Truffle

Too small clothes so I’d be excited to go on a diet and lose weight… as an already very sick underweight teen with an eating disorder who wasn’t a wize zero “but you’ll get there”

Paulo Cohelo’s garbage books to “help me with my constant depression that keeps bringing everyone down and you like books, no?”

Stuffed animal toy thay was first intended for a baby shower but the mom didn’t want it so “why should it go to waste if you can have it as a birthday present”

Plastic surgery offering as a sweet sixteen present “so you can feel beautiful”

Professional acne treatment (Accutane) as a birthday present because “Oh you poor thing need it”

A used and stained old yellow blouse “because it will make you look happier” I hate yellow.

And the list goes on lol. That was growing up and it is one of the many reasons why I am no contact with all of those people.

Now as an independent adult in a stable loving relaionship surrounded by nice genuine friends, I actually get very thoughtful and beautiful gifts. Some expensive, some with no monetary cost.

I am sorry OP. Cancer is such an awful thing.

Ooooh this made me teary eyed. My dad was my hero and he absolutely adored me, when he passed away unexpectedly I still remember him saying goodbye while getting out the door carrying his coffee thermos and briefcase. I miss him everyday.

Yes. My own family visited for Christmas.

Yes I was, my parents wanted me to practice my english. I lived with a family in Indiana for a bit and then lived with another familly in North Dakota. Both families were different but I liked the one in Bismarck better, the girls from the Muncie family were mean to me the whole time. My parents booked the experience through a private agency, not really sure how that worked (it was the nineties). ETA: I was 12 years old when I started the exchange and went back to my home country at 15

Big family gatherings. I did not particularly enjoyed them growing up (I come from big extended families) but when I became a parent they were unbereable so I just stopped attending. I couldn’t fathom to subject my child to all that nonsense. Best decision ever! While cousins fight over who brings what side dish for Christmas I will be relaxing in a hammock by the beach, thank you very much.

I share this sentiment. School was such a drag and I miss nothing about it.