even more strain to your mental reserves.

Bottom line: For introverts, processing information and managing our own thoughts and feelings at the same time can lead to decision fatigue.

3. The thought of being around people makes you anxious.

If the idea of interacting with others makes your palms sweat and your stomach churn, it’s a clear sign you may need to take a break from socializing until your energy levels return.

For introverts, being around people can be mentally exhausting, especially if we feel like we have to be “on” or put on a persona that doesn’t feel natural.

We also tend to prefer meaningful, one-on-one conversations over small talk or large group interactions, which can quickly drain our social battery.

4. You start zoning out during conversations.

Do your eyes glaze over when someone starts talking? That could be a sign your brain has reached its limit for social interaction and is craving peace and quiet.

Because social interaction consumes energy, the constant pressure to stay engaged, think of responses, and keep up with conversations can quickly become overwhelming. Eventually, the mental fatigue catches up, and we just zone out.

5. Your temper is shorter than usual.

It’s hard not to snap at people when all you really want is some quiet time to yourself. This can happen before you even realize your brain and body are overdue for a break.

For introverts, socializing can be stressful. As a result, our patience runs thin, and we may become easily frustrated or irritated. Suddenly, it feels like everyone and everything is getting under our skin.

6. You have trouble sleeping.

When our brains are overstimulated, it can keep us awake at night with racing thoughts.

Of course, difficulty sleeping can be caused by many things — from medical conditions to hormonal changes — but it can also be a sign of an introvert hangover.

Since we introverts burn through more energy while socializing, the aftermath can leave us feeling wired but tired. That “buzzed” feeling makes it harder to settle down and drift off.

If this sounds familiar, try carving out some extra downtime before bed — like reading a good book, journaling, or taking a warm bath — to help calm your mind. The key to healing your overstimulated brain is to get those zzz’s back on track.

7. You crave alone time.

This one comes as no surprise! If all you want is to escape the constant chatter and noise, chances are an introvert hangover is on its way.

While society often stigmatizes spending time alone, for introverts it’s a natural and necessary part of life. Alone time helps us recharge, feel refreshed, and show up as our best selves.

So take a look at your calendar and schedule solo time like it’s a non-negotiable appointment. It could be as simple as going for a walk, meditating, or journaling — whatever helps you reset.

Rest of the article and how to prevent this here, although I can’t prevent it.

How do you practice self-care?

How do you practice self-care?

Set boundaries

I had to learn that lesson the hard way. If it meant my sanity or a friendship, I’ve gone both ways, but I’m protecting my ass from now on.

I’ve done too much stuff that when in the middle of doing said stuff I thought, “I really don’t want to be here or doing this”. I don’t do that shit anymore. If it looks like a suck now, I bail early.

I also don’t let people run over me. It’s not that I was a dormat, I just didn’t understand that some people would use you and take you for granted. It never had occurred to me until it happened to my ass over and over again. I didn’t even know at first you could say no and not hurt someone’s feelings.

Well, no more. I draw the line. I’ve seen it upset people, only to find the people not being upset or even thinking of me shortly thereafter.

It’s made my life a lot better because I’m not in situations that I don’t want to be in.

You’d think it would have taken me less time to figure this out, but no.

The Student Debt Racket – the predictable result of decades of government interference.

Follow the Money

The vicious cycle is obvious. So why not stop raising the loan maximums? Because higher education is a $200+ billion industry. Even in the public university system, an entrenched bureaucracy is getting wealthy off high tuition. The corrupt cycle looks like this: university administrators and faculty unions donate to left-wing super PACs. In return, they ask for increased student loan limits and more federal grants under the banner of increasing “affordability” for students. Universities then raise tuition and funnel the new money into raises, administrative expansion, and campus construction projects. Then, faculty members continue indoctrinating students to vote for far-left candidates, and the racket continues.

A Forbes article stated the following:

“Between 1976 and 2018, full-time administrators and other professionals employed by those institutions increased by 164% and 452%, respectively. Meanwhile, the number of full-time faculty employed at colleges and universities in the U.S. increased by only 92%, marginally outpacing student enrollment which grew by 78%.”

University administrators are not using the increased tuition revenue to create smaller class sizes or improve student’s education. They are inflating the bureaucracy to create a colossal social justice organization.

Graduation now depends on ideological coursework; every student in the California State University system’s 23 campuses must take a class in ethnic studies or social justice. The point is twofold: indoctrinate students in radical leftist ideology and create education jobs for graduates with useless degrees like San Francisco State’s Social Justice Education program. It’s a pyramid scheme designed to enrich the academic elite and cement progressive dogma in the young professional class.

Universities are so effective at converting students into activists that the education system can’t even afford to employ them all. We have begun to see the private sector’s culture shift to placate the radical employees coming out of colleges. So many young adults have fallen under the spell of left-wing cultural ideology that an entirely new industry has appeared out of thin air. “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” training and consulting is now a $15 billion industry. Firms now feel obligated to create mandatory training programs under pressure from young employees. These consulting fees are nothing but tributes to activists in exchange for a “Get-Out-Of-Jail-Free” card in case an employee says something in public contrary to leftist social doctrine. While universities have succeeded at getting rich by indoctrinating students and poisoning our culture, they’ve also buried an entire generation in debt.

rest of the story

Just Another Reason I Hate Flying – Drunk Pilots

Drunk Pilots

Shocking new bodycam video photo shows a Southwest pilot being pulled off a flight by police moments before it was due to take off over fears he was blind drunk.  

David Allsop, 52, was arrested for a DUI in January at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in Georgia, with footage of the incident emerging Thursday. 

Allsop was due to captain Flight 3772 to Chicago, but was apprehended in his cockpit after TSA officers notified police that they suspected he was drunk.

It is unclear what raised their suspicions. 

But one officer filmed confronting Allsop on a jet bridge said he reeked of booze, which Allsop tried to blame on a Rogues nicotine pouch. 

Allsop was conducting pre-check flights, with passengers already on board, when police came on board, escorted him off the plane and asked him about his alleged recent alcohol consumption.

The pilot confirmed he drank ‘a few beers’ the night before, ‘like 10 hours ago at least’. 

Pressed by a suspicious cop to define ‘a few beers,’ Allsop replied that he’d drunk ‘like, three’ Miller Light’ with his first officer.

story

What do you enjoy most about writing?

What do you enjoy most about writing?

What I like best about writing is it forces me to slow down and makes me think about what I’m saying. Grammatically, I think my writing is a disaster sometimes, but many times I’ve been able to deal with a situation in my head through unspoken words only to me. When the time came for the conflict or resolution, I was practiced and ready.

Anybody who reads my blog knows that you’re gonna get a lot of introvert information from me. When I write, I’m not talking, and since 90 % of talking is small talk, it has reduced value for me.

Learn To Code Turns Out To Be Bad Advice, Thanks Dem’s

For about a decade, big tech firms, the government, and corporate media outlets pushed endless streams of propaganda at young people to “learn to code,” luring them with promises of six-figure salaries and job security.

That hype fueled a boom in computer science majors, with the number of undergraduates more than doubling since 2014. But the coding-boom narrative has since collapsed, and a growing number of computer science graduates are finding few opportunities – some even ending up in fast-food jobs at chains like Chipotle. 

“Learn to code” actually turned out to be very terrible advice. 

Take the corporate media news matrix: According to Bloomberg data, the story count of “learn to code” exploded between 2015 and early 2021. Post 2021, those stories have dramatically subsided as reality sets in, and layoffs at major tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft, combined with the rapid adoption of AI coding tools, have left many graduates unable to land jobs, according to The New York Times.  

Data via Bloomberg… 

“The rhetoric was, if you just learned to code, work hard, and get a computer science degree, you can get six figures for your starting salary,” Manasi Mishra, now 21, who was quoted by the NYT. 

Mishra said in a viral TikTok video this summer that “I just graduated with a computer science degree, and the only company that has called me for an interview is Chipotle.” 

The NYT pointed out that unemployment among computer science and engineering grads has risen as high as 7.5%, which is more than double that of art history or biology majors. 

more

When You Are Trying To Win A Darwin Award With An Octopus On Your Head

When it comes to marine life and being amazed, octopuses have to be near the top of the list. But if you see one while out on the beach, that doesn’t mean that you mess with it. Even experts will tell you to leave it the hell alone.

One moronic influencer had to learn this little tidbit the hard way.

Emeka (@emekaajr), a TikTok user with three million followers, recently went viral after he posted a video of him lip-syncing while having an octopus on his head.

Captioning the video “Aquaman,” it has pulled in more than 75.6 million views.

You can see the original clip here.

story

TIkTok and YouTube have turned people into morons.

These Are America’s 25 Largest Private Landowners

The U.S. is known for its massive public national parks, but a handful of families and entrepreneurs also own tracts of land that would dwarf some states.

This infographic, via Visual Capitalist’s Niccolo Conte, ranks America’s 25 largest private landowners in 2025 and shows just how concentrated ownership has become.

The data for this visualization comes from The Land Report, which annually tracks the nation’s biggest deed holders. Its 2025 investigations reveals a timber-heavy top tier, diversified ranching empires in the middle, and a sprinkling of tech titans and investors rounding out the list.

Timber Kings Still Rule the Landowner List

Red Emmerson and his family control 2.44 million acres across California, Oregon, and Washington, making them America’s largest private landowners in 2025.

For reference, this is more than 3x Rhode Island’s land area.

Three of the top five landowners—Emmerson, Malone, and the Reed family—built (or expanded) their holdings in commercial forestry.

Timber acres offer steady cash flow, long-term capital appreciation, and valuable carbon-offset potential, which helps explain why Wall Street has shown renewed interest in forests.

These vast, contiguous tracts also give owners leverage in biodiversity markets and provide a hedge against inflation, making timberland an attractive multigenerational asset.

more

She’s A Girl, If She Can’t Get Laid, It’s Her Fault

If a girl went into the forrest, and said I want some dick tonight, guys from 1000’s of miles away would be there shortly. What’s wrong with this girl? Most of the time, girls decide when the pounding is going to go down because they get offered some dick about 100 times a day. Just look at the high school teachers. They pick out the one and start wailing away.

A Harris County constable deputy is facing scrutiny after a TikTok post went viral suggesting she planned to issue tickets indiscriminately because of a lack of intimacy in her personal life, as reported by The New York Post.

The post, made by Harris County Precinct 5 Deputy Jennifer Escalera, has sparked public backlash and prompted an internal affairs investigation.

The video, which has since been deleted, showed Deputy Escalera in uniform writing on a notepad.

The caption over the clip read, “Didn’t get cracked last night so everyone is getting a ticket,” suggesting that her ticketing decisions might be influenced by her personal frustrations. Although parts of her uniform were blurred, Escalera’s name tag remained visible in the footage.

TDS TikToker Asks For Tips On How To Be Unattractive To “MAGA Men”, Gets A Simple Answer…

The cesspool that is TikTok is overflowing with mentally broken TDS sufferers ‘creating’ endless content consisting of every ‘Orange man bad’ thought that fizzles to the surface of their dwindling brain matter.

One cannot go swimming in there for long before it starts to eat away at one’s soul, but this nugget is particularly funny.

This… person asked for advice on what “MAGA men” find attractive so she can do the opposite.

You can smell red flags from this side of the country. We are tired of that girl liberal shit that ruins everything and makes them so unhappy.

The minute you make a guy meet your cats and take you to a vegan restaurant, it’s over.

Looks Like (AI) ChatGPT Makes People Stupid

Critical thinking isn’t taught except in private schools anymore. There aren’t enough people who can think straight to begin with. Now………

Does ChatGPT harm critical thinking abilities? A new study from researchers at MIT’s Media Lab has returned some concerning results.

The study divided 54 subjects—18 to 39 year-olds from the Boston area—into three groups, and asked them to write several SAT essays using OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s search engine, and nothing at all, respectively. Researchers used an EEG to record the writers’ brain activity across 32 regions, and found that of the three groups, ChatGPT users had the lowest brain engagement and “consistently underperformed at neural, linguistic, and behavioral levels.” Over the course of several months, ChatGPT users got lazier with each subsequent essay, often resorting to copy-and-paste by the end of the study.

The paper suggests that the usage of LLMs could actually harm learning, especially for younger users. The paper has not yet been peer reviewed, and its sample size is relatively small. But its paper’s main author Nataliya Kosmyna felt it was important to release the findings to elevate concerns that as society increasingly relies upon LLMs for immediate convenience, long-term brain development may be sacrificed in the process.

“What really motivated me to put it out now before waiting for a full peer review is that I am afraid in 6-8 months, there will be some policymaker who decides, ‘let’s do GPT kindergarten.’ I think that would be absolutely bad and detrimental,” she says. “Developing brains are at the highest risk.”

story

Pissing At The Side Of The Road, Why I Broke Up With My Girlfriend

I was dating what was to be my last girlfriend before I met my wife. Claudia.

We’d met through a mutual friend and I wasn’t seeing anyone so I was up for anything. My life at the time was on the go with travel, my last foray with alcohol and knowing life was going to catch up with me because I was the only one of my friends who hadn’t gotten married.

She was a piano teacher who lived half the week in Boca and the other in Miami (1.5 hours from Boca) to get her Ph.D. I had half the week off on my social calendar.

Why did I pick her for a girlfriend? I gave her a shot because she looked like a past girlfriend that I’m not sure I was over with in my head so we went out. They were way different so that moment passed by quickly.

To cut to the chase, 1 year became 2 and then I became bored. She was kind of a stiff out of the sack, but a pretty willing sport that gave me multiple options of places to put things in bed. I’d been pulling ass for many years and didn’t have the stamina to put up with girls’ verbal bullshit anymore. She, like all girls was afraid of her image to other people, including any shit that I pulled when I was with her. I was doing shit to her all the time because it was like dealing with a school girl as she’d lived such a sheltered life.

My level of boldness with pulling shit increased with how much I drank. At the time, it was a lot.

I got bored and had already gotten some side action on business trips and I noticed that it didn’t bother me guilt-wise. I actually never stopped sleeping with the last girl I broke up with before Claudia, We still banged the whole time I dated Claudia. She was away half the week so the ex sort of agreed to Friends With Benefits. She was secretary to the owner of the company, so as long as I was banging her, I found out the shit the company was doing.

The girl from are you this big of a bitch in Las Vegas was during my years with Claudia. It’s a good story also. She was way more bangable than Claudia.

THE BREAKUP MOVE

So with that being said, I already knew that she was not going to be the one for life for me. I stuck around a little while longer for some reason (until I had another pony in the stable).

I for some dumbass reason took her to my parents, 4 hours there, 4 hours back. She acted ok and probably thought this was the next step in the wedding staircase. She’s about to find out where the staircase just ends.

I’d been making this drive for over a decade mostly solo so I’ve had to stop. I’ve found that there are outcroppings by the side of the road. You can just stand on the other side of the bushes and pee and be back on the road quickly.

I’m old so there were no Truck stop mega stations at this time or even a convenience store at every exit. You could go a long time before a real bathroom would come up. I learned to give up the fight early, go piss in the grass and be on my way. I found that people are way past you before they realized what they saw, and by then they couldn’t find my dick with a telescope.

So told Claudia too late about this, meaning I had to piss now. I didn’t think anything of it as I’ve done it dozens of times. She lost her mind that someone would see me pissing and her in the car. First of all, they wouldn’t see her, and most of all, a good girlfriend would laugh it off as guy stuff we do. Not this time.

The net of what happened was I had to drive for more than 3 exits (not close to each other) before I found an old gas station. The outside roadside was way cleaner than this bathroom. I had to piss so bad by then that I was almost doubled over. I was livid with Claudia though.

The net of what happened to Claudia was at that point, she was done in my mind. Anyone who is going to give me that much shit over nothing wasn’t going to be worth listening to for the rest of my life.

I didn’t say a fucking word to her the rest of the way home and I’m not sure I stayed with her that night. Girls can’t take it so she called. I told her my offer was dating part time because I was through in my head and if she wanted to bang on the side I’d do it. Her response, thinking that I’d back down was full time or no time. I said no time then and got off the phone quickly. I’d either lose that argument or waste too much time listening to crying bullshit.

You can only push a man so far, then he will stop, break, or deal with you. I dealt with her and shortly thereafter met my now wife. Since she’s European, they don’t care if you change clothes outside or even wear them at the beach so while I catch some married shit, it’s not about this.

So Claudia lost me by giving me too much shit about taking a leak by the side of the road.

On the other hand, her husband can thank me for teaching her how to swallow.

What I Hated About The Florida – The Heat

One of the things that makes the heat so dangerous here in Florida is the humidity. The dew point temperature is the temperature at which the air can no longer hold all of its water vapor, and some of the water vapor must condense into liquid water. At 100% relative humidity, the dew point temperature and the air temperature are the same, and clouds or fog can begin to form. While relative humidity is a relative measure of how humid it is, the dew point temperature is an absolute measure of how much water vapor is in the air (how humid it is). In very warm, humid conditions, the dew point temperature can reach 75 to 77 degrees F, but rarely exceeds 80 degrees.

The dewpoint for the afternoon that caused my heatstroke was between 71f and 74f. The temperature for that 4 hour period was between 91f and 94f. That results in a heat index of between 100f and 103f.

High dewpoints are dangerous because it is a limit on how well your sweat can evaporate and cool your body. Heat can build up to dangerous levels.

Combined with that, it was a bright, sunny day with almost no wind. The Navy actually has tables for permissible heat exposure. Under those conditions, Navy regulations say that acclimatized personnel shouldn’t perform heavy work for more than 15 minutes per hour. I far exceeded that for more than 4 continuous hours.

source

I hated going outside. they say to understand, take a shower and don’t dry off. Get dressed and now you know what it’s like to live there.

I got out of there after 39 years and never looked back. I talk to friends there and the heat is unbearable. It’s why a beach vacation or a theme park is over for me in life.

Combine that with the shitty drivers and it’s not that great of a place once you grasp the length and depth of the constant heat.

Even now, many states away I park in the shade. I spend as much time high in the mountains as I can where it is cool in the summer.

Survival basics: 5 Dangerous locations to avoid during an EMP attack

  • Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks are a growing concern for preppers, alongside other emergencies. Places to avoid include cities, which rely heavily on technology and infrastructure, making them highly susceptible to EMP attacks.
  • Roads and highways are dangerous because modern vehicles dependent on electronics will fail, leaving drivers stranded.
  • Hospitals give the illusion of safety, but they rely on electronic equipment and limited backup power, making them vulnerable to EMP attacks.
  • Boats and ships should be avoided because modern vessels depend on electronics for navigation, communication and propulsion.
  • Air travel is also dangerous because modern aircraft rely on electronics for flight control, navigation and communication. In the face of an EMP attack, preparation and awareness are crucial. By understanding the worst places to be and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can increase your chances of survival in a post-EMP world.

Many preppers getting ready for possible threats like natural disasters, economic downturns and other emergencies are also worried about the threat of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack. This silent, invisible menace could unravel modern society in an instant.

Unlike storms or economic collapses, an EMP strike is a high-impact event that can cripple electronics, fry infrastructure and leave cities and towns in chaos.

While you may have stockpiled food and reinforced your shelter, are you aware of the worst places to be when an EMP hits? Below are danger zones that you should avoid, along with essential survival tips. 

more here

Why not burn one of them exposing your cheating wife?

A New Jersey firefighter decided to turn his own birthday party completely upside down. He had discovered his wife was cheating on him and decided to expose her at his own party.

He knew all about the Plan B pills she had to take, he knew about the other guy’s “skinny little pale thing,” and he knew it was over too. He pretended to need the ring off her finger, then tore into her and let everyone who was there know she was cheating.

The viral clip starts with the birthday boy announcing, “Even though it’s my birthday, I got her a little something right. Little happy wife, happy life bullshit.”

Nobody has any idea what’s about to happen. He’s handed a ring box as if he’s about to upgrade his wife’s ring or something. People think they’re witnessing a sweet moment between this seemingly lovely couple.

He has her join him, pulls the brilliant move of having her take her current ring off and give it to him, then plants a mafia-style kiss on her before letting her know that he knows all about her cheating.

“I f*cking know everything,” he says. “That’s right b*tch. I know everything. I had to see his skinny little pale thing. I wasn’t impressed. I know all about the Plan B pills you had to take.”

More

It seems like justice to me. I’ve had cheating whores in my past and getting rid of them was worth it every time. I even had to cut them out on social media when they tried to come back in my life. Fuck that.

What Trump Said Instantly After Being Shot – Reporter Feet Away from POTUS Reveals What She Heard

By now, everyone with eyes to see and ears to hear can understand how the establishment plays its game.

For instance, thanks to establishment media sycophants and their selective curiosity, we know more about “Maryland father” Kilmar Abrego Garcia than we do about most anything related to the two assassination attempts against President Donald Trump, the first of which occurred on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Thus, when journalist and author Salena Zito revealed earlier this month that she heard Trump yell “USA” twice before picking himself off the ground and delivering his iconic “Fight! Fight! Fight!” message only moments after a would-be assassin’s bullet grazed his right ear on the stage in Butler, the revelation reminded us not only of how little we know about those who tried to murder Trump but of what we do know — and must never forget — about one of America’s greatest presidents.

“One thing people don’t know,” Zito told host Glenn Beck on “The Glenn Beck Program,” “is before he said ‘Fight! Fight! Fight!’ — I could see him — he says ‘USA,’ twice.”

Zito, author of the forthcoming book “Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump and the Fight for America’s Heartland” and a Washington Examiner columnist based in nearby Pittsburgh, had appeared at that Butler rally to interview the then-former president.

“He’s still on the ground,” Zito continued, referring to Trump. “And then I see him turn and get up and say ‘Fight! Fight! Fight!’”

“Wow,” Beck replied in a whispered tone that signified awe.

Trump’s explanation for his spontaneous “USA” chant revealed an even more awe-inspiring element in his character.

“He said, ‘Well, Salena,’” Zito added, referring to a subsequent interview with the president, “‘at that moment I wasn’t Donald Trump. I was symbolic. Even though I wasn’t president yet, again, I had once been president. I had an obligation to show that the country is strong, that we will not be defeated, and that we are resolute. I did not want to be the symbol of America being weak.’”

Again, Beck practically gasped in disbelief.

Then, Zito explained that Trump called her the next day to inquire about her welfare.

“I said, ‘Are you bleeping kidding me? You’re the one that was shot,’” the author recalled

Readers may view the following relevant clip from the interview, posted to the social media platform X:

More including the x posts

How to Set Boundaries as an Introvert and Still Be Kind

Boundaries are not walls or dividers. They are a personal list of what is and isn’t okay for you as an introvert.

As a counselor, I see many introverts come to my office struggling to set healthy boundaries. This doesn’t mean they’ve failed in some way because, let’s be honest, most of us have never been taught how to do this — and it’s not easy. I often help by showing them a few simple strategies.

To be clear, both introverts and extroverts can struggle with setting boundaries, so it’s certainly not just an introvert issue. Yet, in my experience, they struggle for different reasons. There are typically two main roadblocks for us “quiet ones”:

Many introverts — especially highly sensitive ones — are naturally inclined to take care of others due to their strong sense of empathy. For more on this, see my article The Science Behind Why We Absorb Others’ Emotions (and How to Deal).

Introverts, many of whom are compassionate and eager to help, often see boundaries as walls rather than healthy limits.

Over the course of our sessions, I help my introverted clients understand that boundaries aren’t barriers or dividers. They are guidelines, rules, or limits that define reasonable, safe, and mentally healthy ways for others to treat them — and how they will respond when those limits are crossed.

Simply put, personal boundaries are a list of what is and isn’t okay.

Again, to be very clear, not every introvert struggles with setting boundaries. But in general, because of their empathy, introspection, and compassion, some introverts tend to see boundaries as obstacles to relationships. They may view saying no as unkind, and setting boundaries may even feel wrong.

In reality, boundaries are the foundation of an empathetic, compassionate relationship. As Brené Brown writes in Rising Strong, “Compassionate people ask for what they need. They say no when they need to, and when they say yes, they mean it. They’re compassionate because their boundaries keep them out of resentment.”

A Case Example: My Introverted Client

Sometimes, introverts come to me feeling upset or frustrated about a friend or loved one who isn’t meeting their expectations. One young woman, an introvert, was desperately trying to help her depressed friend. She repeatedly came to me with feelings of resentment and anger, saying, “No matter what I do, she isn’t getting better.”

This woman was so empathetic that she was pouring everything she had into trying to pull her friend out of depression. When we looked deeper, we realized she had an unspoken expectation — that her friend would get better because of her efforts. She believed she could heal her friend, and when that didn’t happen, she took it as a personal failure.

Instead of setting boundaries about when she would offer support and when she needed to take time for herself, she kept investing more energy, time, and effort into making her friend meet an expectation that wasn’t hers to control.

The more we talked, the more she realized that this wasn’t true empathy or compassion — it was actually harmful to both of them.

The Life-Changing Power of Setting Boundaries

Brené Brown captures it beautifully in The Gifts of Imperfection: “When we fail to set boundaries and hold people accountable, we feel used and mistreated. This is why we sometimes attack who they are, which is far more hurtful than addressing a behavior or a choice.”

My client began setting boundaries with her friend. She still offered support with kindness, but she no longer felt responsible for fixing the problem. She allowed herself to take breaks, spend time with other friends, and prioritize her own well-being. As a result, she became more present and compassionate with her struggling friend, and her own stress significantly decreased.

This is the life-changing power of setting boundaries.

3 Steps to Better Boundaries

Do you struggle to set healthy boundaries? Here are three key steps I share with my clients that can help you, too:

1. Decide what is okay and what isn’t in your life.

Start by reflecting on your values. Who are you? What matters most to you? Your boundaries are about you, so take the time to identify what you truly need from others. For example, as an introvert, you likely value alone time — your boundaries should reflect that.

Pay attention to your emotions, as they often signal where boundaries are needed. Do certain situations leave you feeling frustrated or resentful? Is there someone you frequently complain about? Do you feel suffocated, taken advantage of, or even unsafe in a particular relationship? Emotions are like warning flags, waving to get your attention and reveal areas in your life that may need stronger boundaries.

2. Communicate your boundaries.

For introverts, who often prioritize their inner world over external interactions, expressing boundaries can feel daunting —especially if it’s your first time. Here are some tips to help:

  • Keep it short and simple. Boundaries sound like this: “If you… (for example, don’t pay rent on time again), then I… (for example, will ask you to move out).”
  • Expect some discomfort. When you start setting boundaries, you may feel ashamed or afraid. Don’t lose heart — these feelings are normal! Keep going.
  • Trust your timing. You will set boundaries when you are ready, and not a minute sooner.
  • You are allowed to say no. For example, “Don’t vent your anger on me — I won’t tolerate it,” or “I won’t let you disrespect me. If you cannot treat me with respect, then stay away.” If someone continues to disregard your boundaries, you have every right to limit or cut off contact.
  • Your privacy is yours to control. Nobody can demand to know your thoughts or personal business. What you choose to share is up to you, not what others expect or want.
  • You have the right to your own mind. Nobody has the right to dictate what you think, feel, or do. Your thoughts, feelings, values, and beliefs belong to you.

source

If I’d only learned this earlier in life, it would have made a big difference. I just didn’t know how important this was

April 1st, For Fools

They are some sick people. You can change how your look, but you can’t change who you really are. You can change yourself into a green Martian, but you’ll still be mentally disturbed. Get well, not disfigured

Because Everyone Likes A Real Engine – Hemi V-8s Are So Back and Are Headed for Dodge Muscle Cars

Ram truck fans got exciting news two weeks ago when a dealer in Wisconsin leaked details of an internal Stellantis presentation confirming the return of the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 in the Ram 1500, which for the 2025 model year had gone six-cylinder-only. A new report claims other Hemis, including the 6.4-liter “392” and supercharged 6.2-liter “Hellcat” V-8s are also coming available again after a year off, and they’re not headed only to Ram trucks but also the new Dodge Charger, which launched this year in all-electric Daytona guise but with six-cylinder Sixpack models to follow.

(Okay, for sticklers, we should point out that the non-392 6.4-liter V-8 has remained in production for Ram HD models while other variants were discontinued for the 2025 model year.)

According to anonymous sources speaking with MoparInsiders, Hemi production will restart in August at the Dundee Engine Plant in Michigan, and it won’t be limited to the 5.7-liter V-8 as previously reported. If the sources are correct, the plant will build all Hemi variants, including the 392 and Hellcat engines. Whether that includes all variants of the Hellcat remains to be seen.

004 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack

A separate report from the same outlet published a day later claims Dodge engineers are hard at work fitting the Hemi V-8 under the hood of the new Charger, which controversially dropped all eight-cylinder engines for this new generation, much like the Ram 1500. We reported back in 2022 this would happen based on information from our own sources, but Dodge denied that report and seemed to be committed to a Hemi-less muscle car future. The new report suggests the V-8 Charger will come to market some time next year, following the EV model already available and the Sixpack inline-six models coming this summer.

The initial report goes on to say the engines will likely be carryover designs, but that new enhancements could be in the cards. It also broached the possibility of a new Hemi variant with even greater displacement than the 6.4-liter engine already found in the Ram HD.

Reached for comment, a Ram spokesperson called the report “speculation.” Stellantis has not officially confirmed the Hemi is returning to production, only that the truck-specific 6.4-liter V-8 would remain in production.

According to the internal email leaked earlier this month, both the 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter V-8s will be offered in Ram 1500 models. Previously, only the 5.7 was offered in 1500s while the 6.4 was reserved for HD models, so this could be more than just a reversal, Ram may be going all-in on V-8s in an effort to boost flagging sales with sportier light-duty trucks. Recently returned Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis previously told MotorTrend two months ago he wasn’t sure the removal of the Hemi was to blame for sluggish sales and would need time to analyze the problem. Recent reports seem to indicate Kuniskis has come to that conclusion and may be working to rectify it.

story

because EV’s are for liberals and Pussies my friend George said

What is one question you hate to be asked? Explain.

What is one question you hate to be asked? Explain.

What do you do during the day? It seems innocuous, but here’s why it isn’t for me. (the real answer is that I mind my own damn business and get done what needs doing).

I retired early and being a good introvert, I stay to myself, don’t bother others (especially with personal questions). I do normal introvert things like read and write a lot. I go about my business, get exercise usually for hours, do house repairs, help others, go to bible studies or other events, etc.

The point is that I don’t keep detailed records of what I do. I go about my business and try to stay out of other people’s business.

This question started with a relative I nicknamed Flounder from Animal House, for all the reasons Dean Wormer described about how not to go through life. Flounder went between high paying jobs to bankruptcy due to money mismanagement (spent like a drunken sailor). We’ve never been particularly close because we are so different and shit like this makes me not want to try very hard.

It should be noted that if I give someone a nickname in life, it’s not a good sign of how I feel about them.

Every conversation was, “What do you do all day, sweep the floors?” In fact, it was one of the things I did because I like a clean house. It was a shitty question though and it became monotonos. I’d just rather not have a conversation than discuss that. I finally turned it on him by saying most people ask me that because they wonder what they’ll be doing when they retire. He had no real answer as he defined himself by his job his wife told me.

Nevertheless, the condescending attitude was not even masked. I, the consummate introvert couldn’t defend the question on cue. I’d think of what I wrote above in the hours after the discussion when it didn’t matter.

Still, I hate the idea of anyone 1) intruding on my life and what I do unless I choose to talk about it and 2) getting this condescending attitude because I was able to retire early and it was a part of my life plan. (note: I saved, invested, and paid off all of my debt early to be able to do it. Flounder was in debt above his head and lost millions on houses and valuables he borrowed to get. He had to work until almost 70 and thought he was a big shot until his next firing.

Now, I’m still retired and set for the rest of my days. Flounder lives with one of his kids as he lost both of his houses. Do I ask what do you do all day? Hell no. I don’t want to know what he does, but it’s an intruding question.

Note: I got this question from one of my wife’s friends Randi when I said I was going to retire early. What are you going to do was the very next statement. I answered and got, and then what are you going to do.

Randi isn’t a part of our life anymore because of her shitty attitude. I couldn’t stand to be around her either. She was snarky when saying it and those things don’t get past me easily.

Hey Randi, I’m retired early and am loving life, doing what I want. That’s what I do all day. I go about my business.

This ends with the story about the kid eating all of his candy. A man said that isn’t good for you to which the kid said my uncle lived to be 120. The man asked if it was eating so much candy and the boy responded no, it was because he minded his own business.

How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?

How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success?

I’ve learned more from my mistakes than my success.

I expect to win or be successful at what I do now. I’ve paid enough dues in life and have learned enough lessons at the school of hard knocks that I should be doing things correctly by now. (I hope I don’t eat those words).

Life was tough growing up. I had no manual and a couple of siblings who rooted against me the whole time. It almost forced my will to overcome and to not only win, but to overachieve at whatever I did.

Along the way though, failure at tasks, life, relationships, and a lot of other things taught me more lessons than success. I hate losing and I hate screwing up. I only want to fix something once. That’s easy to do with carpentry, electrical, plumbing and repair. It’s damn near impossible with relationships.

I know the Tom Brady’s of the world must hate losing more than anything. He learned how to win. That’s how I feel about it.

You’re writing your autobiography. What’s your opening sentence? (Introvert Version)

You’re writing your autobiography. What’s your opening sentence?

Some of the characters in this story aren’t going to make it to the end.

Unless you make the inner circle, you’re probably going to have to go, or at least wait a long time to get me to do something with you.

The introvert joke says that people die in my autobiography, but I’m not going to kill anyone. It’s more like avoiding them until they go away or just keep saying no to doing shit together that I don’t want to do.

If there were a biography about you, what would the title be?

If there were a biography about you, what would the title be?

How to enjoy being alone by yourself. How to not care what others think or let it affect your self-esteem. How to have passion about your avocation to the point that you excel past others who do the same thing over a variety of activities.

I could go on, but you get the point. It’s the introvert thing again.

Hope She Doesn’t Think Of Me – The ‘Paranormal Writing’ Ability of a Gifted Girl Described In a Declassified CIA Document

A study from China, archived in the CIA database, demonstrates the ability of a gifted girl to physically write on a piece of paper inside a closed container using her mind.

Do paranormal abilities exist? This bold question is often based on belief rather than science. But looking at parameters that can help determine if something is real or not in our world, like peer-reviewed publications, video footage, and the ability to experience something, then yes, paranormal abilities do exist, and there are many different examples to choose from that clearly illustrate this.

These abilities are studied and trained at the highest levels of government and military, yet within academia, it’s almost completely ignored, unacknowledged and ridiculed.

A quote from the Chinese Institute of Atomic Energy pointed out in 1991, in a study archived by the CIA:

“Such phenomena and paranormal abilities of the human body are unimaginable for ordinary people. Nevertheless they are really true.”

In the study, the Chinese researchers provide multiple examples of a Qi Gong master who, under double-blind controlled conditions, was able to teleport small objects out of containers from one location to another using nothing but mental influence (breaking through spatial barriers).Multiple test subjects were able to do this including gifted children. This is just one example of research and published observation of this type of phenomenon under tight controls.

Another great example and the main subject of this article, comes from a study published in The Chinese Journal of Somatic Sciences by researchers from Fudan University, a major research university located in Shanghai. The study is/was also documented and translated by the CIA at the time, but not approved for release until the year 2000.

The study is titled Investigation Into The Force of Parapsychological Writing. It explains that parapsychological writing is only one form of paranormal abilities displayed by humans, and cites a “large number of experiments” where this type of phenomenon has been demonstrated and documented repeatedly.

“Parapsychological writing includes a number of complex parapsychological phenomenon including moving the writing instrument, breaking through spatial barriers and thought directed writing. These paranormal phenomenon cannot be explained using modern scientific knowledge. However, the recording of paranormal phenomena, especially of the accumulation of data on experiments conducted using strict scientific methods must eventually approach and disclose the truth about this unknown realm.”

Study

story

If I could do this, it would be like having the Force. I’d be messing with everyone.

Are there any activities or hobbies you’ve outgrown or lost interest in over time?

Are there any activities or hobbies you’ve outgrown or lost interest in over time?

Just about every damn one of them. Girlfriends too.

I was infatuated with boats as a kid. I wound up owning two and was glad to unload both of them.

I played Tennis in college, playing and practicing every day for years, and don’t even bother turning on Wimbledon anymore.

I fished (see the boats) for decades every week and haven’t wet a line in years. I caught thousands of fish

I did martial arts for decades, but that fell by the wayside also.

I hunted for years until I decided not to kill anymore unless it was life or death. My house has trophies on the wall from many hunts, but there won’t be anymore.

I biked in group rides competitively multiple times a week for years and even though I ride for exercise, I do it alone now about once a week, just to stay healthy and to get away.

It was the same with all the girlfriends I had before being married. They lasted until I realized who they presented themselves to be to win me over wasn’t who they were, and it was over.

Hell, I don’t even want to see my extended family unless I have to. I keep them at arm’s length as much as I can to not have the stories of my childhood replayed for the 1000th time.

What all of these had in common was that I conquered them. The thrill of victory was over and there were no more dragons to slay. When the passion was gone, so was I.

Now, I try not to get small-talked to death and most of the stuff I do are solo sports.

About the only things that remained in my life were golf, auto racing, reading, and bible study. The rest faded away due to a lack of passion.

Such is life. I try to stay to myself. I compartmentalized the things in the past and write about them occasionally, mostly to myself.

I’ve become more introverted in life and my enjoyment comes from within and time alone rather than in groups. Hell, I have to face people from my past this week and I can’t say I’m excited about that either.

FAFO – The ‘ultimate selfie’ has claimed up to 480 lives – yet the craze shows no signs of ending

To the list of the world’s most dangerous activities, it seems we must add a very 21st–century pursuit: selfie-taking.

The number of people who have lost their lives while trying to get that perfect shot has spiked sharply in recent years. For a time, Wikipedia kept a running total, estimating 379 people have died in selfie-related accidents between 2008 and 2021, with hundreds more sustaining serious injuries.

Since then, other sources suggest the toll had risen to as many as 480 fatalities by the end of 2024. By way of comparison, far more people die from taking selfies than from shark attacks, which on average account for 5-6 deaths per year globally.

Story here on people winning Darwin awards

What was your first Computer?

What was your first Computer?

In college back in the 70’s, I worked with punch cards on some timeshare system that the school had, but I have no idea what it was.

My first real computer was an IBM System 34, in the pre-PC days. We coded in RPG II and even had Star Trek as a game on it. It used 8-inch floppies, had 4K of memory, and maybe a 4 MB hard disk (the memories are hazy from those days).

I wrote about it extensively here along with my Mad Men shennanigans about sex and drinking at work before the cancel culture, MeToo and the other bullshit that took the fun out of work.

When Life Was Better

Sure the internet is helpful, but it makes you work longer and you can’t escape life always being connected. You used to leave work at work when you went home.

Music wasn’t computerized and today’s kids still listen to Led Zeppelin, Queen, and other bands from that era.

Our cars were faster without computer chips, sounded cooler, and sell for unbelievable amounts at auctions now because they were that special.

The girls were girls and not people wondering what gender they should be or how they should hate men today. They were way better looking and at least tried to be modest.

We were the last to play outside without pervs trying to steal and rape us.

We had no idea that those really were the good old days.

Now, things are faster and everything is at your fingertips, but we can read cursive, maps and can get places without someone telling us to turn right.

Thought For The Day

It’s why I rarely care what people think of me, even while I’m alive. If someone doesn’t like me, it’s one less hassle for me to deal with and more free time to enjoy what little time I have left.

I’m married to a person who goes through life like a Facebook page trying to collect likes. It’s annoying to watch.

Vaccination’Kill Shot’: Dr. Mark Trozzi Exposes mRNA Vaccines as a Genetically Engineered Bioweapon and Reveals Groundbreaking Recovery Solutions

“The spike protein encoded by mRNA vaccines is a genetically engineered bioweapon, designed to infiltrate and damage critical organs across the body.” – Dr. Mark Trozzi

Dr. Mark Trozzi recently delivered a compelling and meticulously detailed presentation on the significant health risks posed by mRNA vaccines, along with practical solutions for those affected by potential adverse effects.

With decades of experience in emergency medicine and a deep commitment to vaccine safety research, Dr. Trozzi offered a thorough, evidence-based analysis of the mechanisms underlying vaccine-related injuries. His presentation also provided actionable strategies to support recovery and improve health outcomes.

Structured into four key sections, this comprehensive discussion explored the dangers of the spike protein, the hidden risks of nanoparticles, the impact of immune system dysfunction, and science-backed approaches to treatment and recovery.

Part I: The Spike Protein and Its Implications

Dr. Trozzi began by dissecting the central role of the spike protein in both SARS-CoV-2 and mRNA vaccines. He described how these vaccines use lipid nanoparticles to deliver modified mRNA into human cells, instructing the body to produce spike proteins. This process, while intended to stimulate immunity, has led to widespread and unintended consequences.

  • Weaponization of the Spike Protein: Dr. Trozzi revealed that the spike protein encoded in the vaccines has been genetically engineered to include harmful modifications, such as a furin cleavage site, which increases toxicity, and the removal of hemagglutinin esterase, which naturally counteracts clot formation. These modifications make the spike protein more dangerous than its natural counterpart.
  • Translation Errors and Contaminants: The modified mRNA in these vaccines is prone to translation errors, leading to the production of random protein fragments that can trigger autoimmune diseases. Additionally, independent research has uncovered contaminants, including plasmid DNA fragments and SV40 promoter sequences, which are known to facilitate the integration of foreign genetic material into human cells. These contaminants raise serious concerns about manufacturing quality and long-term safety.
  • Systemic Damage: Unlike traditional vaccines, which target specific areas of the body, the lipid nanoparticles in mRNA vaccines allow spike proteins to spread to critical organs, including the brain, heart, ovaries, and testes. This widespread distribution amplifies the potential for harm, contributing to conditions such as myocarditis, reproductive health issues, and neurological disorders.

Rest of the story here

What books do you want to read?

What books do you want to read?

I’ve started liking History, so historical fiction not textbooks. I’m starting a series by C.J. Box about the outdoors. If it’s good, I’ll have a whole series to read.

I’m also reading Hillbilly Elegy by JD Vance

I’m finishing the last book of the Expanse so Sci-Fi has been good to me for a few months now.

The point is I always want to read. I’ve read since I was a young child. I was the only one of my siblings who did. I can escape into my own world this way and people don’t bother you when you are reading.

Why Girls Feel Priviledged – Guest Post

Although this person is famous, he wrote this a while back and remains anonymous.


“Beautiful girls in big cities are now directly and indirectly offered sex more than 1,000 times a month from men on the internet, in bars, on the streets, and within their social circles. If a girl has a basic internet profile, spends time on social networking, and goes out twice a week, I guarantee that she is offered more cock than even the most famous women of the past. A girl is not interested in 99% of the men who offer her sex, but try to imagine the effect on your psychology if 1,000 women a month were trying to have sex with you. What kind of person would that make you? I can tell you what I would be like if I were getting over 1,000 sex offers every month: I’d be spoiled rotten, thinking that I deserved all those women just because I existed. I’d be flaky, canceling dates often, because I’d constantly be unsure whether I was getting the “best” possible girl. I’d be bitchy to women who didn’t read my mind and failed to treat me exactly the way I wanted, because don’t they know that I could sleep with hundreds of other women any time I wanted?

I’d be moody, always dependent on the reactions I get from women. If I received less attention one weekend than usual, I’d throw a temper tantrum and demand immediate satisfaction. I’d also get bored easily. With so many women constantly trying to entertain me, I wouldn’t be able to tolerate five minutes with a boring girl who didn’t jump through hoops to make me laugh. Lastly, I’d be primed to value novelty more than stability. I’d become addicted to experiencing one new girl after the next, and believe excitement and fun were worth more than stability and commitment.

My attention span would morph into that of a small child. Haven’t I just described the modern woman? While a large part of who we are is shaped by our genetics, environment plays a huge role, and when your environment is getting nonstop attention from thousands of people trying to have sex with you, your personality and even your humanity will become degraded, making it hard for you to connect meaningfully with anyone.”

No wonder they act like children.

Followed by this

I just read this in Ecclesiastes 7:

25 I [q]directed my [r]mind to know, to investigate and to seek wisdom and an explanation, and to know the evil of folly and the foolishness of madness. 26 And I discovered more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, whose hands are chains. One who is pleasing to God will escape from her, but the sinner will be captured by her.

27 “Behold, I have discovered this,” says the Preacher, “adding one thing to another to find an explanation, 28 which [s]I am still seeking but have not found. I have found one man among a thousand, but I have not found a woman among all these.

Then this

“I can change him”

Women can’t change men, and men can’t change women. Full stop. The only time that works is in romance novels and movies and they’re fiction for a reason. People only truly change for themselves. If they love you enough, they can alter some of their behaviors to be more in line with what you want (or don’t want) but you cannot force them to do anything. Attempting to do so will breed resentment and thoughts of “well she doesn’t love me for myself, so I need to find a woman who does.” Be worthy of change, but don’t try to force it because it won’t end well for either party.

“If he can’t handle me at my worst, he doesn’t deserve me at my best”

All too often, women use this as an excuse to act like borderline psychopaths and blame their significant others’ reactions on them. You can’t expect a man to stick around if you are a hot mess and constantly question their worthiness to be your partner based on how they respond to your behavior. If your “worst” could get you committed to a mental institution, that has nothing to do with your boyfriend and everything to do with you. Don’t use vapid quotes from the internet as an excuse to act like a nutball.

If I got offered that much trim, I know I’d look at girls a whole lot differently.

Harvard and Stanford MBAs Struggling to Find Jobs

When reading this, it could be deduced that AI is taking some of the jobs. In reality, they aren’t getting the education companies want. They are indoctrination centers producing unqualified thinkers. The kids used to get jobs through the network of graduates from the Ivy Leagues, but business has changed and there are only so many Wall Street or crony capable jobs. People want educated decision makers and that is not what an Ivy League MBA has morphed into.

In reality, these schools are turning out one-sided leftists who are not critical thinkers. They lack the ability to view both sides of the facts and accept that there is merit in many sides of an issue when making decisions.

In other words, they are tired fo the crap these elitest kids are spewing and there is talent elsewhere that is worth hiring first.

The job market has turned unforgiving, even for graduates from elite institutions like Harvard Business School (HBS). A staggering 23% of HBS’s 2024 MBA graduates were still job-hunting three months after graduation, according to The Wall Street Journal.

This sharp increase from the 10% unemployment rate in 2022 highlights a tough economic climate where prestige is no longer enough. “Going to Harvard is not going to be a differentiator. You have to have the skills,” said Kristen Fitzpatrick, HBS’s head of career development.

Harvard’s struggles are part of a larger trend. Institutions like Wharton, Stanford, and NYU Stern have reported their worst job placement figures in years. At Northwestern’s Kellogg School, 13% of MBA graduates remained unemployed three months post-graduation, triple the number from previous years.

Liza Kirkpatrick, assistant dean at Kellogg, reassured, “No one is left on the field,” as schools ramp up efforts to support graduates.

The tech and consulting industries, traditionally key recruiters, have reduced hiring significantly. Companies like Amazon, Google, and McKinsey have scaled back MBA recruitment. McKinsey hired only 33 MBAs from Chicago Booth in 2024, down from 71 in 2023, WSJ reported.

The fierce competition has left graduates like Ronil Diyora, a University of Virginia Darden alumnus, disheartened. Diyora, who switched careers to technology, applied for over 1,000 roles and attended numerous networking events but remains uncertain about the value of his MBA.

Others, like Yvette Anguiano, who secured a consulting role with EY-Parthenon, face delayed start dates. Anguiano, whose start was postponed until June 2025, said, “I was pretty devastated,” as she juggles mounting student loans.

Harvard and Stanford MBAs Struggling to Find Jobs

Nobody wants to put up with their liberal crap

What are your biggest challenges?

What are your biggest challenges?

Look, I’m an introvert. While I’d like to say that curing cancer, ending world hunger, or overcoming a life threatening disease were my macro challenges, it’s not my daily struggle.

Avoiding people and small talk constantly raise their heads to dog me. I can’t expect most other than fellow introverts to get this, but it’s a struggle for me to face a crowded room of people. Having to engage in meaningless talk about stuff I know doesn’t matter is difficult also. It’s mentally draining for introverts. We are not built for it and when it comes up, it’s like being in a tunnel with the train light headed directly for you. It’s like having a grains of sand in your eye constantly and you can’t remove it.

I can do it, but with less and less enthusiasm and I have to work myself up to face it. My extroverted other has put me in situations I wish I weren’t in a lot of times in my life. I’ve finally fought that off. I find myself wanting to withdraw more and nothing pleases me more than canceled plans now.

I’m not going to be on my deathbed and wish I was more outgoing. I have a lot of other regrets that are more meaningful than small talk.

These Memes Perfectly Explain Introverts’ Thoughts at Holiday Parties

from Introvert Dear, but I can relate and I bet other Introverts can also. I don’t go if at all possible and am better for it.

Because introverts don’t just get ready for a holiday party — they gather strength for one.

Oh no, oh no, oh no. It’s today, isn’t it? The holiday party. And there’s another one tomorrow. A red-and-green glitter bomb of social obligation has exploded all over your calendar. Sure, you love your family, but the truth is, you’re an introvert, and big parties are utterly exhausting — even on those rare occasions when you actually enjoy them. Loud, crowded rooms and yet another round of “So, what’s new with you?” probably leave you dreaming of a white Christmas at home in your pajamas.

But the holidays only come around once a year, so you’ll rock around the Christmas tree anyway. That said, you’ll probably have some thoughts like these. Introverts, can you relate?

Want to feel more at ease in social situations?

Discover the secrets to enjoying fun, meaningful conversations. Know exactly what to say, even if you’re introverted, shy, or anxious. Feel less drained and have more energy while socializing. Click here to secure your spot in Jenn Granneman’s upcoming course, Easy Conversation.

Thoughts Introverts Have at Big Holiday Parties

1. Is it too late to cancel?

a meme about cancelling plans last minute


Saying yes to the big holiday get-together seemed like a good idea when you RSVP’d. You even threw in some exclamation points (soooo excited to see everyone!!) and offered to bring your famous apple dumplings. But that was two weeks ago — you were younger then, full of hope. Now, in a moment of panic and desperation, you’re seriously considering canceling because you’re “sick.” Besides, didn’t you promise your dog you’d binge Netflix together tonight?

2. Sigh. I’m going.

a meme about feeling guilty about not going to the party

It is your family we’re talking about. And it is the holidays. That’s the double-edged sword of being an introvert — just thinking about skipping the party makes you feel guilty, even if it would be better for your mental health. You don’t want to let anyone down, even if saying yes means draining your energy completely.

3. I’ll just go for a little while.

a meme that reads I came, I saw, I left early

Yes, that’s it — the perfect compromise! You’ll say your hellos, grab some food, and even give nosy Aunt Gladys the most basic updates about your life, complete with a polite smile. Then you’ll make a swift exit, just like a certain snowman who knew better than to stick around when the sun was hot that day.

4. I can do this, I can do this…

a meme that reads introverts don't get ready for a party, they gather strength for a party

You’re doing this. You’re really doing this. You take a few deep breaths, savor the last moments of peace and quiet, and silently swear on Aunt Gladys’s fruitcake that you’ll be back home soon.

5. It’s so loud!

people are too damn loud meme

You’re at the party, and it’s SO LOUD. Christmas carols are blaring, everyone is talking at once, and your inner introvert is screaming for an escape to somewhere quieter. The noise feels like a physical force, crashing over you and draining your energy. You’re no Grinch, but suddenly his decision to live alone with his dog on a mountain makes perfect sense — it was quiet!

6. Small talk, whyyyyyy…

a meme about making small talk

Let’s face it — small talk has never been your thing. Gossip and chatter about weekend plans? It all feels so, well, boring. As an introvert, you’d rather dive into big ideas or, at the very least, something that feels authentic and meaningful. At the party, you do your best to stick to socially acceptable chitchat, but somehow, it always veers off into… something else entirely.

7. This is getting awkward…

stuck in awkward small talk eme

…so, so awkward.

8. There’s so much going on that I’m zoning out.

Introvert Doodles daydreaming introvert meme
Marzi Wilson/Introvert Doodles

Despite how it might look to others, you’re not angry, bored, or depressed — you’re simply turning inward to block out the overwhelming stimulation. The noise, the flurry of activity, and the endless social cues to process can be too much for introverts, who naturally thrive in calmer, more low-key environments.

9. But seriously, how long?

meme how long can I stay in the bathroom

This quiet moment alone is bliss. No small talk, no noise — just you, recharging in peace.

10. It’s not that I don’t like you, it’s just that…

why I want to go home meme
Marzi Wilson/Introvert Doodles

…there’s waaay too much fake smiling happening at this holiday party.

11. A pet! I’m saved!

where you will find me at parties meme
Gemma Correll

Many introverts are devoted animal lovers because our four-legged companions are the perfect match for us. They offer unconditional love without expecting small talk or fake smiles in return (see above). And unlike some extroverts, they’ll never talk your ear off or complain that you’re too quiet.

12. “Hey, sorry, can’t talk — too busy checking my phone!”

my brain at most parties meme
Buzzfeed

Pulling out your phone and pretending to be completely absorbed in it? A classic introvert move.

13. I’m actually having fun! And then…

when you're hanging out with friends and your social battery dies meme

Sometimes, even we introverts surprise ourselves by enjoying a social event. There’s something comforting about feeling included — even if half the time was spent dodging personal questions from family and quietly checking your phone. And let’s be honest, the holidays bring a certain warmth and nostalgia that’s hard to resist. Maybe you even found another introvert to chat with — or an extrovert who respected your quiet vibe. It feels good to connect, even for us fiercely independent introverts.

But then, the inevitable happens. No matter how much fun you had, you’re still an introvert — and that means your social battery only lasts so long. Time to head home and recharge!

14. Seriously, I have zero energy left.

my social battery at parties meme
Debbie Tung/Where’s My Bubble

And that’s okay — it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s just the way you’re wired.

15. If only extroverts understood what it’s like to be completely “peopled out”..

introvert tools meme
Aaron Caycedo-Kimura/INFJoe

…but let’s be real, a lot of them just don’t.

16. I’m so exhausted I don’t even want to say goodbye.

ways for introverts to leave a party meme
Kayla Yandoli/Sally Tamarkin/Will Varner/Buzzfeed

Dang, you forgot to pack your invisibility cloak. But it’s time to make your escape. Fingers crossed no one hits you with a “You’re leaving so soon?” as you quietly slip out the door.

17. I’m home! Hallelujah, I’m home!

introvert coming home meme
College Humor

On the left: What it looks like.

On the right: What it feels like.

18. And I am completely and utterly exhausted.

me after too much peopling introvert meme

The party might be over, but that doesn’t mean your energy magically returns. In fact, this is when the real exhaustion sets in. Cue the dreaded introvert hangover. For many introverts, social burnout isn’t just mental and emotional fatigue — it’s physical, too. The symptoms are real: headaches, muscle aches, and an overwhelming sense of feeling unwell. It’s your body’s way of saying, time to rest.

19. Because this is how my brain works:

the introvert's brain meme
Sarah’s Scribbles/Sarah Andersen

A WHOLE DAY.

20. Me:

meme every time I socialize

Can we make it 12?

21. Just back away slowly and close the door.

alone time is for everyone's safety meme

You shut your bedroom door and breathe in the sweet, glorious relief of solitude. If you have kids, you might try to pass them off to your spouse for a little while — because let’s face it, the only cure for an introvert hangover is downtime. Alone in your room, free from everyone’s expectations, you’re finally in your most comfortable, natural habitat. This time to decompress isn’t just nice — it’s necessary. Seriously, it’s for everyone’s safety!

How To Spot A Girl To Avoid At All Cost

The red flags used to be tattooed (especially helter-skelter instead of artistic), hair dyed an unnatural color (green, pink, purple), excessive piercings, and cats.

The problem was that some of these girls might actually have been ok (all right, single digits).

Now, there is a 100% test for a girl who is certifiably nuts and you should avoid

Why Introverts Are Happier With Fewer Friends

In a world fixated on quantity, fewer friends mean deeper connections with those who truly understand us.

In a world that often sings the praises of an extroverted lifestyle and the constant whirlwind of social activities, we introverts prefer to walk a quieter path — one that values solitude, introspection, and a select few meaningful connections. For us, solitude isn’t just a preference; it’s a sanctuary — a place where we find the clarity and peace we need to thrive.

When I entered my twenties — a decade traditionally associated with socializing and expanding your circle of friends — my introverted journey took a refreshingly different route. Instead of a jam-packed social calendar or always being surrounded by people who were the life of the party, I found solace in solitude and the company of a select few cherished friends. If you’re an introvert, I’m sure you can relate.

Here are 10 reasons why introverts often prefer having fewer friends.

Why Introverts Prefer Having Fewer Friends 

1. Deep, meaningful connections

When we have fewer friends, we have more time and energy to nurture the relationships that matter most. These friendships are built on trust and shared experiences, creating bonds that grow stronger with time. They not only withstand the test of time but also offer unwavering support and comfort during life’s highs and lows.

In a world often obsessed with the quantity of connections, we understand that it’s the quality of these relationships that truly enrich our lives. We don’t consider everyone a friend, which makes each interaction a treasured moment of shared understanding and genuine care.

In her book Quiet, Susan Cain points out that introverts often thrive in more intimate, one-on-one interactions. Having fewer friends allows us to focus on building meaningful connections with those who truly “get” us and accept us for who we are. These authentic friendships are like warm, cozy blankets on a chilly night, providing comfort and genuine support when we need it most. 

2. Time to focus on the friendships that really matter

For us introverts, having a smaller circle of friends can be a blessing. With fewer social obligations and less influence from a large social circle, we have the time and space to deeply invest in the friendships that truly matter. I find that with just a few close friends, I can truly invest in understanding them on a deeper level and being there for them when they need support.

Like many introverts, I am not one for small talk. I don’t want to just talk about the weather or what you saw on TV last night. I want to hear about your childhood and life experiences — the lessons you’ve learned that have made you the person you are today. I want to hear about your hopes, dreams, and goals. I want to know how your relationship is truly going — not just the surface-level “It’s good” you might tell others when that’s not the whole story. The busyness of a big social network doesn’t allow for that kind of deep connection.

Plus, as a result, we can focus on understanding ourselves better and on what truly makes our hearts sing and souls dance. This journey of self-discovery is a precious gift that can guide us toward a more fulfilling path in life.

3. Independence with a support system

As we grow older, we become more independent, exploring the world on our own terms and savoring the freedom and solitude that come with it. Alone time recharges our batteries, giving us the energy to spread our wings and pursue the adventures that resonate with our souls.

Having fewer friends creates space for us to develop our individuality. In a world that often pushes for constant social interaction, this independence becomes a sanctuary — a place where we can fully embrace who we are.

4. More peace and quiet

In busy social environments, we introverts often experience sensory overload — loud music, crowded rooms, and constant conversations drain us. We start to feel overstimulated and unable to focus as external stimuli compete for our attention.

Having fewer friends translates to more peace and quiet, giving us the calm we need to recharge. We retreat into the soothing sanctuary of solitude, embracing the silence that stills our thoughts and relaxes our spirit. The chatter and noise of constant social interactions are replaced by tranquil moments of reading, reflecting, or simply being. This quiet space becomes our safe haven amid life’s chaos.

For us introverts, peace and quiet are not just luxuries — they’re necessities. We thrive when we can turn down the volume of the outside world and tune into our inner landscape. With fewer friends and obligations, we create space to hear our thoughts, reconnect with ourselves, and let stillness restore our energy. The silence nourishes us deeply.

5. Energy for your own goals and passions

With fewer social distractions, we can channel our energy into pursuing our passions and goals, turning what might seem like “alone time” into a wellspring of productivity and creativity. The result? We often emerge as high achievers in various aspects of life, including career and personal growth.

Our alone time — or creative space — becomes the launchpad we need to reach for the stars at our own pace. It allows us to develop our talents, chase our dreams, and make a meaningful impact on the world.

6. Less drama

Smaller social circles mean less conflict and drama. There’s less politics, gossip, jealousy, and fewer fallouts to manage. My energy goes toward nurturing a few intimate friendships, not maintaining a large roster of dramatic relationships.

As introverts, we strongly dislike confrontation and arguments; we prefer peace and harmony. Navigating friend drama can be exhausting. I’ve come to value friendships that are drama-free, where my friends and I can support each other and communicate openly. This kind of acceptance is incredibly refreshing.

7. Quality time

When we do choose to socialize, we introverts treasure meaningful conversations and deep connections with our friends. With fewer friends, we can dedicate more time to truly enjoying their company — sharing heart-to-heart chats that leave lasting impressions. These moments of genuine connection nourish our souls, reminding us that when it comes to friendship, less truly can be more.

8. Emotional resilience

Difficult times have shown me that I don’t need constant external validation or a large support network. Instead, I rely on a few close friends who provide perspective when I’m overthinking and need clarity.

Over the years, the advice and support I’ve received from them have helped me tap into my own inner strength, process emotions through reflection, and grow through life’s ups and downs.

This emotional strength becomes an invaluable companion as we move through life, helping us weather storms with grace. We introverts don’t depend entirely on others for comfort or reassurance — we carry a quiet confidence in our ability to cope and thrive, even when facing tough times alone. We understand that our worth comes from within, not from the size of our social circle. 

9. Comfortable with your own company

While we introverts aren’t fans of constant socializing, there are days when we crave a change of scenery or the chance to connect. We might want to chat with a friend over coffee or catch up over lunch. However, having a smaller circle of friends means they’re not always available when we’re looking for company. As a result, we learn to embrace solitude and use it as an opportunity for self-discovery.

Learning to be alone has been a blessing for me as an introvert. I’ve discovered that it’s where I find true happiness, independent of others. Whether it’s reading, writing, journaling, or simply enjoying nature, I’ve come to cherish and embrace my own space.

10. Your self-worth doesn’t depend on others

Basing self-esteem on friendships and social approval is fragile. As introverts comfortable with solitude, our sense of self-worth comes from within. We understand that our value isn’t measured by the size of our social network or the number of likes and followers on social media.

This inner confidence allows us to form authentic connections without relying on external validation. The older I get, the more I realize that my worth isn’t defined by others — it comes from loving and accepting myself first.

Having a few close friends who truly see and appreciate me has shown me that I don’t need a big circle to feel fulfilled. I now carry a quiet confidence that comes from embracing my introverted journey. This realization has been one of the greatest gifts of my introverted life.

story and source

What are your favorite animals?

What are your favorite animals?

My dog of course. He’s the one I spend the most time with. Being an introvert, having him is better than most other people I encounter. When I go to someone’s house, I almost always gravitate to the pets if there are a lot of people. Introverts will relate to that one.

Next, most other dogs. I spent the weekend dog-sitting for my son and had fun with both of them.

Way out of that thought pattern came Cheetah. I like how fast it is and since I’m a big F1 fan, I thought of that.

Completely unrelated though are people that mistreat animals. They should be punished way worse than they are to stop this behavior. From building wind farms and killing whales to being cruel like tying a dog to a post and leaving it during Hurricane Helene (I’m not going to link to it because it pissed me off so much).

I hope someone has a good animal story or one about a really unusual animal.

Exoskeleton helps paralyzed people regain independence

Now, in something cool…

Advancements in technology are continually reshaping the landscape of mobility aids, particularly for individuals with disabilities. Among these innovations, the WalkON Suit F1, developed by KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), stands out as a groundbreaking solution for paraplegic patients. Let’s delve into the features, development, and implications of this remarkable wearable robot.

What’s so special about this suit?

Imagine an exoskeleton that doesn’t just help you walk—it comes to you. That’s right, the WalkON Suit F1 can actually walk over to a person in a wheelchair. This incredible piece of tech solves a major problem that other exoskeletons face. You see, most exoskeletons require helpers to lift users out of their wheelchairs and strap them in. But the WalkON Suit F1? It’s got a nifty front-docking system that lets the person put it on while still seated in their wheelchair. Talk about independence.

The suit features a system “that actively controls the center of its weight against the pull of gravity” to prevent it from toppling over as the person stands up. And get this—the WalkON Suit F1 has been tweaked to allow people to use both hands while standing upright and even take short walks without needing a cane.

more

What’s the first impression you want to give people?

What’s the first impression you want to give people?

I don’t care, I’m an introvert. I don’t even think about things this way.

It’s more likely that I’m trying to avoid any small talk if possible.

What people think of me doesn’t affect my life anymore. I used to have to pretend to care when I worked, but it wasn’t sincere concerning me being worried about what they thought of me.

It’s not narcissistic as I just don’t think this way. If they like me, fine. If they don’t, also fine. I’m nice and say hello and do the minimal banter if I can’t move on, but I just don’t think this way. Their impression is what it is and doesn’t enter my mind to worry about it.

I learned a long time ago you can do whatever you want, but people are going to make up their minds the way they want to and while you can temporarily influence it, you reveal yourself eventually.

What is good about having a pet?

What is good about having a pet?

What’s not good about having a pet?

They’re perfect for introverts. I get along with my dog better than almost all people. He loves me unconditionally. I do everything I can to take care of him and his health. I suffer for him when he’s not feeling well and take care of all his needs.

He’s right next to me as I type this.

He’s also a great reason for me to leave any gathering so that I can take him for a walk or feed him. Introverts will relate.

Study Exposes Massive Life Expectancy Plunge for Covid-Vaxxed

This goes with the Bill Gates story that abortion drugs were in the Covid-19 vaccine.

Here goes:

A major peer-reviewed study has revealed that people who received Covid mRNA “vaccines” have significantly reduced their life expectancy.

The explosive study was conducted by a team of leading Italian researchers led by Professor Marco Alessandria of the University of Turin.

The bombshell findings of Prof. Alessandria and his team were published in the renowned Swiss medical journal MDPI.

The study has sent shockwaves through the scientific community and further confirmed warnings from leading experts about the long-term impact of the Covid mRNA injections.

The researchers found that the Covid-vaxxed suffered a “statistically significant” loss of life expectancy after two or more doses.

Following a detailed analysis of the study, the McCullough Foundation confirms that those who received two doses of the shots have lost 37% of their life expectancy.

The Foundation, founded by eminent American cardiologist Dr. Peter McCullough, reported:

“The subjects vaccinated with two doses lost 37% of life expectancy compared to the unvaccinated population during the follow-up considered.”

Further, the study found so-called “booster” shots are completely “ineffective.”

story

Choose what you want to believe about it, but the facts are starting to favor the conspiracy theorists who say it’s poison. It’s also a test run of whether the masses will obey a made-up crisis, for next time.

The facts were there all along. When they made people take it to keep their jobs, and said it was safe and effective (if you like your policy, you can keep your policy, or I did not have sexual relations with that woman) you should believe the opposite.

They literally murdered people, like the governments of Germany, the Soviet Union, China, Cambodia, North Korea, and Vietnam.

Remember that on election day

A Good Reason To Stop Using Windows

Cyberattacks are more common than ever, and if you’re a Windows user, you’re probably feeling the impact more than others. Hackers are always targeting Windows PCs, and you’ve probably seen reports about how system vulnerabilities let bad actors get to your personal and financial information. However, if you want to understand just how many cyberattacks Windows users face every day, you’d be shocked to know that the number is well above 600 million. This proves that cyberattacks are on the rise now more than ever.

600 million a day. That means your odds are pretty good. I’m not saying any other OS is infallible, just not as hackable as Windows is.

I worked with Microsoft from the DOS 1.0 days. I’ve known what a POS Windows is. Use it at your own risk.

I also had to work with the company Microsoft. It was another POS to deal with.

Full Story

FEMA – Not Helping Or Doing A Damn Thing For NC – It’s The Citizens

https://twitter.com/DefiyantlyFree/status/1844442757043302415

Oh, they are there. I’ve seen them here in NC, but they aren’t doing anything other than take up space (where our Farmers Market usually is, they had to move) and act like the 10 men doing road construction. At least 9 just stand around and one guy digs. I haven’t seen FEMA do anything. Samaritan’s Purse and Alliance Baptist Church along with the locals the, on the ground army.

Save the tax money and get rid of FEMA. They are only helping the illegals.

Charitable Organizations Step Up in North Carolina Amid Hurricane Helene Devastation 

n the aftermath of Hurricane Helene—even before Hurricane Milton followed in its wake—nonprofit charitable organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse and Save Our Allies stepped up to help the storm’s victims.

The president of Samaritan’s Purse, Franklin Graham, told The Daily Signal in a telephone interview that one of the positive things he has seen is neighbor helping neighbor. 

“If you’re going to sit in your house or your apartment waiting for the government to come—well, good luck. You’re going to be waiting a long time,” said Graham, the son of the legendary late evangelist the Rev. Billy Graham.  

Why People Fell For The Covid-19 Scam – A Lack Of Critical Thinking

  • Many important types of intelligence besides “intellectual intelligence exist.” Without them, we cannot connect to our deeper wisdom and are easily lead astray. Likewise, if our intelligence remains unbalanced, our knowledge will almost always be patchy and incomplete
  • A century ago, American education was hijacked by oligarchs like Rockefeller who replaced cultivating critical thinking and deep knowledge with training widespread compliance
  • Education trains us to have a very linear form of intelligence which often misses critical details because it lacks the ability to see the broader picture. This for instance characterizes many problems in medicine
  • Those trained to have excessive left brain thinking are often challenging to have a dialog with because they are both aggressive in asserting their ideology and simultaneously incapable of seeing anything which does not prove they are right
  • This article will discuss the importance of balanced intelligence and strategies for cultivating it

Over the last century, there’s been a systematic dismantling of the educational system as its focus shifted from creating an empowered electorate to producing subservient citizens who only existed to fill their pre-designated societal roles. To illustrate:

• In 1903 John D. Rockefeller founded the General Education Board,1 which over the decades (with Carnegie’s foundation) gave billions to schools around the country until in 1973, the Department of Education was created. These foundations reshaped American Education,2 transforming it from a locally managed process to a rigid and mandatory centrally controlled one.

Note: The director of Rockefeller’s “charity” admitted their goal was to have this new model of education train the populace to be compliant slaves who lacked critical thinking.3

• In the 1960s, one of my relatives was given documents by a group that preceded the World Economic Forum which detailed a global plan to impoverish America so that everyone would willing submit to low paying and backbreaking corporate jobs to get by (e.g., consider Corporate America’s recent vaccine mandates), hence ensuring the American people would be compliant and do whatever the ruling clash wished.

I learned about this as a child and have been astonished to see each part of the plan, such as removing critical thinking from American education gradually come to pass.

• Individuals at elite schools the ruling class sends their children to have repeatedly shared with me that the educational process there is very different (e.g., it fosters critical thinking).

• Award-winning teacher, John Gatto, extensively wrote about how American education had been transformed4 so that when children were in the prime of their life to learn and develop their own identities, they were instead locked into a rigid and sterile environment that disconnected them from all the interactions and experiences of life that allowed them to develop their own identities and become highly functional members of society.

Likewise, Ivan Illich made the salient observation5 that once people are “taught” within a rigid framework, they lose much of their inherent capacity to “learn.”

Counterproductive Cognitive Algorithms

Two approaches are often used to solve problems:

• “Right Brain” thinking — Engage the creative capacities of the brain (and unconsciousness), be able to see the broad picture in front of you, and then be able to arrive at an innovative solution to the problem you are facing. This allows immense insights to be gained, but simultaneously, those predisposed to it often struggle to address the practical day to day needs we face.

• “Left Brain” thinking — Memorize a series of lists, hyperfocus on a few reductionistic details, and then forcefully execute a chain of logic or algorithm that utilizes those lists to come up with a solution. This is effective at getting necessary things done but frequently locks the user into being unable to see critical details outside of their framework.

Note: I’ve also observed that the widespread neurological damage from mass vaccination predisposes those injured to left brained thinking.

Many in turn have argued excessive left brain thinking (which schooling drills into us) is the root cause of many ills in our society. I agree and believe balanced left and right brain thinking is essential for our society (e.g., this is why I try to show both the forest and trees while I write).

The problem with left brain thinking is that it tends to lock one into a “solution” which excludes the best answer from being considered. For example, in medicine, I frequently see brilliant doctors who are remarkably skilled at executing their clinical algorithms but cannot help patients their algorithms simply aren’t applicable for.

Likewise, I’ve lost count of how many people I’ve debated with whose logic starts from the premise there is no conceivable way any viewpoint besides their own could be right (which inevitably results in them concocting absurd arguments).

Debating Cognitive Algorithms

I’ve gotten into more debates than I can count with ardent defenders of the orthodoxy. In each case, I’ve noticed three salient features:

1. Their arguments are extremely repetitive, to the point I often can predict over 90% of what they will say by the time they finish their first few sentences (which is why I always subtly approach the argument from an angle they are not expecting rather than directly confront them). Remarkably, whenever I question them about this, they have little to no recognition they are regurgitating someone else’s talking points.

Note: Somewhat analogously, when patients see specific specialists (e.g., a neurologist) we can predict with high accuracy give or take everything the specialist will tell them.

2. Frequently when they engage these scripts, to varying degrees they disassociate and enter a hypnotic state where they lose awareness of many things outside the immediate point they are discussing — especially if they are confronted with evidence that overtly disproves their existing belief system.

3. Typically, the “algorithm” they follow is to quickly scan through everything you present to them until they find something that can attack (e.g., because they already know a script for attacking it) at which point, they become unable to see the rest of your argument and hyper focus on their point of attack.

In short, their focus is not on discerning what is true, but rather on finding a way to prove they are “right.” One of the most important things about this phenomenon is that, typically, the more educated or intellectually intelligent people are, the more aggressively and reflexively they do this.

source and so much more to help you understand why people fall for these things. For Covid-19, they lined up like sheep, or like Germans in the 1930’s. A lot of people think Global Warming is real despite the facts that prove it isn’t caused by humans.

Your life without a computer: what does it look like?

Your life without a computer: what does it look like?

I lived for over 20 years without one. No GPS to drive. No cell phone to text. I can do math in my head and write in cursive. I took a chemistry class with a slide rule.

We used to say we’d meet friends in a particular place at a certain time. Occasionally we’d have to use a payphone, but many times it was a handwritten list of directions. We all got there, mostly on time and at the right place.

Sure it makes a lot of stuff easier, but I did all of my thesis papers without Google and used the library as my search engine. I still type, but I learned on a typewriter.

My sense of direction is much sharper than the computer kids as is my grasp of a lot of knowledge and pattern recognition.

I think it would be slower, but I’d have a helluva lot easier time than any of the alphabet generations would. They laugh at OK Boomer, but have no idea that we can do a lot more when the power is out and there is no internet.

We just went through Helene and I was fine with no power, no internet and survival instincts I learned growing up.

20 Characteristics of High-Agency Men – ANTROPOMÁXIMOLOGIA

This is what it would be if men were men and not trying to be trans-testicles to invade the girl’s locker rooms and beat the hell out of girls’ teams in sports.

Here’s how to be a man and not a pussy, here goes.

Back when I lived in Mexico in my early 20s, I came across a document (its author unknown) entitled “ANTROPOMÁXIMOLOGIA.”

It roughly translates to “the study of maximum human development.”

It’s all about how to develop yourself to the utmost. It contains 20 attributes of individuals who make a difference in the world and do great things. In other words, the attributes that make for high-agency men.

Here are the attributes that make the difference, “the added value” that distinguishes people who achieve success in their endeavors.

  1. They are never satisfied with their level of development; they always want to exceed what was previously done.
  2. They avoid comfortable situations. They do things they may not like because they understand the importance of doing them.
  3. They have pressing goals. They not only feel they SHOULD do something but they are driven by their own will that they HAVE to do it.
  4. They never blame others. They solve problems. Any task is a challenge to be overcome.
  5. They like and encourage taking risks. However, they take these risks judiciously and in moderation—never recklessly or without calculation. They evaluate and proceed with tact and without fear.
  6. They have VISION; they can foresee in their minds the outcomes before embarking on the execution of the proposed plan.
  7. They are not slaves to work. However, if they need to accomplish something, they will work 24 hours a day if necessary.
  8. They handle pressures well. They recognize that no one is interested in whether they are nervous or pressured. They know that only they decide what to do with their lives. They need the tension of demand but trust in their decision-making capacity.
  9. They are objective. They are not selfish. They let others receive recognition for an achievement when it is deserved.
  10. They understand the nature of energy. They know that if they apply enough energetic force, they will be capable of moving anything.
  11. They know the meaning of nurturing. They build and nurture others, always leaving things better than they found them.
  12. They understand sociability. They enjoy others but do not depend on them, stepping away from friends and having fun if there are more important or higher-priority tasks to handle.
  13. They use and understand self-discipline. They do not let habits, desires, and faults control them because they have developed the ability to control themselves.
  14. They have COURAGE. They are not reluctant because others do not dare to do something. They make decisions and do not hesitate.
  15. They have confidence in themselves. They do not doubt or waver. Their confidence is nourished by action and deeds.
  16. They understand the importance of living in the present. They do not live on the laurels of yesterday nor with the aspirations of tomorrow; they aim for the best in the present.
  17. They do not worry about past mistakes and never base today’s decisions on yesterday’s errors. They expect and live for the success of the present.
  18. They recognize that experiences come individually and not in groups. When they receive training, they apply the lessons to themselves and do not hide behind or dwell on the mistakes of others.
  19. They are quick to forgive, forget, and move forward from where they are. They know how to forgive their own faults.
  20. They understand the importance of empathy; they are capable of interpreting the feelings of others, developing this quality to the fullest.

story

I hit 18 of 20

COVID vaccines worsen outcomes after heart attacks in patients with prior infection, study suggests

Global research already suggests the risk of COVID-19 infection rises with each mRNA vaccine dose and a higher risk of heart inflammation in jabbed young people, especially males, who face a low risk from COVID itself.

Now a three-year study of nearly 1,000 heart attack patients at a hospital in Spain, published in a peer-reviewed Elsevier journal this month, suggests vaccination makes them far more likely to have “major adverse cardiovascular events” including death within six months of their heart attacks, especially when they’ve also recovered from COVID infection.

I wrote about this in 2021

story

Heritage Foundation releases guide to colleges that teach instead of indoctrinate

Heritage Foundation releases guide to colleges that teach instead of indoctrinate

In an effort to find at least two universities in every state that are focused not on leftist and queer indoctrination but instead on free expression and open inquiry, the conservative Heritage Foundation has now put together an interactive map and guide that parents and high school students can use to choose a quality college to attend.

click on this link to find the colleges on the map above

The image to the right is a screen capture of that map, located here. You can click on each dot to get more detailed information about why Heritage recommends or not recommends it. For example, for Thomas Aquinas College in California the guide says the following in explaining why it lists it as a “great option.”

The mission of Thomas Aquinas College (TAC) is to renew “what is best in the Western intellectual heritage and to [conduct] liberal education under the guiding light of the Catholic faith.” TAC has an impressive “A+” rating from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. It does not have a bias response team, nor does it require diversity statements for hiring. It has an impressive 80 percent four-year graduation rate. Thomas Aquinas College also accepts the Classical Learning Test for admission.

Meanwhile, the guide says the following in giving Cornell University, Duke, Brown, Harvard, and Tufts a “not recommended” status:

These universities exhibit a pervasive hostility toward diverse viewpoints and lack robust core curricular requirements, undermining a well-rounded education. These institutions are often heavily influenced by ideologically driven administration agendas and DEI bureaucracies, frequently resulting in limitations on freedom of expression. Moreover, these universities typically demonstrate weak returns on investment, evidenced by lower graduation rates and diminished post-graduation income, making them less favorable choices for students seeking both intellectual rigor and long-term success.

story at link above as well as , but maybe indoctrination will die and education will recover

I take my college classes at Hillsdale College

The Real Reason Introverts Hate Small Talk

Why do the majority of introverts hate small talk?

By definition, introverts are people who feel drained by socializing and recharge their energy by spending time alone. Because small talk is neither emotionally nor intellectually stimulating, it can feel like an inefficient use of their limited social energy. In other words, if introverts are going to use up their energy, they want to spend it in ways that really count.

(Not sure if you’re an introvert? Here are 21 signs that confirm you’re an introvert.)

Also introverts tend to enjoy delving deep into topics and exploring ideas on a meaningful level. It’s more energizing to talk about things that feel important and relevant to them. Small talk, by its very nature, remains at a surface level.

Why Introverts Hate Small Talk

It’s not that introverts hate socializing or people. Even though we’re introverts, we still need close, healthy relationships to thrive.

As my friend Dr. Laurie Helgoe points out in her fascinating book, Introvert Power, “Introverts do not hate small talk because we dislike people. We hate small talk because we hate the barrier it creates between people.”

Small talk doesn’t bring people closer. Quite the opposite — it can create a barrier that prevents the kind of genuine, intimate connections we all crave.

Think about it. When two people get stuck in small-talk mode, discussing only “safe” and polite topics like the weather, they don’t really learn anything new about each other. They don’t get to know the other person or understand who they are. They miss discovering that their conversation partner, for example, wakes up early to go birdwatching, hates the color yellow, or grew up on a family farm.

As a result, the relationship doesn’t grow in a satisfying way. In general, introverts are interested in understanding people’s thoughts, feelings, life lessons, and experiences, which isn’t usually achieved through small talk.

Full story

I Can Answer That, No, They’re Not Worth The Investment

College Admissions Expert Wonders if Ivy League Schools Are Still Worth the Investment

College admissions expert sends shocking message about Ivy League prestige: ‘Is it worth the investment?’

What’s in a name like Harvard, Yale, Brown or Princeton? If you ask college admissions strategist Greg Kaplan, the answer might surprise you.

It’s an age-old question that resonates among a slew of ambitious soon-to-be college students and their aspirational parents caught in the fervor of the rankings race, pursuing the dream of “going Ivy” – or having some other elite university’s name stamped on their resume – with unrelenting zeal.

But Kaplan warns that such tunnel vision can obscure what truly matters in the search for success.

“We really have to ask ourselves, ‘what are our kids learning at these schools and is it worth the investment?’ Because if they’re going to be exposed to this groupthink where there’s no room for civil discourse, that is unacceptable because they’re not equipped to go into the real world. And what you see is our young people who are getting fired from tech companies because they’re using their jobs as a chance to do political protest, and then they’re complaining about it,” Kaplan said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital.

“We really have to ask ourselves, ‘what are we getting in return for this? And are they going to be able to do what they want to do?’ It’s okay to spend less on college because guess what? That allows you to invest more in their futures, so I think when someone says, ‘I’m going to community college, I’m going to transfer,’ that’s fantastic. You’re increasing the return on investment.”

The California-based expert works with families to help students gain admission to colleges of their choice – looking beyond recognizable names to help students get accepted to schools that are great matches for them.

These ‘Extroverted’ Behaviors Annoy Introverts the Most – Especially Numbers 7-15

When someone feels the need to fill the silence with meaningless chatter while avoiding topics that actually matter

If you’re an introvert, you’re probably well aware that we live in an extroverted world. As Susan Cain pointed out in her bestselling book, Quiet, Western culture is shaped by the extrovert ideal — the belief that the “best” person is outgoing, highly sociable, and thrives in the spotlight.

However, introverts make up 30-50 percent of the U.S. population, and many of them find certain “extroverted” behaviors quite annoying. So, I asked the introverts who follow me on Facebook to share which behaviors bother them the most — and here’s what they had to say. The good news? If you can relate, you’re not alone!

Click here if you want to see the list

What would your life be like without music?

What would your life be like without music?

Although I am a trained musician with years of theory, the absence of music affects me like a lot of people. It is a part of much of my time, both physically and mentally.

I have it going anytime I exercise, which is nearly every day. I have biking playlists (3 hours) and gym playlists. Hell, this morning, I was listening to soft music at the driving range. While it doesn’t seem logical, I have a waterproof iPod that I use when swimming. I do miles at a time so it’s not your basic up and back and be done. That would be a lot more tedious once you go over 100 laps.

Where it gets me though is when I’m listening to a song (usually while driving) and it brings back a memory of a relationship or a time in my life. I relive it in my head and likely write pages in my diary about it. It is usually about growing up because the best music was from the 70’s.

I’m sure everyone does it, but I doubt they explore it in writing to flush out everything that happened when that song was on the radio.

Lately, I’ve forced myself to listen to songs that remind me of my cheating girlfriend who was a traveling whore (stewardess). I try to make myself see if I have any feelings and there is nothing left. I’ve emptied that tank other than the fact that it happened. I’m mostly grateful I didn’t wind up with her ass, being miserable.

Mostly, I’m very happy to feel the time in my life when my responsibilities were few and life was carefree and deadline free.

That’s what music does for me

How far $100 goes in each US state

While a $100 bill may seem like it holds the same value across the US, a fascinating new report shows that is far from the case. 

Massive differences in the cost of living – from groceries to housing to gas – across the country mean a so-called ‘Benjamin’ will buy much less in some areas than others. 

In fact, the purchasing power of $100 can vary as much as 26 percent across states, the study found. It goes furthest in Arkansas and buys the least in California.

The report by GOBankingRates used a Government index that compares costs for goods and services among each of the 50 states.

Varying prices mean Americans might be able to live comfortably in one state on a certain salary, but struggle to make ends meet with the same paycheck in another, it found.

Click here for the map of all 50 states to see. It’s kind of what you’d expect, but still interesting. Don’t live in the Northeast or California if you want your money to go further.

If you had to give up one word that you use regularly, what would it be?

If you had to give up one word that you use regularly, what would it be?

When this question first came up, the obvious thought of particular swear words or a pejorative towards feminists crossed my mind.

When reading the biography of Ben Franklin, he inspired me in a different direction. It would be to not use a word that could be judged as egotistical or one that tried to convince someone of your position. Rather, he supposed was if you could inform or educate someone to come to a more enlightened position rather than beat them over the head (which I do here) with your beliefs, you are a better man.

3 Important Things to Know About the Introverts in Your Life

Here are some excerpts. The link to the full article is below. If you are an introvert, you already know this. If you are an extrovert, it’s really for you. They are the cause of a lot of our anxiety and problems trying to drags us along to a bunch of stuff we’re uncomfortable doing.

1. They need time to mentally prepare for socializing.

An introvert socializes very differently from an extrovert. Many of us “quiet ones” can socialize with people in small or large crowds, but it comes at a cost to our mental and physical energy. Instead, we prefer smaller, more intimate settings, or better yet, quiet evenings at home with just one other person as opposed to those spent out.

Even though I’m an introvert, I can “play the extrovert” when needed. I can put on the perfect smile, don my best dress, and be the perfect lady on your arm. I’ll be charming, witty, and entertaining. I can host a family feast during the holidays or attend that lavish event you’ve been looking forward to all year……

2. Alone time is how introverts recharge.

Speaking of parties, can an introvert go out and party? Sure! But we will probably be the first ones to leave and go home. The crowd of people and the noise — while energizing to extroverts — is utterly exhausting to us introverts.

After The Event is when an introvert needs their alone time the most. I want nothing more than to go home, possibly take a long bubble bath, and spend a day in my pajamas. Downtime is how introverts recharge their energy, both mental and physical. (Here’s the science behind why introverts love — and need — alone time.)….

3. Introverts need their world a little quieter and less crowded.

Even though we love spending time alone, you have to understand that introverts still want to be included. We want to be asked. If we turn down your invitation to dinner or a night out, we might tell you that we’re busy or have other plans. Those plans could very well involve spending the day reading, writing, or binge-watching TV……

Click to read more, especially if you know an introvert. You need to know this

How She Destroyed a Two a Half Year Relationship “Complimenting” Her Boyfriend

This is an interesting post. You have to think about it. The more you do, the more full of shit this girl is for thinking this way. No wonder guys don’t want to have anything to do with some of the girls these days.

Sometimes there’s a Tweet on X that goes viral because men and women have such different perspectives on it. The following Tweet you’re about to see fits that bill. If you were generalizing the reactions, most men seemed to find it horrifying while a surprising number of women seemed to think it was no big deal or even a compliment somehow.

If you’re wondering who’s right, it’s the men. Definitely, the men. Still, everyone needs to see this so they can make up their own minds, right?

From a woman’s perspective, you might be able to see how she thinks of this as backhanded compliment. After all, she doesn’t want to be with all those other guys long-term, but he’s the man she wants to be with permanently. That means she thinks more highly of him than other men. Why, what a silly man! He should understand that’s what she means!

Ok, that’s one interpretation. But, how else could it be interpreted?

Well, a lot of guys would probably hear that “compliment” as another way of saying, “I’ve been with lots of exciting guys, but I couldn’t hook any of them. Now I’m getting older now and I’m ready to settle down with a stable, safe, guy who will mow the yard and pay the bills.”

Is that flattering? Not in the least.

Much more here.

I’d dump her in a second for this. This is a privileged attitude that isn’t justified

The Trouble With People Today, This Close To The Election

I was having a conversation with my buddy George who claims he was perceptive. He was giving me the litany of reasons girls don’t like Trump, while standing firmly behind voting for him.

I did get a lecture as to how good JD Vance was because he was young and didn’t put out mean tweets.

I asked him if he’d investigated Tampon Tim Walz. He’d never heard of him. I’m wondering myself how can you be perceptive if you don’t know 1/4th of the Presidential election lineup.

This caused me to wonder about what Donald Rumsfeld said.

I was watching that press conference and it struck me how true this really was. Most people don’t know much outside of their little world and never see the big picture.

That took me to this well-known joke:

A guy was seated next to a 10-year-old girl on an airplane. Being bored, he turned to the girl and said, “Let’s talk. I’ve heard that flights go quicker if you strike up a conversation with your fellow passenger.”

The girl, who was reading a book, closed it slowly and said to the guy, “What would you like to talk about?”

Oh, I don’t know,” said the guy. “How about nuclear power?”

“OK,” she said. “That could be an interesting topic. But let me ask you a question first. A horse, a cow and a deer all eat the same stuff… grass. Yet a deer excretes little pellets, while a cow turns out a flat patty, and a horse produces clumps of dried grass. Why do you suppose that is?”

The guy thought about it and said, “Hmmm, I have no idea.”

To which the girl replied, “Do you really feel qualified to discuss nuclear power when you don’t know shit?”

Most people don’t know shit, yet they talk a lot of shit.

I caught a lot of shit from my cousin about Trump’s mean tweets and being an Alpha male, you know the kind that girls let them do stuff to that they wouldn’t a less rich or powerful type. Instead, she went out of her way to promote the disaster that was our current president and how our nation was wrecked by incompetence. She failed to understand the concept of hypergamy. She also ignored that girls sleep with who they want, (most) guys sleep with who they can, except alpha males.

I don’t have a moral to the story other than look at yourself. You probably don’t know as much as you think. You know what you’ve heard and your opinions are usually reflections of other people you’ve heard. That means we all need to get better educated as to the candidates.

Critical thinking is a lost art. They don’t teach it in schools anymore (other than private schools). We sure could use more of that in this election cycle to bring some common sense to how and who we should have run our nation. History for example is a great teacher. We have a lot of it telling us what is the right thing instead of the politically correct thing.

I think our lives would be a lot less difficult if we all thought through things a bit more than what social media and the MSM tells us to think. It’s why I dumped Fakebook and Twitter years ago.

So after lampooning those who claim to be perceptive, I’m not going to do it. I am a person who sees patterns. What I see is a bunch of sheep being told what to think instead of thinking for themselves

YMMV

What’s your favorite time of day?

What’s your favorite time of day?

When I am alone. I need this time to recharge my social batteries and recover from small talk.

When I was hunting and fishing, I’d get up early. So early that not even the dog would get up with me. No one was yapping at me and I could get things done.

Now, I’ve retired and my outdoor activities are different, but the common element is that they are things I do by myself.

You can take the introvert out of the country, but you can’t change his human nature.

What motivates you?

What motivates you?

I don’t have to be motivated. It comes from within. I was born with a sense of responsibility that causes me to do what needs doing. I also prioritize it over other things because it is the right thing to do. That is life, work, and the stuff you have to do.

I think it comes from my father who always did a complete job until it was right. It rarely took him two tries

It’s why I never understood people who let things go

Now for stuff I want to do, I know that there is some sacrifice to become good at anything. It was that was for all of my avocations and is what keeps me healthy.

It’s the right thing to do, period.

Sayings I Used For My Email Closing At Work

I kept this file hanging around and thought I’d share it, YMMV:

L’esprit de L’escalier – things you wish you could have said after you leave an argument

Talk to a fool and he calls you foolish

“Rudeness is the weak man’s imitation of strength.”

Vous-avez le cerveau d’un d’un sandwich au fromage –you have the brain of a cheese sandwich

“Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.” (Sign hanging in Einstein’s office at Princeton)

“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.”
– Dale Carnegie

Robert Frost – “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.”

Arrête de ramer, tu attaques la falaise. (you can stop rowing now, you’re on the beach)

It is easy to lose one’s perspective in a mass of details.

Failure is but a paragraph in the book of each human life. It is the pages that follow that ultimately define us

Laurence J. Peter – “An economist is an expert who will know tomorrow why the things he predicted yesterday didn’t happen today.”

“Racing is Life.  Everything before and after is just waiting.” Steve McQueen from the movie LeMans

Albert Einstein open original article “Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former

Joseph Heller -“The enemy is anybody who’s going to get you killed,
no matter which side he’s on.”

Sidney J. Harris – “A cynic is not merely one who reads bitter lessons from the past, he is one who is prematurely disappointed in the future.”

Abba Eban-“History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives.”

When you win, say nothing, when you lose, say less. -Paul Brown

You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them. -Michael Jordan

Every game is an opportunity to measure yourself against your own potential. -Bud Wilkinson

Excellence is not a singular act but a habit. You are what you do repeatedly. -Shaquille O’Neal

“Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.” Winston Churchill, as quoted in The New American Newspeak Dictionary (2005) by Adrian Krieg, p. 96

 Rudeness is a weak person’s imitation of strength – Oscar Wilde

“What is a cynic? A man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.”

Losers quit when they’re tired. Winners quit when they’ve won

370H-SSV-0773H – read upside down

I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so [are] the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.

— Ecclesiastes 9:11,12 —

“Meetings are indispensable when you don’t want to do anything.” – John Kenneth Galbraith

If guns kill people, then pens misspell words, cars make people drive drunk, forks make you fat, and TVs make you watch porn.

Listen to people. If they are worth talking to, they are worth listening to first.

You can’t change what happens to you in life. All you can change is how you deal with it.

I think I’m emotionally constipated because I haven’t given a $hit in days.

Liberalism: Moochers electing looters to steal from producers

Political Correctness – A term used by whiny pussies that need stuff sugar coated

“The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

 “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” Abraham Lincoln

“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” Elmer Davis

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty.”  John F. Kennedy

“Sure I wave the American flag. Do you know a better flag to wave? Sure I love my country with all her faults. I’m not ashamed of that, never have been, never will be.”  John Wayne

“We must always remember that America is a great nation today not because of what government did for people but because of what people did for themselves and for one another.” Richard Nixon

“There is no limit to the greatness of America!” George W. Bush

“Liberals become indignant when you question their patriotism, but simultaneously work overtime to give terrorists a cushion for the next attack and laugh at dumb Americans who love their country and hate the enemy.” Ann Coulter

“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” Nathan Hale

“Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” Adlai E. Stevenson

“One, if you attack my integrity, I will defend myself. If you attack my patriotism, I will defend myself. If you come after my family, I will counter-attack viciously, I will destroy you.” Scott Ritter

“The American patriots of today continue the tradition of the long line of patriots before them, by helping to promote liberty and freedom around the world.” John Linder  

“Patriotism is easy to understand in America. It means looking out for yourself by looking out for your country.” Calvin Coolidge

“This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in.” Theodore Roosevelt

“You cannot spill a drop of American blood without spilling the blood of the whole world…. We are not a nation, so much as a world.” Herman Melville 

A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within.

– Ariel Durant

“Blessed is the man who, having nothing to say, abstains from giving wordy evidence of the fact.” – George Eliot

Quote du jour

But isn’t it always that way with liberals? The only time they seem to make any sense at all is when they’re drunk or you are.

–Burt Prelutsky

Ya gotta be tough if your gonna be stupid.

“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a piece of shit by the clean end.”

Laurence J. Peteropen original article

“Against logic there is no armor like ignorance.”

“Never judge a book by its movie.”

“Liberals are very broadminded: they are always willing to give careful consideration to both sides of the same side.”

“Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
— Benjamin Franklin

“Give me four years to teach the children and the seed I have sown will never be uprooted.”
— Vladimir Lenin

“When an opponent declares, ‘I will not come over to your side,’ I calmly say, ‘Your child belongs to us already… What are you? You will pass on. Your descendants, however, now stand in the new camp. In a short time they will know nothing else but this new community.’”
— Adolf Hitler

Never take advice from women about women.

And the last one was when I retired:

If the phone doesn’t ring, it’s me – Jimmy Buffett

What is the most important thing to carry with you all the time?

What is the most important thing to carry with you all the time?

A Swiss Army knife of life tools. I couldn’t narrow this down to just one so here’s some. I bet bocopro has the best answer though. Maybe others want weigh in.

Your wits, self-control, belief in God, knowledge you’ve learned from the hard lessons in life, pattern recognitions, martial arts skills, situational awareness of your surroundings, and perhaps a 1911.

Externally, I’m never without a knife of some kind and breath mints which are always in my truck.

Women Share Their Red Flags On Dating Apps

I asked a Facebook group of 58,000 women to tell me their biggest dating app red flags.

What is one thing on a man’s dating profile that will instantly make you swipe left or un-match?

I got hundreds of responses, but they all boiled down to the same seven answers.

And — perhaps surprisingly — none of them had anything to do with looks, height or holding a fish.

So let’s get to it.

7. Kids In Photos

This doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t want to date a man who has children. They just feel it’s irresponsible to put your child’s face on a dating app.

“I understand loving your children and making it very clear that they are a part of your life,” one woman wrote. “But also, it’s an app where hundreds of people can just access your stuff and keep on keeping on. Like I’ve seen what people do to grown women’s posts on the Internet. I would never put a picture of my child on Tinder or any other app.”

6. Photos With Women

Other than maybe your mom.

One time, a guy told me he includes photos of himself with hot girls on his dating profile because it sends a subliminal message that he’s a catch “since he can get hot women.”

And if that’s not the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard, it’s in the top 10.

Just like your wife or girlfriend doesn’t want to look at pictures of you with your ex, potential matches don’t want to feel like it’s a competition before they’ve even gone on a first date.

5. Can’t Hold A Conversation

I think one of the reasons dating apps could not keep my interest is because many of the men simply could not hold a stimulating conversation.

Just an endless stream of, Hey, wyd? Sup? How was your day? over and over again until we both lose interest and quit talking to each other.

I’d say about 99 percent of dating app matches never make it out of the chat.

4. “Not Into Drama”

This was a new one for me, but A LOT of women said it. So clearly, it’s a common line on men’s dating profiles.

“If he has ‘not into drama’ in his bio, it means he IS the drama,” one woman wrote.

Apparently a lot of men also don’t like women who “take themselves seriously.”

3. They Want To Talk On Snapchat

“What’s your snap?”

Three words that will make any woman’s eyes roll to the back of her head — and not in a fun way.

If a grown man only wants to communicate on Snapchat, he is in a relationship or married. Every single time. You might as well write “I’m a cheater” on your forehead and call it a day.

2. Shirtless Photos

This one was my answer, and I’m glad to see I’m not alone. Because this got the second-most mentions out of all the red flags.

A fundamental difference between men and women: If a very hot woman posts a half naked selfie on a dating app, every single man is swiping right. If a very hot man posts a shirtless mirror selfie on a dating app, women are repulsed.

The shirtless mirror selfie (or maybe worse, the pulling-up-my-shirt-to-show-my-abs selfie) is the dead giveaway of douchery. I don’t care if the guy is built like a renaissance statue — I want nothing to do with the level of narcissism he brings to the table.

And — drum roll — the No. 1 answer from the Facebook group. The BIGGEST red flag…

1. Getting Sexual Too Quickly

The ladies have spoken.

If a man immediately starts talking about sex or — God forbid — sends an unsolicited dick pic, it’s game over.

“Not only is it annoying if a guy goes immediately to sex, but it also tells me he’s talking like that to any woman who will entertain it,” one woman wrote.

Just so the men know: If a woman has ever played along with your sexting, then she really likes you. Because that does nothing for us. Dudes get so worked up and horny when they’re sexting. Meanwhile, she’s in the kitchen microwaving noodles in her baggy flannel jammies.

story

on the other hand, too many piercings, lots of tattoos, unnatural hair dye, a lot of cats, overly emotional outbursts, and being a feminist are red flags the other way. If they generalize that “all men are”, your clue is that all men should be out of there.

What strategies do you use to maintain your health and well-being?

What strategies do you use to maintain your health and well-being?

Before I start, I’m betting that people who read my blog have better answers than me. It’s usually the case. I enjoy the comments and it’s eye-opening.

I was a martial artist for years. I learned that you need balance in your life. Mine are Spirit, Mind and Body. I guess I knew it all along, but that experience put words to it.

For Spirit, you need a relationship with God at the forgiveness level. Others believe in their own thing.

For Mind, I take University classes, write extensively, and keep learning. I try to find patterns and opportunities as they present themselves to me in life. You have to challenge your mind or it will become stale. I also learn foreign languages from the dreaded Duolingo.

For Body, I work out six days a week. I bike the mountains, lift weights, Tai Chi, golf and keep myself moving. If you don’t, your body starts the process of decay. At my age, it’s already happening.

The other thing I do is stay away from people who make my life miserable. I don’t have that much time left and spending it with those who are unpleasant isn’t worth it.