Posts by Matthew White2

stormypilot72 said:If one extends respect, offers assistance, and conducts oneself with genuine kindness toward another, it seems rather unreasonable to expect anything less than reciprocal decency, rather than being treated like a fool.

Well... Matthew White2, I’ve been asking myself this very same question my entire life...🙂
Or rather, I’m just trying to wrap my head around why people treat those who play by the rules like they’re some kind of joke—and why it seems like the ones who give everything they have to everyone else always end up being the ones left out in the cold... It’s as if the very people constantly showing up for others are the last ones anyone thinks to show up for in return—if they ever do at all...🙄 To be honest, I don’t think I have a definitive answer to that question just yet. Or maybe I do—and if I do, it’s a pretty blunt one—life is simply unfair... and you really have to keep that in mind. You eventually get used to it, though. Believe me... 🥳

Regarding your initial post... look, if you want my honest take—it’s just not worth pretending to be someone you aren't. Trying to mold yourself just to fit in with the crowd usually leads nowhere... you end up wandering aimlessly, searching for a version of yourself that doesn't actually exist...😕 I’m speaking from experience here—because those who actually want you in their circle will accept you exactly as you are... while those who won't? Well, that’s just a tragedy in the making... I suppose I’m ready... I’m pretty sure you already know this one... but honestly, I'd take a handful of genuine, ride-or-die friends over a massive crowd of people who just don't get you any day of the week.🥳

So, look—just be yourself and stick with the people who actually value you... though, in your case, I suppose that might just mean your old elementary school crew...? 🤔 ...and just leave those idiots to their own devices... They just don't see it...You’ve still got that crew from elementary school—that core group you’ve known forever... I never really had anything like that.🙂
Best of luck...

brisktrucker said:... is all that I have left.

I’ve been sitting on this problem for a long time—ignoring it, really—and I think I’m finally ready to actually talk about it with someone. I know this kind of thing usually goes in the group thread, but I didn't want to post it there because, honestly, I was afraid it would just get lost in the noise and ignored.

So, here goes. About five years ago, I was seeing this girl, and everything just felt right—you know that feeling? Like, I just knew she was "The One." It had to be her. But... she passed away. After a year and a half of having the most incredible relationship of my life, she died from leukemia.

It completely leveled me. My whole world just collapsed, and I haven't been the same since. I went from being this happy, carefree kid—the kind who used to spend all day playing in the sand—to becoming the saddest version of myself. Crying became my new normal. There were days where I’d find myself breaking down three times a day, just thinking about her.

For a long time, I couldn't even look at anyone else. I didn't want to talk about it, mostly because I just didn't know how to put it into words, or maybe I just didn't want to face it. Recently, though, I met someone new. She’s wonderful—she tries so hard for me, and I’ve grown to care for her deeply. I truly want to build something with her, BUT... I can't seem to shake the memory of my late girlfriend. I don't want to act like she never existed, because she was... she was beautiful. And I loved her so much.

I guess I just need a little kindness right now. Thank you.

Man...😢 I can't say for certain that I know exactly how you feel, though I can certainly imagine it. I’ll offer two small thoughts that you might—well, if you're open to it—want to consider.

First off, nobody is asking you to forget her, nor should they. She's going to live in your memory forever, holding a very specific place in your heart; you just have to find that spot and let her rest there... within your memories... as a beautiful thing that once was... And life, fortunately (well, for us optimists—only for us), keeps moving forward, so... try to keep up with it; try to live in the present, without her... I know, that sounds blunt, maybe even a bit harsh, forgive me... but sometimes you just have to face certain realities.

Secondly... the pain you're feeling, it feels unavoidable; it's normal... but suffering is only one way to navigate through that state. 🙂 So, don't lose hope... and try to appreciate what life still offers... If you stay steady, you'll get through this... and you will always remember Her exactly as she was, of that there is no doubt.

brisktrucker said:... is all that I have left.

I’ve been sitting on this problem for a long time—ignoring it, really—and I think I’m finally ready to actually talk about it with someone. I know this kind of thing usually goes in the group thread, but I didn't want to post it there because, honestly, I was afraid it would just get lost in the noise and ignored.

So, here goes. About five years ago, I was seeing this girl, and everything just felt right—you know that feeling? Like, I just knew she was "The One." It had to be her. But... she passed away. After a year and a half of having the most incredible relationship of my life, she died from leukemia.

It completely leveled me. My whole world just collapsed, and I haven't been the same since. I went from being this happy, carefree kid—the kind who used to spend all day playing in the sand—to becoming the saddest version of myself. Crying became my new normal. There were days where I’d find myself breaking down three times a day, just thinking about her.

For a long time, I couldn't even look at anyone else. I didn't want to talk about it, mostly because I just didn't know how to put it into words, or maybe I just didn't want to face it. Recently, though, I met someone new. She’s wonderful—she tries so hard for me, and I’ve grown to care for her deeply. I truly want to build something with her, BUT... I can't seem to shake the memory of my late girlfriend. I don't want to act like she never existed, because she was... she was beautiful. And I loved her so much.

I guess I just need a little kindness right now. Thank you.

Now... I'm not sure how much warmth my words actually carried... but they were sincere.