Memes About Town (Memes of the Week)
I need a long weekend to recover from this long weekend.
Love a good serial killer lullaby!
Thanks for the morning anxiety attack, Susan.
Midweek Motivation
How is it only Wednesday? Below we have some questions answered from our Sunday Scaries Q and A to get you through. Followed by a cocktail, of course.
Q. My best friend and boyfriend hate each other, but I want them to get along so we can all hang out. What can I do?
The worst part about having your significant other and your best friend dislike each other is the constant push and pull it has on your time and plans. Not being able to coexist with each other makes it incredibly difficult and taxing on your mental health. The first thing that could help is having a conversation- what is the underlying root of the issue? Does your best friend think your significant other is toxic, or bad for your health? Are they jealous? Is there some history you are unaware of? More often than not, it stems from a misunderstanding which, with time, can be mended and healed. If, however, that does not seem to be on the horizon, you have to decide whether the relationships are important enough for you to find a way to manage both realistically and with it not being too strenuous on your well-being.
Q. My mother is constantly critical and mentally abusive, but I can’t stop myself from doing things that will finally gain her approval?
Toxic family dynamics are such an incredibly tangled web to navigate and extricate yourself from, because years of trauma, and probably generational habits, are at play. And unlearning that behavior and growing past it is a lot harder than it seems. You will always find yourself falling back into the patterns set forth by your predecessors- and that’s not your fault.
First and foremost remember that you were thrust into that position without your consent, so you’re not at fault for seeking approval- you were conditioned and groomed for that exact reaction. Our parents also know that our love and gratitude to them often leaves us feeling like we owe a great deal to them just for our sheer existence. Knowing that, you should remember that it’s okay to fall back and start all over again when building a new path! Start with small habitual changes, ones that make YOU happy and serve your well-being, without pedaling back to what your mother would think. That doesn’t mean you can't make her happy, but not at your own expense. Choose the happiness you want- start analyzing your own behavior when you're genuinely happy and carefree, and follow that intuitively. From there, it’ll be easier to be more conscientious of what you want.
Having the conversation with your mother after that will be easier, as you can then verbalize what you want, and why she should want your happiness above all else. If her reaction is more self-serving and volatile, then you have to make the decision with yourself to distance yourself from that toxic environment.
Q. If I feel myself more into a guy than he is into me, should I let it go or stay, hoping he changes his mind?
This is tough because people can change their mind too late and realize they like a person more than they initially thought, but you also don't want to waste your time. Maybe distance yourself a bit, to see how it affects him and your dynamic, and what that stirs in him. That will also show you how you feel with him and without, and whether it’s the validation you seek because he’s distant or if you actually feel for him more than he does. I often hear from my friends that it’s the ‘hard to get’ aspect that makes them gravitate towards a person- seeking that approval. Of course, that is not healthy but we can’t change unhealthy habits overnight and it’s a learning curve, so give yourself a chance with distance to truly analyze where it stems from and whether it’s genuine.
“One Drink” Wednesday: Champagne Punch
Need an easy drink to whip up for your end of summer soiree? This one is classy, yet still packs a punch.
Ingredients
1 bottle brut champagne
1 1/2 oz. brandy
1 1/2 oz. Cointreau
1 liter club soda
8 strawberries
1 orange rind
1 orange, sliced with rind
1 pineapple, sliced
Fresh Mint
Directions
Put strawberries into a large punch bowl and crush into small pieces.
Add ice to punch bowl and pour in champagne, brandy, Cointreau, and club soda. Stir.
Garnish with orange rinds, sliced orange, sliced pineapple, and plenty of fresh mint.
Credit: https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/g1044/champagne-cocktails/