How about some positivity?

[Mark]

It sure has been a year already, hasn’t it? After my last few threads, I decided that I’m not starting another one unless it’s about something on a happier note. Between everything going on in the world and our own personal battles we fight every day, I think it’ll do us all some good to share something good that you’ve experienced since the year began. As insignificant as it may be in the face of everything else you contend with or witness in the world, we can’t lose sight of those flickering moments of positivity.

So, I’ll share something that just happened today, and I’d love to read any of your stories that have happened recently that you’d like to share with the rest of the class.

Shortly after my girlfriend and I moved out to western Maryland, we saw this young man standing in his driveway frantically waving at us when we were driving past. We slowed down, rolled the window down, and he screamed “HI! Have a good day!” and we told him to do the same, and kept on trucking towards home. If I had to guess, he’s in his late teens or early 20’s and has some degree of “disability”, as much as I dislike using that word, I don’t want to assume his condition either. We began to see him regularly, each time we went to the grocery store or dispensary, and he would recognize us and run to the end of his driveway and wave. We’d see him try to do the same to other cars, most would engage with him, but others would continue driving and ignore him. We stopped seeing him when the weather got really cold, and haven’t seen him until today. This time, we pulled over to see how he has been and to spend a little bit more time with him than a passing honk and wave, because it had been so long since we saw him last. He immediately ran up, gave me a high five and shook our hands, and told us that he loved us. He couldn’t have known it, but her and I both needed that reminder today… attitude is everything in this world. Again, I hate to assume, but, I can only imagine the challenges this young man faces on a daily basis. We’ve seen him in the pouring rain waving at people. We’ve seen him in the sun. We’ve seen him on Christmas Eve. All that guy wants to do is spread his happiness, and it’s contagious. He was one of the first strangers we’ve encountered since moving here that blew us away with his kindness.

After her and I got home, she started a post in the neighborhood group asking if anyone in it is aware of him. The response was immediate, and the best part? Today was his birthday, which is why he was hanging outside even after we had an ice storm this morning. As it turns out, he’s a bit of a local celebrity, and about 30 minutes prior to us passing by… the town had a parade for him where they drove by his house, flashing lights, gifts, and all. He has no clue yet, but he has helped us see things differently at a time where we both needed that change of perspective. The last three days for us have been filled with more tears than the last three years, and here that guy faces uncertainty with his health every single day and not only manages to put a smile on, but makes others smile, and making others smile makes him smile even more.

The world needs more guys like our new friend Mark. I wish I was half the Mark he is.

 

[Crystal]

That Mark sounds like a hell of a Mark, and I'm glad you got to know him and share his story of spreading joy and positivity. Isn't it amazing that the people who are the happiest are the people who ultimately want the least out of life? His needs are simple, a smile, a wave, a couple of minutes of your time and he's over the moon. We should all be like him.

Sadly I live in a mostly negative existence, so I have nothing positive to share in return except gratitude for sharing your story. My main source of positivity stems from the people here and, of course @MC74, who picks me up from such horrible depths more often than anyone should have to. I love her. I love feeling love, that's one positive I can offer.

 

[Mark]

That Mark sounds like a hell of a Mark, and I'm glad you got to know him and share his story of spreading joy and positivity. Isn't it amazing that the people who are the happiest are the people who ultimately want the least out of life? His needs are simple, a smile, a wave, a couple of minutes of your time and he's over the moon. We should all be like him.

Sadly I live in a mostly negative existence, so I have nothing positive to share in return except gratitude for sharing your story. My main source of positivity stems from the people here and, of course @MC74, who picks me up from such horrible depths more often than anyone should have to. I love her. I love feeling love, that's one positive I can offer.

It sounds to me like we need the Marcie and Crystal: Origin Story Super Deluxe BioPic.

 

[Crystal]

It sounds to me like we need the Marcie and Crystal: Origin Story Super Deluxe BioPic.

I'll have to think about that one, lol, it's...interesting.

 

[Mark]

I'll have to think about that one, lol, it's...interesting.

I didn’t say you had to give us the NC-17 Director’s Cut of it, damnit.

 

[Crystal]

I didn’t say you had to give us the NC-17 Director’s Cut of it, damnit.

I didn't say it was...I just meant...well...now it's just going to be disappointing, lol.

 

[Mark]

I didn't say it was...I just meant...well...now it's just going to be disappointing, lol.

Hey, a love story is just as good as a happy story, dude. I don’t think anyone here would argue that, because everyone deserves happiness… even if they don’t think they do, like you probably would, so don’t go there, because I already called you on it, and you’re wrong.

 

[Crystal]

Hey, a love story is just as good as a happy story, dude. I don’t think anyone here would argue that, because everyone deserves happiness… even if they don’t think they do, like you probably would, so don’t go there, because I already called you on it, and you’re wrong.

Fine, fine...I'll...spill the beans. Give me time to write it up. It's not an incredibly amazing story, we sort of...just happened.

 

[shortkut]

Fine, fine...I'll...spill the beans. Give me time to write it up. It's not an incredibly amazing story, we sort of...just happened.

abridged version:

 

[Crystal]

abridged version:
View attachment 26930

There we go. Done!

 

[Crystal]

So umm...yeah...our origin story.

How do I...I don't know...it's hard to really explain how we met. So initially we met by being fans of a youtuber we both watched, and that youtuber started a forum...go figure. I started helping on that forum (go figure), and it became a very popular forum, but also a very toxic forum by virtue of it being a youtuber's forum with an audience ranging from teens up to 40s at that point (we're talking 10 years ago at this point). It was a fun place to be for about 6 months, but then a small group of us started to really feel the toxicity of the forum and, even though I was a mod, and later a website tech there, a group of us formed a group and create a breakaway community of our own. Marcie was a part of that group, and basically even though I kept working on the other forum and the breakaway forum at the same time, our group become really close knit and turned into a little family. We were maybe 15, 20 strong at most, nothing to write home about, but were all close with one another and all really good friends at this point. A couple of years in the youtuber's site shut down, which was fine, but we kept our community going, it's still going to this day, just shy of ten years later, they've been there for me through a lot of ups and downs, and vice versa. When GW declined and eventually went down I went searching for a new home and I found it in them, they were even the first people I came out to online. They were accepting of me and took their time as I fumbled my way through the early stages, it was really nice.

As I started to become more at ease with myself, and as Crystal became more of a reality and less of deep seated fantasy a few things started to shift for me. I realize this experience won't be understandable for anyone who hasn't been through transition, but as someone going from closed off emotionless fake man-drone to open-hearted hormonal trans woman and learning to experience feelings and emotions for the first time, truly and deeply, I noticed that dynamics with my friends started to shift. I was able to tell them I cared about them, SHOW them I cared about them, and it wasn't weird or awkward, it was just me being me. It felt nice to break down some walls I'd kept up for so many years as I hid myself away, and yeah, a lot of the guys were a little iffy about it at first because...well...it is what it is, but they adapted to a more emotionally open and expressive Crystal and learned that this was just a part of me now. During all of this time myself, Marcie and a third member of our group, we'll leave his name out of this, had a private convo that we'd started years prior to talk about computer stuff, all three of us were CS nerds and had been in or were presently in school or work for CS-related careers and we started chatting with one another about those topics in a private convo that eventually turned into just a general three way chat.

Marcie and myself started to chat more and more casually to the point that we realized we had a lot in common...a LOT in common. Our little chat quickly morphed into a big chat that grew to 50,000 messages, and discord, and Xbox...and before we knew it we were talking everywhere, all the time. We clicked. We were miles apart, but we felt like we'd lived next door to each other for decades. We didn't mean for it to become a relationship, but it did, I don't even remember when that dynamic shifted, honestly, or when we first started referring to each other as gfs, but I wouldn't have it any other way, and even though we have a distance between us, we both have plans in place to live together when my situation changes. There are parts of me that I don't show, parts of me that I try very hard not to let people see, the depression, the suicidal ideation, I try very hard to keep that away from the forums, but I know it bleeds through in small quantities. Marcie has seen it in full force, and she's faced it head on and never run away. She's picked me up every time I've fallen down. She's kept me going even when I've wanted to jump. I've been in the depths of depression, and on the verge of one suicide and she's managed to bring me back. I try not to let her know how bad it gets, but she knows. Of course she knows. She's my rock. I love her

 

[MC74]

I wouldn't have it any other way either. I'm glad things turned out the way they did.

 

[Crystal]

I wouldn't have it any other way either. I'm glad things turned out the way they did.

Same! I'm looking forward to the day we're together properly.

 

[MC74]

Same! I'm looking forward to the day we're together properly.

Same, hon. Same.

 

[Crystal]

Same, hon. Same.

You're going to hate me so damn much

 

[rktaker]

I was also part of this community that Crystal is talking about and as someone who is very shy and anti-social to find a place I can be just myself and not have to worry about anything is nice. the fact that it's been 10 years (starting from the youtubers site) is still nuts to me. been through a lot of ups and downs over the years but I wouldn't be where I am now without Marcie and Crystal and if I didn't join that breakaway group

edit: or I should say I wouldn't be the grump I am today without them

 

[MC74]

You're going to hate me so damn much

Nuh-uh, were gonna have so much fun together.

I was also part of this community that Crystal is talking about and as someone who is very shy and anti-social to find a place I can be just myself and not have to worry about anything is nice. the fact that it's been 10 years (starting from the youtubers site) is still nuts to me. been through a lot of ups and downs over the years but I wouldn't be where I am now without Marcie and Crystal and if I didn't join that breakaway group

edit: or I should say I wouldn't be the grump I am today without them

Likewise, we wouldn't be where we are now without the community, and we're very thankful that you're a huge part of it.

 

[Crystal]

I was also part of this community that Crystal is talking about and as someone who is very shy and anti-social to find a place I can be just myself and not have to worry about anything is nice. the fact that it's been 10 years (starting from the youtubers site) is still nuts to me. been through a lot of ups and downs over the years but I wouldn't be where I am now without Marcie and Crystal and if I didn't join that breakaway group

edit: or I should say I wouldn't be the grump I am today without them

And we love that you joined our little group and became such an integral part of our little family and then joined us here on GWF, too. You're our grump, rk, and we love you!

 

[Mark]

So umm...yeah...our origin story.

How do I...I don't know...it's hard to really explain how we met. So initially we met by being fans of a youtuber we both watched, and that youtuber started a forum...go figure. I started helping on that forum (go figure), and it became a very popular forum, but also a very toxic forum by virtue of it being a youtuber's forum with an audience ranging from teens up to 40s at that point (we're talking 10 years ago at this point). It was a fun place to be for about 6 months, but then a small group of us started to really feel the toxicity of the forum and, even though I was a mod, and later a website tech there, a group of us formed a group and create a breakaway community of our own. Marcie was a part of that group, and basically even though I kept working on the other forum and the breakaway forum at the same time, our group become really close knit and turned into a little family. We were maybe 15, 20 strong at most, nothing to write home about, but were all close with one another and all really good friends at this point. A couple of years in the youtuber's site shut down, which was fine, but we kept our community going, it's still going to this day, just shy of ten years later, they've been there for me through a lot of ups and downs, and vice versa. When GW declined and eventually went down I went searching for a new home and I found it in them, they were even the first people I came out to online. They were accepting of me and took their time as I fumbled my way through the early stages, it was really nice.

As I started to become more at ease with myself, and as Crystal became more of a reality and less of deep seated fantasy a few things started to shift for me. I realize this experience won't be understandable for anyone who hasn't been through transition, but as someone going from closed off emotionless fake man-drone to open-hearted hormonal trans woman and learning to experience feelings and emotions for the first time, truly and deeply, I noticed that dynamics with my friends started to shift. I was able to tell them I cared about them, SHOW them I cared about them, and it wasn't weird or awkward, it was just me being me. It felt nice to break down some walls I'd kept up for so many years as I hid myself away, and yeah, a lot of the guys were a little iffy about it at first because...well...it is what it is, but they adapted to a more emotionally open and expressive Crystal and learned that this was just a part of me now. During all of this time myself, Marcie and a third member of our group, we'll leave his name out of this, had a private convo that we'd started years prior to talk about computer stuff, all three of us were CS nerds and had been in or were presently in school or work for CS-related careers and we started chatting with one another about those topics in a private convo that eventually turned into just a general three way chat.

Marcie and myself started to chat more and more casually to the point that we realized we had a lot in common...a LOT in common. Our little chat quickly morphed into a big chat that grew to 50,000 messages, and discord, and Xbox...and before we knew it we were talking everywhere, all the time. We clicked. We were miles apart, but we felt like we'd lived next door to each other for decades. We didn't mean for it to become a relationship, but it did, I don't even remember when that dynamic shifted, honestly, or when we first started referring to each other as gfs, but I wouldn't have it any other way, and even though we have a distance between us, we both have plans in place to live together when my situation changes. There are parts of me that I don't show, parts of me that I try very hard not to let people see, the depression, the suicidal ideation, I try very hard to keep that away from the forums, but I know it bleeds through in small quantities. Marcie has seen it in full force, and she's faced it head on and never run away. She's picked me up every time I've fallen down. She's kept me going even when I've wanted to jump. I've been in the depths of depression, and on the verge of one suicide and she's managed to bring me back. I try not to let her know how bad it gets, but she knows. Of course she knows. She's my rock. I love her

These are the kinda stories we need more of, because you never know when someone else is feeling the same way you were, and all they might need to hear is that there’s light at the end of the tunnel to give them the strength to hang on or the hope to keep on trying.

 

[Crystal]

These are the kinda stories we need more of, because you never know when someone else is feeling the same way you were, and all they might need to hear is that there’s light at the end of the tunnel to give them the strength to hang on or the hope to keep on trying.

I suppose, I just figured no one would want to hear about two people in a long distance relationship.

 

[Mark]

I suppose, I just figured no one would want to hear about two people in a long distance relationship.

Consider all of the things we have to hear about that none of us want to or choose to every single day. Have you seen the news lately? Y’all’s happiness is far higher up the list of things people would want to find out. With all the dark shit out there… any glimmer of happiness anyone finds is priceless.

 

[Crystal]

Consider all of the things we have to hear about that none of us want to or choose to every single day. Have you seen the news lately? Y’all’s happiness is far higher up the list of things people would want to find out. With all the dark shit out there… any glimmer of happiness anyone finds is priceless.

It's not even that good of a story, we just happened, lol. But yeah, I get it, better than reading about Donny Dumb Dumb again.

 

[Kat]

It's not even that good of a story, we just happened, lol. But yeah, I get it, better than reading about Donny Dumb Dumb again.

It's sweet though, the way relationships should ideally start: as friends who support each other. It's way more heartwarming than the story of how I met my girlfriend (although mine is funnier).

I do happen to have some good news: I was just given a 10% raise this week. And I went to the dentist for the first time in ten years and still somehow don't have any cavities or anything like that. I'm guessing I can thank my dad's genetics for that one.

 

[Mark]

It's not even that good of a story, we just happened, lol. But yeah, I get it, better than reading about Donny Dumb Dumb again.

Exactly, and right now, (I’m gonna say it) people, especially (here I go…) people like you need to remind yourselves of those glimmers of happiness. Y’all need every little bit of reason to hang on and ride this storm out. There are a lot of reasons to feel doom and gloom, and all of them justified, but… that little bit of happiness y’all found among it all? Absolutely beautiful, and in spite of everything in the way, also strong as fuck.

 

[Mark]

It's sweet though, the way relationships should ideally start: as friends who support each other. It's way more heartwarming than the story of how I met my girlfriend (although mine is funnier).

I agree. I shared my story about how I ended up with my girlfriend early on here, and it’s very similar. Her and I were both in a pretty bad headspace, and just ended up finding someone to lean on at the right time.

(You’ve also got me curious about your story now.)

I do happen to have some good news: I was just given a 10% raise this week. And I went to the dentist for the first time in ten years and still somehow don't have any cavities or anything like that. I'm guessing I can thank my dad's genetics for that one.

That’s excellent news! Congratulations on both fronts.

 

[Crystal]

It's sweet though, the way relationships should ideally start: as friends who support each other. It's way more heartwarming than the story of how I met my girlfriend (although mine is funnier).

She's so sweet, she always lets me know she's there for me, especially if I go quiet. I get messages saying she's thinking about me. I need those, I need a little grounding now and then to keep me in the here and now. Never had someone so thoughtful and caring in my life. I don't deserve her, I truly don't, but I adore her.

I am intrigued about how you met your girlfriend now that you said that, though, lol. Not that I'm pressuring you to put that out there!

I do happen to have some good news: I was just given a 10% raise this week. And I went to the dentist for the first time in ten years and still somehow don't have any cavities or anything like that. I'm guessing I can thank my dad's genetics for that one.

Yay!! Congratulations on both! A raise is always good, and no cavities is awesome!

Exactly, and right now, (I’m gonna say it) people, especially (here I go…) people like you need to remind yourselves of those glimmers of happiness. Y’all need every little bit of reason to hang on and ride this storm out. There are a lot of reasons to feel doom and gloom, and all of them justified, but… that little bit of happiness y’all found among it all? Absolutely beautiful, and in spite of everything in the way, also strong as fuck.

What you mean people like me??!? You got something to say? Huh?



Joking aside, yeah, it's nice to have some brightness in a world that otherwise feels like hate and darkness. You're right. It's been one indignity after another of late and sometimes it's nice to pump the brakes and spotlight the fluffy kitty in the room and aww for a moment rather than focus on the latest pile of shit we have to muddle through.

 

[Mark]

What you mean people like me??!? You got something to say? Huh?

You’re goddamn right I do. Depressed, lonely, loving people that spend their days living selflessly deserve to feel happiness and love. Reciprocity is a thing, and it’s high time you experience the good that the world has to offer instead of just the bad.

Joking aside, yeah, it's nice to have some brightness in a world that otherwise feels like hate and darkness. You're right. It's been one indignity after another of late and sometimes it's nice to pump the brakes and spotlight the fluffy kitty in the room and aww for a moment rather than focus on the latest pile of shit we have to muddle through.

Well, you’re gonna have to go through the shit regardless. The only difference is, you don’t have to go through it alone.

 

[Crystal]

You’re goddamn right I do. Depressed, lonely, loving people that spend their days living selflessly deserve to feel happiness and love. Reciprocity is a thing, and it’s high time you experience the good that the world has to offer instead of just the bad.

Nah, I don't deserve the good, I've done nothing to deserve good. I'll never be good enough for Marcie, I know that. But I'll appreciate every minute she's willing to spend on me.

Well, you’re gonna have to go through the shit regardless. The only difference is, you don’t have to go through it alone.

 

[MC74]

@Jon is gonna love this little bit. It was our passion for the sport of hockey that brought us together.

 

[Crystal]

@Jon is gonna love this little bit. It was our passion for the sport of hockey that brought us together.

Yep! Hockey was our first passion, it's the main topic of the youtuber whose site were first met on mostly talked about, a subject many of our family on the other site are passionate about, as well. We share that love to this day.

 

[Jon]

@Jon is gonna love this little bit. It was our passion for the sport of hockey that brought us together.

Hockey brings everyone together! Where else can you have fans LITERALLY on the opposite end of the rivalry and STILL share a drink and conversation?

I will never forget the images of Canadiens/Bruins back in... 03? 04? One of those years. Habs were kicking the crap out of Boston and Boston came back to beat them... But anyway, scenes from Boston pubs of pointing and jeering at Habs fans, then after the Boston dudes buying them rounds and talking hockey with them. Imagine that shit with the Sox/Yankees? Bengals/Steelers? Lakers/Literally Anyone? Only hockey.

Also, where the fuck does the nickname Habs come from? I always wondered...

I have a happy story from last week.

We planned a trip to Disney a few weeks ago for a couple night overnight, but everyone got sick and we had to cancel. So, my sister and I took my daughter for an overnight last weekend instead. I had bought a cheap Stitch shirt from Walmart that said "I'd rather not" because my sister's favorite character at Disney is Stitch.

So we went to Epcot and this month is 2025's festival of the arts. One of my favorites because licensed Disney artists from around the world are selling and displaying their artwork in stands. Some even come to sign at their booths. Fun experience and something that I envy since I can't even draw stick figures.

Well, we're walking randomly and some dude stops me. Me in a crown of thousands. And says "That's my drawing, you know..." pointing to my random Walmart shirt. It took me a second to actually piece all this together, but then he showed me the instagram post with the exact picture he drew years ago now on my shirt. We stopped and started chatting for a short time about how he's licensed by Disney to draw and redistribute his artwork, unlike most the others there, who draw the pictures and sell lithographs. We spent time cycling through his artwork and I had him sign my random Walmart shirt. Took a few pictures together, friended him on instagram (well my sister and daughter did, I don't use instagram at all lol). And the best part? His Disney name tag... HIS NAME WAS JOHN! I can even forgive him for having that sinful "H" in his name.

 

[Crystal]

Hockey brings everyone together! Where else can you have fans LITERALLY on the opposite end of the rivalry and STILL share a drink and conversation?

I will never forget the images of Canadiens/Bruins back in... 03? 04? One of those years. Habs were kicking the crap out of Boston and Boston came back to beat them... But anyway, scenes from Boston pubs of pointing and jeering at Habs fans, then after the Boston dudes buying them rounds and talking hockey with them. Imagine that shit with the Sox/Yankees? Bengals/Steelers? Lakers/Literally Anyone? Only hockey.

Gotta' pull them back from the brink when they're down. Hockey fans know despair, every fanbase has been there, so we all know it.

Also, where the fuck does the nickname Habs come from? I always wondered...

Les Habitants are their nickname, Les Habs.

I have a happy story from last week.

We planned a trip to Disney a few weeks ago for a couple night overnight, but everyone got sick and we had to cancel. So, my sister and I took my daughter for an overnight last weekend instead. I had bought a cheap Stitch shirt from Walmart that said "I'd rather not" because my sister's favorite character at Disney is Stitch.

So we went to Epcot and this month is 2025's festival of the arts. One of my favorites because licensed Disney artists from around the world are selling and displaying their artwork in stands. Some even come to sign at their booths. Fun experience and something that I envy since I can't even draw stick figures.

Well, we're walking randomly and some dude stops me. Me in a crown of thousands. And says "That's my drawing, you know..." pointing to my random Walmart shirt. It took me a second to actually piece all this together, but then he showed me the instagram post with the exact picture he drew years ago now on my shirt. We stopped and started chatting for a short time about how he's licensed by Disney to draw and redistribute his artwork, unlike most the others there, who draw the pictures and sell lithographs. We spent time cycling through his artwork and I had him sign my random Walmart shirt. Took a few pictures together, friended him on instagram (well my sister and daughter did, I don't use instagram at all lol). And the best part? His Disney name tag... HIS NAME WAS JOHN! I can even forgive him for having that sinful "H" in his name.

That's amazing, what a cool chance meeting, and how awesome that you managed to strike up a conversation out of nowhere over a random Walmart purchase! That's so cool

 

[Kat]

She's so sweet, she always lets me know she's there for me, especially if I go quiet. I get messages saying she's thinking about me. I need those, I need a little grounding now and then to keep me in the here and now. Never had someone so thoughtful and caring in my life. I don't deserve her, I truly don't, but I adore her.

Why don't you deserve that? It sounds like you do the same for her, and that you two deserve each other in the best way.

I am intrigued about how you met your girlfriend now that you said that, though, lol. Not that I'm pressuring you to put that out there!

Sure, I'll share. Maybe it'll make you feel better about yourself.

A couple of years ago, I wanted to start dating women, but I had no idea how to approach it. My usual strategy of "exist with a low-cut top" didn't seem to work with women. So I joined a dating app. To show some personality, one of the pictures I included was me holding my friend's squirrel.

I quickly matched with a gorgeous and funny woman who immediately started flirting with me. I liked it but was also taken aback; despite gender stereotypes, I've rarely had that experience with men. We talked for a bit, including a lot about the squirrel. I became flustered, made some excuse about needing to get to a meeting, and promised to message her later.

I didn't message that night.

Or the next day.

Or that whole week.

I was trying to figure out a good enough excuse for the extended silence to salvage the situation when my friend who had the squirrel texted me: the squirrel had a health problem and had to be put down! The squirrel she had been so interested in meeting! The squirrel I had been planning to use to distract from my shitty behavior. The squirrel she was certainly going to mention again the next time we spoke. "My bad for ghosting you, and also that cute squirrel that's probably the only reason you messaged me is now dead." Yes, surely that would win her over.

I thought about her every day, trying to figure out what to say, but as more time passed, the more I felt like every excuse or cute line I could come up with wasn't good enough.

A total of six weeks passed. Six. Weeks. What person with even a shred of self respect would give me the time of day now? Surely she had found someone else. But I knew if I didn't try, I'd wonder what could've been the rest of my life. So I fought the dread and opened the dating app, and desperately tried to think of something, anything clever: A family emergency? My house burned down?? I was abducted by aliens???

I started typing and I guess a lack of better ideas resulted in me writing out the truth: I got overwhelmed and panicked then panicked about panicking and I was really sorry and was there any chance she was still interested in going out? I remember staring at the message I sent in surprise and wonder. My usual strategy was to hide my neuroticism until I had charmed my date into falling for me, but apparently I was giving this a try instead.

To my amazement, she agreed to a date, and despite my sometimes erratic behavior, we've been together ever since.

So, Crystal, I can certainly relate to feeling like you don't deserve your girlfriend. I wouldn't have been as understanding as she was. I probably wouldn't have even responded, just out of petty revenge. I plan to enjoy her questionable decision of dating me for as long as possible, though.

 

[Crystal]

Why don't you deserve that? It sounds like you do the same for her, and that you two deserve each other in the best way.

She could do far better than me, she deserves far better than me.

Sure, I'll share. Maybe it'll make you feel better about yourself.

A couple of years ago, I wanted to start dating women, but I had no idea how to approach it. My usual strategy of "exist with a low-cut top" didn't seem to work with women. So I joined a dating app. To show some personality, one of the pictures I included was me holding my friend's squirrel.

I quickly matched with a gorgeous and funny woman who immediately started flirting with me. I liked it but was also taken aback; despite gender stereotypes, I've rarely had that experience with men. We talked for a bit, including a lot about the squirrel. I became flustered, made some excuse about needing to get to a meeting, and promised to message her later.

I didn't message that night.

Or the next day.

Or that whole week.

I was trying to figure out a good enough excuse for the extended silence to salvage the situation when my friend who had the squirrel texted me: the squirrel had a health problem and had to be put down! The squirrel she had been so interested in meeting! The squirrel I had been planning to use to distract from my shitty behavior. The squirrel she was certainly going to mention again the next time we spoke. "My bad for ghosting you, and also that cute squirrel that's probably the only reason you messaged me is now dead." Yes, surely that would win her over.

I thought about her every day, trying to figure out what to say, but as more time passed, the more I felt like every excuse or cute line I could come up with wasn't good enough.

A total of six weeks passed. Six. Weeks. What person with even a shred of self respect would give me the time of day now? Surely she had found someone else. But I knew if I didn't try, I'd wonder what could've been the rest of my life. So I fought the dread and opened the dating app, and desperately tried to think of something, anything clever: A family emergency? My house burned down?? I was abducted by aliens???

I started typing and I guess a lack of better ideas resulted in me writing out the truth: I got overwhelmed and panicked then panicked about panicking and I was really sorry and was there any chance she was still interested in going out? I remember staring at the message I sent in surprise and wonder. My usual strategy was to hide my neuroticism until I had charmed my date into falling for me, but apparently I was giving this a try instead.

To my amazement, she agreed to a date, and despite my sometimes erratic behavior, we've been together ever since.

So, Crystal, I can certainly relate to feeling like you don't deserve your girlfriend. I wouldn't have been as understanding as she was. I probably wouldn't have even responded, just out of petty revenge. I plan to enjoy her questionable decision of dating me for as long as possible, though.

Honesty. You were honest and it resonated. I'd have responded, as well, because honesty goes a long way with me, and well, I mean, honestly so does cute flirting, lol. Thanks for sharing that, Kat, it's a really cute story, and I'm glad you're both together and happy. How's she been, btw? Everything good since Thailand? She doing well? Nosy bitch wants to ask invasive questions again, lol .

Nah, genuinely, I am happy for you both, and that you wound up together in the end!

 

[Mark]

Why don't you deserve that? It sounds like you do the same for her, and that you two deserve each other in the best way.


Sure, I'll share. Maybe it'll make you feel better about yourself.

A couple of years ago, I wanted to start dating women, but I had no idea how to approach it. My usual strategy of "exist with a low-cut top" didn't seem to work with women. So I joined a dating app. To show some personality, one of the pictures I included was me holding my friend's squirrel.

I quickly matched with a gorgeous and funny woman who immediately started flirting with me. I liked it but was also taken aback; despite gender stereotypes, I've rarely had that experience with men. We talked for a bit, including a lot about the squirrel. I became flustered, made some excuse about needing to get to a meeting, and promised to message her later.

I didn't message that night.

Or the next day.

Or that whole week.

I was trying to figure out a good enough excuse for the extended silence to salvage the situation when my friend who had the squirrel texted me: the squirrel had a health problem and had to be put down! The squirrel she had been so interested in meeting! The squirrel I had been planning to use to distract from my shitty behavior. The squirrel she was certainly going to mention again the next time we spoke. "My bad for ghosting you, and also that cute squirrel that's probably the only reason you messaged me is now dead." Yes, surely that would win her over.

I thought about her every day, trying to figure out what to say, but as more time passed, the more I felt like every excuse or cute line I could come up with wasn't good enough.

A total of six weeks passed. Six. Weeks. What person with even a shred of self respect would give me the time of day now? Surely she had found someone else. But I knew if I didn't try, I'd wonder what could've been the rest of my life. So I fought the dread and opened the dating app, and desperately tried to think of something, anything clever: A family emergency? My house burned down?? I was abducted by aliens???

I started typing and I guess a lack of better ideas resulted in me writing out the truth: I got overwhelmed and panicked then panicked about panicking and I was really sorry and was there any chance she was still interested in going out? I remember staring at the message I sent in surprise and wonder. My usual strategy was to hide my neuroticism until I had charmed my date into falling for me, but apparently I was giving this a try instead.

To my amazement, she agreed to a date, and despite my sometimes erratic behavior, we've been together ever since.

So, Crystal, I can certainly relate to feeling like you don't deserve your girlfriend. I wouldn't have been as understanding as she was. I probably wouldn't have even responded, just out of petty revenge. I plan to enjoy her questionable decision of dating me for as long as possible, though.

Anyone who has the patience to build the foundation of a relationship at the other person’s pace is someone worth keeping, especially in the landscape of “swipe right/left” that dating has become. Most people are focused on instant gratification when it comes to dating… they’re replacing an ex because they don’t want to be alone, just trying to get some because they’re horny, etc. When you find someone who has the patience to wait for you to reply, who doesn’t pressure you because you haven’t replied on their timetable, and someone who understands that a lack of a response doesn’t necessarily indicate a lack of interest… that’s someone worth hanging on to, because they’re looking at the big picture.

 

[Kat]

How's she been, btw? Everything good since Thailand? She doing well? Nosy bitch wants to ask invasive questions again, lol .

She's doing great. She's certainly been, uh, enjoying the new equipment iykwim. It's good to see her so much happier.

 

[Mark]

She could do far better than me, she deserves far better than me.

@MC74 , you wanna tell her to shut up, or should I?

Honesty. You were honest and it resonated. I'd have responded, as well, because honesty goes a long way with me, and well, I mean, honestly so does cute flirting, lol. Thanks for sharing that, Kat, it's a really cute story, and I'm glad you're both together and happy. How's she been, btw? Everything good since Thailand? She doing well? Nosy bitch wants to ask invasive questions again, lol .

Nah, genuinely, I am happy for you both, and that you wound up together in the end!

Precisely. I’d much rather a girl be blunt like that than try to play the Ms. Perfection game early on. It gives the impression that you’re either ashamed of who you are, or have something to hide. Bluntness? That’s good business there. Straight to the point. “I got a lot of shit going on” is much better than obvious excuses.

 

[Crystal]

She's doing great. She's certainly been, uh, enjoying the new equipment iykwim. It's good to see her so much happier.

That's fantastic, I'm so happy for her. It's incredible what surgery can do for a person. She's lucky

 

[Crystal]

@MC74 , you wanna tell her to shut up, or should I?

She knows. She can do so much better than me. I love her to death, but she deserves so much more.

Precisely. I’d much rather a girl be blunt like that than try to play the Ms. Perfection game early on. It gives the impression that you’re either ashamed of who you are, or have something to hide. Bluntness? That’s good business there. Straight to the point. “I got a lot of shit going on” is much better than obvious excuses.

Precisely. But honest about it and they'll respect it FAR more than some story.

 

[MC74]

@MC74 , you wanna tell her to shut up, or should I?

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Crystal is the only girl I want.

 

[Crystal]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Crystal is the only girl I want.

I love you

 

[MC74]

I love you

I love you too, my Dallas Darling.

 

[Crystal]

I love you too, my Dallas Darling.

My Cabaedian Baeple Leaf

 

[MC74]

My Cabaedian Baeple Leaf

My Bolton Bae.

 

[Crystal]

Ahem. Sorry everyone, lol. Back to the positive stories

 

[MC74]

Ahem. Sorry everyone, lol. Back to the positive stories

Jordie Benn back to the Stars. Now that's a story for the ages.

 

[Kat]

Ahem. Sorry everyone, lol. Back to the positive stories

Nice try! Why are you a "Dallas darling"? You're obviously not from Texas!

 

[MC74]

Nice try! Why are you a "Dallas darling"? You're obviously not from Texas!

Dallas Stars fan.

 

[Crystal]

Nice try! Why are you a "Dallas darling"? You're obviously not from Texas!

I lived in the Dallas area for five years, I have a love for the Dallas Stars hockey team and hockey is a shared passion for both Marcie and myself, so...she's a Maple Leaf's fan (my little Baeple Leaf, lol) and I'm...ahem...her...Dallas...Darling...

 

[Kat]

I lived in the Dallas area for five years, I have a love for the Dallas Stars hockey team and hockey is a shared passion for both Marcie and myself, so...she's a Maple Leaf's fan (my little Baeple Leaf, lol) and I'm...ahem...her...Dallas...Darling...

I can imagine your cheeks reddening as you type that. =]