...life becomes a frightening and inevitable slog towards oblivion.

I've had a bad experience, too, but that was on me for not giving the stuff time to kick in and then eating more. My brother made some brownies, and we went to a Raiders football game. Let me tell you, of all the places to have a wicked panic attack/freakout, one where many people are dressed with multiple skulls on…

Thank you for this measured, logical response.

I got sucked into a mosh pit vortex at a Helmet concert years ago, and it was really freaky trying to extricate myself! I was lucky nobody grabbed me, but it was hard to move through all of those crashing bodies.

Very much so, and feel better soon!

Dang, that sounds tasty!

You're not overreacting! Just because a person may have friendly intentions when asking you these things/offering compliments doesn't mean you're going to feel chipper about it.

I have chronic illness, too, and one thing that is sure to make it act up (whatever type you have, pretty much) is stress. I agree with the poster who said closure is overrated; life just doesn't always offer it, and worrying about it, even a little, is a strain on you at a time in which you need to be figuring out…

Such a sweet pair of snugglers! :)

I'm sorry you've suffered so. It really doesn't seem that hard to respect that someone can't be near your dog/cat/whatever. I keep my little mutt on a leash because though I adore him, I don't expect everyone else to want to be near him (for any number of reasons).

Your username is fantastic; I love her whole jangle-jewelry, crazy caftan-wearing style! (I have actually just been browsing vintage caftans on etsy!).

Adorable!

I love APBTs and have known several families in which one was paired with a chihuahua. They were always great friends, though the chihuahua was generally the boss. :)

Ha, I'd be pretty danged delusional if i thought my little dog *really* "loved" me. He is, alternately, outgoing/active and reticent/comatose. So, we're well matched and can hang out together. When I'm very ill, he will cuddle close to me, but I never know if he's truly concerned for my well-being or simply concerned…

Haha, me too. As it is, I tempt fate when I wear my giant hoop earrings, but I love them so.

I bet she's adorable! We adopted a little mix (half chihuahua, half min pin) and love him to bits. :)

Thank you for sharing this.

The mysteries of the human mind (and mouth, haha)!

Seriously. And really, I'm tired of people trying to deflect arguments with imaginary mutual exclusivity. As if "the media" couldn't tell the stories of people dealing with drug addiction and *also* report on a public servant's idiotic internet postings.

Love the flower lady story. :)