I'm all for it in cases such as this in which there is a particular reason for the mass-DNA-testing. As a parallel, my office was recently broken into and burglarized and vandalized. All of us that work here were asked to go to the police department and get fingerprinted so that the investigating officers could…

"Livin' all the dreams at once."

Those gifts are so... nice. And normal. And practical. And expensive. But not over the top or ridiculous. Impressive!

I'm so, so sorry to read of you going through this. I know there is nothing I can say to make you feel better, but I do know how you feel. {{{hugs}}}

I think dogs become exactly as high-maintenance as their owners make them. For example, in my rural area, there are often loud noises (gunshots, chain saws, power tools, land grading equipment, etc). When loud noises occur and people run to their dogs to "comfort" them when the dogs are just fine, that's when the dogs…

Tis better to have loved and lost, you know. You are a better person for your love freely given, and your heartbreak. {{{hugs}}}

Which is better: apples or oranges?

(1) Who says that people who choose not to have children and who choose to have pets do so because they are lonely or "trying them out"? I've lived with dogs since I was born and never intend not to. Comparing dogs to kids is like comparing chocolate to tomatoes. Some people like both. Some people like either. Some…

Could be!

These are real? And current? The look like one of those "let's make fun of the 70s"-type retro collections of photos.

I see your point. Still, I could probably justify one hearty laugh, but to be "so very. very fucking happy" seems like overkill.

If I were to program a robot to simulate emotions, I'd make one kinder. Tough break for you to be stuck as you are.

Jesus. I don't own or want any diamonds either, for the same reasons you describe, but why so bitter? Who cares how other people spend their money? "so very. very fucking happy" that someone else, however stupid or shallow you find her, is upset? Why don't you find something less mean-spirited to make yourself happy?

Don't ever quit writing, Lindy!

Well, if it turns out to be, awesome, but setting expectations that high means you are more likely to have a meltdown if one tiny thing goes wrong.

It'd have been hilarious if she'd tweaked "PROM" to read "FROM" and then stood there and scratched her head. FROM WHOM???

Awww... They actually sound kind of sweet, in a ridiculous way. :)

I'm 36 so probably have poor perspective on this, but if I were in high school and my sweetie spelled out "prom" on something, I'd assume it meant he was looking forward to prom, not asking me to go. That'd be like having Mr. Arvay ask me to the company Christmas party. Who on earth else would he take?

Okay I just read the "promposal" article. Two reactions: (1) Holy crazypants! and (2) do you really have to "ask" your high school sweetheart to go with you?!?

Hey teenagers! The best evening of your life should not occur when you are 17 years old. Your best years should not occur when you are a minor and have no agency. When you are well into adulthood and have a great life composed of things and people you have chosen for yourself, THAT's where great evenings come from,…