German and Spanish. It’s ok, though every time I think I have an alright though basic understanding, someone starts speaking way too quickly and it all just falls apart. Also, speaking is difficult, and reaching for the correct words in the correct language is even harder. Many times I want to answer in German if someone asks me something in Spanish, and vice versa

Blue and white gaffer tape would be even quicker

As a kid, I spoke with my mom all the time. That frequency dropped drastically the older I got, though. She’s got a personality disorder and I tried with her, I swear I tried so fucking hard, but I finally gave up. Now she doesn’t talk to me at all, which is far less a hardship than she imagines it is.

I had a great relationship with my dad, when he was around. He was my respite from my mother, but his relationship with her left its scars on him, too. They almost split up for a while, and I’ve never seen him happier. But now, for some unfathomable reason, they’re back together, he’s back to drinking, and he’s sided with my mom and is also not speaking with me. Unlike with her, I’m actually sad to not have him around, but trying to reason with alcoholic logic isn’t helpful (or a good time) for anyone.

So yeah, I think there’s far more to being close with your parents than simply the frequency of conversations, though maybe that plays a role.

Adoption is a great option, but ONLY if you really want a kid.

Remember, adoption is traumatic, and kids aren’t returnable.

Absolutely this, but ONLY if you’re absolutely certain you want a kid.

Remember, adoption is traumatic and kids aren’t returnable.

There’s some great podcasts out there that really focus on the science. Science VS comes to mind, as does Factually

Ngl, $950K for a house sounds like a steal. Can’t buy a tear-down starter home around here for that cheap…

It’s not bullshit. When I lived in Edmonton, we had a mountain ash tree in our front yard, as did many others along our street. In the winter, the birds would hop from tree to tree, eating the fermented berries, getting more and more blitzed with each bar tree they visited.

Exactly this