Here’s How to Talk to Your Kids About Their Feelings During Times of Great Stress

We’re going through something that most of us have never experienced in our lifetimes, and may never again. The inability to go about our daily lives as we once did, to see family and friends, to pull out our coping mechanisms in response to stress the way we normally would – it’s all taking a toll.

If your kids are a bit older, there’s a good chance that they’re able to express what they’re feeling, how they’re coping, and to ask for help if they need it.

Image Credit: Pexels

If your kids are younger, don’t make the mistake of thinking that everything is fine because they don’t understand everything that’s happening and why, or because they lack the emotional and actual language to communicate it to you.

When times are stressful, here are a few questions that can help our younger kids be able to express their feelings.

  • What did you learn about today?
  • What is something interesting of funny you heard about today?
  • What was the most fun thing you did today?
  • What are you most looking forward to tomorrow?
  • What was the toughest part of your day today?
  • What was something you didn’t like about your day?
  • What got in the way today of you having a fun day?
  • What can we do together to make it better?
  • I read something interesting today and wanted to know if you had a reaction to it?

While these are great questions, child psychologist Jerry Bubrick says that timing is everything when it comes to bringing them up – and no, bedtime isn’t best.

“Bedtime is not the right time. Kids are starting to wind down for the day. Anxious kids have more worries at night.

Don’t lead them down the path of more worry. And don’t talk to them about this when they first wake up.

Find a time, a neutral time, when there hasn’t been a big argument. Look for a calm moment.”

Maybe supper time, he says, or while taking a family walk.

Image Credit: Pexels

If you’re knew to prodding your kids feelings, he suggests a game that he and his family play as a sort-of icebreaker.

“With my kids, I suggest a game:

Like a rose. …You start and model the game.

There are three components to the rose.

The petal: Tell me something you liked about today.

The thorn: Tell me something you didn’t like.

The bud: Tell me something you’re looking forward to in the future.”

If your kids are under five (or over but still have trouble articulating feelings) a visual chart can be helpful.

After all, “if you can name it, you can tame it.”

It’s important to model an appropriate response for your kids whenever possible, which means taking time to calm yourself down if you need to, and remind yourself that this will be over one day.

Image Credit: Pexels

“We want to help kids stay in the moment. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the unknown.

All we know is what’s happening to us right now. We have each other. We’re connected to our friends.

Let’s focus on that. We’ll deal with tomorrow, tomorrow.”

An important reminder for everyone in these trying times, no matter our age.

Even if Scarlet O’Hara was a terrible person in a movie that perpetuates horribly inaccurate stereotypes of slavery and the American South, Vivian Leigh did get one thing right – tomorrow is another day.

The post Here’s How to Talk to Your Kids About Their Feelings During Times of Great Stress appeared first on UberFacts.

If Coffee Is Your Life Blood, These Memes Are for You

A mom who can’t get through her day without copious amounts of coffee is as cliche as a mom who has the words “live, laugh, love” somewhere in her house, but hear me out – coffee is the literal best.

It makes you happy, it’s good for you (mostly), and it keeps our kids alive during the worst of times.

If you agree with me (even if you don’t want to say it out loud), then these 14 memes are going to pair perfect with the cup of joe you’re probably reheating in the microwave right now.

14. Just something to keep in mind the next time you’re trying to impress a girl.

Or a woman who you would like to sleep with at any point in the future.

13. Well, time to try another cup.

It’s as good an idea as any.

12. I don’t believe in there being a “too late” time to drink coffee.

When you’re as tired as I am, nothing will stop you from going to sleep when it’s time.

11. Why on earth is this even a question?

Decaf coffee is an abomination, and I say this as someone who has been pregnant twice.

10. I’ll take my coffee as black as my soul, thank you.

And no, that’s not a joke so stop with the nervous laughter.

9. Okay so it can be a bit of a tradeoff but still.

I’ll take the being awake with anxiety, please.

8. There’s only one way to get me going.

Or at least, one way that can be managed in front of a crowd.

7. It really is a bit like magic.

And also, why are those little dogs always the biggest d*cks?

6. Who needs jewelry?

How is that supposed to get you through the day?

5. It’s a start, anyway.

God love truckers, man. Doing the Lord’s work.

Image Credit: Imgur

4. Truer words were never spoken, my friends.

And your children and spouse know this deep in their souls.

Image Credit: Imgur

3. For the coffee lovers AND the nerds.

It’s a good day to be on the internet.

Image Credit: Imgur

2. It’s vegan and it makes you happy.

Who saw that combination coming? Not me!

1. He’s not wrong.

He never is, though, so there’s that.

 

I don’t care if it’s basic, give me another cup!

Which one of these hit you just right today? Tell us in the comments!

The post If Coffee Is Your Life Blood, These Memes Are for You appeared first on UberFacts.

If Coffee Is Your Life Blood, These Memes Are for You

A mom who can’t get through her day without copious amounts of coffee is as cliche as a mom who has the words “live, laugh, love” somewhere in her house, but hear me out – coffee is the literal best.

It makes you happy, it’s good for you (mostly), and it keeps our kids alive during the worst of times.

If you agree with me (even if you don’t want to say it out loud), then these 14 memes are going to pair perfect with the cup of joe you’re probably reheating in the microwave right now.

14. Just something to keep in mind the next time you’re trying to impress a girl.

Or a woman who you would like to sleep with at any point in the future.

13. Well, time to try another cup.

It’s as good an idea as any.

12. I don’t believe in there being a “too late” time to drink coffee.

When you’re as tired as I am, nothing will stop you from going to sleep when it’s time.

11. Why on earth is this even a question?

Decaf coffee is an abomination, and I say this as someone who has been pregnant twice.

10. I’ll take my coffee as black as my soul, thank you.

And no, that’s not a joke so stop with the nervous laughter.

9. Okay so it can be a bit of a tradeoff but still.

I’ll take the being awake with anxiety, please.

8. There’s only one way to get me going.

Or at least, one way that can be managed in front of a crowd.

7. It really is a bit like magic.

And also, why are those little dogs always the biggest d*cks?

6. Who needs jewelry?

How is that supposed to get you through the day?

5. It’s a start, anyway.

God love truckers, man. Doing the Lord’s work.

Image Credit: Imgur

4. Truer words were never spoken, my friends.

And your children and spouse know this deep in their souls.

Image Credit: Imgur

3. For the coffee lovers AND the nerds.

It’s a good day to be on the internet.

Image Credit: Imgur

2. It’s vegan and it makes you happy.

Who saw that combination coming? Not me!

1. He’s not wrong.

He never is, though, so there’s that.

 

I don’t care if it’s basic, give me another cup!

Which one of these hit you just right today? Tell us in the comments!

The post If Coffee Is Your Life Blood, These Memes Are for You appeared first on UberFacts.

People Share Their Really Bad “Nice Guy” Dating Stories

“Nice guy” is a very loaded phrase. As in, “girls don’t like nice guys like me!!” It’s a pretty juvenile perspective that seems predicated on the idea that if a man does enough nice things for a woman, she owes him some kind of affection. It’s a huge red flag most would run away from, and for good reason, as demonstrated by this huge Reddit thread. The whole thing kicked off with user targetgoldengoose taking to r/AskReddit to say:

Has anyone ever given a "nice guy" a chance after they’ve thrown a tantrum because you didn’t let them treat you like a queen? And if you did, how did it work out? from AskReddit

Thousands of responses came in. Spoiler alert: they were not great.

1. There’s so much fragility in these stories.

I finally allowed him to take me on a date to breakfast. Figured midday would be ideal to meet up in public.

I offended him immediately when I spoke to the waitress. I said, “We have two” when she asked how many we had. He insisted that she was asking him, not me, and I emasculated him in public. I laughed it off as a joke. I grew up with all brothers. Surely, he was trying to be funny.

We sat down. The waitress asked for our order. I gave her mine. He groaned and asked her to come back in a second. He told me proper protocol was for me to discuss what I wanted to eat with him, allow him to make the decision, and he was supposed to relay that to the waitress – not me!

I told him he was crazy and left. Blocked his number. Ghosted completely.

– AndThenThereIsJess

2. If your personality is based on knocking others down, you’re probably not doing great.

My wife did while she was in college.

He had constant low self esteem which annoyed her, he also loved making fun of other people. Sounds like he was just a toxic guy.

When she broke up with him he wrote a suicide note naming her as the reason and showed up on campus with a gun.

Fortunately nothing happened. He got some therapy and wasn’t allowed back at the school.

– slin25

3. The ego is off the charts.

A girlfriend told me that when she was still new to dating, she gave a nice guy a shot. They were in different states and after weeks of “owing him” a sexy picture or video she agreed to FaceTime him with a wink wink agreement that things might get steamy.

The day comes and this 300lb unwashed dude called her (190lb, 5’6) “nice, but bigger than he liked” and suggested she start working out. He then pushed for an in-person visit near him so that he could show her the wonders of carnal things.

She ghosted him shortly after that.

– milkeymikey

4. Giving endless gifts can be a bit much.

My sister did… She is a hairstylist and one of her clients was very aggressive about asking her out. He repeatedly bought flowers, concert tickets, and other gifts which he brought to her at work, and she said no each time because he seemed a little off.

He got in a car accident and was really badly injured, and she felt sorry for him so she went out with him finally. They dated a few months before breaking up, I don’t know the exact reason why. But after that he started stalking her.

It’s been over 5 years since then and he is still keeping tabs on her. She’s reported him to the police multiple times, has a restraining order, and has blocked him on FB/everywhere else, but every few months he finds a way to contact her.

So if you get weird vibes from someone, don’t give them a chance or you might end up with a lifelong stalker like my sister has.

– Isaac_The_Khajiit

5. Careful of those who always play the victim.

I dated one for 2 years. He seemed nice and was happy when I first started dating him cause girls “didn’t give him a chance due to his looks’. (He was super nerdy, I was 16 and he was 19.) He was very needy and always demanded we do what he wanted. I missed out on a lot of things, including missing out going to see Phantom of the Opera with his mom, because he didn’t want to go and would get sick at the last minute.

When I lost my virginity to him, he said I basically raped him because he didn’t realize he wasn’t ready for something like that till after we had sex. About a year and a half into our relationship he got religious. So then, whenever we had sex, he would want is to pray for forgiveness afterwards. But if I refused sex, I was a cold bitch.

– preyingmantid

6. One recurring element in these stories is how controlling these guys are.

Yes. The tantrums continued throughout the relationship. He was very controlling. If I was out with friends he would be upset that I was having fun without him.

He ended up cheating on me and dumping me only to beg me back. He semi staked me for a couple of years.

Had an online blog about what I did each day and tried to befriend my exes

– Lrad5007

7. Reverence becomes control when you take away someone’s agency.

I was once in a similar situation. I dated a sweet guy. But honestly, “sweet” is subjective. He was a gentleman, but he INSISTED on ALWAYS opening the car door for me (he literally would not let me touch the car handle, like at all), letting me eat first ALWAYS (instead of both at the same time cause honestly it’s not a biggie for me), commented that I should never cut my hair, etc…

I felt like I was with a man from the 50s. It was draining to be treated “like a queen” instead of an equal. Other than that, he was okay.

Anyways, when I broke up with him, I felt like he didn’t want to let me go. Like I had to explain over and over again that I wasn’t feeling it and that he deserved someone that would feel the same way about him.

He hung up the phone with, “you don’t know what you missed out on.”

… Mmmm… Okay, I guess…

– 100_night_sky_

8. Hopefully, we learn these lessons early.

Way too many times in college. I had guys in the “friend zone” who I decided to give a chance because I was stupid and I felt sorry for them

I last straw was when a guy took me shopping. I said “yes” in lonely desperation on a Friday night, this was a Saturday afternoon.

After every store I went into he would either criticize me for not wanting him to buy me anything (I’m not much of a shopper anyways) or ask me for sex because he bought me a used videogame I wanted.

Never again. There’s a good reason incels are incels

– MinMaxMarissa

9. Breaking relationships down to a transaction is dangerous.

Yes. It worked out that he also felt entitled to other things and felt like “no” wasn’t an acceptable answer for things like sex when he “did so much for me.”

– ApricityAmends

10. “Chivalry” is often used as a mask for being a chauvinist.

I was celebrating my last day in a city I had lived in for four years and had invited a bunch of friends out for a night on the town.

And one of these “friends” was a self proclaimed chauvinist who insisted to walk on the outside of the sidewalk. So I thought it was uncomfortable that he kept on switching to the outside as I didn’t feel I wanted that treatment. There are no horse carriages that splash shit on people anymore, I don’t need a walking feces shield, thanks. But he basically ignored my lack of comfort with that and continued to explain that it’s his duty to do that.

He ended up eventually full out yelling at me and I cried and left. That was my own night to hang with people before departing.

– queendorkus

11. Here’s a gender-reversed version of the story.

I had an experience with a ‘nice girl.’ Red flags everywhere, but I have it a shot. Extremely bad situation. It began with her moving into my place without asking within the first 2 weeks, thinking it would be a ‘surprise that I would/should love.’

She didn’t work, but expected me to make all the money AND also do every single chore since it was “my apartment.” It was only “our apartment” when she wanted to decorate something her way or change my stuff around. She had tantrums about everything possible, and if nothing was wrong she’d make something up to lose her mind about.

She also hit me with the “why don’t more guys just want someone who will love them unconditionally?” The irony of that escaped her. Men should want crazy girls because they’re crazy because they love you.

Yeah, fuck that.

– StolenCamaro

12. It sucks to feel like you’re trapped in these things.

I dated a nice guy for 7 months after he cried and begged. He was a ‘friend’ and he made me laugh so I figured ‘why not’.

It was the longest 7 months of my life. He didn’t let me have friends. He didn’t want me to get a job (he said I’d fuck the customers), he cried all the time (especially when he suspected that I loved my sisters more than him). He ended up cheating on me by writing love songs/poems to girls online. I was so happy he did that cause I thought I had to wait until ‘he did something’ to warrant breaking up. Even when I confronted him, he insisted we just go on a break.

Yeah that was the fucking worst

– ToastedMaple

13. Insecurity can get toxic real quick.

Constantly got accused of cheating because I would fall asleep talking to him (you didn’t fall asleep, you went to a party and fucked around).

Let’s see- got called names, etc. And guilt-tripped into staying with him until I finally put my foot down. Stopped staying at his house and fastened to his hip.

And one of my other ex’s always played “nice guy” until I responded with ‘I don’t know’ when he asked when we could hang out and then he replied with “You are ugly anyway”.

Had a good laugh out of that one

– ezmayalice

14. Overall, the posts were not encouraging.

Checks for stories where it worked out well.

*crickets***

– christophersonne

15. But hopefully, people can learn, and change.

I was the ‘nice guy’ who got turned down for a second date. I said the same bullshit that any ‘nice guy’ says when that happens, ie) all women are the same, say they want nice guys, only date assholes, etc.

She said ‘Well, fine, let’s have that second date but doesn’t it make you feel weird to have to convince someone to date you? Don’t you want someone who wants to be with you?’

Me: …

Changed absolutely everything about dating for me.

– WackyNephews

If you find yourself cringing from recognizing any of the behaviors described in this story as the sort of thing you’ve done, don’t give up. Recognize, evolve. Don’t be that “nice” guy.

Have you had experiences with this sort of thing?

Tell us about it in the comments.

The post People Share Their Really Bad “Nice Guy” Dating Stories appeared first on UberFacts.

People Share Their Really Bad “Nice Guy” Dating Stories

“Nice guy” is a very loaded phrase. As in, “girls don’t like nice guys like me!!” It’s a pretty juvenile perspective that seems predicated on the idea that if a man does enough nice things for a woman, she owes him some kind of affection. It’s a huge red flag most would run away from, and for good reason, as demonstrated by this huge Reddit thread. The whole thing kicked off with user targetgoldengoose taking to r/AskReddit to say:

Has anyone ever given a "nice guy" a chance after they’ve thrown a tantrum because you didn’t let them treat you like a queen? And if you did, how did it work out? from AskReddit

Thousands of responses came in. Spoiler alert: they were not great.

1. There’s so much fragility in these stories.

I finally allowed him to take me on a date to breakfast. Figured midday would be ideal to meet up in public.

I offended him immediately when I spoke to the waitress. I said, “We have two” when she asked how many we had. He insisted that she was asking him, not me, and I emasculated him in public. I laughed it off as a joke. I grew up with all brothers. Surely, he was trying to be funny.

We sat down. The waitress asked for our order. I gave her mine. He groaned and asked her to come back in a second. He told me proper protocol was for me to discuss what I wanted to eat with him, allow him to make the decision, and he was supposed to relay that to the waitress – not me!

I told him he was crazy and left. Blocked his number. Ghosted completely.

– AndThenThereIsJess

2. If your personality is based on knocking others down, you’re probably not doing great.

My wife did while she was in college.

He had constant low self esteem which annoyed her, he also loved making fun of other people. Sounds like he was just a toxic guy.

When she broke up with him he wrote a suicide note naming her as the reason and showed up on campus with a gun.

Fortunately nothing happened. He got some therapy and wasn’t allowed back at the school.

– slin25

3. The ego is off the charts.

A girlfriend told me that when she was still new to dating, she gave a nice guy a shot. They were in different states and after weeks of “owing him” a sexy picture or video she agreed to FaceTime him with a wink wink agreement that things might get steamy.

The day comes and this 300lb unwashed dude called her (190lb, 5’6) “nice, but bigger than he liked” and suggested she start working out. He then pushed for an in-person visit near him so that he could show her the wonders of carnal things.

She ghosted him shortly after that.

– milkeymikey

4. Giving endless gifts can be a bit much.

My sister did… She is a hairstylist and one of her clients was very aggressive about asking her out. He repeatedly bought flowers, concert tickets, and other gifts which he brought to her at work, and she said no each time because he seemed a little off.

He got in a car accident and was really badly injured, and she felt sorry for him so she went out with him finally. They dated a few months before breaking up, I don’t know the exact reason why. But after that he started stalking her.

It’s been over 5 years since then and he is still keeping tabs on her. She’s reported him to the police multiple times, has a restraining order, and has blocked him on FB/everywhere else, but every few months he finds a way to contact her.

So if you get weird vibes from someone, don’t give them a chance or you might end up with a lifelong stalker like my sister has.

– Isaac_The_Khajiit

5. Careful of those who always play the victim.

I dated one for 2 years. He seemed nice and was happy when I first started dating him cause girls “didn’t give him a chance due to his looks’. (He was super nerdy, I was 16 and he was 19.) He was very needy and always demanded we do what he wanted. I missed out on a lot of things, including missing out going to see Phantom of the Opera with his mom, because he didn’t want to go and would get sick at the last minute.

When I lost my virginity to him, he said I basically raped him because he didn’t realize he wasn’t ready for something like that till after we had sex. About a year and a half into our relationship he got religious. So then, whenever we had sex, he would want is to pray for forgiveness afterwards. But if I refused sex, I was a cold bitch.

– preyingmantid

6. One recurring element in these stories is how controlling these guys are.

Yes. The tantrums continued throughout the relationship. He was very controlling. If I was out with friends he would be upset that I was having fun without him.

He ended up cheating on me and dumping me only to beg me back. He semi staked me for a couple of years.

Had an online blog about what I did each day and tried to befriend my exes

– Lrad5007

7. Reverence becomes control when you take away someone’s agency.

I was once in a similar situation. I dated a sweet guy. But honestly, “sweet” is subjective. He was a gentleman, but he INSISTED on ALWAYS opening the car door for me (he literally would not let me touch the car handle, like at all), letting me eat first ALWAYS (instead of both at the same time cause honestly it’s not a biggie for me), commented that I should never cut my hair, etc…

I felt like I was with a man from the 50s. It was draining to be treated “like a queen” instead of an equal. Other than that, he was okay.

Anyways, when I broke up with him, I felt like he didn’t want to let me go. Like I had to explain over and over again that I wasn’t feeling it and that he deserved someone that would feel the same way about him.

He hung up the phone with, “you don’t know what you missed out on.”

… Mmmm… Okay, I guess…

– 100_night_sky_

8. Hopefully, we learn these lessons early.

Way too many times in college. I had guys in the “friend zone” who I decided to give a chance because I was stupid and I felt sorry for them

I last straw was when a guy took me shopping. I said “yes” in lonely desperation on a Friday night, this was a Saturday afternoon.

After every store I went into he would either criticize me for not wanting him to buy me anything (I’m not much of a shopper anyways) or ask me for sex because he bought me a used videogame I wanted.

Never again. There’s a good reason incels are incels

– MinMaxMarissa

9. Breaking relationships down to a transaction is dangerous.

Yes. It worked out that he also felt entitled to other things and felt like “no” wasn’t an acceptable answer for things like sex when he “did so much for me.”

– ApricityAmends

10. “Chivalry” is often used as a mask for being a chauvinist.

I was celebrating my last day in a city I had lived in for four years and had invited a bunch of friends out for a night on the town.

And one of these “friends” was a self proclaimed chauvinist who insisted to walk on the outside of the sidewalk. So I thought it was uncomfortable that he kept on switching to the outside as I didn’t feel I wanted that treatment. There are no horse carriages that splash shit on people anymore, I don’t need a walking feces shield, thanks. But he basically ignored my lack of comfort with that and continued to explain that it’s his duty to do that.

He ended up eventually full out yelling at me and I cried and left. That was my own night to hang with people before departing.

– queendorkus

11. Here’s a gender-reversed version of the story.

I had an experience with a ‘nice girl.’ Red flags everywhere, but I have it a shot. Extremely bad situation. It began with her moving into my place without asking within the first 2 weeks, thinking it would be a ‘surprise that I would/should love.’

She didn’t work, but expected me to make all the money AND also do every single chore since it was “my apartment.” It was only “our apartment” when she wanted to decorate something her way or change my stuff around. She had tantrums about everything possible, and if nothing was wrong she’d make something up to lose her mind about.

She also hit me with the “why don’t more guys just want someone who will love them unconditionally?” The irony of that escaped her. Men should want crazy girls because they’re crazy because they love you.

Yeah, fuck that.

– StolenCamaro

12. It sucks to feel like you’re trapped in these things.

I dated a nice guy for 7 months after he cried and begged. He was a ‘friend’ and he made me laugh so I figured ‘why not’.

It was the longest 7 months of my life. He didn’t let me have friends. He didn’t want me to get a job (he said I’d fuck the customers), he cried all the time (especially when he suspected that I loved my sisters more than him). He ended up cheating on me by writing love songs/poems to girls online. I was so happy he did that cause I thought I had to wait until ‘he did something’ to warrant breaking up. Even when I confronted him, he insisted we just go on a break.

Yeah that was the fucking worst

– ToastedMaple

13. Insecurity can get toxic real quick.

Constantly got accused of cheating because I would fall asleep talking to him (you didn’t fall asleep, you went to a party and fucked around).

Let’s see- got called names, etc. And guilt-tripped into staying with him until I finally put my foot down. Stopped staying at his house and fastened to his hip.

And one of my other ex’s always played “nice guy” until I responded with ‘I don’t know’ when he asked when we could hang out and then he replied with “You are ugly anyway”.

Had a good laugh out of that one

– ezmayalice

14. Overall, the posts were not encouraging.

Checks for stories where it worked out well.

*crickets***

– christophersonne

15. But hopefully, people can learn, and change.

I was the ‘nice guy’ who got turned down for a second date. I said the same bullshit that any ‘nice guy’ says when that happens, ie) all women are the same, say they want nice guys, only date assholes, etc.

She said ‘Well, fine, let’s have that second date but doesn’t it make you feel weird to have to convince someone to date you? Don’t you want someone who wants to be with you?’

Me: …

Changed absolutely everything about dating for me.

– WackyNephews

If you find yourself cringing from recognizing any of the behaviors described in this story as the sort of thing you’ve done, don’t give up. Recognize, evolve. Don’t be that “nice” guy.

Have you had experiences with this sort of thing?

Tell us about it in the comments.

The post People Share Their Really Bad “Nice Guy” Dating Stories appeared first on UberFacts.

Women Who Dated Older Guys as Teens Talk About Their Experiences

We’re at a point where society is coming to grips with some uncomfortable truths, especially when it comes to predatory men and not allowing their behavior to continue on unexcused or unacknowledged. It’s important that these things no longer be kept in darkness, even though it’s not a lot of fun to dredge up.

One such conversation took place on r/AskReddit when user pizzaroll94 posed this question:

Women who “dated” older men as teenagers that now realize they were predators, what’s your story? from AskReddit

Sadly, this is an all-too-common tale, and well over ten thousand comments quickly filled the thread.

Here are just a few of the tales of red flags and other behavior that needs brought to light.

1. So many young women find themselves in way over their heads.

I was 15 and definitely didn’t understand A THING about love or danger, I found out that he was married and had a child because he literally disappeared and I was trying to find out what happened.

– chickenwing-coffee

2. Some got out before major damage was done.

I’ll put it my experience in here while I’m at it. I was 14, he was 21 and I thought it was cool that he had a car and could buy alcohol.

Luckily I didn’t interact with this person for more than a few months.

– pizzaroll94

3. Things that are clear in retrospect aren’t always evident in the moment.

I was 15 with a 21 year old. He hung around youth group and made all us younger girls feel special with his attention. I was shy and quiet, didn’t stand out much, but obviously wanted the special attention that all the prettier, peppier girls got. He wasn’t interested until he found out my mom worked nights and I was home alone.

We ended up getting into a pretty heated argument and split when, two weeks in, I still hadn’t let him come over because I was terrified of what my mom would do if she knew I’d had ANYONE over while she was gone.

– NurseNotJoy

4. “Eventually I realized it was strange.”

I was 11 and he was 23.

We didn’t date (he had a girlfriend) but he would sext me and send me nudes. Eventually I realized it was strange and blocked him.

Didn’t tell anyone about it. I sometimes wonder if it’s impacted me more than I would care to admit.

– goldenphoenix16

5. When you’re young enough, it’s hard to know how or why you’re being manipulated.

My mother found older boys to introduce me to when I was 15/16. She would take me to coffee shops or sneak me into bars and charm her way with men in their 20s only to introduce them to me. I would date them, and she would get chores done around the house that she needed. Painted kitchen, fixed cabinets, roof work, stuff like that. I remember my best friends mom trying to warn me and explain to me why it was wrong of my mother to let her 15 year old date 25 year olds, but I just thought I was really cool.

It wasnt until one of them found me online and reached out a few years ago, that I realized what she’d actually been doing all that time.

And of course, none of these guys knew what the fuck they were doing so the house looked like shit anyways.

– operachick209

6. There are too many tales like this coming out of schools.

He was my guidance counselor.

I didn’t realize how creepy he was until he proposed.

The whole thing was fucked.

– z0mbiegrl

7. It’s always heartwarming to know that good parents are out there.

My first boyfriend- I was barely 15, he was 21. Worked in a local shop and all the girls at my school liked him so came as a bit of a surprise when the biggest dork ever (me) somehow landed him and not any of the popular girls.

We dated for maybe 4 months, turned out he was sleeping with 3 girls in my year which I found confusing because I’d begged him to take my virginity to no avail. Always found that really weird and insulting that he never even wanted to sleep with me.

Plot twist: my mum had stormed into the shop when we first started dating and told him, ‘if you take my daughter’s virginity, I will kill you with my bare hands.’

God bless my mum.

– bbbccccddddd

8. If you don’t know you’re dating someone too young…why?

I was 14 and dated a 25 year old cop. He never asked my age and I never told.

One day were chatting on phone and I told him that I got some homework to do and I’ll call back later. He said freshmen year of college getting to ya huh? I said, college? I’m in high school. Dead silence, then he asked how old I was and I said 14.

He freaked out and was saying I’m gonna go to jail for this and I’m gonna lose my job. He said I can’t see you again and please don’t tell anyone. I said yeah of course.

I got why he was scared and I never saw him again and never told.

– geri73

9. “You’re mature for your age” doesn’t discount your age.

I was 15 and met a 30 year old who was an older brother of a boy I met in group therapy. He used to tell me how complicated and mature I was (lol so cliché).

I’m now 24 and seeing or interacting with anyone who is 15 makes me sick. I felt so old then but it’s insane now how obvious to me that people that age are children.

– Nini423

10. It’s a wonder some of these guys aren’t in prison.

I dated/had sex with a 28 year old when I was 13 and thought it was perfectly normal. He always complimented me, bought me stuff, and drove me places when I needed a ride. Looking back now I can’t believe I didn’t realize how fucked up that was.

To this day he can’t find someone to date that’s his age (I’m 24 now) from what I heard from rumors.

– katdunks

11. “When I was finally old enough to date him, I no longer wanted to.”

It honestly never clicked for me until I was MUCH older myself. I just thought I was super mature and that’s why it wasn’t weird that I was 14 with a 19 year old boyfriend. It was a super toxic relationship, he cheated on me, stole from me, lied to me and lied about me so much.

He pretty much only came around when he wanted sex and would tell me whatever he thought I needed to hear to keep stringing me along. In my naïveté, I thought this was just how “grownup” relationships were.

So I stayed, until I finally got fed up at 18 years old! Isn’t it funny that when I was finally old enough to date him, I no longer wanted to???

– RAVENMADSAINTSFAN

12. It’s amazing how far perspectives can shift.

My best friend in high school dated a teacher and the school found out somehow.

I don’t know if she is thinks of it like this though.

I for sure do.

– jennybgenius16

13. For some, it’s about power and intimidation.

I dated an older woman when I was a teen. She was in her mid 20’s, I was still a minor. When we broke up, she told me she’d been stopping her friends from coming after me, but now she wasn’t going to stop them anymore.

She proceeded to make my life hell, and even faked her own death to make me look bad. She stalked me online for a while after that. I don’t know if she still is, but I can’t deny the possibility.

I don’t feel safe. Don’t know if I ever will.

– legaladult

14. Her parents must have felt awful about this.

I was 13 and my parents had a friend who was 24 that started hanging around the house a lot. I developed a big crush on him and ended up losing my virginity to him.

I thought we were in love and going to get married. My parents found out and I never saw him again.

Didn’t realize how creepy it was until I had my own kids.

– arsenicookie

15. The whole thread is pretty sobering.

As a father, the comments scare the shit out of me.

– ForeignFlash

Remember, if you see situations like this, call them out. There’s nothing open-minded about predatory behavior, it’s just toxic, and it should be stopped.

Do you have any experiences like this?

Share them in the comments if you’re comfortable.

The post Women Who Dated Older Guys as Teens Talk About Their Experiences appeared first on UberFacts.

Women Who Dated Older Guys as Teens Talk About Their Experiences

We’re at a point where society is coming to grips with some uncomfortable truths, especially when it comes to predatory men and not allowing their behavior to continue on unexcused or unacknowledged. It’s important that these things no longer be kept in darkness, even though it’s not a lot of fun to dredge up.

One such conversation took place on r/AskReddit when user pizzaroll94 posed this question:

Women who “dated” older men as teenagers that now realize they were predators, what’s your story? from AskReddit

Sadly, this is an all-too-common tale, and well over ten thousand comments quickly filled the thread.

Here are just a few of the tales of red flags and other behavior that needs brought to light.

1. So many young women find themselves in way over their heads.

I was 15 and definitely didn’t understand A THING about love or danger, I found out that he was married and had a child because he literally disappeared and I was trying to find out what happened.

– chickenwing-coffee

2. Some got out before major damage was done.

I’ll put it my experience in here while I’m at it. I was 14, he was 21 and I thought it was cool that he had a car and could buy alcohol.

Luckily I didn’t interact with this person for more than a few months.

– pizzaroll94

3. Things that are clear in retrospect aren’t always evident in the moment.

I was 15 with a 21 year old. He hung around youth group and made all us younger girls feel special with his attention. I was shy and quiet, didn’t stand out much, but obviously wanted the special attention that all the prettier, peppier girls got. He wasn’t interested until he found out my mom worked nights and I was home alone.

We ended up getting into a pretty heated argument and split when, two weeks in, I still hadn’t let him come over because I was terrified of what my mom would do if she knew I’d had ANYONE over while she was gone.

– NurseNotJoy

4. “Eventually I realized it was strange.”

I was 11 and he was 23.

We didn’t date (he had a girlfriend) but he would sext me and send me nudes. Eventually I realized it was strange and blocked him.

Didn’t tell anyone about it. I sometimes wonder if it’s impacted me more than I would care to admit.

– goldenphoenix16

5. When you’re young enough, it’s hard to know how or why you’re being manipulated.

My mother found older boys to introduce me to when I was 15/16. She would take me to coffee shops or sneak me into bars and charm her way with men in their 20s only to introduce them to me. I would date them, and she would get chores done around the house that she needed. Painted kitchen, fixed cabinets, roof work, stuff like that. I remember my best friends mom trying to warn me and explain to me why it was wrong of my mother to let her 15 year old date 25 year olds, but I just thought I was really cool.

It wasnt until one of them found me online and reached out a few years ago, that I realized what she’d actually been doing all that time.

And of course, none of these guys knew what the fuck they were doing so the house looked like shit anyways.

– operachick209

6. There are too many tales like this coming out of schools.

He was my guidance counselor.

I didn’t realize how creepy he was until he proposed.

The whole thing was fucked.

– z0mbiegrl

7. It’s always heartwarming to know that good parents are out there.

My first boyfriend- I was barely 15, he was 21. Worked in a local shop and all the girls at my school liked him so came as a bit of a surprise when the biggest dork ever (me) somehow landed him and not any of the popular girls.

We dated for maybe 4 months, turned out he was sleeping with 3 girls in my year which I found confusing because I’d begged him to take my virginity to no avail. Always found that really weird and insulting that he never even wanted to sleep with me.

Plot twist: my mum had stormed into the shop when we first started dating and told him, ‘if you take my daughter’s virginity, I will kill you with my bare hands.’

God bless my mum.

– bbbccccddddd

8. If you don’t know you’re dating someone too young…why?

I was 14 and dated a 25 year old cop. He never asked my age and I never told.

One day were chatting on phone and I told him that I got some homework to do and I’ll call back later. He said freshmen year of college getting to ya huh? I said, college? I’m in high school. Dead silence, then he asked how old I was and I said 14.

He freaked out and was saying I’m gonna go to jail for this and I’m gonna lose my job. He said I can’t see you again and please don’t tell anyone. I said yeah of course.

I got why he was scared and I never saw him again and never told.

– geri73

9. “You’re mature for your age” doesn’t discount your age.

I was 15 and met a 30 year old who was an older brother of a boy I met in group therapy. He used to tell me how complicated and mature I was (lol so cliché).

I’m now 24 and seeing or interacting with anyone who is 15 makes me sick. I felt so old then but it’s insane now how obvious to me that people that age are children.

– Nini423

10. It’s a wonder some of these guys aren’t in prison.

I dated/had sex with a 28 year old when I was 13 and thought it was perfectly normal. He always complimented me, bought me stuff, and drove me places when I needed a ride. Looking back now I can’t believe I didn’t realize how fucked up that was.

To this day he can’t find someone to date that’s his age (I’m 24 now) from what I heard from rumors.

– katdunks

11. “When I was finally old enough to date him, I no longer wanted to.”

It honestly never clicked for me until I was MUCH older myself. I just thought I was super mature and that’s why it wasn’t weird that I was 14 with a 19 year old boyfriend. It was a super toxic relationship, he cheated on me, stole from me, lied to me and lied about me so much.

He pretty much only came around when he wanted sex and would tell me whatever he thought I needed to hear to keep stringing me along. In my naïveté, I thought this was just how “grownup” relationships were.

So I stayed, until I finally got fed up at 18 years old! Isn’t it funny that when I was finally old enough to date him, I no longer wanted to???

– RAVENMADSAINTSFAN

12. It’s amazing how far perspectives can shift.

My best friend in high school dated a teacher and the school found out somehow.

I don’t know if she is thinks of it like this though.

I for sure do.

– jennybgenius16

13. For some, it’s about power and intimidation.

I dated an older woman when I was a teen. She was in her mid 20’s, I was still a minor. When we broke up, she told me she’d been stopping her friends from coming after me, but now she wasn’t going to stop them anymore.

She proceeded to make my life hell, and even faked her own death to make me look bad. She stalked me online for a while after that. I don’t know if she still is, but I can’t deny the possibility.

I don’t feel safe. Don’t know if I ever will.

– legaladult

14. Her parents must have felt awful about this.

I was 13 and my parents had a friend who was 24 that started hanging around the house a lot. I developed a big crush on him and ended up losing my virginity to him.

I thought we were in love and going to get married. My parents found out and I never saw him again.

Didn’t realize how creepy it was until I had my own kids.

– arsenicookie

15. The whole thread is pretty sobering.

As a father, the comments scare the shit out of me.

– ForeignFlash

Remember, if you see situations like this, call them out. There’s nothing open-minded about predatory behavior, it’s just toxic, and it should be stopped.

Do you have any experiences like this?

Share them in the comments if you’re comfortable.

The post Women Who Dated Older Guys as Teens Talk About Their Experiences appeared first on UberFacts.

‘Neighbors From Hell’ Instagram Page Is a Lot of Fun…When It’s Not Happening to You

Having bad neighbors can really drive you nuts.

If they’re especially bad, they can be rude, crude, ignorant, and downright hostile. And what are you supposed to do? You live next to, on top of, or below these folks, right?

Overall, it’s just a bad situation all around.

An Instagram page called Neighbors from Hell is dedicated to showcasing what awful neighbors some people can be and the posts are pretty amusing…if it’s not happening to you…

Let’s take a look.

1. The Trash Can Wars of 2020.

I’m calling the cops!

2. Wow! That’s so rude.

People are unbelievable.

View this post on Instagram

It's no big deal. #neighborsfromhell

A post shared by Neighbors From Hell (@neighborsfromhell) on

3. Parked like a dick.

This person just made this whole thing very dramatic.

4. No more small talk.

And yes, I’m hiding from you.

View this post on Instagram

Don't make it weird. #neighborsfromhell

A post shared by Neighbors From Hell (@neighborsfromhell) on

5. Maybe mind your own business?

It’s only a taquito!

6. No more talking, please.

I could go either way on this one.

7. This is kind of insane.

But sure, why the hell not?!?!

View this post on Instagram

So wrong. #neighborsfromhell #kissingcousins

A post shared by Neighbors From Hell (@neighborsfromhell) on

8. Happy fighting!

It’s never fun living next to a couple like this.

View this post on Instagram

He has a point. #neighborsfromhell #ticktock

A post shared by Neighbors From Hell (@neighborsfromhell) on

9. I need this rearranged around my schedule.

The nerve of some people…

View this post on Instagram

Many different levels of wrong. #neighborsfromhell

A post shared by Neighbors From Hell (@neighborsfromhell) on

10. This is a little extreme.

People are VERY hostile about parking spots.

11. I’m not sure which side I’m on here…

I would probably go crazy over this, too.

View this post on Instagram

Age is just a number. #neighborsfromhell

A post shared by Neighbors From Hell (@neighborsfromhell) on

12. Not funny, but also very funny.

What a disaster.

Yikes.

Not cool…not cool at all…

Now we want to hear from all of you out there.

In the comments, tell us your own horror stories with your neighbors.

Please and thank you!

The post ‘Neighbors From Hell’ Instagram Page Is a Lot of Fun…When It’s Not Happening to You appeared first on UberFacts.

‘Neighbors From Hell’ Instagram Page Is a Lot of Fun…When It’s Not Happening to You

Having bad neighbors can really drive you nuts.

If they’re especially bad, they can be rude, crude, ignorant, and downright hostile. And what are you supposed to do? You live next to, on top of, or below these folks, right?

Overall, it’s just a bad situation all around.

An Instagram page called Neighbors from Hell is dedicated to showcasing what awful neighbors some people can be and the posts are pretty amusing…if it’s not happening to you…

Let’s take a look.

1. The Trash Can Wars of 2020.

I’m calling the cops!

2. Wow! That’s so rude.

People are unbelievable.

View this post on Instagram

It's no big deal. #neighborsfromhell

A post shared by Neighbors From Hell (@neighborsfromhell) on

3. Parked like a dick.

This person just made this whole thing very dramatic.

4. No more small talk.

And yes, I’m hiding from you.

View this post on Instagram

Don't make it weird. #neighborsfromhell

A post shared by Neighbors From Hell (@neighborsfromhell) on

5. Maybe mind your own business?

It’s only a taquito!

6. No more talking, please.

I could go either way on this one.

7. This is kind of insane.

But sure, why the hell not?!?!

View this post on Instagram

So wrong. #neighborsfromhell #kissingcousins

A post shared by Neighbors From Hell (@neighborsfromhell) on

8. Happy fighting!

It’s never fun living next to a couple like this.

View this post on Instagram

He has a point. #neighborsfromhell #ticktock

A post shared by Neighbors From Hell (@neighborsfromhell) on

9. I need this rearranged around my schedule.

The nerve of some people…

View this post on Instagram

Many different levels of wrong. #neighborsfromhell

A post shared by Neighbors From Hell (@neighborsfromhell) on

10. This is a little extreme.

People are VERY hostile about parking spots.

11. I’m not sure which side I’m on here…

I would probably go crazy over this, too.

View this post on Instagram

Age is just a number. #neighborsfromhell

A post shared by Neighbors From Hell (@neighborsfromhell) on

12. Not funny, but also very funny.

What a disaster.

Yikes.

Not cool…not cool at all…

Now we want to hear from all of you out there.

In the comments, tell us your own horror stories with your neighbors.

Please and thank you!

The post ‘Neighbors From Hell’ Instagram Page Is a Lot of Fun…When It’s Not Happening to You appeared first on UberFacts.

Elmo’s Dad Did a CNN Town Hall on Racism and Protests

There is so much going on in the world right now, so much that we and our kids are trying to process and assimilate, that we could all use a little help bringing it down to a child’s level.

CNN thought so, too, and so they booked some characters from Sesame Street to come on and talk about some sensitive topics.

Photo Credit: Polygon

The first one was about the virus that’s disrupting everyone’s lives, and it was so well-loved that they asked Elmo’s dad to come back and speak to children about racism, what it means, and how the protests are trying to address and improve the situation for hundreds of thousands of Americans.

It can be hard to find ways to talk to kids about nuanced ideas like racism and protest, but since morals, values, and beliefs can begin to stick with children at very young ages, it’s important to talk to your kids early and often. Sesame Street has some fifty years of experience doing just that, and now they’re bringing it to cable news.

View this post on Instagram

“5 years ago, pre-kids, I would have been out there marching and supporting at the larger community protests. But now, my job is to educate my kids, even though they are only 2 and 4 years old, to be anti-racists, be kind to all people regardless of how they look, and that Black Lives Matter. Luckily our preschool community, a local Zoom “teach-in,” and the Sesame Street/CNN town hall on racism provided us with resources to begin these intense yet important conversations. To quote Alistair (age 4) ‘You’re beautiful is not in the outside, it’s on the inside. We don’t like racist.’ I think they are starting to get it.” – @ashleyseye, organizer of a kids protest in Berkeley, CA

A post shared by Austin Meyer (@austinmeyerfilms) on

I don’t know about you, but I literally bawled listening to Elmo’s dad, Louie, explain what’s happening in American to his son.

It began with Elmo witnessing a Black Lives Matter protest, and asking his father what’s going on.

Louie explains,

“They’re gathering together to protest. A protest is when people come together to show they are upset and disagree about something. They want to make others aware of the problem.

Through protesting, people are able to share their feelings and work together to make things better.”

When Elmo asked why the protestors looked upset, or why they were sad, Louie had a perfect answer for that, too.

View this post on Instagram

@sesamestreet and CNN had a town hall to discuss racism with families and kids (which you can watch here: https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/06/app-news-section/cnn-sesame-street-race-town-hall-app-june-6-2020-app/index.html or google "coming together: standing up to racism") to watch with your kids! Watching it recorded instead of live was nice because Asa had comments and questions and we could pause to talk about them. I'm not sure how much Evelyn understood, but Asa seemed to understand a good amount. It was a nice mix of adults talking, kids videoing in to ask questions, and familiar Muppets to add context for the kids. There were tears from me, and moments where Asa turned to me at an appropriate time and sadly said, "that's not fair or nice." We will watch the second part this afternoon, but I absolutely loved this half. If you're not sure how to start talking to your kids about this issue, this is a great starting point. #standinguptoracism #comingtogether #sesamestreet #sesamestreettownhall #talkingtokidsaboutracism #ethicsforkids

A post shared by The BirdQueen (Gretchen Diehl) (@birdqueendesigns) on

Louis responds…

“They are sad and upset and they have every right to be, Elmo.

People are upset because racism is a huge problem in our country.”

That answer naturally led into a question about racism, and then one about why people care what color people are on the outside.

And here’s where my tears began in earnest, y’all.

View this post on Instagram

?IF ELMO’s DAD CAN DO IT THEN WHATS STOPPING YOU FROM TALKING TO YOUR KIDS???? . . ?I certainly hope by now everyone is talking with their families and friends about racial injustice. I’ve loved Sesame Street for so long and for this reason exactly. They’ve always been socially responsible about teaching children what’s going on in the world instead of just ignoring it. I pray the conversation continues. . . ?#sesamestreet #thankyousesamestreet #sesamestreettownhall #cnntownhall #cnn #elmo #talkingaboutrace #howtotalkaboutrace #raisingblackboys #raisingblackmen #blackmoms #blackmothers #blackculture #blacklivesmatter #newmom #newmomlife #newmommylife #momlife #blackmoms #blackmothers #blackmompodcast #imjustbeingamom #babyelijah #mompodcast #mompodcaster #podcast #justiceforahmaud #runwithmaud #ahmaudarbery #georgefloyd #breonnataylor #justiceforfloyd

A post shared by Shelby | JUSTBEINGAMOM PODCAST (@imjustbeingamom) on

His dad responds…

“I know Elmo, but not all streets are like Sesame Street. On Sesame Street, we all love and respect one another.

Across the country, people of color, especially in the black community, are being treated unfairly because of how they look, their culture, race and who they are. What we are seeing is people saying enough is enough.

They want to end racism.”

As with every important talk with young kids, it’s essential to give them actionable tasks they can do to help, and to put your advice into play on a daily basis. Louie said Elmo could support his friends by “learning and talking about what is happening and take action.”

Abby Cadabby also showed up to talk a bit about white privilege, explaining how she had seen Big Bird get bullied for being yellow and big, something most kids who have been to school can relate to on some level.

View this post on Instagram

God save us… what the actual **** is going on. Are you people stupid? There is no actual racism except from a small % of older white men. ——————————————————————————-The systemic racial inequalities is a different matter than this child programming propaganda. Lmfao my entire generation Z is 99.99% not racist at all we grew up with all types of people. At the moment the movements we see going on are indeed being taken advantage of by billionaires. Hard to explain you’ll wake up soon… ———————————————————————————It’s all explained perfectly at RealDealAmerica.com?? ——————————————————————————— The presentation is best viewed on computer screen.?

A post shared by Real Deal America?? (@realdealamerica) on

Jennifer Harvey, author of Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America, says,

“White communities are not negatively impacted by racism, and sometimes we get unjust access to things just because we’re white, not because we deserve it.

The most dangerous kind of white privilege is to think that we can sit this justice struggle out.”

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who is rumored to be on the short list for a vice presidential nomination, also weighed in, telling kids to “keep loving each other. And when you see someone who’s doing something wrong or saying something wrong, say that it’s wrong.”

If you’re struggling with finding a way to talk to your kids about COVID, about racism, about protests, about white privilege or policing, Sesame Street has got you covered.

But I mean, bring the Kleenex. Your kids might have no idea why you’re crying, but the feelings are big and real.

The post Elmo’s Dad Did a CNN Town Hall on Racism and Protests appeared first on UberFacts.