There’s this older guy at my gym who keeps coming up to me to say hi, make conversation, and ask me to record videos of him working out.
There are plenty of other people at the gym, but he seems to specifically seek me out. Sometimes I’m nowhere near him, and he’ll still come over to ask me to record him. Like, why not just get a tripod? 😭

Honestly, I don’t really want to talk to him or record his videos. I just want to put my headphones on and focus on my workout. But whenever he approaches me, I feel bad saying no because I don’t want to be rude, so I end up helping him anyway.
It’s starting to annoy me because I feel like I’m being too nice when I don’t even want to interact with him in the first place. I don’t want to feel obligated to entertain someone just because they approach me.

I’m also wondering if he’ll act differently when I’m at the gym alone, since I’m usually there with other people.

How would you handle this situation? Would you just tell him no, or would you try to be more subtle about it? And how do you stop feeling guilty about setting boundaries with people when you don’t want to be mean?

I just want to work out in peace without feeling like I have to be available to everyone. 😭

This genuinely makes me laugh so hard but my sister mentioned it once and now I can’t unsee awkward Natalie

I also just look petrified when someone takes photos of me how do o fox that? I look normal when I take selfies when I can see myself but not when someone takes photos of me

For context, this girl made a comment under an instagram reel where she was rude to another commenter and the og creator. The original creator was talking about one aspect of her own body not being accepted by society and this person’s response was to rudely dismiss her because her own body also does not fit the beauty standard (she described herself as having a smaller chest, butt and a larger stomach). So I left the first comment in the thread in response to her comment to another person and the last two are the replies she gave. I also never once commented on her body, and could not even if i wanted to since her profile is private, but she replied like this. I know what I said could be interpreted as dismissive (because I was basically trying to point out the hypocrisy of her own comments), but angry or a critique of what she actually looks like, it is not. I already have resigned myself to being ugly, but it doesn’t mean that it hurts any less when someone unprompted brings it up. This is not the first time someone has called me ugly in response to something I said on the internet that is not directly critiquing their looks. And she conveniently didn’t call the other girl ugly, so I know it’s just about me. I’m tired of this nonsense. I wish people would just stay on topic.

Do you always shower right after working out? When do you style your hair for the day? I’m new to regularly working out in this phase of my life (mom of a preschooler) and am trying to figure out how to be put together. Right now I’m speedrunning preschool drop off, gym, shower, teeth/face/lotion, a hairstyle that tolerates wet hair (braids, claw clip, etc), then making it back just in time for preschool pickup.

I’ve been self-employed for over 10 years. I’m used to handling everything myself and being reachable all the time. But now I can’t turn it off. I’ll be on the couch at night with the TV on and my head is still on work, going over what needs to get done tomorrow. I want to enjoy my evenings again. If you run a business or have a demanding job, what helped you switch off? Or have you tried something that didn’t work?

I started a new job that involves a lot of two or three day trips. I don’t want to pack all my original chargers since they’re bulky. I need to charge my MacBook Air, iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch, earbuds, and a 10k mAh power bank. Is there one charger you’d recommend for all of these?

Hi! I (27F) am going through a rough patch with my “situationship”. We got into it last night and I ended up getting out of the car and walking home. During my walk I blew his phone up. Being ignored is a major trigger for me and is what ultimately led to me getting out of the car. Since he wasn’t answering I texted him to just told him to block my number. He blocked me on everything. I’ve been trying to get in contact with him since then (calling private, different numbers, etc.) and I feel like I’m going insane (mostly from being ignored). I’m just not doing well and I know a lot of my actions were irrational and I was in the wrong so I can’t blame him for his reaction. I’m just looking for (1) advice on getting through this with no contact, (2) advice on dealing with being ignored as a trigger, and (3) connecting with others who are experiencing the same thing.

Not going to bore with the details but I struggle to eat a lot of the time when specific people are home. And because of this I’ve been this I’ve become quite underweight and weak. I do tend to hoard snacks and things because they easy but the best thing that keeps is chocolate and obviously I can’t only eat that.

I’m 18 so I’ve been slowly collecting stuff for when I move out (hopefully going to be soon but I need to get into a university before I go so I know where I’m going) in my room I have a mini slow cooker, a kettle, a waffle maker and a mini fridge. The mini fridge stays off because it’s loud and annoying but the mini slow cookies lives on my shelf. The others are boxed up but in theory I could take them out to use.

I have space to store food but I’m scared about things going bad and attracting bugs.

What would you recommend I keep and stow away so I can actually eat? Specific ingredients, recipes, snack ideas anything really that would be helpful

I am pretty broke at the moment. I’ve been unemployed for a bit. I do technically “work” for a charity near by but they only have a couple weeks worth of payed work for me a year. Just the way it’s set up. I’m not mad about it. But I am trying to get an actual job at the moment so hopefully I’ll actually have a food budget soon

Ive been using Rom&nd lip tint in the shade Corni soda for almost 3-4 years now but its not available anywhere anymore
So can anyone suggest a similar shade to it from rom&nd ?

I know this is genetically caused because I've always looked tired even when I was 18 and slept for 7+ hours.

What kind of stuff do you girls recommend?

I've looked into peptide and exosome treatment as a potential cure for this, but is there anything anyone else with similar looking eyes would recommend to treat this problem??

Thanks :))
(stray men's opinions are not welcome and yes I know my nose is big, I am getting it done tho :))))

I was injured at work, and it's been a harrowing process. I ended up gaining weight, due to not being active, and it's messed with my self-esteem, on top of having to change careers and the instability that comes with that.

I'm able to do makeup on myself, but I just feel like a shell of my former self. Does anyone have any advice?

hi all!

i am in need of some fashion advice, or a push in the right direction. i am 11 months post partum with my third. i went from 5’7, slim, and absolutely flat chested to now having boobs that honestly look comically large on my frame. my usual blouse style (boat neck, flowy) makes me look like a tent. t-shirts look boxy. nothing sits right. i need a wardrobe revamp and to know what cuts i should be looking for/steering clear of!

Hi all! I am single in my mid 20s and don’t have a lot of girlfriends my age and live in a more rural area (nearest city is about an hour away) but I want to try to start to put myself out there more both dating and socially. I‘ve made some friends going to various events and I stay pretty busy overall but don't feel connected to a lot of people my age and I don’t know a lot of romantic options my age either.

I’ve had a string of long term relationships that fell into my lap at this point and some have encouraged me to “get back out there” but I‘ve lived in this area for only a couple of years and feel a little lost on how to break into some of these spaces or find more people my age for the nightlife that does exist.

I guess my main question revolves around this idea of is it odd for me to get dolled up to sit alone at a bar every now and then and see if anything comes from it? Is that what people normally do? Or do I focus on making friends and then try to migrate it over those spaces? I‘m in clubs, work out classes, I volunteer, etc. but I feel unable to go to the big events I really want to go to like concerts and nightlife and full embrace my 20s alone sometimes and I get very insecure in myself or feel like I don’t fit in around people my age. I’m a big personality in general but definitely struggle with some social anxiety especially lately due to life circumstance. Open to any advice at all.

Hi! So I turned 20 in January of 2026. I personally didn't love how this year went for me and I don't love how my 20's have started. I know I want to go to medical school for sure and I'm a current junior in college so it is starting to get really real for me. I have a lot of friends but I've never really had a boyfriend or been in a relationship before. I also struggle a lot with procrastination, etc.

I spent a lot of time stressed over my career path (even though I know it is what I want to do) or sad about something or the other (being single, not feeling attractive, etc.). I don't want to spend the rest of my 20s agonizing over one thing or the other. I struggle with feeling lost to knowing what I'm doing.

Does anyone have any advice for just general things to do in your 20s and beyond or things you should do in general to improve your quality of life?

Hi!! I recently wore heels all day (square toe, not super high) and I got a blister that hurts pretty bad.

I know I can’t avoid blisters when I wear heels (especially since I walk on inclines). Any tips for this would be appreciated though!

I’m also asking for tips regarding blister care.

As a professional, it’s not really avoidable to wear heels to certain events— so please refrain from suggesting that! Thanks in advance!!

So I am going away for a much needed holiday for 10 nights, and my period is due right in the middle!

I cannot take period-delaying meds for health reasons, so I guess I'm just looking for some positive period stories whilst on holiday and any tips. I can't shake the feeling of disappointment for the timing of this, I love swimming!!

Thank you!!

I recently realised I crave male validation and I like the feeling of power over them. My mood is often based on how men act, talk and feel towards me. It makes me feel disgusted to say this, but here we go:

On nights out I actively look for men to flirt with so they tell me things I want to hear. I dance with them, try to make them want me. When they want me I act innocent and act like it wasn't my intention to do that to them, just so they will give me more compliments and attention.
When I go out and I can't find anyone I like (and don't want to flirt with) my night is way less fun and I can even be annoyed.

I take pictures of myself I know men like, I dress the way I know men like, I do my make-up the way men like, talk to them in ways I know they like, etc. I flirt and act mysterious and most of the time they want me.

I feel disgusted saying this and realising this. I dont want this anymore and i want to feel happy with myself regardless the what men think. Please help, where do I start to fix this.

Btw: I do genuinely like all the men I flirt with and dance with on nights out.

Can anyone who has ever used menstrual cups or the discs tell me if they’re uncomfortable or not and how long they last if you have a heavy flow. I’m really wanting to step out of my comfort zone, as i’m sick of pads because they make me feel leaky and just uncomfy. Tampons are painful even if it’s in right. So i would just like to know everyone else’s experiences?

Hello everyone!!

I’m 27 years old, and I still feel like I struggle to take care of myself properly. It’s really starting to affect my confidence.

I feel like I should put more effort into my appearance, and I really want to feel beautiful and comfortable in my own skin. However, sometimes even basic self-care feels like too much.

I’m currently doing a PhD, which takes up a lot of my energy, and unfortunately, I moved to a new country two years ago, where things haven’t been going so well for me. Between the stress of my work and my mental health struggles, I often feel so depleted that I can barely manage more than the basics, like brushing my teeth, showering, and putting on deodorant.

I really want to change this and start feeling better about myself, but I’m struggling to find the energy and motivation to do so.

I’ve tried starting a skincare routine, especially because I struggle with acne and tend to pick at my skin when I’m stressed (which happens quite often), but I can never seem to stick with it.

Does anyone have any advice on how to build confidence and take better care of yourself when you’re feeling low? How do you create self-care habits that actually stick when you’re already mentally and physically exhausted?

I’d really appreciate any advice or experiences you’d be willing to share.

So, I’m 18 years old right now. Through a mix of parental neglect and me being too depressed to really care about taking care of myself, I’ve ruined my body in a lot of ways.

I started gaining weight around 11/12, around the time I properly started puberty, so the stretch marks I gained from the time are even worse. And they are everywhere. Everywhere. And the skin around my lower upper arms and around my chest are somewhat wrinkly from lose skin and littered scars. My lower arms in general are pretty flabby. Lose skin.

Parents neglected me, so my teeth are pretty ugly. Nothings rotting anymore, but the enamel is so worn down and my gums receded enough that they look like teeth from somebody far older. They’re also crooked, though I’m less embarrassed about that. I try not to smile because of it.

And I don’t know. I’m just insecure about it and pretty sad about how ugly I made myself. I have a decent face, I could’ve been so pretty. And like, I can’t even actually get frustrated at anybody for how much this lowers my dating prospects, because I would feel bad expecting somebody to be attracted to somebody who looks like that. And I’m a lesbian, so my dating pool is even smaller.

Id just like advice on how to accept it?

Edit: I have lost the weight. I’m not skinny by any means, but I’m a healthy weight. Thats why I have lose skin.

I just realised how guys treat my single friends and the sad part is that they react to lack of effort or bad behaviour like something they will fix, will eventually change, or is part of relationships. It is NOT. Why is it so normalised to have problems in dating?

Begging for more calls or texts or dates isn't needed with a guy that respects and deserves you. Having to let go of boundaries, is not part of a good relationship (or friendship). Always communicate, don't expect people to fill specific imaginary expectations, but some things are common courtesy. If a guy offends you don't let it slide and if he doesn't look terrified he made you feel bad, and does it again, get away. Please don't waste your time with stupid boys.

I know it can feel like a challenge and a fun game and you're welcome to play when doesn't make you feel bad. Sometimes it's fun. Just know that real potential is where your mind and soul rest and smile :)

I (22F) haven’t dated/talked to a guy since literally middle school and now I have no idea how to receive or reciprocate their attention whether romantic or friendly. I haven’t even really had guy friends- my only interactions with men have been my brothers, my father, and my gay coworkers (which is different because I feel safe around those people). <- on that note, I’m recovering from a fear of men. I don’t really remember the exact instance where I developed a huge disliking of guys but for the longest time it was so bad that I would get panic attacks if I was around a guy I didn’t know 😭

*to also add, I’m super fortunate to have had the best girl friends for the longest time and I’m just so used to female friendship. Anything that doesn’t feel like that doesn’t seem worth it. I see them in relationships though, and wish I could have something like that.

I’m attracted to guys and I would like to start dating or atleast be normal enough to become friends with them, but it’s so difficult for me. It’s not like I actually hate straight men, but I’m still working through the weird typecasting I gave them all. It sounds silly, but I used to legitimately think that men didn’t have deep emotions like women, that they don’t appreciate things like us, and that they are too primal and grossly sexual. I still kind of don’t trust men at all, but I want to work through it.

Anyways I went to an event last weekend and a guy asked for my socials and has been showing me a lot of attention/interest and I guess is being sweet(?) but idk everything feels fake even though he’s initiating everything. I don’t ever let guys in but I told myself I had to because I need to work through this. Can anyone help me with how to accept/reciprocate male attention??! It’s been literally 2 days since we have started messaging and I already just don’t want to talk to him lol.

I’m 23, and i have around 1.8 years of experience. And even after all this if a senior decides to have a conversation with me, idk why I start to get anxious. I know for a fact it’s their tone. But my entire body goes flight or FLIGHT(again) mode. I have been having this issue for so long idk how to deal with it. I hate my job on top of all this so I feel like whenever someone is trying to force me to do something my interest dies.

Kindly let me know if there are any tips to handle such situations!

I've been invited to a bridal shower, but because I've never been to one, I don't actually know what happens and what I would need to do. Could the girls who've been to bridal showers pls help me out 🥺

Firstly, how formal of an event is this? And how formally do you dress? Also wondering what to do for gifts - apparently gifts are the main part of a bridal shower, what's appropriate to bring? The wedding registry says to just bring my presence.

Would also love opinions from past/to-be brides!