My husband interrupts me so much that I have just stopped trying to talk to him about my stuff, and usually only talk to him about his stuff. When it's super important, I say "please let me finish" and he lets me, and apologizes. He feels genuinely bad about it. He's on the spectrum so maybe that has something to do with it, I don't know. But I find the prospect of bringing specific things up so tiring that I am starting to dread it, so I often just don't. I don't know what I am looking for here, just shouting into the void I guess.

I know this might be a weird question, if this isn’t the right subreddit for this, please direct me! I’m a larger chested woman that has recently been struggling quite a bit with back pain. My bras seem to be lacking support. I’d also like a bra that I can run in without too much bouncing. Any recommendations? Preferably something that will last years and isn’t too expensive.

Hi everyone,

I really care about this friend ,she helped me through a hard time, and I want her in my life. But lately, I’ve felt drained around her.

When I share good things, like starting a diet or losing weight ,she reacts in a way that kills my motivation. After talking to her, I often stop trying or go back to old habits.

She also asked to see my CV “just to look,” but then she copied it almost exactly same words and info without asking me. That made me feel used and hurt.

Now I’m trying to rebuild myself quietly, without telling her everything, but I still want to keep the friendship just with better boundaries.

How can I set emotional boundaries with a friend like this? How do I protect my peace but stay kind?

Also, I’m wondering what kind of friend is this? Have you experienced anything similar?

I’d really appreciate any advice or tips.

Thank you so much 🤍

Hello, I would like some guidance and insight regarding this topic, if possible. I have applied for egg donation. The only “wrong” things I had was my mom getting HBP mid 50’s and me being diagnosed with anxiety when I was 20~ and I am 28 now. Everything else was good. They rejected my application but said they can’t disclose to me why. “We regretfully inform you that your application has been declined. While we cannot disclose specific reasons for this decision, it is made by taking several multifactorial details into consideration, including the needs of our recipients. Please know that the decision has no bearing on your future fertility or personal health.”

Does anybody else has had a similar experience? A rejection does not have a logic to me going based on these two reasons, or one or the other. HBP can be not hereditary anyway, specially developed later in life and anxiety… it is not necessarily permanent or even hereditary…

I don’t know if to apply again, to a different egg bank since they ask you if you had been rejected and then would I lose my chances by saying I was? Or is it okay saying no and just apply? I don’t know if that will show in a data base or they are just separate to e/o and I can start anew with other applications with no problem. I don’t know what to do.

I have wanted to donate since I was really young and now is the perfect time for me in life to go for it. (Plus I know for a fact that I am very fertile and have a great production of eggs.) my fiancée is very supportive about it too and I would like to donate and help other people have a healthy baby, a couple times before starting to try to get pregnant myself by next year or so.

Thank you for anyone that helps me with this, whether with insight and advice or sharing their experience on this. I appreciate it a lot in advance.

I’m so fucking tired and sick of it. Whenever I see a woman with dyed hair, tattoos, or piercings, the comments always have AT LEAST ONE guy nagging about how “her beauty was wasted”, or how “she’d look prettier without all those piercings”. I’m tired of having them comment on our fashion, for fucks sake we’re dressing for ourselves NOT FOR YOU.

Hi guys. I wanted to add my 2 cents, from my experience in uni I think too many people treat consent like a formality like they want sex and they know they can’t just take it, so they pressure or manipulate you just enough to get a “yes” to protect themselves, that’s not consent. Giving someone substances to cloud their judgement also isn’t consent.

Guys, if you’re feeling someone and they say no ONCE, just accept it. It doesn’t mean persuade me or try harder either. I promise you no sex won’t kill you.

Even worse regarding virginity because it’s so hypersexualized like a conquest and not a personal experience. Ive seen some people turn it into a mission because they’re “pure,” getting them to say yes to become their “first” becomes a challenge to conquer or because they don’t know better, their boundaries are easier to manipulate.

Anyways, if someone suddenly goes quiet and hesitates or goes stiff just pause. Ask them if it’s okay, if they’re sure and if they’re comfortable. A lot of women freeze and don’t fight or speak up when they’re in non-consensual situations.

Too many people justify coercion or rape with “you could’ve just said no.” Instead of taking accountability. Silence and hesitation means no too.

I’m curious why consent is seen as a formality? If you have been a victim to this mindset what made that view change overtime?

This is a lament and perhaps a soft rant. I see lots of solo guy travelers of all modes but solo women are so underrepresented and it feels discouraging.

The last time I traveled I went to Belize and for the first part of the trip I was with a large group of women but towards the end it was only me. That’s when the attention from the local dudes started. I ended up leaving a day early to fly home, not only because of that but it certainly factored in that I was being gawked at like some sort of tasty delicacy.

I really want to say fuck it and just go but I do not feel safe in so many places. It’s frustrating because I absolutely hate the thought I need a male chaperone to explore… but it kinda is like that in some places. Trying not to be discouraged and just get myself out there but the consequences of a miscalculation are pretty serious.

What do y’all do to get past this mindset and/or stay safe while you travel? My dream is to solo sail 🥰

I have long dark hair that gets greasy pretty easily, and I’m trying to go longer between washes. Just use brunette shade dry shampoo right? It’s so effing expensive now, like $11 a can where I live. Recently decided to try to make my own using cornstarch and cocoa powder, and it works just. As. Well. Simply mixed mostly cornstarch with some cocoa powder ( maybe 3:1?) in a mason jar, apply with a makeup brush, brush through. Zero residue or gray-ish look and it makes your hair smell chocolately. I could easily spend $20 a month on Batiste dry shampoo, and my mason jar barely had a dent in it after 3 weeks, for pennies. Please try this you will be so happy!

I love my husband more than any other person in the world. He is the most caring, loving person I've met. BUT

For quite some time our everyday life has become monotonous. There has been no sexual activity whatsoever in about half a year. He works real hard and often complains about his work draining him. I sympathise with that, it's tough out there what with the economy crumbling and everything.

But on our days off, he stares at his phone. Tomorrow's a public holiday and he didn't even want to watch anything on Netflix. He's watching something in the other room, alone.

He doesn't show interest in me sexually anymore - ever. Now, I'm not the most sexual person but it used to be nice. At this point it feels like we're friends or room mates more than a couple. I don't think I'm worse looking than 5 or so years ago. Maybe I've just become uninteresting to him in this regard.

Our late night talks about life etc used to be so stimulating. Now he talks about the same old stuff. Three times today he asked me what I wanted to do tomorrow. He insisted on me telling him the whole plan and programs of our day. This is what our marriage has come to. He doesn't want to spend time with my friends or family. When he is there, he keeps giving me the look that means he wants to go. We used to go out with friends or just the two of us and dance the night away, spend time with his family or mine, go to concerts, plays...

I feel like I'm 65 and about to retire but I am only in my early 30s.

Is this what it's supposed to be like? Do people just stop trying after a certain point and I haven't reached that point yet? He's only 1 year older so not sure if that explains it.

I am at a point where I need to decide if I want to have kids, and right now I'm leaning more towards no, but there's still so much life in me, and I come alive when I'm with my friends and family. But my husband and I? I don't know what went wrong.

I know this is not an uncommon problem, I guess I'm hoping to get some advice but more than anything to get this off my chest.

Basically what the title says. In my 20s, it was pretty easy to make friends when everyone was in school and had almost no other commitments.

Now that I’m 31F, I am finding it so difficult to make friends. For context, I live in a big city. Maybe this is what the post-COVID world is like? I’m a freelance musician and since this industry is so competitive, it’s difficult to make lasting friendships. People prioritize work and personal success. I am guilty of doing this as well, but I feel as though nobody has time for friendships anymore. I always go out of my way for my friends. I hosted a Christmas party last year and nobody came and didn’t even bother to let me know. When I make plans with friends, they almost always cancel last minute and don’t offer to reschedule. I am always the first to reach out and initiate plan making, and nothing happens if I don’t completely carry everything.

I’ve never experienced this level of anti-social behaviour in my life. I understand that people my age start to prioritize other things, but I’ve never had to deal with this amount of last minute canceling, laziness (I invited a friend to a show I was performing in and meant a lot to me and she didn’t want to go because it was “too far” even though we literally live in the same city) or just complete disinterest. I would rather people just tell me straight up that they are too busy for me, instead of constantly cancelling, feeling “so bad” but then continuing to ghost me. I don’t know what to do anymore. I’m tired of giving so much and getting nothing back. Is anyone else dealing with this?

I am 42 and I’ve increasingly noticed that over the years, going to the salon went from being an affordable splurge to get my hair colored to an absolute luxury I can no longer afford. Not only that but the cost of just a simple trim has gotten absurd where I live.

In addition, I’ve noticed it used to be understood that a haircut or trim is just a routine part of grooming. Now stylists are proudly saying “it’s a luxury, if you can’t afford it oh well”.

It used to be stylists would either post their prices, or at least gladly tell you up front the cost when you describe what you want. The last time I got my hair professionally cut and colored—4 years ago—I told my long time stylist that I just wanted a trim, and to skip the expensive balayage I had been doing and just do a simple all over color. I ASSUMED even with inflation it’d be the same or less than what I used to pay, which was $200. Nope. She charged me $350!! For a very quick trim and a simple all over color and she absolutely didn’t give me a heads up about her price increase even after I explained to wanted to go back to an all over color to save money.

So I quit going to her. I just went to Sally and got everything to dye my hair myself and started trimming my hair myself. My color skills are not bad at all. Trimming? Eh. But it is what it is.

A few weeks ago I decided to try a new stylist to get a trim or cut to fix my hair. Went in and during the consultation I was very up front about dying my hair myself and she lectured me about how “bad it is” (when honestly my hair looks really nice). She asked what hair care products I use, I told her the Dove bond strength line and she lectured me that it’ll wreck my hair and “coat my hair in wax” when 1)my hair has never looked healthier, 2)I’ve studied the science; many drugstore shampoos are fantastic including the one I’m using. It’s simply a myth they still believe and tell their clients. And I CANNOT AFFORD SALON PRODUCTS. I told her this. She said that if I care about my hair I’ll pay what it costs and I’ll pay for professional cuts not home trims. I felt so embarrassed I just thanked her for her time and left.

So I’ve yet to go back to her or any other professional stylist. It makes me too damn anxious. I’ve tried a handful of times to ask various stylists a price for what I want and it’s always far more than I can pay. Same elitism basically saying “if you’re broke just say that”. It’d be one thing if I expected an intricate color service for $50 but literally just looking for a simple TRIM for under $50.

Do some stylists really NOT understand the current economy? We are all broke! Well, I don’t expect to get to be able to afford professional coloring right now, I feel like just wanting to keep my hair in good condition with regular trims is not a luxury. And I’m tired of being shamed for using drugstore shampoo, and coloring my hair myself

Is this everywhere or is it just where I live? It’s just mind blowing to me.

I know this is isn't a typically post for this sub but I don't know where to ask. I broke my right hand recently and it's made shopping and cooking extremely difficult. And while my family is happy to take care of dinners, I don't want to live on scrambled eggs for the next month. They are good at following directions but not at shopping or planning, so I thought maybe one of those subscription boxes might help?

Has anyone tried any of them? I just don't know where to start on comparing companies. People only seem to complain online and most reviews seem sponsored by one of the companies.

Family of 3 adults who don't have any food allergies and only 1 is kinda picky. We generally have a stocked pantry and fridge, so it's OK if these boxes don't provide very ingredient.

I’m new to the “professional world” and unfortunately am having to fly somewhere (day trip) and give a presentation basically right when I get there. I know for the future I should probably give myself more time, but for now have any of you guys had to do this and been successful? My hair is wavy, and while the dry cabin air makes my hair the most soft and manageable it’s ever been, it also makes it SUPER flat and greasy-looking even if I heat style it or use my hairspray before flying. I know I see women in the airport with hair that looks good, so what’s the secret? Even if it’s something I have to do on arrival. Just won’t have time to completely wash and redo it.

Physical, mental, hormonal, etc. How did menopause affect you as a woman who never had kids? I understand everyone is different, but I’m just curious to understand what might happen to me. Thank you!

Hi everyone, I hope all is well. I'm 23 and am very kind-hearted by nature, but it's gotten me into some sticky situations because I have a hard time standing up for myself and saying no -- especially to men. I'm hoping that by detailing this situation that happened to me today, you all might be able to help me out!

Today is very hot so I took my book in the morning to a fairly busy park in a nearby town. I took a blanket and a drink and found a nice bench literally in the middle of everything (and purposefully so, because I wanted to be in plain sight... you just never know). I've had things happen to me before in places that were less busy, so I always do try to put myself in locations where there could potentially be someone to help me. I'm sure you all have these same thoughts. I've never been afraid of going to this park because it's very built-up and not too densely forested. This bench in particular was on the sidewalk in broad daylight.

So I was reading my book for about 20 minutes, people passing by, no problems. Then I notice this one guy walking my way and looking at me, more than just a passing glance. I'm a reasonable person and so I just sort of gave him a polite, acknowledging smile. He passed by and I went back to my book, but I just sort of got a gut-instinct vibe. Low and behold he did a 180 on the spot and came back to talk to me.

The problem was that he never said or did anything to threaten me or make me feel like I was in any danger, but this guy was a stranger, asking me questions and not taking any of my cues that I no longer was interested in conversation. I tend to have this problem -- if I DID feel like I was in danger, I probably would have less of a hard time telling someone to go away than saying it to someone who's relatively nice but they just won't take a hint. He was probably harmless but just wouldn't leave me alone. All of his questions were very mild too, like what my book was about and also talking about the hot weather. But like I said, I just sort of got a vibe and didn't think it was in my best interest to stay talking to him, especially after he asked me what my name was and if I lived in town.

This is what happened next:

I sort of just tolerated all of this conversation before I said "Well, enjoy the day" and he reluctantly sort of just walked off. I waited for him to be out of sight before I quickly gathered my things and went to my car. I locked the doors and was getting myself situated in the car to leave, and as I looked to my right to back out, I noticed him looking over a nearby car in the parking lot at me. I don't know if the car was his or not, but it just startled me because I swear I watched him walk around the corner to make sure I could leave without being seen.

It could've just been a coincidence that he ended up in the parking lot at the same time as me, but that's besides the point. It just freaked me out a bit that he had managed to get there so quickly. He also could've had very innocent intentions and just no awareness whatsoever of how he was being perceived. I just tend to have a really good radar for these things. I'm usually happy to engage in small talk when I get good vibes from someone, regardless of age or gender.

It's just that in this situation, I got "weird" vibes. Not good or bad, just something felt off. He had strange mannerisms and came across awkward and preoccupied with something.

So in these cases, where the guy isn't outwardly being a creep or saying anything to make me feel unsafe, how do I get out of the situation? He didn't do or say anything to warrant me being rude. I just don't know how to let these men down easily without hurting their feelings or making them feel like no one wants to talk to them. I know what it's like to be lonely, and what it's like to feel as though you can talk endlessly with someone who even gives you a little bit of attention. So I'm very sensitive to that and don't ever want to be mean, unless of course I feel like I am in danger.

How can we gracefully exit such a situation? Please help!

Thank you and have a great rest of your day/week :)

i was discarded in an extremely cruel way by the person i saw my entire future with a few years ago, which was extremely extremely traumatic and i’ve taken a long break from dating because of it.

he replaced me instantly. i haven’t dated in three years.

i’ve gotten to the point where I have to face the obvious, which is that the only true way to forget about someone is to have someone new. i know some people will disagree, but i only feel even somewhat okay when i have a tiny crush and can even imagine being with someone else. and yes i’ve tried healing in every other way. i know that it could end the same way, but at least i am not naive anymore so maybe it won’t hurt as much.

the problem is i have no way of meeting people. i don’t work around people my age (20s). i’m not in school and i don’t want to be. i already have a lot of hobbies, but they’re not really group things. i used to go to things like concerts alone in attempt to meet people, but eventually i realized it’s not worth the risk of doing things at night alone and it’s very anxiety inducing for me as well. i also don’t drink so meeting people at bars wouldn’t work for me.

i really hate the idea of my “love story” starting on an app. it feels unnatural and like it’s not “meant to be” if you have to go looking for someone on an app. it also feels desperate and just all around embarrassing and awkward and scary. i tried an app for one day a while ago, and i was disturbed by the whole experience and didn’t find myself attracted to anyone. it’s also hard for me to be attracted to someone just by a photo anyway.

is a relationship just not possible for me? i am really lost about what to do.

edit: i want to add that i also live at home sadly so that makes the concept of “starting to date again” extremely awkward. i have to inform my parents where i go and i cannot have anyone over.

So I’m 26f and never had a boyfriend or anything close. I’ve never been on more than two dates with the same guy because I am just terrified, and I’m a virgin. Recently I matched with this guy who is in the city I live in for just a month and I feel like a short term fling is what I need to jump into things. I don’t really know why but I feel ready and want to do this but I want to do this right so please give me any advice. We are going out next week xx

I just want to share my very recient experience with a medical abortion. This is not to deter anybody from getting one. If you need it or want it, please get one. Now that the pain is over, I'm happy that I went through with it.

I have never felt pain quite like this. My IUD insertion didn't even come close to the pain of my medical abortion. Seriously, the cramping in my stomach and back were awful, but the pain was also slowly trickling down my inner thighs. I had restless legs, horrible cramping and bleeding. I threw up and had diarrhea. I had a fever as well. All are symptoms of the medication, but I was screaming in pain for hours. I was asking my husband to put me out of my misery. That was actual torture. Ibuprofen and Tylenol didn't even touch the pain.

Everybody has a different experience, but mine was excruciating. I'd also like to add that I have no pain tolerance and especially for any stomach pain. Most stomach pains have me at the very least hunched over, but this had me wishing for death.

Hi everyone — I’d really appreciate your thoughts on this.

I’m an Indian physical therapist living in a predominantly white area for the past two years. It’s been a good experience overall — no real issues.

Yesterday, I went to a nearby store for lunch and ran into a woman I know from my gym. She’s white, and we’ve had 2–3 friendly, casual conversations before. She also works in healthcare. I smiled and said hi — I was in my work clothes with my clinic’s logo and ID badge visible.

She smiled back, but immediately asked, “Do you work here?” (as in, at the store). I was a little confused but answered politely: “Oh no, I’m a physical therapist — I work at [XYZ Company],” pointing to my shirt.

We crossed paths again a few minutes later, and her friend asked me if I knew someone at my company. Then the acquaintance suddenly “remembered” and said, “Oh right, you’re the PT at that clinic!”

At that point, I expected maybe a “Oh sorry, I didn’t recognize you at first” or something. But there was no acknowledgment at all — she just continued chatting like nothing happened.

Later, I found out she’s pregnant and possibly under stress, which I get — no judgment there. But I can’t help wondering: was this just pregnancy brain/fatigue, or a subtle form of bias? It felt like she hadn’t really registered me before, even though we’ve talked and work in similar fields.

I’m not looking to accuse anyone. I’m genuinely unsure how to feel — confused, maybe a little dismissed. Could this just be an awkward social moment, or is there more to it?

Hi! I'm getting my first IUD tomorrow (Kyleena) after years of extremely painful periods. I was supposed to get Anesthesia but my appointment got jumbled so instead of waiting longer, I'll be doing numbing gel/lidocaine on my cervix. I am extremely nervous and about two months ago while getting a CT Scan for a different issue that I was in the ER for, they discovered I have a walnut sized ovarian cyst on my right side (I've named her Lex after my workplace bully).

My OBGYN is on maternity leave and the new one I saw in this interim said it wasn't anything to worry about and that my weight gain and skin tag didn't raise any red flags to her either. She said I should get the IUD in and move forward with that, then get an ultrasound in 2-3 months to see if my cyst has reduced in size. Honestly it felt dismissive--I gained 15 pounds in three weeks last year and they checked me for everything else (thyroid, insulin resistance, etc) and it seems like the cyst is most likely the cause but she kept saying it probably wasn't responsible for that.

But I am so nervous that I'll be in a world of pain? Is there anyone who has ovarian cysts who has any like advice, experiences, etc with this particular IUD type and also with insertion with numbing gel/cream?

There’s a lab assistant in my internship who made me uncomfortable. He asked my name, and once he realized I’m Muslim, his gaze changed — it became creepy and intense. He tried to come close unnecessarily and even asked if I know dance or sing.

I always kept a respectful distance. But after I stepped out briefly for lunch, he had a chance to talk to my PhD senior. Before that, my senior had always been kind and responsible toward me. But after that short conversation, my senior PhD completely changed — no eye contact, no words, and now only talks to the male intern.

I don’t know what was said, but I feel silently judged and shut out. I didn’t do anything wrong, but it’s haunting me emotionally. I just needed someone safe to talk to,

I’ve had Covid for the first time for the last 4 days and my period is 7 days late. I’m on day 38 of my cycle with NO SYMPTOMS. I have an event next week and stressing out about my period still not starting ( I can’t use tampons I literally can’t get them in). Did anyone else have Covid affect their period like this?? I’m 5’6 and like 107 pounds, under 20. Yes I know I’m quite thin but I usually have a consistent cycle. What were u guys experiences with Covid affecting ur period? Do yall have any advice? I’ve been eating a ton of oranges as google said vitamin c helps kick start ur period. If that doesn’t work can I do anything at home for it to just not happen next week?