I feel this daily

What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo

This one checks all your boxes. Except for maybe the bullying in school? I can’t remember if that was a theme or not. Fantastic read, though.

It’s a free ride when you’ve already paid

Wish I could upvote this more than once

Absolutely!

Bold of you to assume that the wall outlet would have a 20a breaker. Most don’t, unless they’re in a kitchen.

But you’re right about the resistance. Also, most extension cords are undersized for the loads they pull, they’re commonly made with 16 or even 18awg wire, further increasing resistance (which translates to heat).

Source: am electrician in US

right handed hammer, screwdriver

Sounds like shit I’ve sent the new apprentice to go looking for when I need a break

I’m partial to TST’s Seven Tenets, and they work for “laws of sentience” in a sci-fi universe as well.

Definitely not that cold today. It was maybe 60F (15C). Puppers was just fine, though those snow boots made for some awkward waddling when I went to say hello. Funniest shit I’ve seen all week!

I can tell you that what works for me is to be polite but distant. I’ll say “good morning!” to my coworkers and “have a good night!” At the end of the shift. I’ll be helpful when needed, and I’ll do my best to work well with others.

However, I’ll keep an “out” handy for when people get gossipy or nosy. I’ll bring a book along to read during breaks and at lunch, or I’ll keep something work-related in my hands when I’m around a group of coworkers, as an indicator to the group that I’m not wanting to chat.

I’ve also gotten good at turning conversation back around on really chatty, insistent people. “No, I don’t have a favorite color. What’s yours?” “Yes, I do think that patient looks like Elvis, are you a fan of his?” “No, I don’t have a dog. Do you?” Basically, be really boring with your answers, but let them keep talking about themselves, as they’re likely tire themselves out eventually. Works if you can stand it, and if you can do your job with a coworker talking at you for an hour. Last resort, and all that.

Of the examples you’ve given as responses, I think the only one that doesn’t make you come across as dickish is the one stating that you don’t want to talk about religion or politics, and even then, you sound like an asshole when you state this.

Instead of “‘I’ve worked here for a year already. It should be clear by now that I’m not a talkative person. This is a question I don’t want to answer. And I hope that you respect that.’”, you could say something like “I don’t feel comfortable talking about this”. It’s shorter and way less aggressive, and people are more likely to listen to you when you’re not all up in their face over a question, you know?

“‘that I don’t talk doesn’t mean I hate you, it means I have nothing to say’” For the record, I also think it’s ludicrous that you feel you have to say this. Maybe you could word it a little differently though, something like “I don’t mean for you to take it personally, I’m just a private person, and prefer to keep my home life at home”

“‘I don’t see what that has to do with the job’” could be “Not to be a buzzkill, but mind if we keep this conversation on work?”

Usually that doesn’t hurt, but that doesn’t mean that it never hurts. Really it depends on how sensitive they are, or if there are underlying issues (like cysts deep inside the tissue, maybe) that would make pressure on them very uncomfortable, or downright painful.

Uh, lots and lots of people are hungry, lack shelter and jobs. Almost 600,000 people in the US right now are unhoused, and one in eight homes are food insecure (roughly 44 million). The only area where the US is doing good right now is the unemployment rate, which is currently sitting at an ideal 3.7%.

As for causes of civil war, economic inequality plays a large role, as does political deprivation, both of which are rampant (you can thank late-stage capitalism for the first, and the far-right for the second). There are other factors at play, of course, but it’s not outside the realm of possibility for the US to go there.

No, in the same way that it’s not sexist to criticize a person for something unrelated to their gender, and it’s not racist to criticize someone for something unrelated to their “race” or ethnicity.

I think the person in your example is being an asshole, and they clearly don’t understand the definitions of antisemitism or misogyny. Assholes are everywhere, in every country, culture, and religion. Nowhere is exempt. Which is a shame, because people everywhere are deserving of dignity and respect.

Except for assholes.

Absolutely this. They don’t like being bested by anyone, especially if you’re younger or smarter or a different gender than they are.

Murderbot of course (Martha Wells), also The Wayfarers series by Becky Chambers. Also her novella To Be Taught, If Fortunate

Some would smell bad; some people have nasty hygiene, so you know their tails would be gross and covered with shit all the time

Faith could be your faith in humanity or your faith in yourself or someone else

I mean, they still exist and can absolutely still be used 😁

First off, therapists can be accessed without institutions. Second, a therapist will help you to learn to recognize your own patterns, strengths, and weaknesses, and will help you to learn from, process, and grow though experienced trauma. They can also help with recognizing emotions, toxic behavior (either your own or someone else’s), and give you tools to adjust.

I was wondering, thanks for the flavor drop!