Lately, it's felt so easy to joke about the "before times." It felt like we were finally coming out of a dark age that had occupied our lives and minds for the past half decade. But it seems now that with every new feeling of relief comes a reminder that maybe we aren't really yet in the after times (if the after times ever happen). And it's really starting to affect my outlook on life and general disposition.

As women, we're expected to do and be everything: look prettier, work smarter, fight harder. But the emotional, mental, and physical energy put into the last few years has burned me out, as I'm sure it has burned out so many others like me. Every moment of optimism is replaced way too quickly by a reason to be even more distressed about the future. It's like we take two steps forward, and then 50 years backwards.

I know the best way to feel better is to take action, which I will. I just wish we had more support from those who have means, access, and resources, and the actual ability to make change. The burden on the shoulders of the everywoman to push forward progress is just so overwhelming, not to mention unrealistic.

I'm not sure why I put this in "advice wanted," since there's no advice really to be had here — I just wanted to commiserate with others who might be just as exhausted as I am. Can I just enjoy the Met Gala just once without a reminder that The Handmaid's Tale is right around the corner?? Sigh.

I’m stressed.

A friend of mine has gone down a political rabbit hole.

We used to share a lot of the same opinions. That made it really easy to talk about whats going on in the world.

No longer. Their views have changed a lot. We end up arguing all the time. and the spats get me agitated for DAYS afterward.

The list of topics that feel “safe” to discuss is getting smaller all the time. It feels like the friendship is dying. Which makes me very sad.

Anybody deal with something like this? And come out with the friendship intact? Any tips?

First time Covid getter here-

What are some tips and tricks to feeling better

More importantly

What should I watch this week

Like many, I’ve found the pandemic to be isolating and lonely. I longed for the day to be out and about, social, and seeing everyone I used to see at a regular cadence.

Well now that things are “returning to normal” people are trying to put things on the calendar to catch up. And I find myself… very anxious about it.

It’s not bc of the pandemic or COVID itself. It’s because I feel so rusty on what to talk to people about. Especially in big groups of tertiary friends — like birthday parties, gatherings — I don’t know what to talk to people about that isn’t like… the weather.

I usually ask if people have trips coming up, that seems safe, but has anyone else felt this anxiety of returning back to full social situations and truly having no idea how to act?

Any convo starters you recommend??

I've lived in my current apartment for almost two years and one of my neighbors, who I run into on a weekly basis or so calls me Ashley. For the record, my name is not Ashley. (I'm legit in a sitcom situation, i.e. Elaine being called Suzy on Seinfeld and Chandler being called Toby on Friends.)

At this point it feels *way* too late to correct her, right? I think I'm just Ashley from now, at least to this lady.

Before 2020, I was a privileged skin b*tch.

They say God only gives you what you can handle, and I like to think that She saw 16 year old me with my missing teeth, braces (with rubber bands), and pink highlights and said, "You know what? I think this one's at her limit. Let's miss her with acne."

But then the masks came, and so did my chin zits. I've tried everything: BHA exfoliants, slugging, oils, creams, pimple patches....but nevertheless, she persisted. (She, in this case, being the ONE zit on the lower right portion of my jawline who has legitimately not departed my face since June of 2020).

So, in conclusion, HELP. How do I clear my skin?Have you found a miracle worker? Should I just throw in the towel and accept that, at this point, my zit has squatter's rights? Comment all your tips and tricks below, because I am desperate.

Ever since I saw the one minute rule while I was mundanely scrolling online, it has helped me pick up slack on some of the laziness I developed over the pandemic period. It’s doing things in one minute increments over the course of the day to stay more organized.

For example, unloading the dishwasher is a task I hate but once I do it uninterrupted I notice it’s not that bad and doesn’t take me that much time. Also loading and unloading laundry. And making the bed. Oh and going downstairs to check the mail. It really just helps me psychologically even if it’s not a minute exactly my mind is like let me just get this over with.

Do you have any hacks that help you stay on top of things?

I'll admit: I eat a lot of cheese. In my early 20s, I suddenly decided that cheese was the best thing that's ever happened to me, and, ever since, have prided myself on my knowledge about cheeses and the cheese plates that I've put together for friends and families. It's part of my identity, and I'm proud of it.

Once the pandemic started, I only became more invested in cheese, ordering several pounds at a time for delivery and sampling. It's gotten to the point where I actually prepare a cheese plate for myself probably 3-4 nights per week.

I was totally happy with this, until a friend recently judged me for my cheese intake. And now, I'm getting insecure — is it weird to have a cheese plate 3-4 times per week? Should I be looking within and changing my behavior? Or should I just enjoy my cheese intake in peace?

Hi folks! My husband and I haven’t planned a thing for Memorial Day yet. Typically we use the time to travel, but the year has been crazy and COVID still exists, so we’re currently without plans.

We have two options: stay at home and enjoy NYC or take a train to Philly for a long weekend. Neither are sounding too appealing to me tbh (which I know is very spoiled brat of me).

Any recommendations a on either option? Alternative options?