Posts by Jose Ward4

nimbleharbor46 said:I’m going to be the bigger person here and make sure I don't fall right into his trap.

Sent from my LG-H870 using Reddit

Look, Donna, if he actually makes a move, you'll be the first one he targets. From what I can tell, he’s got a real thing for women—he's actually quite charming in person. Honestly? Out of everyone we've been talking about on this board, I think he has the best shot. He's easily the best-looking guy in the group.

nimbleharbor46 said:I can't say for sure about any similarities, but I’ve been lurking on this forum since long before I actually registered, so I have a pretty good sense of who people like the handyman, Diego, and Jose Ward4 are—they’re always such a blast to read. As for you, we haven't really met, but you seem perfectly fine. That person posting above, though? Like Jose Ward4 mentioned, they definitely seem a bit sketchy to me.

In America, you run into all sorts of liars, and sometimes it feels like there's this weird, forced pressure to match up with certain people. Honestly, I'm not a fan of that vibe. I tried connecting with a couple of guys on the forum once before, and while I probably didn't play my cards perfectly, I don't think they were exactly thrilled with how things went either. We just weren't on the same wavelength. It would have been incredibly awkward to actually meet up in person after that. It was a bit of a letdown, really. Still, I wouldn't rule out showing up to one of those get-togethers down the road.

Sent from my LG-H870 using Reddit

Thanks, truly. Thank you. I promise we aren't nearly this intense when we hang out in real life. Regarding that guy above—I wouldn't call him "sketchy" so much as I'd say he just lacks basic social graces. Telling someone something like that on a forum or in person, especially when everyone is talking about meeting up, just doesn't sit right with me. I don't see why you'd label him suspicious or weird. He isn't some shady character; he just gets worked up over things that don't require that kind of energy. It's just a matter of manners.

Eric Ramos93 said:Look, Jose Ward4, everyone’s got their own damn taste. Based on what she was saying, it’s just not my vibe, and I’m the type of person who says that straight to someone's face instead of playing games. Why would I bother sucking up to anyone? Besides, I have zero interest in being in a relationship right now; hanging out is really the only thing on the table for me, and from the looks of it, most people seem to be expecting way more than that from her.

Listen, I couldn't care less about your opinion. And don't you dare talk to me like you would to her or any other girl, or you'll probably end up getting punched in the teeth. You mean nothing to me, and you aren't going to change. We haven't seen eye to eye since day one, and we never will. To be blunt, you're obnoxious. You lack the basic manners an honest person should have. Take my advice: stay far away from me. From here on out, you're on ignore.

Donna, I’d honestly love to meet up, but I’m a little worried about how things might go sideways. How can you just look someone in the eye and say, "I'm not interested in you" like that? Especially doing it right in front of everyone else. To me, that kind of bluntness feels a bit unhinged.

Joseph Bailey41 said:I don't really drink much Lavender myself; I'll just toss in a sprig while it's in season and leave it at that. It's probably not great for boys going through puberty since it acts a bit like estrogen, but otherwise, I don't think it's toxic. Most of the time I'm sticking to peppermint or lemon balm (usually fresh), and this year I've been using a lot of basil too. I haven't actually had any tea in days, though—my kitchen is currently a mess because I've been busy making batches of tomato sauce. 🙂

Apparently, men are drawn to the scent of cinnamon, and if you want to look younger, you should go with grapefruit... or so research suggests. 😁

So, what is it that women are attracted to?

Chloe Flores83 said:Not too bad so far. We've got two Jesuses, Neo, and the most positive person of the year... maybe even a little Napoleon in the mix?
Joseph Bailey41, here's my take 😁what's on your mind?

There’s no Napoleon here, honey. It’s just Jesus and Neo from the Matrix.

Joseph Bailey41 said:I honestly think the demand just isn't there. For most people, plain lavender tea is way too intense. Even for me—and I can pretty much drink any herbal tea you throw at me—if I don't mix lavender with other herbs, it feels like I'm sipping on perfume. 🙄

You really are such a sweet soul, and I truly believe things will start looking up for you once you start believing in yourself a little more. 🙂

Aha. I see. I was actually thinking maybe they limit the amount you can drink—you know, like how they dose peppermint or chamomile in those little tea bags so people don't overdo it and feel sick. I actually assumed there was a decent market for it! Tell me something, though... when you drink your Lavender tea, do you notice if guys gravitate toward you more? Have you ever caught them looking at you differently because of it?

@Joseph Bailey41 Why on earth can't I find any Lavender tea at Dunkin'? It’s everywhere else—you can find chamomile, rosehip, you can basically find tea made from anything under the sun. The only thing I can find is those loose dried flowers at Whole Foods, like their 100g packs, but then I have to deal with measuring it all out myself. Do you have any idea why they don't carry it? I was scanning the shelves at both Kroger and Spencers, and there isn't a single lavender tea bag in sight. Not even a standard little pouch. Is there some secret reason for this? Do these big companies know something we don't? Or what's the deal?

Joseph Bailey41 said:I can be your Oracle once I get a little sun on my face. What, you want me to predict some good luck coming your way? 🙂

Sure thing. Go ahead, lay it on us. Though, honestly, I feel like I’d need to drive out to see you in person—once you've had your coffee and caught some rays, obviously—just so I could look you in the eye and ask if I'm really "the one."

Joseph Bailey41 said:I think he'd probably need a little help from Neo and Jesus to make that happen. 😢

Funny. You’ve actually got a sense of humor, Flying. Not bad. We just need one more person to join us and we'll be the Fantastic Four. 😛

mistydrifter55 said:🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Seriously, you are out of your mind. So many emojis. Lord help us. I honestly can't stand you.

Chloe Flores83 said:I honestly couldn't keep track of who was playing whom... Vordas, were you actually playing Jesus? And Diego, you were Neo—what’s your take on that? Are you secretly a rebel too?

Actually, I was Neo last year. John was Jesus. As for what Diego was... honestly, I haven't a clue.

Harold Anderson3 said:You probably signed up for one of the hardest programs in the US—physics. Physics is actually tougher than MIT, for real. I personally tried my hand at studying for the FBI, MIT, and the University of Michigan. At least my conscience is clear because I genuinely gave it my all to try and graduate. Over ten years, I only managed to pass one single year. But unlike some people, nobody was funding me from the start until the moment I quit; I paid for everything myself. And yeah, I also dealt with that mental spiral starting when I was 21.

Yeah, I get it. It's easily one of the hardest paths out there, though it didn't feel that way before I signed up. I remember walking onto campus with a buddy right before finals week just to get a feel for the place. The vibe? Incredible. I told myself, "This is it. This is my calling." Back then, I was obsessed with probability and engine mechanics. There were so many cool diagrams and visuals everywhere inside. But once you get into the actual coursework, almost none of that stuff shows up in freshman year except for probability. It’s just endless, grinding study sessions. That was the hardest part for me—I’m just not a natural straight-A grinder. So, I wasn't a great fit. I ended up having a breakdown after the first semester. Even the doctors at the hospital told me they’d help me get back into school. They promised I could move to a different department and that everything would be fine. What a joke. I never even saw that "other department." I talked to my doctor three times in five months, but it changed nothing. Anyway, that’s all ancient history now. I moved on to new things a long time ago. And just like him, I funded everything myself, aside from whatever scraps I could grab from my parents. Though, to be fair, I didn't spend much since they covered most things—books, supplies, the whole nine yards. I mostly just handled my own bus fare and food when I was on campus.

Chloe Flores83 said:Did you forget half a sentence there, or am I just seeing things? It feels to me like everyone who suddenly turns to Jesus or starts trying to save the planet actually wants to change the world even when they're perfectly "normal." I honestly think those folks are just quiet rebels at heart—people who can't stand injustice and feel driven to fight it. Then, something just clicks in their heads, and suddenly they're looking for Jesus to come along and fix everything in an instant.

There’s definitely some truth to that. Honestly, I’m a total rebel against this whole corporate machine, even though I’m right in the middle of it. I’d give anything to just be out in the woods somewhere, growing my own tomatoes, making homemade jam and preserves. It drives me absolutely nuts. Sometimes I don't even know what to do with myself because I'm so deep in this corporate lifestyle—I'm using the system while simultaneously hating it. I was always a rebel, even back in high school. I used to drive my parents crazy. "Don't do this," "Watch out for that." It always had to be my way. Since I was a kid. When I fell into that obsession with having to—and I think we all feel we have to—save the planet... man, I was spiraling. Thinking about pollution, how fish are disappearing, forests being leveled, all that crap. While I was losing my mind worrying about the Earth and what kind of mess we're leaving for the next generation, my friends were just out partying and hooking up. I couldn't wrap my head around it back then. Like, do they really not see what I see? Even if the education system is a complete joke. I had this specific vision where biology, physics, and math had to merge to reach those five postulates. Basically, all science needs to unite to solve the problems currently torturing mathematicians and biologists. A unified science. All of this started about five or six months before I enrolled at the University of Michigan, which I didn't even finish. I totally washed out after the first semester. I won't even lie and say I understood much of it. It was just too hard. No practical application whatsoever. And all those visions, that initial mental spiral... I didn't experience any of that until I was 24.

Chloe Flores83 said:Can we just take this to the DMs? I promise, my lips are sealed. Your secret is safe with me.🕺

You know how to keep a secret. Chloe Flores83?

Laura Castillo6 said:I kind of look at it as a little timeout from real life. But hey, what can you do? A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do.

Exactly. That’s how it goes. When you’re truly hurting, you know you need the hospital. You just know. I remember calling 911 once—I told them I was fine, even though I felt like I was dying. I actually had to practically beg them to come out. It’s a surreal experience.

I ended up putting on 'Curb Your Enthusiasm.' You probably know it; I can't even remember which season I was on. I watched a few episodes back then and honestly, you'll die laughing. Highly recommended. Now, I'm just chilling in bed, watching a series, hoping to be asleep by midnight or 1 AM. Just taking it easy. That's just how things are right now.

Laura Castillo6 said:Once things settle down, it’s not the end of the world, but during that acute phase, you really can't afford to skip out on psychiatric care. That’s the part I’m not a fan of—feeling like you're left hanging when things are most intense.

But then again, I guess it's the same deal with a stroke or a heart attack...

I mean, yeah, you're right. When you're having a crisis, you don't want to die in a hospital. My last stay wasn't even that intense, but I was stuck there for a month. Honestly? It felt more like a vacation. Except for one thing: the conditions are absolutely miserable. They were literally painting the walls right when I checked in, and don't even get me started on the bathrooms. God, it was awful. It wasn't built for actual human beings. The entire ward needs a total overhaul from top to bottom. It’s an embarrassment to the American healthcare system. Just inhumane. And the food? Don't even ask. There isn't a single piece of fruit in the place. I think I had maybe two bananas and two apples in the entire month. My roommate actually ended up sharing bananas that his family brought him because they weren't giving me enough. I even had to use my own money to buy ice cream and coffee. It feels wrong, you know? Having to spend your own cash on basic necessities like decent food. Meanwhile, back in the day, when my dad was hospitalized, the food was like a five-star steakhouse. They really let things slide. It's pathetic.

Laura Castillo6 said:That’s exactly what I always tell people. It's why whenever I'm out and about hanging with friends, I make it a point never to bring up sickness or anything heavy like that.

I'm the same way. I'll only mention it if someone actually asks me directly. Usually, it's those types of people who open up first, asking if anyone else has gone through similar things. Then I’ll just say, "Yeah, I have schizophrenia, but it’s not the end of the world." You learn to live with it.

Laura Castillo6 said:Have you completely lost touch with reality?

Yeah, maybe, but I'm also talking about the fear of actually getting hurt.

No, I haven't. Not since I was in the hospital last year and felt like I had become neo from the Matrix. I thought you were asking if *other* people assume I've lost touch with reality and how I deal with that stigma. Honestly, that thought still stings if it happens. I know why I feel that way—I'm being vulnerable, and even though most people are understanding, everyone processes it differently. Usually, people who are at peace with themselves don't struggle with accepting someone else's diagnosis. Others... they just don't get it because they're coming from a place of fear.

Laura Castillo6 said:Have you completely lost touch with reality?

Yeah, maybe, but I'm also talking about the fear of actually getting hurt.

I don't really carry those fears anymore. Especially since I've been living on my own for almost two years now. Listen, if you find someone who can accept your condition, there is nothing better. Someone truly empathetic. In some ways, I'm no different from people without any diagnosis. I work, I have my own apartment, I'm independent—all while managing schizophrenia. Back when I was at the clinic, the doctors told me I wasn't even considered a severe case.

Laura Castillo6 said:If you ask me, the absolute scariest part is losing your grip on reality. I think that's why people are so terrified of it in the first place.

Maybe that's just what you're afraid of.😉.

Laura Castillo6 said:If you ask me, the absolute scariest part is losing your grip on reality. I think that's why people are so terrified of it in the first place.

I honestly don't have that perspective. I've just never experienced anything like that myself.