[shakespeare47]

A new friend stopped by my shop recently and we just chatted for a while. We've known each other for a few years, and recently we've made an effort to spend some time together.

Tomorrow he and I and our sons are going to visit a local museum.

[shakespeare47]

Today a customer came in and we talked about the new Black Panther movie. My wife and son and I intend to watch it tonight.

[shakespeare47]

Over the last few months they've been working on the road in front of my shop. Quite a few locals came in just to give me business because they were afraid I wasn't getting much because of the road.

[Kibou]

I've spent the whole day with my cousins today, it's been a while since we haven't seen each other, it was a great day tbh <3

I've read your experiences and it looks like working in a shop leads to pretty good experiences with people and humans relationships ?

[shakespeare47]

Originally Posted by Kibou

I've read your experiences and it looks like working in a shop leads to pretty good experiences with people and humans relationships ?

Not always, unfortunately. But I'm making an effort to remember and be grateful for the good experiences.

[Talthybius]

I lived in my student room for 2.5 years now. I only put a bed and an office&computer in it, even though it is quite big.
Not only am I not engaged at all in student life, I only had one visitor in those 2.5 years. I invited no one. I found it strange to invite someone to the place where I sleep, as my bed is there. I also make a mess by delaying cleaning up stuff.

Last month, I ordered new furniture with my father's money. This week, I invited 3 student colleges for dinner. We sat at my brand new dining table. I only had 2 plates, two forks, two spoons, two glasses. So I bought proper cutlery and stuff for my guests.

I only finally invited them because I was pissed that my romantic interest again turned cold and didn't seem interested in even talking to me. To fill the void, I invited those people that are the nearest things to having friends that I have. I planned to invite them, but then again I planned to order furniture for 2 years, but delayed it as it wasn't necessary since I never have guests.
I think I may have invited them because rejection wouldn't have mattered as I already felt rejection from my romantic interest, even though I don't consciously fear rejection from them. They seemed really happy about the invitation. I think the three of them hang out together without me and for students, eating at each other's place is common.

I think they noticed everything was brand new. I think they might know they are the first guests I have had over. But I am not sure. I put on a facade. They are 23, I am 34. I act like I have everything figured out. They don't know how scarred I am. They don't dare to ask.

I cooked dinner for them and they enjoyed themselves. They left at 11 PM.

Truth is, I almost felt like a normal person. Not a person with a 10 year gap in his past for literally all aspects of life, a gap of friends/social network currently, and a gap of romance currently. It is strange to live with these gaps you know need to be filled up, but they never are.

This is probably a silly story that only makes sense if you know my background. But the truth is, I'd rather had exchanged three sentences with my romantic interest than have my candidate friends over for dinner.

[DoroMona]

I have a difficult relationship with my mother even though we talk most days and I try to make her happy. Today was the first time in a long time when we had a positive conversation in which I wasn't talking to her in monosyllables. I wanted to practice my Spanish (she's fluent and I'm semi-fluent but very rusty), so I bought a little children's book and read the first chapter to her. She was super happy and excited that we might have an "activity." And then I warmed up a bit more and showed her some sketches I did recently and she liked them. It was really a good feeling managing to connect with her over something.

[DoroMona]

I really like this thread and what to keep it going. I had another good conversation with my mom today. I was about to watch a movie with my friend but didn't want to miss Spanish practice with my mom, so I called her first and we quickly read chapter 2 of our story. Super happy. She and my dad are did some sketches this morning so we could compare our styles, since I showed her some of my recent work. Maybe it's a new leaf and I can find some common ground with my mother. I'm hopeful and optimistic.

[shakespeare47]

We had a great time at the museum together. His son is quite a character, and so is mine.

[Aviza]

Went to a hotel with my mom last night (free stay at a casino) though we both lost money we had a good time together really chatting and being normal.

[shakespeare47]

I was waiting for a delivery from my post office, and they attempted delivery on Saturday, but I was closed. I came in this morning, and there was no slip telling me to come pick it up. A customer was eagerly awaiting the delivery, so I called the post office, and they let me come right over and pick it up. - A very pleasant experience.

[shakespeare47]

I just got done talking with a postal clerk with whom I've had bad experiences in the past. This time it went pretty well- he seemed genuinely interested in my input and was friendly.

[shakespeare47]

I've been looking for a place to do an internship in order to finish up my bachelor's degree. I contacted an old friend of mine, and he let me know he has a spot, and he's paying me a lot more than I thought he would.

Great thread idea. Today I started volunteering at a nursing home, watering their plants. The volunteer coordinator called me a God-send. They were looking for someone to help out with gardening.

[TishaBuv]

I visited family I never see and got closer with them.

[WishfulThinker66]

We forget to be positive I have noticed in some of these threads so seeing this one greatly pleases me. I was at a wedding over the weekend. It was great because people were able to put past differences aside to come together to celebrate. Yes, it was a good experience.