Posts by Sean Cruz

Gary James88 said:Knowing where you're being tickled generally kills the reaction. They say it’s impossible to tickle yourself, though I guess there are always outliers who can...

I can definitely tickle myself. The real question is how one becomes immune to it. 😁

lonegardener said:I don't quite follow that logic... It’s like you're claiming "X" definitely exists, but we're all just using different definitions for it. For one person, "X" might be nothing more than lounging on the sofa watching Netflix, while for someone else, it could be anything from skydiving to bungee jumping. 🤣
The core issue is that whenever someone uses the word "love," they’re usually just using a vague placeholder. In almost every instance, you could find a much more precise term—or a specific combination of terms—that actually describes what that person is feeling. That’s why I don't really see the utility in such a broad label; more often than not, it just leads to unnecessary misunderstandings.

I tend to view the concept of "love" through a mystical lens. But since I’m a general atheist, that creates a bit of a paradox: if I don't believe in the mystical, I struggle to believe in "love" as such a lofty, ethereal thing. It’s a bit of a catch-22, isn't it? Instead, I prefer using more grounded terms. To me, what people call love is really just a specific blend of attraction, affinity, benevolence, loyalty, and trust. Don't you think those terms provide much more clarity? 🤷

It’s even more straightforward than people realize. Like I mentioned before, jealousy is really just a byproduct of fearing you'll lose something you perceive as valuable. So, when someone is being selfish toward their partner, that jealousy is bound to show up—it's essentially just the fear of losing what they think they currently possess.

Exactly. Isn't that just old-school wisdom? "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush." Sure, there’s always someone out there who seems much, much "better" for anyone. But why would you let go of the bird you're actually holding 🤣 just to chase after a pigeon you might never even catch?

That's not really an epiphany; it's more like self-consolation. But hey, that's fine. Everyone needs a little comfort now and then...

Excessive jealousy leads to destruction, provided the relationship is asymmetrical. In other words, the "overly jealous" person is deeply attached, while the other party isn't quite feeling it. It goes back to what I mentioned earlier: the idea of settling for "anything rather than nothing." 😠
Or, they're with you because there's nothing better on the horizon right now... which doesn't mean something won't pop up tomorrow. You have to stay "on guard," don't you? Otherwise, you might miss a better opportunity and spend your whole life without ever seeing what else is out there. 😬

The other question is how people tolerate one another if they both secretly go through these kinds of mental gymnastics. To me, that's a total mystery.

Now that's a debate for Drew Morgan, LOL.

You experience love as something mystical because you feel its weight, yet finding the right words to describe it feels almost impossible. It’s one of those things that defies explanation. Ernest Hemingway once captured this perfectly when he described love and friendship as simply "that which happens," leaving us to wonder exactly why.
To me, love is best defined through concepts. Closeness. i Commitment. It’s that moment when all the masks finally slip, leaving you completely exposed before the person you love. That is the closest definition I can find. I agree with you—it's much better to find different ways to express it. Honestly, the most nonsensical phrase of all is "I love you." It sounds so hollow to me that the moment someone actually says it, that's exactly when I start doubting if they even mean it. 🤣
It just occurred to me: if you view the concept of love through a "mystical" lens, can you honestly still call yourself an atheist? 😬

It’s even easier to spot in those places. As I’ve said before, jealousy is really just a byproduct of fearing you might lose something you perceive as valuable. So, when someone acts selfishly toward their partner, they're essentially driven by that fear—the dread that they might lose what they currently believe belongs to them.

That borders on being possessive. Actually, now that I think about it, there’s a razor-thin line between possession and jealousy. The ultimate act of love would be to "let go" to ensure the person we love finds happiness—even if that happiness doesn't include us. However, I suspect that perspective feels devastatingly hollow to the one being left behind. It is simply human nature to feel pain when losing someone you care about, and frankly, to feel jealous if that person finds bliss in someone else's arms. I don't understand why people insist on denying this or labeling the feeling as some kind of "disorder." 🤷

It’s essentially that old adage: "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush." Sure, there’s always someone out there who is infinitely "better" suited for any given role, or some grander opportunity waiting just around the corner. But honestly, why would you let go of what you actually have right now just to chase a shadow? 🤣 If you were going out to hunt pigeons—assuming you even managed to catch one—which kind would you go after?

Hunting for the right pigeon would be quite the challenge, but how can you ever be sure it’s actually the one you’re looking for?

It’s not about gaining insight; it’s just how you comfort yourself. But hey, that’s fine—everyone needs a little solace now and then.

I wouldn't call this comfort; it's more like an acceptance of reality. You can't actually "prevent" anyone from doing what they set their mind to if that’s what they truly want to do. And honestly, why bother beating yourself up over it? You can't stop bullshit from happening—you can only be aware that it is.

Excessive jealousy is a fast track to self-destruction, especially when the relationship is one-sided. When one partner is obsessively jealous, it’s usually because they’re clinging to someone who isn't actually invested in them. It boils down to that bleak principle: "anything is better than nothing." 😠
Look, I'm sticking with you because, frankly, there isn't anything better on the horizon right now... though that doesn't mean something won't pop up tomorrow. You have to stay sharp. If you aren't paying attention, you might just let a massive opportunity slip through your fingers, wasting your life by failing to make the most of the options actually sitting in front of you. 😬

In relationships, that dynamic is almost always asymmetrical. One person inevitably cares more than the other. I suspect truly symmetrical connections are incredibly rare—if they even exist at all.

It’s a completely different matter how people actually tolerate one another when they both know, fundamentally, that these kinds of mental processes are happening on both sides. To me, honestly, it's a total mystery.

To would be my definition of an "ideal relationship." Is there anything more beautiful than complete, unvarnished honesty?

To have a discussion with Drew Morgan, LOL.

I can't think of anything. 🤣

Austin Baker86 said:Is ticklishness curable? And if so, how? Is there any way to overcome hypersensitivity to being tickled that isn't just about constant exposure to 😲stimuli
?

So, you're dealing with extreme ticklishness? Great topic—I’ve been looking for answers myself. If someone ever decided they wanted me dead, this would be the perfect method.

lonegardener said:How am I exaggerating? If love really is just a hormonal imbalance, then it’s perfectly logical to worry that those levels will eventually "level out" for you while spiking all over again for someone else. (And vice versa, of course. 😬). In fact, it's just as reasonable to fear that this has already happened and the relationship is being kept alive solely by inertia on the other person's part.

Since jealousy is essentially the "fear of losing something perceived as valuable," it stands to reason that feeling jealous in these circumstances makes total sense. It would actually be more illogical *not* to feel it, or to blindly "trust" a love that is nothing more than a chemical fluctuation. Therefore, if someone doesn't feel jealousy, they aren't even experiencing that hormonal version of love, let alone anything deeper.

Or perhaps his level of faith is just incredibly intense... but even then, I have to wonder what kind of foundation that "faith" is built on. I won't even get into my thoughts on the advice being handed out here... 😬 😈

You’re exaggerating by claiming "love" doesn't exist. 😁 It’s obvious there is something we call "love"; the real question is how each of us experiences it—essentially, what we choose to believe love actually is. 🤣
Quincy:

If love is just a hormonal imbalance, then it’s perfectly logical to fear that this imbalance will eventually "level out" for you, only to be triggered again by some other woman. (And vice versa, of course. 😬). Furthermore, it’s a reasonable fear that this has already happened, and that the "relationship" is being sustained solely by inertia on the other person's part.

I agree with that, though when you accept that nothing lasts forever—not even love—then jealousy becomes less intense. In fact, it seems inversely proportional to the number of years spent in a relationship. 🤣

Quincy:

Since jealousy is essentially the "fear of losing something perceived as valuable," it follows that feeling jealous in these circumstances is entirely logical. It would be irrational *not* to feel it, or to blindly "believe" in a love that is merely a hormonal fluke. Therefore, anyone who doesn't feel jealousy doesn't even love in that hormonal sense, let alone any other way.

I agree that jealousy belongs in romantic relationships, but how can there be jealousy where people don't even believe in love?
Do you really think people realize that "love" is an illusion, yet they still care enough about their partner that they fear losing them to someone they know is objectively better? 🤔
Quincy:

Or perhaps his faith is incredibly intense... though even then, I find myself wondering what the actual foundation of that "faith" is.

There is no "faith" involved—at least not in my case. I am fully aware that nothing lasts forever, and I refuse to waste my energy worrying about whether my partner might cheat on me instead of, say, peacefully scrolling through Reddit. 🤣

Quincy:

I won't even get started on what I think of the advice being given here... 😬😈

Dismissing mental health concerns is just ridiculous, but let's be real: excessive jealousy is a relationship killer. It can drive your partner straight into the arms of someone who isn't even an upgrade—someone arguably worse than you—just because they offer a sense of peace you couldn't provide. 😁
Quincy:

So, I’d say it’s fair to assume everyone feels at least a little bit of jealousy. Some people deal with a tiny amount, while others struggle with it constantly.

I'm on board with that. You can't have true love without a hint of jealousy; if there's absolutely none, then what you're feeling probably isn't actually love.

lonegardener said:It starts with desire...
Then comes passion!
Then... doubt creeps in.
Jealousy! Anger! Betrayal!
When love is just a commodity for the highest bidder,
Trust becomes impossible.
And without trust,
Love simply doesn't exist!
Jealousy.
Oh, jealousy...
It will drive you straight—

INSANE!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHO5KWIMZUo

As you put it, you're worried he might run into someone with a "better offer"... and that your boyfriend won't be able to, or won't see any reason to, pass up that "better opportunity."

Looking at this rationally, that fear is actually quite logical. There’s really no reason to assume you are definitively the "best" out of the thousands upon thousands of women he’ll encounter (including those he just catches a passing glance of).

On the flip side, there isn't much reason to be that afraid either... because he isn't necessarily the "best" choice among the thousands upon thousands of men you'll meet.

So, strictly from a logical standpoint, relationships don't make any sense. 😬 😈 🤣 😢 🙂

At least, not from an atheist-nihilist perspective. You almost have to be a believer to truly believe in some kind of "love," whatever that may be.

I think you're overstating things here. Love is really just a hormonal imbalance; even at its absolute peak, there's always a chance you'll find a way to recover from it. 😁

steeltiger2 said:Look, here's the deal: he isn't cheating on me, and honestly, he’s never been that kind of guy. I trust him.
The thing is, he loves pointing out how much he likes this girl or that girl. I don't even know how he notices these things, and then he actually goes out of his way to tell me which ones are hot. When I asked him if he was just trying to make me jealous, he just shrugged and said he was just stating facts.
He’s got this uncanny ability to spot who’s sexy, who’s gorgeous, and who’s... well, less so. It just comes up casually in conversation. I mean, obviously, I notice guys too—men notice women, it's just biology—but I don't feel the need to announce it or dwell on it. He’s always so blunt about it, too. And since he isn't actually doing anything wrong, he insists it’s perfectly natural for men to look at other women, and that looking doesn't change the fact that he loves me. I just don't get why he feels the need to emphasize it so much. What kind of approach is that, really?
It's just... well, I've had my share of bad luck. One guy cheated on me, and another one left me for someone else because his parents thought she was a better match for marriage. Not that it matters now.

All your past experiences shape how you act and think. But there's another angle here: Are you certain he isn't exaggerating how much women are hitting on him just to provoke a reaction from you? 😁 Sometimes guys do that, though it's possible he's just being brutally honest. There aren't any set rules, though personally, I prefer hearing comments to my face rather than behind my back. I don't see an issue with commenting on attractive women as long as it doesn't cross the line into blatant flirting. Once that happens, I start a fire. 😈
On another note—I have a friend whose husband basically slept his way through half of Chicago and then some, yet she refuses to believe there's a problem because he's such a "gentleman" in public, always talking about how he has no interest in "cheap girls" chasing married men and such. She ended up catching HPV and CIN3 from him and had to undergo surgery. Every time we're out in a group, I have the urge to hang him by his stones from the top of the Willis Tower as a warning.

Try pointing out specifically that his comments bother you and see if you can reach a compromise. I know it sounds easy to say "don't overthink it," but it really isn't. Someone who actually intends to cheat will do it even if you tie a three-ton weight to their leg. There is always going to be someone "better" out there, but you need to be more secure in yourself and hold your own value higher. 🙂

Brandon Brooks11 said:Sean Cruz, I’m guessing you’re over in Mexico or Canada? It’s the same story here—kids today only care about their rights, while they couldn't care less about their responsibilities.

As for pay, whether people like it or not, salary is just carrot-and-stick. If someone gets paid more, they have a better incentive to actually work harder and deliver results, IMHO.

I live in Canada. On top of everything else mentioned, the issue here is that even if you land a job in your field, it’s usually in some remote corner of the state where you have to commute at least an hour or two—unless, of course, you’re politically connected or have deep pockets to pull strings. In Boston, if you want to work for any government institution, whether it's a ministry or a school, your hiring often depends entirely on political affiliation and background.
I actually found myself in a situation where I enrolled my child in one school, only to end up fighting tooth and nail to transfer them to another. It all started when I happened to meet an English teacher. She’s slightly older than me and happens to be married to a local politician. After talking to her for just two minutes, her way of speaking made it crystal clear that something was off. It turned out she should have been part of my generation, yet I never once saw her on campus during college. I checked with several students and professors, and everyone confirmed my suspicions—nobody had ever heard of her or even knew who she was. 😁 That gives you an idea of how qualified some of these teachers are. Not to mention, back at my old high school—which used to be considered one of the best in Boston—an English teacher would tell the kids that if reading the whole book is too much, they should at least try to get through the first part of Anna Karenina. 😁

Joshua Hernandez9 said:Respect isn't given—you earn it.

That’s true, but there are two sides to this coin. Kids these days seem to have every right in the book and get away with just about anything, while teachers are left completely vulnerable. I can't speak for every district, but where I am, the situation is a disaster. I'm not saying kids should be mistreated, but frankly, most of them lack basic manners because they aren't taught them at home, leaving teachers powerless. Personally, I find zero fulfillment in my profession; my current field offers more creative freedom, far less stress, and—not to mention—a much better paycheck. Teaching salaries are abysmal. Most of my colleagues are actively looking for any exit strategy just to avoid being in a classroom.

Zachary Turner6 said:🙄Did I not emphasize enough that I am strictly speaking from my own experience? 😉
I truly hope that things are different in Washington, D.C., Mexico City, Ottawa... maybe I neglected to mention that, statistically speaking, only half of those who enroll actually finish their degree—and of those, maybe a third or a quarter find work in their field. This means it's not just a matter of having plenty of capable and "driven" Americans; unfortunately, even some of them won't manage to land a job in their profession.

Admittedly, I have no clue how things work in your neck of the woods, but over here, Fear on Brijestov Street is practically a bedtime story compared to the actual state of our education system.

I hold out hope for better times, but they aren't coming as long as society (all of US!)—and consequently, the government—fails to recognize just how vital educators are for long-term economic stability, civic awareness, environmental consciousness, entrepreneurship, and so on. (Education, indirectly, touches everything, of course). We need to start acting accordingly.

Man, what a blow to the male ego. 😍

I sincerely hope that things are different in New York, Chicago, or even Ottawa. Perhaps I neglected to mention the reality of the numbers: statistically speaking, only about half of the students who enroll actually graduate. Of those graduates, maybe a third or a quarter will actually land a job in their field. This means that while there is certainly no shortage of talented and driven Americans out there, the unfortunate truth is that some simply won't find work in their profession.

In Ottawa, you don't even see a quarter of the students actually finish their degrees, and honestly, I won't even get into the rest of the statistics. I agree that plenty of talented, capable people can't find work—it’s all about who you know or how deep your pockets are. It comes down to connections and political ties. In this country, actual knowledge and skill rarely matter.

I’m holding out hope for better days ahead.But she isn't going to show up until society—all of us—demands it. Right now, our leaders aren't acknowledging how vital educators are to long-term economic growth, civic engagement, environmental awareness, or even entrepreneurship. Education is the backbone of all those things, yet the government refuses to act accordingly. Until we start treating the teaching profession with the weight it deserves, nothing changes.

I used to be an optimist, but lately, I’ve found myself drifting toward a darker outlook. Honestly, I’m hoping someone can talk me out of my pessimism regarding one specific question: where to turn in this world?

steelridge58 said:Man, if you think those folks are something else, just wait until you realize the book itself is its own thing, and don't even get me started on the poems... they are really something else entirely. 🙂

In that case, I need to grab a copy immediately. Even if a day had 36 hours, it still wouldn't be enough time to get through my reading list. Thanks for the tip. 🙂

Mark Torres14 said:I'm with you on that. But look, American and Russian are both Slavic languages and share plenty of roots too, yet you still have to actually sit down and learn it.

Trust me, it isn't nearly as hard as people make it out to be. I picked up the basics of Russian in no time at all, mostly because I was translating Persian using a Persian-Russian dictionary—back when there wasn't a single better resource available. When you're forced to learn quickly, picking up the fundamentals of a related language becomes much easier.

steelridge58 said:It’s such a shame. I know they’re often under immense pressure, and that deviating from the Department's "recommendations"—though let's be honest, they're actually mandates—can cost them their careers. But, thank goodness there are still people out there who try, despite everything... In the meantime, the kids are always happiest when there's no school!

Now you've actually reminded me of those poems found in the prologue and at the end of the book "elementary particle," so if you ever get the chance, you really should read them (they're quite long, and if I tried to type them all out here, I'd be here forever, but here is just a snippet...) and they actually offer a sense of hope, which is almost the exact opposite of what you're feeling:

... And so today we can listen to that tale of the materialistic age
As an old story about people.
It is a sorrowful tale, yet it won't truly grieve us
Because we no longer resemble those people.
Though we grew from their bodies and their desires, we cast aside
Their divisions and their loyalties
We never knew their joys, nor were we acquainted with their pains,
We cast them off with indifference
And without any effort
Their world of death.
Those centuries of pain are our heritage,
Today we can pull them from oblivion
Something like a second parting has occurred,
And now we have the right to live our own lives.

🙂

p.s. personally, I'm much more terrified of those robots in business suits, looking as though humanity died out a long time ago.

Exactly. 😁 My daughter once wrote in an English assignment that she loves playing with her friends because it's fun, but she hates school because it's boring. 🤣

You've reminded me of the poems at the start and end of "Mažuranić"... wait, no, the book "elementary particle". If you get the chance, read them (they are too long to post here, but here is one excerpt...) which offer a glimmer of hope, quite the opposite:

... And so today we can listen to that tale of the materialistic age
Like an old story about people.
It is a sad story, yet it won't truly sadden us
Because we no longer resemble those people.
Though grown from their bodies and desires, we have cast off
Their divisions and affiliations
We haven't known their joys nor are we acquainted with their pains,
We cast them aside with indifference
And without any effort
Their world of death.
Those centuries of pain are our heritage,
Today we can pull from oblivion
Something akin to a second parting,
And now we have the right to live our own lives.

🙂

I haven't read that book, but I'll look for it. Perhaps it will provide a small dose of hope. 🙂

p.s. personally, I'm more terrified of those robots in lab coats, looking as if humanity died out long ago.

They are a whole other issue entirely.

@Nepostojeći: Reading your take, I’d say things aren't all that different here, except for the whole affirmative action policy issue, which really feels like the icing on a very bitter cake. That said, I’m not one for sweeping generalizations. You’re starting to sound a bit like lastan with those broad strokes about patriots. 😁
I honestly have no clue how things operate on your side of the pond, but over here, watching old cartoons on Disney+ is a much better bedtime story than the reality of our education system.
To give you an idea of what I mean by the state of our schools:



I should probably add—rest his soul. 😁

steelridge58 said:That wasn't even what he was getting at, honestly... 🙂 and I truly don't think that was his intention, but rather more of a speculation regarding my own question, especially since I wasn't entirely sure whether it's the Department of Education or the individual teachers who actually call the shots on textbook selection. But still, if it's the government or some other authority making those calls and the books end up being terrible, shouldn't the teachers be the ones trying to push for better options?

Well, it feels like we're already seeing the future manifest in the present... and it doesn't look particularly bright, even though it's precisely because of this future that we ought to be making changes.

School principals are mostly micromanaged by the Department of Education, which trickles down to the teachers. That’s just how it works here, according to sources I trust. Essentially, if you want to keep your job, be grateful you have a paycheck, stay quiet, and get to work. That’s the reality. Even when specialized schools receive donations, the Department decides how to distribute those funds at their own discretion. I’m not sure if you remember that case involving the school for the visually impaired. The principal received a donation from a Frenchwoman specifically intended to buy a van for student transport. He fought for over a year to access those funds, only for the Department to decide they didn't actually need a van and refused to release the money. Eventually, the woman requested her money back since it wouldn't be used for its intended purpose. They bought the van in the end, but the principal lost his job. You see similar patterns in almost every other school.

Don't worry, I won't go picking a fight with the shaman. 🤣

Well, the future is already manifesting in our "now"... and it isn't looking pretty. It's something we should be changing for the sake of what's to come.

My father shared a sobering thought with me recently: my generation might very well be the last one before humanity fades out. The little "robots" following us will largely be indoctrinated with various ideologies, and through them, true humanity will perish. It's not far from the truth—we can see it right now in our own backyard through things like religious segregation in public schools and such. I won't dwell on the darkest examples from our recent history...

steelridge58 said:Anyway, no matter which slice of society you look at, it feels like you could stick your finger right into the rot (at least here in the States, where you and I are living). Of course, the education system is just a reflection of that larger decay within our country. And they always say the kids are the ones who end up inheriting the mess...

I feel like I’m becoming a bigger pessimist with every passing year. Honestly, I’m even losing the will to engage in these debates anymore; I used to be so passionate and ready to fight for my side in discussions like this, but that fire just isn't there lately.
What worries me most right now is this whole situation with Bolden—and honestly, what it means for our kids.

steelridge58 said:Honestly, I kind of suspected there was some kind of shady setup going on behind the scenes, though I had originally assumed the whole thing was being managed directly by the Department of Education, so I was just sitting here wondering why teachers don't have more of a say in selecting higher-quality materials for their own classrooms.

I can't speak to how things work in America, but here in the States, teachers aren't even consulted. It’s not like they want to teach from subpar materials, either. From what I can tell, choosing textbooks around here is strictly a matter of political affiliation. Now, that's separate from the fact that the shaman completely disrespects the teaching profession.

steelridge58 said:That bolded part hits the nail on the head! Some of these textbooks are an absolute disaster, truly. I find myself wondering how on earth they even pass the approval process? It’s not like there isn't a huge pool of talented writers out there who could easily craft something appropriate for young students, but somehow it always seems like the people who lack that basic understanding are the ones getting the licenses to write them—though I'm not entirely sure how the whole selection process works, to be honest....

I suppose it comes down to political connections, just like everything else in this country. All I know is that parents are dealing with a massive headache. And don't even get me started on the terrible reading lists—or the total lack thereof—while so many of my colleagues sit around waiting for a spot to open up at the local school district.🙄

steelridge58 said:Honestly, I think we should focus more on teaching logic to elementary schoolers—but specifically *their* logic! We need to nurture that natural curiosity they have and use it as a bridge to introduce them to the actual world of knowledge. In that sense, I think the "step-by-step" programs some of our local public schools implement through fourth grade are actually quite wonderful for developing various skills, though the real headache starts when they move up because the curriculum stops supporting that creative, hands-on approach. It can make it pretty tough for kids to adjust to the rigid, traditional way things are done later on, but hey, I suppose that’s still better than overwhelming them with heavy-duty requirements that are way too advanced for their age right out of the gate.

I’m with you on this. I’ve been navigating the school system with my nine-year-old daughter—she’s part of the first cohort under the current setup—and frankly, I am not impressed with how they handle the students. For the first two grades, they used the "Step by Step" method, but once third grade hit, they just dumped a mountain of raw data on them. It was a nightmare for everyone; parents and teachers alike were drowning trying to keep up with the massive syllabus. The kids were just lost.
In my view, the American school system generally overwhelms children with a deluge of useless facts. The real culprits are the bloated curricula and textbook authors who seem incapable of writing material that is actually age-appropriate.
At the end of the day, school is just the starting line; real learning is a lifelong pursuit. 🙂

EDIT: There is already an existing thread where we discussed the distinction between schooling and true education:

Education is…

Gerald Ward61 said:Convince them? Really? Like, would anyone actually believe you if someone like Drita told them they were responsible for their own broken leg or an earache? Yeah, probably... maybe they should've said a prayer before leaving the house every morning. 🙄
The absolute worst part, like silentpilot6 was saying, is that these abusers aren't even geniuses. Most of them are actually pretty dimwitted. And that’s what makes it even more infuriating! 😍

I mentioned earlier that I hadn't read the thread, but you've definitely piqued my interest. 🤣 There is everything under the sun, but you hit the nail on the head here:

Now that I think about it, it isn't just stupidity—it's a total lack of substance. Pure laziness. One can only think so much, after all.

Look, you don't necessarily have to live under the same roof with someone for them to harass you. Of course, every single case is different, and we can only really understand what’s happening in any given instance by looking at the specifics. But is that actually the point of this thread?