I agree it's a delicate balance to try to achieve, but as a victim of the abuse the ads seem to target, so much cognitive dissonance is involved, I know 100% they would not have helped me reach out, but rather would serve to make me feel more grossed out.

Social psych and certain types PSAs have shown using overly disturbing/uncomfortable imagery has the opposite of the intended effect.

You have not tried my grandma's fried chicken.

Thanks for sharing your story, and I agree with all the other responders. I had a good friend in an almost identical story as yours, and he even convinced her he was not sleeping with the wife, so when wifey got pregnant, my friend became furious with jealousy that the husband "cheated" on her (the mistress) with his…

Nice...

I half suspect Nancy hid the child in the first place, just for the story.

I felt really bad about that. Brain comes off pretty easily with soap and water.

The courts disagree with you.

When you start a sentence with "I'm not victim blaming, but... " you probably are victim blaming.

Yeah, it's definitely animals-getting-crushed-in-the-road season and a good reminder to have. I just passed some hullabaloo on a highly trafficked narrow roadway (55 mph limit) where one car on each side stopped to rescue a turtle (I think someone already hit it once, since it didn't look so hot). Luckily, the…

No, they're mocked and labeled "basic" because they so obviously purchase certain products and flaunt brands in order to appear especially worthy.

Me too! It definitely stands the test of time. I so badly want a Gizmo for the 2nd time in my life.

Wow. I read your other comment about not using tampons till you were 40, and I totally get that. I have no specific memory of my mom saying tampons were for sluts, but she managed to do it somehow, and toxic shock syndrome felt like a very real and ever-present fear growing up.

As others have stated, gender is not just penis or vagina (chromosomes, hormones, and lots of other complicated stuff we have yet to fully understand).

That's how they trap you.

You won't forget it anytime soon, and it's not like it's a make or break ad for your vote. Successful.

It's Jez's brand of "feminism." You must be new.

Don't know if you know, but I think the reference is to an actual movie called Safe Haven.

I fully support your not wanting to pursue a relationship. Like you said, you're sorta OK with this. Although you *did* say only "sorta." :) What does "pursuing a relationship" really entail anyway - like, chasing someone down at the local meat market?

Message from someone on a dating site? I'd say just message back with a teensy white lie (I'd *actually* not respond at all since my need to feel nice to randoms online often backfires) about him looking too much like your little brother (or whatever) so you're not interested. A regular chatty message will just lead…