So... I used to think I had seasonal depression. I don’t. It’s directly related to the holidays and the pressures surrounding it. Even though seasonal affective disorder is a thing, it turns out, it was not the thing affecting me.

I love the pagan roots of the holiday. But for most, it is not a time of reflection or rest at all. Especially if you work in retail, as I do. Contrary to your experience, I find that this is the time of year when people are the most busy and distracted.

The idea that doing any of that would actually protect her from being assaulted is fictitious. You mean well, but this kind of thinking often leads to victim-blaming when an assault does occur.

Grooooooooss. No need to be sorry - I don’t have the greatest immune system so thanks for letting me know!

A fellow Jezzie kindly commented with a pic here:

You let Mr. C know that there is nothing wrong with sounding like a girl and he is awesome for calling to tell you!

Ahhh! I’ve been dying to see the ring and wasn’t at all in the mood to go scouring the interwebs for it. You are a hero for posting this, and at 1% battery no less!

It should just be a worldwide bank holiday! But if it isn’t, I think I will call in sick with you too. You know. For solidarity.

Yup! Although it’s definitely a YMMV kind of thing. But generally speaking, a year is plenty. Supposedly, getting engaged within two years of dating is A Thing™ that people who really care about timelines try to go by.

Or that chocolate cake that he spent like 10 minutes extolling.

No way. This is a far more coherent tweet than what we’ll actually get!

I’m almost afraid to ask, but what’s wrong with the kind that they sell in the plastic bags? Sometimes I buy baby spinach that comes in the plastic from Trader Joe’s.

OMG! I knew a gal with a “nothing” tattoo - only problem is, she mistakenly thought it meant friendship. I was studying Japanese at the time and could translate a very little bit. She and her best friend got matching ones. I felt horrible at the time although I laugh now when I look back. I had no idea it was a…

How’d you manage that?! I’ve jammed my finger while smashing a roach but I like your story better!

I find that it helps if you have a goal or a reason why you aren’t spending. I really broke myself of the shopping habit when I was saving for my house - every little thing that I spent money on kept me one step farther away from my goal so I got really good at not shopping. I don’t go out and oogle the sales, or look…

Yes, yes, yes! I’m so excited to see you say this as I have also committed to this being my last holiday in retail.

You may already be well-aware of this, but unfortunately a lot of businesses time their employees; it just might not be as visible to the customer. Have you ever phoned into a call center? Or purchased anything from a business that has a warehouse (e.g., most retailers)? Most of them are timing their employees - and…

If your thoughts do go in a bad way, just remember: they are only thoughts. You don’t have to give them any power at all. I’m glad you’re improving, and even though you’re scared, you’re taking steps in the right direction. Don’t give up!

GTFO, Pat!! GTFO!

“coked-up-hamster-on-a-wheel brain” is a great phrase. Between all the weird issues I’ve got going, I’ve described my own brain as having several hamster wheels of various sizes all running at different speeds into which someone has thrown a bunch of bouncy balls.