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Posts by Donna White50

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Let's talk perfectionism: General discussion in Psychology ·
Matthew Castillo5 said:Honestly, thank God my life goal isn't making sure everyone else understands why I do what I do.
Personally, I'm perfectly fine being organized about some things and a total disaster about others.

See, for me, the second I walk into someone’s apartment, everything becomes crystal clear... 🤣
It’s not even about judging people—it’s just about where they put their priorities. On one hand, you’ve got actual geniuses, but on the other, you’ve got people who can't even handle basic stuff—like, seriously, how do you not know how to clean a toilet? Or leaving bleach sitting in a shell? Or having dishes in the sink growing mold, dust and cobwebs thick on the rug, and laundry piled up everywhere like it just fell from the sky... don't even get me started on the smell. Look, I’m not a total neat freak, but man... I know way too many people like that. Anyway, thanks for nothing... 😁
Let's talk perfectionism: General discussion in Psychology ·
Joseph Bailey41 said:I feel the exact same way. My desk is a total disaster zone, but when I'm actually focused on a task, I become a true Japanese craftsman—if I don't forge the perfect katana, I can't let it go. Same goes if I attempt to cook a meal; if it isn't right, I'm not satisfied. 😁

Procrastination is basically my survival mechanism. When a deadline is looming, a little bit of rushed work feels justified because, at the end of the day, handing in something mediocre is much worse than missing the mark entirely. The real shame would be delivering a "product" that isn't finished at all. 😵

That’s not perfectionism. That’s just being civilized. 🧐

I've never really understood it myself—it's like, one minute it's pure chaos, and the next, everything just clicks perfectly...🤔
Let's talk perfectionism: General discussion in Psychology ·
Justin Garcia7 said:Perfectionism drives procrastination, which is fueled by seeking pleasure, which stems from a fear of success—specifically, the fear that once we experience that joy, we won't be able to replicate it. I found that focusing on a vision of future wins and new experiences helps break the cycle. I'm not sure if that's the universal truth, but it's what works for me.

For me, perfectionism was basically my proof of worth—just a massive ego boost, maybe the only thing that made me feel like I actually mattered. Back in high school and later when I was grinding through engineering school, my whole mission was making sure every project was absolutely flawless. I remember this one project in my sophomore year... I spent weeks obsessing over every tiny detail until it was perfect. When the day finally came and I pulled up the project on my Verizon laptop in front of the professor, the whole class went "whoa..." but then the next comment out of his mouth was just... pfft. Total dismissal. He basically implied there was no way I did it myself and suggested some random engineer must have handled it...🤦 🤦🤦
In the end, I got a measly C+. There were a couple of tiny math errors, but the real reason I got stuck with a C was because the prof didn't even believe I could pull it off alone, so he punished me for it. Man, I was livid. It felt like my entire world just collapsed. I swore right then that the next one would be five times better. And it was. I still remember the whole class crowding around the professor's desk to see it—flawless, not a single flaw. Even looking back at it today, I'm like, damn, I really had talent... So that became the pattern. Everyone would wait to see when my next project would drop; I was the gold standard, while everyone else was just average no matter how hard they tried...😁
It was like that with pretty much everything. I wasn't looking for a little spark; I wanted that full-blown, mind-blowing orgasm of achievement that leaves you dazed for half an hour. That was the vibe for everything I touched. Even getting my driver's license—I thought I totally failed the written part, but the instructor called me up by name and said, "Man, incredible job, not a single mistake." Then during the actual driving test, I drove for thirteen hours straight before he even asked if I wanted to pass. Of course I passed, first try. It was great while it lasted, but eventually, you grow up. You stop caring about proving yourself because you just know you're worth something by default. Things start feeling more like chores, and the drive to overachieve fades. You realize life is way too short for all that nonsense, so you stop wasting so much energy on those stupid little things...
Major brain fog/mental block in Psychology & Therapy ·
Dennis Patel5 said:Maybe this belongs in health, love, or faith, but I’m putting it here because the issue is entirely in my head.

I’m paralyzed by a massive life decision.

I’ve been seeing this woman for about two years. It’s good. We love each other. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if I proposed; I think she’d say yes in a heartbeat.

But there’s one complication on her end. She deals with a chronic illness. It eats at me, even though she was upfront about it from day one. Our relationship has grown deep, but I’ve just been suppressing my discomfort. She has no idea I’m struggling with this. We’re both in our early 30s.

I keep questioning if choosing her for marriage is the right move. I know I could find someone without this baggage. To make matters worse, there’s another woman I’ve noticed who catches my eye, which just adds more pressure.

Do I love my girlfriend? Yes. There isn't another woman out there who balances intelligence, personality, looks, and kindness quite like she does. But that health issue is gnawing at me.

Does she love me? Yeah, deeply.

If I walk away, I won't be able to live with the fact that I hurt her so badly, and I’ll take an emotional hit too. Leaving someone you love is a gut-wrenching feeling. On the flip side, if I marry her, I’ll always wonder why I committed to someone starting out with a chronic condition when other women were practically lining up for me (yeah, sounds arrogant, I know).

She has Hashimoto’s. She deals with the symptoms regularly.

Whatever I do, I lose. It feels like choosing the lesser of two evils, but I can't figure out which evil is actually smaller. I’m stuck in limbo. She’s likely expecting a ring, while I’m sitting here contemplating a breakup. She’s completely unprepared for things to go south. I don't know if I have the guts to leave.

Some might say if you're thinking about leaving, you shouldn't be with them. Then again, I truly believe she’s my perfect match—except for this one thing.
The indecision is killing me. I'm worried the stress will actually make me sick.

Anyone got any actual advice?

Look, you’ve got a pretty deep-seated issue here that you really need to work through on your own. Getting sick is just part of being human. When you get into a relationship, you have to realize that in a few years, you won't be young, or hot, or even as healthy as you are right now. Illness is a reality, and yeah, it’s tough on families to deal with, but Hey, that's just LIFE! What, if you get sick or put on ten pounds, should your girlfriend and family just toss you aside? People who look at others that way have some serious issues. You're clearly afraid of something that triggers that kind of mindset, and that's what you need to tackle. It's just not right for someone to say they love a person while simultaneously having such a divided opinion about their future together. Just a heads up—years ago, my wife was in a bad car accident. I was by her side day and night, tending to her wounds and seeing things that were... well, pretty brutal, both physically and mentally. It never once crossed my mind to walk away because of that or the aftermath. I totally get that some things are too much for people to handle—like severe disabilities or something that fundamentally breaks the connection—but bringing this up here feels like a sign of some internal instability... maybe a bit of immaturity when it comes to accepting responsibility and the reality of life. You should try to sort this out, because if you don't, you'll just run into the same pattern in your next relationship. Nobody is immune to getting old, getting sick, or—unfortunately—being foolish...
I'm not really happy with my headspace right now... in Psychology & Therapy ·
Morgan Campbell4 said:There are so many people here I would personally love to meet and have a real conversation with... Sigh...

And please, don't push my buttons, Donna White50, Laughter... 😂 But regarding much of what you said, you aren't wrong... I want more; I know I am capable of more...

Is there any point? Do you bother people this much in your private life too? Laughter 😢

I want to keep control over my own destiny...
If putting in extra effort were easy, I'd be there. What I'm lacking is motivation—that inner certainty that I will actually succeed... Heh

Donna Doyle2, I have a PDF topic regarding health and nuts. Those are some of the things that trouble me. Actually, they trouble me quite deeply. 😞

Powered by Samsung Galaxy S8

But man, I totally screwed you over there, didn't mean to...
Look, nobody's stopping you from having big dreams and plans—we all have them. I mean, how would we even get out of bed if we didn't have something ahead of us pushing us forward...
But you gotta realize that desires and plans are basically just neat little mental constructs, nothing more. Real life usually finds a way to make sure things don't go exactly how we pictured them. You've gotta accept that—enjoy the daydreaming, but deal with reality as it comes.
Then again, who's saying you won't be making bank tomorrow and living that flashy, materialistic lifestyle you're aiming for? Nothing in life is impossible if you've got the vision and put in the work...
And once you finally hit that level of wealth, you'll probably realize you still have problems—they'll just be different kinds of problems. You'll still have to face yourself, or else that perfectionism of yours will just suffocate you for the rest of your life.
That's why I think it might be better for some people to just aim for "average" at the start—if something awesome happens, great, hey, it's a bonus and you can celebrate. But if you live like this, you're always going to be bummed because the universe didn't lay the cards exactly how you wanted... Honestly, the difference between a pessimist and an optimist is pretty trivial; it's all just perception, since reality stays the same regardless...
I'm not really happy with my headspace right now... in Psychology & Therapy ·
Morgan Campbell4 said:Well, things are looking up slightly... college is finally winding down, though it should have been finished ages ago. I managed to pull through, I suppose. Now, finals are coming up in September; just the thought of sitting for those exams gives me a headache. My father struggles with bipolar disorder, and honestly, everything feels like too much right now. Especially my own head. But I’m pushing through somehow...

I can't seem to shake this perfectionism and OCD. The other day, I was talking to a friend who mentioned she needed to clean her apartment but couldn't find the energy; I decided to offer some "motivation" by sending her a photo of my own room. Naturally, she just joked, "You're sick, haha." Thanks. I agree—I am never relaxed. My mind is never quiet. There are constant questions and endless analyses running through my head that drive me toward insanity...

I've tried everything. The gym, hiking through the woods, walking, running... I don't know anymore. Nothing motivates me; nothing brings me joy. That's why I'm getting out of here this weekend and the next. I'm going to get lost just so I can find myself. I know that despite all the doubt and lack of willpower, I want to finish this degree and pursue programming. But then there's the reality check: I'm already 25 years old with zero professional experience under my belt.

I hear you, Steven Lopez77, but why do you think I haven't seen a psychiatrist yet? What can I say? I already told you how much everything has fallen apart since my MDMA episode...

It's true, Carl Rivera43. I agree with you completely...

Ah, I'm trying, Andrew Doyle. I don't know; I'm constantly overthinking things without even knowing why. I am simply waiting for one specific person. She is the only one who has earned that privilege, and I will wait for her as long as necessary... But college, this damn college... and the decisions I have to make. I don't know if the next two weekends will be about finding myself or losing what's left of me. :S

iPhone using Reddit

Been hearing a lot of this lately during my therapy sessions... It seems like everyone’s dealing with the exact same thing—this obsessive need to cling to some grand illusion of being perfect or "larger than life." It's like people genuinely feel like their whole world will just crumble if they ever admit to being totally average. But honestly? Accepting that you're just ordinary... that's actually the only way to heal...
Man, you’re just a regular guy—honestly, I don't think you could be any more mid if you tried. You're healthy, you're grinding through college, you aren't exactly pulling in a massive paycheck yet, and you're living in some tiny apartment... just dreaming about making it big and finding that happiness like 90% of people our age...
You're just... alright, I guess...
Just totally average...
Does it make you feel any better knowing I'm just pretty average too...?
Honestly, my obsessions haven't really crushed me lately—mostly because I finally just accepted that being average isn't actually a bad thing. It’s just... life, you know? It's you, it's me, it's all of us...
Just don't forget—what actually sets you apart from everyone else is your own gut feeling... your experiences, what you want out of life, your vision, your faith, and those ideals you hold dear...
That's just yours—it’s one of a kind... and it stays yours no matter what happens. Even when you're pulling in three times the salary you make now, just chilling somewhere with a beer in hand, talking to your girl, or hanging out with your kids... it'll still be yours...

You’re just terrified that you aren't actually anything special—like, that being "average" makes you a failure or a total wash... and that you'll stay stuck like that unless you finally go out and crush some massive goal...
Look, Illusion, you’re already there—you really are. You just need to chill out and actually let yourself enjoy who you are right now, without feeling like you have to perform or be someone else just to feel worthy or in control of your life. Just relax... try to show yourself a little more love and embrace everything that makes you, you. Don't sweat it, though—everything is under control. Whatever life throws your way is just a temporary hiccup, and things will settle back into a normal rhythm eventually. People get through stuff, we all do... we just adapt...
I'm not really happy with my headspace right now... in Psychology & Therapy ·
Morgan Campbell4 said:The last few months of this year haven't been entirely terrible. However, I find myself trapped in a constant cycle of doubt and anxiety. Beyond the fear of failure, there is an overwhelming amount of resentment, sadness, and bitterness regarding my own life and the choices I've made. Every day I head into this job, but it provides absolutely no
fulfillment; it brings no joy, just a repetitive loop of sitting in an office wondering why I am even here..

I have gone on several interviews to try and switch careers, but nothing I actually want is working out. Apparently, they won't take me without experience, or at least not until I finish my degree in college.
Everyone demands experience, yet nobody is willing to provide it or teach me. As for college, I am constantly questioning if I even want to finish it, if I can, or if I can't. I doubt my own abilities and potential, despite being quite intelligent—I certainly have enough ego regarding my intellect—but does that matter if I lack ambition? I want to break free from a past that has haunted me for years, following me daily through my work, my coffee breaks, and even my dreams. I want to silence those voices in my head rather than just trying to muffle them; I want to replace them with peace, silence, or better words. I want that manic voice sending me suicidal thoughts to simply vanish, so that I might actually enjoy this second chance at life.

No matter how much I question the education system, I know I don't want to work for a measly $3,000 a year. I plan to move abroad. I want to live without constantly overanalyzing everything or philosophizing about every single question. I want to enjoy people's company instead of running away the moment they speak. I need to shed this hatred and dissatisfaction, just accept this damn education and finally finish this stupid degree... I don't know how to motivate myself or clear my head of these intrusive, suicidal thoughts. My only motivation on the drive home is the sheer dissatisfaction with my job. When I get home, it's just cigarettes and music, living in an illusion of what reality could be. I feed myself a life that only exists in my mind. There is so much I cannot forgive, forget, or leave behind, and by holding onto it, I am letting it drag me down when I could simply let go and be free. I cling to things that are utterly useless. Perfectionism is driving me mad. By obsessing over the future and ruminating on the past, I ignore the present. I am searching for something I feel I may have lost forever, something left in the rearview mirror. But that is tied to one specific person, and I am terrified of failing them again because they mean everything to me..

I want to let go of "everything" I am afraid of losing, yet there is so much I refuse to lose. I need to get my chaotic head in order; I am 25 years old now, and I don't know.
This weekend, I am heading to the coast to try and pull myself together, to reflect, and to attempt to find some sense of purpose, will, or the ambition to live the life I dream of. Next weekend, I am traveling somewhere outside of the US, just to get away from everyone and everything. I want to go somewhere where nobody knows me. I want to return to who I used to be and stop dragging the past behind me like a weight. I need to stop punishing myself for things that can no longer be changed, and stop dwelling on the idea that it would be better if I weren't here—that isn't mature or healthy thinking. I need to step out of this box that exists only in my imagination.

I know I am capable of more, that I deserve more. I want to believe that I wasn't born for small things. But this doubt, fear, and anxiety act like a blindfold, obscuring everything important. This cycle feels like a tunnel with no light at the end. I know I cannot continue living like this; I don't want to. I want to find motivation and shake off everything that keeps me stuck in a fog. It is a paradox: I want to be happy, but then I immediately start thinking about the very things that plunge me back into depression... :S

Honestly, you're overthinking things so much that you’ve lost sight of the big picture... you can't see the forest for the trees.
In reality, you aren't even below average—you're just like most people in America right now, stuck grinding away for peanuts until a better opportunity finally shows up. You're healthy, you're finishing up college, and I'm pretty sure there isn't much left in terms of major life hurdles holding you back.

The real issue here is you. It starts with this obsessive way of thinking about everything, which really just stems from fear and insecurity, driving you straight into perfectionism. You build these illusions of what life "should" be, then spiral when they inevitably fall apart... it makes you feel worthless, like you're living in your own personal prison—or hell, really.

Between the crushing weight of perfectionism and that terrifying fear of what happens if you let go (you described that part perfectly in your post), you're basically tripping yourself up constantly. You don't give yourself permission to just chill and live in the moment without some rigid master plan. And man, that’s huge—without that, you're never gonna beat those demons. People tell you to work out, run, stay busy... they say that because it forces you to stop obsessing over yourself. It lets you just *be* and accept life for what it is, which definitely helps. You should try to live like that 24/7.
We all need to find our own way to unwind and face reality without tying our self-worth to how the day went—like, "if today was good, I'm awesome; if today sucked, I'm a total loser and a failure."
You're being your own worst enemy... digging your own grave and tearing yourself down by building these impossible, perfect plans and then feeling defeated when they don't pan out.

My advice? Just look at all those problems weighing you down and say, "Screw it, I don't give a damn," and just try to relax. Nothing bad is actually going to happen. Once you're actually in a relaxed headspace, *then* try to make some plans and stick to them. If it doesn't work out, don't beat yourself up—just let it go and pivot. Life never goes exactly the way we map it out, you gotta accept that. And trust me, you'll land a better job, feel more satisfied, and be a lot happier.
I read your post and man, I really feel for you. It’s honestly such a struggle to deal with the fact that our health issues end up boxing us in and defining who we are... People always say that when you're dealing with a disability or even mental health struggles, nobody truly gets it—like you're just stuck living on the fringes of society. It feels so unfair that society doesn't do more to actually change that vibe.

It looks to me like there's still this huge gap between what you want to do and what you can actually manage right now. I can see the frustration bubbling up because you can't express what you need properly, and then there's that anger from not being able to pull off everything you envisioned...

Sadly, as much as it sucks to hear, you’re probably going to have to start from square one—lower those expectations a bit and just take it one step at a time from where you are. Honestly, I think a good goal would be just getting out there and meeting people, regardless of any prejudices, and trying to soak up as much connection as you can from those interactions. Life just isn't always how we want it to be, you know? So many of us have dreams that don't pan out because life deals us a different hand... You've gotta accept that, and instead of dwelling on all the negatives, try to focus a little on the good stuff and the opportunities that *are* there.
Otherwise, you'll just spend forever cursing your luck and blaming everyone else for why things didn't work out, which only makes you feel worse. You have to realize there are people out there facing even tougher diagnoses than yours, yet they keep fighting and pushing forward—even if their lives might not look "worthwhile" from the outside. But to them, it is, and that's the most important thing... everyone finds their own sense of purpose and something to hold onto to keep moving, no matter how rough things get. Maybe one day life will deal you a hand where you find that partner, get married, or have kids... because plenty of others have made that happen. You just have to keep working toward it instead of fighting fate or judging others (including yourself) based on looks, illness, or whatever else...
Let's talk perfectionism: General discussion in Psychology ·
Richard White8 said:Perfectionism can essentially morph into an obsessive-compulsive disorder.
At its core, OCD is just perfectionism taken to a pathological extreme. If things aren't arranged perfectly or symmetrically—if they lack exact spacing—it triggers a mental torture that won't cease until everything is rearranged. This cycle can repeat 20 or 30 times before the mind finally finds any semblance of peace.

I fail to see why perfectionism is being debated on a psychoanalysis forum. True perfectionism is actually a healthy state of mind; it’s a drive toward excellence that doesn't cause issues for the individual. It lacks the intense, debilitating pathological anxiety found in actual OCD.


Honestly, perfectionism is pretty much always a bad thing. This idea that "nothing is good enough unless it's perfect" doesn't actually exist in the real world—it's just something we carry around in our heads. The world around us isn't perfect by any means; it's constantly fighting to adapt and find compromises. Adaptation happens because everything is always changing, and compromise is how we save energy while still getting enough done to survive. Nature is great at cutting out extremes—like, mice with unlimited food would breed so fast they'd eventually starve themselves out. Or a mouse that eats too much becomes lazy and an easy snack for cats... only the ones who adapted actually make it. So, is being "perfectly adaptable" the same as perfectionism?
Nah, check this out:

You shouldn't confuse perfectionism with the healthy drive to do something excellently. Wanting to be excellent means trying to achieve the absolute best possible result given the current situation. That involves setting high but realistic goals, aiming for success, and accepting that mistakes happen.
Perfectionism, on the other hand, is chasing things that are literally impossible. Perfectionists set sky-high, unrealistic targets, deal with a massive fear of failure, beat themselves up constantly because they think mistakes are unacceptable, and end up with pretty low self-esteem.
What exactly counts as an intrusive thought? in Psychology & Therapy ·
Joseph Bailey41 said:It’s interesting—I was recently chatting about psychological evaluations and heard this piece of advice: if they ever ask you, "Have you ever had the urge to kill someone?", you should actually say "yes," because otherwise, it looks like you're lying. 🤣

That honestly gave me the creeps. I argued that normal people don't really think like that—honestly, even for me, it’s only happened once (I felt like lunging at a woman who had been making my life miserable for years, but apparently, you aren't supposed to strangle people at the office, so I let it go. 🕺).

I really don't know how those kinds of thoughts are classified, but personally, I’d probably keep them to myself, just to be safe.

First off, having dark thoughts isn't a crime—you aren't legally responsible until you actually go out and clock someone over the head.
And regarding the rest—look, if you tell anyone you've completely lost it and might be a danger to yourself or others, they'll probably lock you up in a mental health facility for observation. It's probably better that you mentioned not hitting someone before things get too far gone.
Those intrusive thoughts—like wanting to kill, stab, screw, spit, swear, crush, or wreck someone—we all deal with them from time to time... they just come and go...
What exactly counts as an intrusive thought? in Psychology & Therapy ·
Jason Kim6 said:Once, an American psychiatrist asked if I experience "strange thoughts." I assume she was referring to some specific psychiatric definition—if such a term even exists—but I wasn't quite sure what she meant by it.
I told her I don't have any strange thoughts, to which she responded with a skeptical "Are you sure?" It seems some professionals just don't know how to do their jobs properly.

When people talk about "weird" thoughts, they usually mean stuff that's intrusive, disturbing, or repetitive—those thoughts that just won't quit. If those thoughts are making you super anxious, or if you feel like you can't stop them—like they're basically hijacking your brain—then yeah, that's a real issue you should probably look into.
We all dwell on problems sometimes, but normally we can switch gears when we start something new, or the thoughts fade after a good night's sleep. But if that's not happening—if the same loop is just playing constantly in your head and leaving you stressed out—that's when it becomes a problem...
What do you want to leave behind when you're gone? in Miscellaneous ·
William Hall93 said:What kind of legacy—stuff you can touch or just things like memories—do you actually want to leave behind once you're gone?
Do you care if some total strangers remember you for some big achievement?
Or would you rather just fade away as an anonymous soul, known only to your family and close friends?

Honestly, once you're gone, none of that matters anymore. It’s what we do while we're actually here that counts. Memories and legacies don't put food on the table or pay the bills...
I just try to give my all for myself and the people I love while I'm around. That's enough for me—I've never really cared about titles or awards...
Am I too selfish? in Psychology ·
Paul Bennett3 said:@Donna White50

I'm not saying we should be slaves to money, but let's be real—we're dependent on it every single day. You can't move an inch without it. Illness is just part of life, and sure, cash won't buy you perfect health, but it sure buys you access to a better hospital, maybe even specialized care out of state... When you have the means, you can actually breathe easier...

Paul Bennett3 said:@Donna White50

It’s all just an illusion. A false sense of security. Marriage, friendship, love—they're all illusions. Even parents provide nothing but a facade because they leave without warning. Education? A lie. A steady job? Another illusion. Even a fat bank account won't save you... eventually, it leaves you behind because you have to die.👍

Of course everything feels like a safety net that isn't really there. Money is a tangible thing and works great as a way to trade, which is why people cling to it. But like I said, money isn't the end-all, be-all.
And honestly, this idea that money can't "abandon" us doesn't quite track for me either. I think people are just terrified of being left alone or being solitary, like they don't trust themselves to stand on their own two feet. Just imagine if everyone—parents, partners, friends—suddenly walked away. If you're healthy and able to take care of yourself, what's the worst that happens? Not much, really... you'd just keep living, find new people, make new connections. People today seem way too dependent on others, always scared of losing someone, when in reality, we aren't actually missing anything vital. We have food, a roof over our heads, we pay our bills... right? That’s the core of it—being able to look after ourselves, work, and earn enough to stay afloat. Beyond that, we don't really need more than that. Most folks don't realize that money is basically just paper. It only has value because we collectively agree it does so we can swap it for stuff we actually need, like groceries, a house, or a car. If someone refuses to take our cash, we can just walk away... you can't eat money, it won't buy you health or friends, and it won't keep you warm at night. Plus, if the currency crashes, that paper becomes pretty worthless real fast.

Someone mentioned earlier that things like food, water, and shelter should be basic human rights.
I have to disagree there. Half the world is living in absolute poverty and half the world is starving. Having reliable food and owning a little patch of land is a luxury that the West enjoys. And an even bigger luxury is the fact that if you fall on hard times, the government steps in to help. Most people on this planet can only dream of that—they don't even know if they'll make it through next month. Living in the US is a massive privilege that we often take for granted...
We have to face the fact that there isn't enough to go around for everyone. If every single person on Earth reached our level of development, the planet simply couldn't handle it. Our civilization uses up way too many resources just to maintain the luxuries we enjoy, and it's just not natural or sustainable in the long run. The planet is straining under the pressure, especially when most people globally are living in conditions that are nothing compared to the West...
Am I too selfish? in Psychology ·
Paul Bennett3 said:Money matters to me. I value feeling financially secure and protected. I can't stand when people claim money isn't important—that’s just nonsense. Without cash, you can't do anything except sit there and cry. That's how the world works. Money is vital, sure, but maybe not the *most* important thing; emotional fulfillment is huge too. But money buys you freedom. It gives you the chance to relax and actually think about your next move... Being broke holds you back; it destroys both your physical and mental health. I'm not a fan of reckless spending, but I hate stinginess just as much. No one knows how long they have left. Spending everything now only to starve tomorrow makes no sense, but hoarding luxury while you're still breathing feels just as pointless. Someone mentioned there's a fine line between the two, and finding it is tough. They aren't wrong. I live by what Thatcher said: "There is no freedom without economic freedom." That’s the fundamental reason why people want money. For example, if your husband leaves you and you have funds, you can heal your broken heart more easily. If your parents pass away, you can handle the situation better. If friends walk out on you, let them go—they cost you too much anyway... With money, you're never truly alone. Without it, you're always on your own. When you have cash, a "friend" always seems to appear; when you have nothing, nobody is even in sight. Shout out to the exceptions, though!!! That's just life. It's ridiculous seeing people drive luxury cars with no roof over their heads, or wearing designer clothes while their kids are going hungry... On the flip side, some people give their kids everything and turn them into idiots, or spoil their wives so much they never actually spend time with them... You never know what love will bring or how things will turn out. Things might get better over the years, or suddenly—boom—everything falls apart. Having money or real estate provides a safety net...🍿


Nothing in life is a sure thing, and honestly, money just gives you this fake sense of security—at least that's how it feels to me.
Once you get hit with a serious illness, you'd trade every cent in the world just to feel healthy again. That’s just the reality we're all dealing with.
So, my take? You should have enough to live comfortably and build a solid cushion for those "just in case" moments—true financial independence—but you shouldn't let your whole life revolve around the dollar.
Am I too selfish? in Psychology ·
Personally, money matters a lot to me. It’s not about trying to hustle anyone else—it’s more about the thrill of the grind, building something from scratch, and actually earning my way...
Financial security is also huge for me. While everyone else seems to be drowning in credit card debt, I prefer having my life totally paid off—no strings attached. I love the process of working, investing, and creating things, and honestly, I love providing opportunities for others to work and earn a living they can actually live on. To me, building something with passion is one of the biggest challenges and the whole point of life.
I’m pretty low-key about spending, too. I don't see the point in blowing cash on stupid, overpriced junk that isn't worth the price tag. I still drive an old beat-up car because it gets me from A to B just fine—people think that's weird, but I don't need a luxury ride to feel important—but I *do* pour my money into building our house, traveling with my wife, grabbing nice dinners, and enjoying life...
My parents were builders, too, in their own way. But unlike me, they didn't really have any hobbies or ways to unwind outside of work. They never traveled, never really saw much of the world or gained different perspectives, and they weren't in a position to help me out when things got tough.

I often think about how people who build big things should probably spend a good chunk of it, too. Why? Well, because people who just spray money everywhere set a terrible example for their kids, who then grow up without any sense of value. And why would we blow everything we earn on flashy, meaningless stuff just to prove to people that we're "somebody"? On the flip side, being overly stingy and terrified that a single dollar might slip through your fingers is just as bad. Our time is our most precious resource, and it’s pretty foolish to deprive ourselves until the day we die just to save for... well, I don't even know what. One extreme is driven by ego, and the other by fear...

At the end of the day, how much I have is my business. Building things is what drives me; it’s my fuel. I get a genuine kick out of moving capital from one investment to the next, setting new goals, and looking back at what I’ve managed to pull off with just my two hands. As for what happens in 20 years? Maybe I'll sell everything and travel the globe, or maybe I'll leave it all to my kids... we'll see...
Let's get real and focus on what actually matters in Psychology & Therapy ·
fadedmason4 said:I came across a comment on another thread recently—it basically said: accept that certain things just aren't going to happen, and start planning your life around that reality instead of waiting for some miracle to make them come true. I thought it was spot on, and honestly, I’m trying to follow that logic, but it’s proving much harder than it sounds. If anyone has any advice on how to actually do this—how to stop secretly hoping for those "what ifs" when I know deep down they won't happen (even if nothing in life is ever 100% certain, this feels like 99%)

So, if you have any tips on how to quit dwelling on the things I don't have and likely never will, and instead focus on what's actually useful and achievable
It's tough


Do you feel this weird, irrational urge to achieve these massive, impossible goals just so you can feel a sense of success or get some validation..?
Life gets way better when you just focus on the small wins—like, thinking about how nice it would be to grab a coffee and a pastry at a local cafe, or signing up for a class to level yourself up, or finding a way to make money doing something you actually enjoy... Don't set these crazy, unrealistic targets for yourself, and definitely don't take it personally if things don't pan out. Plans are just plans—they're just sketches in your head, nothing more. Why stress over them if they don't work out..? At the end of the day, you're doing something, you're trying, and you're learning along the way... and honestly, that's what success really looks like...
neonsailor26 said:Procrastination. I’m starting to think that might actually be your core issue—or perhaps just a symptom of something much deeper...

http://www.vaspsiholog.com/2011/03/prokrastinacija/

The post pretty much nails it, but I gotta say—everyone deals with this to some degree. Whether you're dodging stuff hoping someone else will just step in and fix it, praying that time will somehow make the task less scary, or just lying to yourself that "tomorrow" is going to be the day you finally get your act together... we've all been there. At the end of the day, you really need to realize that knocking out those brutal tasks early is the only way to stop them from weighing you down forever. You've basically trapped yourself in this cycle of avoidance because leaving things for later just makes them haunt you for days—it turns into this massive weight of frustration that makes everything feel way harder than it actually is. Just bite the bullet, suck it up, get it done, and then the stress is just... gone.
Sandra Sanchez62 said:How does psychology formally define a manipulation scenario such as this:

Imagine you find yourself in a dispute with someone, yet the conflict itself lacks sufficient gravity to justify cutting them out of your life entirely or imposing any real sanctions. Instead, you opt for the tactic of strategic silence—ignoring them specifically to provoke a reaction. Your goal is to bait them into an outburst, which you can then conveniently weaponize as the ultimate justification for your final decision to sever ties...

For instance:

(This most frequently occurs via written channels, like emails, text messages, or similar digital mediums)

A couple is facing a disagreement; the issue is minor, but the woman has already decided she wants to end the relationship. Because the actual dispute isn't substantial enough to serve as a valid reason for a breakup, and because she is determined to exit while maintaining a facade of having a "justifiable" cause, she employs a communicative manipulation. When he asks a direct question, she responds with ambiguity, vagueness, or cold indifference, leaving him utterly bewildered. Desperate for clarity, he begins pressing for feedback—for a concrete answer. She, in turn, ignores his attempts at contact for hours, or perhaps even a day or two if necessary. Naturally, the man begins to simmer; uncertainty breeds impatience, and that impatience inevitably heightens his emotional volatility and irritability.
As he attempts to re-establish meaningful communication and secure an answer, she resurfaces only to start a conversation and then abruptly cut it short again, or offer a completely non-sequitur response that bears no relation to the original problem. This further fuels the chaos through her sheer evasiveness...
Eventually, the man reaches his breaking point and begins demanding a straight answer. She then turns the tables, redirecting the conversation toward his anger, which only infuriates him further since he isn't receiving answers, but rather diversions. When he confronts her about her refusal to address the issue, she retaliates by accusing him of being unreasonable or irrational. Finally, she delivers the coup de grâce: she claims that his recent outburst proves he is beyond repair, and that her remaining patience has been exhausted, thus ending the relationship. Ultimately, the true reason for the breakup becomes irrelevant; the primary catalyst is shifted to that induced, manufactured explosion.

"Communicative manipulation through induced reaction, designed to manufacture a pretext for a final decision."

What is the specific psychological term for this type of interaction? I recall a phrase used for this roughly fifteen years ago, but despite scouring my old lecture notes, I cannot pin it down. I am certain we had an entire seminar dedicated to this exact concept...

It is akin to a scenario where one individual repeatedly slaps another until that person finally snaps and strikes back with such force that they land in a coma; in the end, the narrative shifts so that the victim of the physical assault is blamed for the outcome, while the one who caused the injury remains the perceived aggressor.


Welcome to the world of female manipulation👏
From a young age, women are often socialized to play the verbal and emotional cards, and they can be pretty skilled at it in real life. With men, it’s usually more about raw power or dominance, but with women, it’s often about these subtle little games tailored to what works best for them. They won't look you in the eye and tell you they don't love you anymore; instead, they'll push your buttons until you act out, making it look like *you* were the one who walked away. They'll use whatever weapon works—tears, pleading, affection, sex, withholding intimacy, being blunt, or even emotional blackmail... Honestly, she knows you inside and out. She predicts your moves, knows exactly what you're thinking and feeling, and plays you like a fiddle...

Honestly, the only real way out of this is to just cut her loose. If you let yourself get sucked into that manipulation loop, she’ll just keep playing games with you—driving you absolutely crazy while you’re stuck trying to figure her out or just trying to make her happy... It's exhausting. But if you actually step back and create some distance, you stand a much better chance. It shows her you actually have a backbone, that you won't put up with that kind of nonsense, and that you know how to set things straight instead of letting someone pull your strings.
You've gotta realize that a lot of women do this just to test your limits and see what kind of character you really have. They'll stir up absolute chaos, then turn around and apologize, or lead you on one minute and be all over you the next...
It’s on you, man. As the guy in the situation, you need to set those boundaries for yourself—so just do it. If she isn't a good fit, walk away. If she's okay but starts acting up or playing games, put up a wall and insist on being respected...
I don't know the clinical term for it, but it's basically just masterclass level blame-shifting. She's taking responsibility for her own choices and dumping it all on you. Nobody likes feeling guilty, so her goal is to make you feel like the bad guy—maybe even making you apologize for stuff *she* messed up if she pushes things too far. And hey, that works out perfectly for her...
Moderation complaints in Feedback & Suggestions ·
Andrew Doyle said:It’s a good thing Donna White50 decided to kick this thread off, if only so the rest of the community can finally get a clear look at his particular brand of "logic" regarding women.

Look, nobody actually insulted you, but you’ve gone out of your way to play the victim. If you're feeling so wounded by these comments, there is a perfectly functional reporting tool specifically designed for offensive posts. Did you actually use it? Or are you just going to sit here acting aggrieved?

And this is just one tiny, insignificant slice of your massive collection of "well-reasoned" arguments.

Let’s get one thing straight: the way certain Radical elements are handling the conversation around the sexual abuse of women is nothing short of a disgrace. It is absolutely infuriating to watch these people twist a horrific reality into some kind of twisted ideological playground. They aren't looking for justice, and they certainly aren't looking for healing; they are simply looking for ammunition to fuel their own agendas. It is a slap in the face to every survivor out there. Instead of offering genuine support or demanding real systemic change, these groups turn trauma into a political football. They take a deeply personal, devastating experience and strip away its humanity just to score points in a culture war that they seem obsessed with winning at any cost. It’s hollow, it’s performative, and frankly, it’s insulting to anyone who has actually lived through this nightmare. We need real accountability and real protection, not this constant, loud-mouthed posturing from people who wouldn't know true advocacy if it hit them in the face.

Donna White50 As I was saying:
When it comes to the issue of sexual harassment, let’s be perfectly clear: this has been a systemic, ongoing crisis for women since the very beginning. It isn't some recent trend or a sudden shift in social dynamics; it is a deep-seated, historical reality that women have had to navigate for generations. It is an exhausting, pervasive struggle that demands more than just superficial fixes—it requires a complete overhaul of how we address power and misconduct in our society.


I honestly cannot believe what I just read. Donna White50 is actually out here trying to justify an employer asking a potential hire if they plan on starting a family anytime soon. Are we seriously still doing this? It’s absolutely absurd. Let’s be incredibly clear about this: it is a blatant, unacceptable violation of privacy and, frankly, it’s discriminatory. You aren't hiring a biological incubator; you are hiring a professional. A person's reproductive choices have zero bearing on their ability to manage a project, hit a deadline, or contribute to a team's success. Period. When an interviewer starts digging into someone's personal life like that, it isn't "due diligence"—it's a predatory attempt to weed out anyone they deem "too expensive" or "distracted" due to parental leave or childcare needs. It is a direct attack on gender equality in the workplace. If a company needs to know your career trajectory, ask about your long-term professional goals. Don't ask about your uterus. There is no logical, professional bridge between a woman's family planning and her competence as an employee. To suggest otherwise is not just misguided; it's fundamentally wrong.

Donna White50 is out here preaching about gender equality again, and let me tell you, the "arguments" being thrown around are nothing short of a joke. It’s pure, unadulterated nonsense masquerading as intellectual discourse. They think they’re being logical, but if you actually sit down and look at the substance, there's absolutely nothing there—just loud, sweeping generalizations meant to stir the pot. It's exhausting to watch someone try to justify such blatant absurdity with what they clearly believe is sound reasoning. It isn't. It's just noise.

Look, let’s get one thing straight: you weren't being "threatened." I simply pointed out that discussions regarding moderation belong right here in this PDF, not over on Zuid. Telling someone that a topic falls under one specific document rather than another isn't a threat—it's just stating a fact.

Hmm... did my suggestion that you should cover up actually get under your skin? If it truly hit a nerve, then I suppose I owe you an apology. I truly hope the separation anxiety doesn't turn out to be too traumatic for you.

It’s going to take quite a while to get through your entire manifesto, so let’s just leave room for the actual authorities to weigh in. Frankly, I’m done wasting my breath on you because you clearly lack any capacity for reading comprehension. If you actually bothered to process what was written, you would realize I didn't label men as monsters or weaklings—I specifically called out perpetrators and murderers. Furthermore, if you had exercised even an ounce of attention to detail, you would have realized long ago—both in this thread and across other discussions here on Zuid—that I believe gender divisions are utterly nonsensical. We can only progress as a society by moving forward together, and violence isn't "more" or "less" significant based on whether the perpetrator is male or female.

Alright, let's take this one step at a time...
First off, you’re totally taking everything I said out of context... like, seriously. Where exactly did I insult or belittle anyone? Because honestly, I don't see where I'm being called out for that...
I decided to start this thread because I'm feeling personally targeted here—like, it’s getting pretty humiliating on a personal level... just straight up directed at me.
Regarding that last post—I was just trying to lay out how an employer actually thinks (and yeah, I’m one of them)... basically, they don't want to shell out a single cent more than they absolutely have to. On the flip side, you've got employees and the government using laws to try and force their hand if they want to keep hiring... so it's really just two sides clashing. A lot of people have a hard time seeing things from the boss's perspective, which is why I felt the need to clear that up. I also threw in a little bit of unsolicited advice—just saying, if anyone asks if you're planning on having kids, maybe just lie... telling the truth isn't exactly going to get you anywhere these days...

Another thing—on the topic of domestic violence—look, obviously that's a massive issue for any woman out there. It’s traumatic, it's horrific, and it's just plain disgusting... so I'm not sure where I said I supported anything like that...

Regarding that whole equality thing people keep quoting—look, you can't just play both sides of the fence. You know, like using your charm or being "feminine" only when it gets you ahead, but then immediately switching gears to play the victim the second things don't go your way... that’s just not how it works. If we're actually talking about equality, we need to be consistent and aim for it in the fullest sense of the word...

I’m gonna say this one more time to the moderators around here—Azzura has this weird habit of putting people down during a debate, only to go back later and pull their words completely out of context... honestly, it’s pretty embarrassing for someone who's actually supposed to be running the show here. Sorry, but it is what it is...

I’m starting this thread because of the insults I just took personally—look, you can't actually have a decent discussion when people start throwing insults around like that. It's totally against the rules, it's just not cool, and honestly... it just cranks up the tension for no reason...

I didn't end up reporting that post—mostly because it just slipped my mind, honestly... I didn't even realize there was an option to do it. Plus, you were the one who told me to just come here and vent if something wasn't sitting right with me, so... yeah, here I am, venting...

Look, please don't take my words out of context—we aren't kids here... If you can't handle the thread properly, then just edit it or lock it down. I shouldn't have to deal with people being insulting, trolling, or posting total nonsense that has nothing to do with the topic or with me. Everything I’ve said is backed up by actual data from places like the Census Bureau or peer-reviewed academic studies. Honestly, you should probably realize that and just say so, rather than telling me to get lost just because we don't see eye to eye...
Moderation complaints in Feedback & Suggestions ·
Hey there,

I wanted to reach out and voice some concerns regarding how this thread is being moderated:

I’m trying to have an actual, reasoned debate here, but instead, I’ve got users—and even the moderator, Azzura—basically trivializing the facts and using insults just to belittle me and dismiss my perspective.

Since people join forums specifically to discuss things and share different viewpoints, I really think the moderator should stay neutral and step in to stop the personal attacks. Especially since I haven't insulted anyone—I'm just sticking to my arguments—so it feels pretty unfair to be targeted personally just because someone doesn't like what I have to say...
I honestly don't see the point in comments like this from a moderator, especially when they follow it up with threats of bans:
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and why are you picking a fight with me now, Donna White50?

Look, neither I, nor any of the women on this forum, nor any woman out there—we aren't your mother.

So just grow up and stop whining.

edit: oh, and if you're gonna cry about the mod not liking you, feel free to head over to the off-topic lounge. anything else will be flagged as off-topic and a violation of the sub-forum rules.
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I'm asking the moderation team to please address this behavior, because it goes against the site rules which clearly state that nobody should be insulted based on their religion, race, attitude, or differing opinions.