Thanks for the responses everyone. Love seeing people partake in this :)   I like how everyone has given their input in explaining that meeting others can enrich their lives with new connections and experiences. Which can lead to more opportunities and people haha :P And I can sympathise that meeting others can be challenging as well, due to different people valuing different things or having incompatible personalities, and even not having time due to work, study and other commitments. And also finding the right moments for oneself to branch out, as that can involve being vulnerable as well.   What I find awesome about this is that new people are joining in on this thread as well! Awesome as everyone, Welcome and I hope find some awesome information and experiences on this platform!  ... View more

Hi everyone, Thanks for posting this up @Tay100  What do you think is a key difference between self-care and treating yo'self? For myself, the key difference between treating yo’self and self-care is by how you invest in your happiness and wellbeing within a moment. What I mean by that is that with self-care, its like a personal medicine for your overall health (physical, mental, social, etc.), whereas treating yourself is like bring the most joy in your life for a brief moment. Treating yourself means to let no worries come at you while are taking in every moment to enjoy your respite, such as going to a spa and just not moving an inch to relax and enjoy the peace. Wanted to keep this explanation simple. What is a favourite treat yo' self activity and what lead you to do it? For me, its watching a movie in the cinemas. It is not something I do very often, as it mostly depends on the movie haha, I love spending time with either myself or with friends/family watching new films that are released in cinemas. They provide me with a new story to watch and listen to, without any other worry from the world and life around me. Plus the popcorn is always a go to snack with those kind of events haha ;P Although I think I need to find another treat myself option. ... View more

Love the answers shared guys. Also, I don’t want to turn this into a post just about autism and listening, but more about how everyone thinks about listening and understanding in relationships with any kind of person in your lives😊 @Tiny_leaf  It’s awesome to know that there is another with the same condition I have in these forums. Makes it more better 😊. Yeah, putting that mental effort into understanding the words but not the meaning is a very exhausting hurdle to get past. When you are giving your fullest attention to that, it really does not leave much if any room to find the correct meaning behind people’s point of view. I noticed in your point that you find it easier to understand when you are with a person in real-life and not on an online platform. That I can empathise with as well. Have you ever thought about as to why you prefer those dynamics? And I don’t think you are going off-topic, rather I think you are just giving your own perspective on this. Which I find makes this topic more open and shares more uniqueness from another :D @Janine-RO  This has been a really important topic and interest in my life for so many years. It can be isolating at times because you are trying so hard to understanding what people are trying to say and also trying to build connections with them. But I also know that is not just me who falls under that trap, its many others in the world as well, including neurotypicals. As there is an old saying ‘Say what you mean, mean what you say’ How do I find online communication as opposed to in-person communication? It always depends on who I am communicating with. Whether it is a best-friend, family member, colleague or a friend. As each person will explain, discuss, and evaluate and argue with me in different ways, that adjusting how I can interpret and figure out what they are meaning to express. For myself personally, I prefer face-to-face communication, as there is more I can notice and take in, in terms of tonality in voice, pacing, body language, key points that their words mean as examples. But I have improved in communication from a younger age, where I have been able to build better understanding from what people have been trying to say to me, I believe. For my online communication with others, it is like an easier avenue to communication, but have felt it can’t give me as much to go on. Like when someone is trying to discuss a point with me, I need to see their facial expressions to figure out what is their motivations or passions behind their words, and what they really think. Can you explain more about your experiences on this subject? @Anzelmo  Love reading your perspectives on this. That you have acknowledge that listening does not come in specific form to building understanding and connection in others, especially when sharing your relationship with your gf. I also felt like there was a sense of validation you were giving when explaining the different elements involved in listening, whether it can hurt or increase connection through empathy, which is very important in any positive relationship. I don’t know if anyone else has come to that perspective I felt. ... View more

Love the posts everyone!  Today, I am grateful for having a good rest in bed, getting up and ready for work and taking the time to see what has been happening in these forums, and being able to listen to powerful and inspiring, especially SKILLET!!! :D  ... View more

Hi @Jess1-RO    Got to say I love the ideas everyone is suggesting! Could another idea be about illness and personal recovery? Or resilience?  ... View more

@WheresMySquishy    It does sound like a fair amount to take on when parents get involved. You have summed it up perfectly that your life is your life, where you make your own choices on what makes you happy, and that being in a relationship now does not have to be one of them now. that it will come naturally when you feel you are ready. ... View more

@ecla34  Have you ever felt like you have to date or be in a relationship? For me, this brings up some personal thoughts. I have felt that way before in my life. Mostly because I was surrounded by a lot of people who are already in relationships, and have thought to myself "Damn, I need to find someone" and 'why cant I have that relationship". Made me feel like I was being left out of a clique in a way. As society does like saying "you need to be in a relationship to be happy". Which is not necessarily true for everyone.    How have you managed the pressure to be in a relationship? By realising that I'm only human, with different dreams, hopes, fears, qualities. That being in a relationship will only happen when I want it to happen, and with being with someone who can help with bringing out the best in both of us, for each other. Makes it easier to avoid getting pressured by perfectionism in relationships and haters from others hahahah   ... View more

@Hozzles  That comment from that someone who said "but that's just how lesbian relationships are!" sounds awful. I'm sure you have many things that you can offer someone when you are feeling ready to date again :) ... View more

@Hozzles    I really love how you have broaden the scope on the definition of dating. Its amazing to see that dating is not a one-way or one-size-fits-all process, which you have suggested yourself from your experiences and stories.  ... View more

Hi @WheresMySquishy  I can only answer one of these questions. Dating for me is about exploring. Both about about the suitor and myself. Because anyone would want to be in a relationship where they can feel safe, have fun with someone we enjoy the company with. So dating provides opportunities to go out and find out more about what you like in a partner and what the person can give you when investing in these relationships.  ... View more

Hi @xXLexi_Lou122Xx    I'm sorry that you are feeling alone right now. I want to ask: what is happening right now that is making you feel alone? Even though you said you are not in the mood at the moment to type, I would like to hear what you have to say when you are ready.  ... View more

Seeing a lot of interesting posts about different experiences guys. I love it!   This week I plan on exploring a new neighbourhood whilst looking for the spot where an information session for a new course being held in the future. I hope I get to meet some inspiring people and find out interesting things that will be spoken about!   ... View more

Hi @Amanthi    Great topic to post up! For me, affirmations are like goal setting strategy. They can help with pulling myself out of bed and building up mental strength to tackle my day and challenges. What is more, they help me with reminding me to be kind, both to others and myself. As even though there can be some bleakness some days, I still am living my own life to the way that makes me happy. What are your thoughts on this topic? ... View more

@Jessica123    I agree with what @Bre-RO said. I think it is normal to have those crushes. What i can also is that you are a person who is changing everyday in your own way. And that is okay to experience.  ... View more

Resistance - Skillet   Because Skillet is my favourite band of all time!!! ... View more

This will be interesting to hear about from everyone. Hopefully I can join in too!   ... View more

Hi @Jessica123    I want to say thank you for sharing this post! Its awesome that you are expressing yourself own this platform, which I can imagine that it must have been scary, correct me if I'm wrong.  It does sound this subject is very important to you and can be challenging to figure out on your own. Especially when it involves your relationship with someone you cherish. One question I want to ask you about, to start off as Im interested in what you have to say, how long has this been going on for? ... View more

Heya, loving the ideas here! Great suggestions that seem simple and easy to utilise! :D  If I can contribute to this discussion, here is what I have to offer: Do you have any tips for improving sleep hygiene? Have lots of blankets. If you sleep in a cold room/environment, you are more likely to wake up at night, and feel more irritable during the day. So more blankets means more warmth. I would recommend less for hotter days hahaha. Learnt that the hard way :P From everyone's suggestions on reading books, I would like to add to this by trying to read a book about a topic one might find boring and dull. They make for good topics that you want to sleep to haha.  If need be, talk to someone who provides calm for you before going to bed. The reason I say this is when I'm stressed about things and people, I find it harder to go to sleep. So talking to someone whom I feel safe and calm with makes going and staying asleep easier to do.  What will you try this week to improve your sleep? Reading more topics I find calming... or boring ahahha  ... View more

Haha all good @SomeoneNADJS :) ... View more

@Bee  ... View more

Hi @ruthxxx    I agree with @WheresMySquishy  and @Tiny_leaf suggestions/advice. What I can say as well first session with any health service provider is usually a getting to know you session. Which can be a good thing. For instance, I have found from sessions in the past within mental health/counselling can be great opportunities to have a new kind of support.   If you do not feel comfortable speaking in depth about your experiences with the counsellor, the session could just be a talk, where the topics of interest can diversified, such talking more about what kind of person you are, your hobbies,dreams, interests, goals etc. This way it could help minimise the nerves, if that would be something you would be willing to try.  ... View more

Hi @Bee  How has it been? Love the idea for this!!   What are you looking forward to this year?  Doing more adventures, reconnecting with people I care about but have not seen for a while, new and fascinating topics that I have not heard of or explored before What is your favourite summer treat? ICE-CREAM!!!!! and watermelon hehe :P How do you keep cool in the heat? shade, cool drinks (water), and aircon Do you have any new years resolutions? Finishing my course, gaining greater resilence and  strength both mentally and physically, getting a new job in the field I want to be a part of :D   What about you? what are your answers??? ... View more

@TiaWilliams104    Reading through what you have shared, it does sound like a hard situation. I would be scared to and worried if I was in your position. It is a courageous step that you are reaching out to seek support :). As sometimes its hard to share when you don't know the outcome.  I have questions about what you have shared. The first one being while you have said that your sister has been causing problems for you and your parents, are there times where that is not the case in home? and what else have you been doing to help with you self care when experiencing this issue? ... View more

Hi @Rylielloyd    I'm good. Yourself? What kind of games do you like? ... View more

Hi @TidalDecade    How are you of late? I must say I enjoyed reading your post. Like with you fav show being how I met your mother, I'm wondering which is your favourite character? Though with Brooklyn Nine Nine, I very much highly recommend you watch it. It is one of the best tv comedies you'll see. It's like scrubs (if you have seen it), but with cops instead hahah  ... View more

Hi @rosiiboo96    How are you and Welcome to the forums :D. What kind of food do enjoy the most as a foodie haha? ... View more

Hi @khanh09    Reading through what you have shared, I'm wondering if any changes have happened since then? I just want to know if things are better and you are feeling better and more safe? ... View more