Posts by Ethan Mendoza4

Carl Rivera43 said:Maybe we could make it happen in less than two weeks. Like I said, I’m down to meet up sometime mid-week, provided there are at least four of you showing up. For sure.

Sweet. 🥳

Man, the timing just isn't working out for me.

But no worries—I know you guys will all be hanging out again in two weeks... 🥳

So, when’s the next meetup?
Just crushed all my finals—I'm officially a free man. 😁
I can hang out all semester if needed! 🤣

What was your home life like growing up? Any specific memories or vibes from your parents when you were a kid?

How about your sister? How’s she doing in school—does she get along with her crowd? And what’s her relationship with your folks been like?

Also, what actually happened—what was that breaking point—eight years ago and then again three years back?

Regarding free support, maybe check if there's a family services center in your town or somewhere nearby. I'll shoot you a DM to explain how that works.

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Eric Mitchell55 said:I'm in the exact same boat, except my exam isn't for another two weeks. So, I'll probably be heading 😳

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Gerald Torres2 said:Alex !!! 🎉
There are no excuses...🙂

Eric Mitchell55 said:I don't know about me, but I'm with her on this one. 😂

I'm about to lose my mind! 😁

Gerald Torres2 said:Oh... sure, you could show up, you're just scared! Isn't that right??? Come on man... at least we all have each other's backs... 🤷
Yeah, pride! We're gonna march right down to the plaza in a silent protest—just take us as we are! 🙂

No, for real though.
I've got 62 miles left before I head to Washington, D.C.—broke as hell and facing a final exam in 10 days.

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Steven Lopez77 said:Goodness, seeing how many people have joined the fray—well over ten now—actually gives me a bit of a nervous knot in my stomach. I really didn't sign up for this kind of attention! 😢

Even I can't make it. Just so you don't feel bad about it. 😁
Look, there'll be more just like them.

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Gerald Torres2 said:No sense crying about it now... half of them will probably flake at the very last minute anyway... 😬 Don't worry, we aren't going to pack Madison Square Garden like that. 🙂

Hell yeah! Mad Pride is coming! 🙂

William Chavez5 said:Could someone provide a definition or maybe an example of what constitutes "excessive" politeness?

I know certain people who are just naturally upbeat and kind, as if they don't have a single worry in the world, even though they deal with way more than I do... and honestly, I truly admire that kind of inner strength to remain so positive... but then there's the other side, the hypocrites. You know the type—they act like we’re the absolute best of friends when you run into them, appearing perfectly pleasant from an outsider's perspective, but in reality, they either want something from you or they're just waiting for a chance to gossip behind your back. It's all just a performance, a sort of forced, hollow pleasantry because they feel awkward being around you... that specific moment when you catch someone in the act and they suddenly get all sour and start overcompensating with that fake, "oh, I love you so much!" routine...🙄

So, you see, there are two distinct versions of kindness... and then there's a third category entirely... those people from high society, who are cultured above all else. They treat everyone with respect because that's how they were raised, yet they still maintain their own private opinions about people; they aren't being performative toward someone they dislike, they simply remain polite but distant. That's why I think it would be helpful to provide some concrete examples, otherwise this discussion might lose its way and we'll end up conflating genuine kindness with actual malice, which shouldn't happen...
Of course, wolves in sheep's clothing definitely exist, but that's a whole different conversation...

Exactly. I basically split kindness into those three categories too and was wondering which one everyone was talking about.

restlesstiger49 said:Ray, if the broomstick doesn't work, we'll just have to fly on a magic carpet! 🤣

All jokes aside, I am genuinely thrilled to see more people showing interest in getting together. You might be wondering how these meetups actually go. Last time, we all gathered near the thermometer at Central Park, and since there were only three of us, we just grabbed a bench right next to it. A little drizzle threatened to ruin things, so we ducked into a nearby pub. Personally, I love that vibe—just a little slice of nature and such... As far as I'm concerned, we can always bring some blankets and just lounge on the grass. 😁

The three of us spent quite a bit of time talking about our private struggles last time. So, if anyone feels the need to vent, please feel free, but there is absolutely no pressure. The conversation usually just flows naturally into everything and anything.

Don't worry, we aren't the police coming to check IDs. You don't even have to mention a single username. Does it even matter? If you show up, we aren't going to treat you like a screen name; we're going to treat you like a person. 🙂

And hey, I totally get it—sometimes I try to pitch three different ideas at once, and it just comes out as pure verbal chaos.

EDIT: fadedbear92 is practically begging for photos, so here we go, my humble self ... 😂😂🤣
Of course, it’s the same old story—everyone on the internet acts like a total supermodel. Looking at this photo, the only thing I actually have going for me is my long hair 😢

Using the Seducer tactic to lure women in! That's just dirty!
🙂
😁

Jose Carter2 said:Favoritism is everywhere you look. ☕

At its core, an entrepreneur exists to solve problems for society. We’re social creatures, after all... it's just how we're wired.

In a free market, if someone decides they'd rather hire a person they actually like instead of a highly skilled professional who's a bit difficult to deal with, that's their prerogative. They're free to make that choice.

Entrepreneurs can certainly be arrogant... but usually only when they possess those truly rare skills that the public is desperate for, or once they've successfully climbed their way through the right social circles.

I'm with you on that.

Carl Rivera43 said:I’m not buying your story for a second.

I mean, I've talked to about thirty different people about this exact stuff, and they all say the same thing.

I'd jump into the debate myself, but I'm not looking to get downvoted into oblivion.

Carl Rivera43 said:That almost never happens around here.

Yeah, right. Total cliché.

It’s not "rare"—you just usually need more connections.

Would you really blow through thousands of dollars every single day just because some cousin's kid works for you? Or would you just kick him to the curb and hire someone who actually brings money to the table?

Unless we're talking about a government agency, obviously. Out there, nobody actually cares what you know.

Carl Rivera43 said:I’m not saying everyone is like that, but when it comes to a certain percentage? Yeah, you're spot on.

Because of people like this, so many talented folks don't even get a shot at an interview, let alone a trial run.

Unfortunately, that's just how things play out in the American business world, though it really shouldn't be this way.

We live in a country facing some pretty deep systemic issues, and changing that isn't going to happen overnight.

The habits of these people—only looking out for their own family and blocking everyone else from getting a fair shake—are honestly pathetic.

It’s not all about who you know. Sure, you might land some dead-end desk job through a connection. But when it comes to a role where you actually have to produce results, an entrepreneur is gonna hire someone who brings in profit—not just some cousin's kid.

Carl Rivera43 said:I am totally on board with this.

I'd say there's a huge group of high-ranking executives out there who are better actors than most of the stars in Hollywood.

Carl Rivera43 said:That fake, rehearsed "entrepreneur" smile? Oh, absolutely. It’s such a giveaway, isn't it?

It sounds like those CEOs and big shots are really getting under your skin—you see them as the definition of hypocritical politeness.

Then you wonder why hard work alone doesn't get you into those seats.

If you could actually reach that level just through grit and grind, why would they all need to put on such a phony act?

And why is it that the ones who can't play the hypocrisy game usually end up working *for* them?

With these types of entrepreneurs and execs, that fake kindness is just one symptom of the personality they had to build just to survive long enough to get the job.

Carl Rivera43 said:And man, it used to drive me absolutely crazy—though I’m a bit more chill about it now that I’ve grown up—whenever I saw people acting out those cheesy tropes you see in American TV shows.

Honestly, I've lost the plot here.

The OP used this super vague term "excessive politeness," and now everyone's just interpreting it however they want—we're totally talking past each other even if we actually agree on the core idea.

Carl Rivera43 said:I am totally on board with this.

I'd say there's a huge group of high-ranking executives out there who are better actors than most of the stars in Hollywood.

Otherwise, how else would they even climb the ladder?

Jose Carter2 said:Americans tend to be such an uptight, high-strung bunch that whenever you meet someone who actually seems chill and genuinely content... it just feels fake.

🤣

Back when I was hanging out with a total bunch of hillbillies, anyone acting decent seemed totally two-faced.

Now, I make sure to surround myself with civilized people. And honestly? It’s great being around folks who are actually polite.
"How are you doing, Ethan Mendoza4? Come on in. Can I get you a coffee?" 😍

If someone is being "overly polite"—especially if it feels like they're hiding something—I don't really mind. I just play along.
Everyone’s playing a part anyway. These people have just leveled up their game.

Jerry Moore5 said:So, how old is everyone here?

Fair enough. That one year where youth finally meets a grain of sense in the brain. (Or at least it should.)

But honestly, I don't think they should be yapping about it—might get a ban from the chat.

Steven Lopez77 said:What happens to those of us who struggle with social anxiety, who feel emotionally barricaded and find ourselves unable to even speak? I have always been terribly shy, and I rarely find the words to express myself, perhaps for reasons you all might eventually come to understand.

I can hardly believe I am actually typing this out... there is a part of me that just wants to escape, driven by this overwhelming sense of being trapped within my own shell. When will we finally find a way to truly connect?

See, now we're getting somewhere.
I rarely speak up either—mostly because half the time I don't even make sense. 😁

Kevin Nguyen3 said:Why all this worrying? We’re all stuck in the same mess... as if it’s any easier for anyone else! I practically have to eat myself alive just to find the nerve to go out somewhere...😁

Well, if nothing else, that optimism of yours is pretty damn infectious. 😁

Sure, why not? I'll give staying true to myself a shot. It's about time.

Kevin Nguyen3 said:But where are these strangers?🤷

I mean, come on, we all know each other deep down, don't we?😁

For real.

Carl Rivera43 said:Look, just try to see it as a massive opportunity.
You might actually stumble upon some ideas you’ve been sitting on for ages—things you wanted to talk about but just didn't have the right person to bounce them off of.

Social anxiety isn't really my biggest hurdle anymore—it's mostly faded out. I just deal with that stuff by diving in headfirst and seeing what happens. Honestly? Taking even one small step forward is still a win in my book.

So, here’s the next snag.
So, what’s the deal with us emotionally closed-off types? Honestly—I’ve got this massive phobia of actually letting someone get to know me... I end up making a whole new profile every single Friday just to reset.

So, what now? You want me to just sit here and list out the last 75 usernames?