Ask MetaFilter

You've had a productive/successful conversation with a young adult in your family, who is resistant to returning to school or work. How did you manage that? What tips do you have? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:09 AM - 30 answers

I went to a metal show and it was sweaty, as usual, but suddenly felt like I couldn’t breathe. I wore earplugs and was about three rows of people from the band. The nausea came, then I started gagging and felt like I was going to pass out. Legs went soft, room spun around me. [more inside]
posted by antihistameme at 4:51 PM - 13 answers

Help me not give up just as things are getting better. [more inside]
posted by pandabanter at 6:08 AM - 6 answers

Started new job, old job wants me back and is willing to pay me a lot more than I currently make. I’m conflicted about leaving my new place of work so quickly. Not sure if I should stay or go back. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:04 AM - 20 answers

I'm childfree and for the first time dating a man that comes with a kid (and two pets) attached. It's coming up to 2 years now, and I (not having had kids or pets before due to disinterest) presumed that some deeper feelings towards the dependents would just kind of kick in at some point. As it is, I feel as indifferent to them as day 1. I don't let the lack of feelings show, and I take care of them (feed/medicate/bathe/play with them) when I'm over and don't mind doing so. They all adore me and I feel bad that I don't return their adoration. Do feelings come at some point? What can I do to get feelings happening?
posted by anonymous at 5:03 AM - 22 answers

How long to keep going on dates when you're not sure? Especially if you have insecure attachment and a history of being attracted to unavailability, and of being turned off by interest. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:47 AM - 12 answers

My partner has a personality quirk that I find tedious and offputting and it's beginning to damage my feelings for him. I'd like to have a conversation with him about it, but I'm inexperienced with relationship conversations and I don't know how to approach the subject in a tactful manner given that it seems like it could potentially stem from thorny feelings, as well as being perhaps related to his neurodivergence. The gist of it is that he has a constant tendency to brag and try and put himself above others. Some examples below the fold. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:15 PM - 41 answers

My friend recently moved from City A to City B, and I haven't been to her new place. I steer clear of City B due mainly to crime and traffic, and have been clear with her about this before she even considered moving there. She told me last night that I'm basically her only friend at this point, and feels neglected because I haven't been able to meet up since starting my new (exhausting and busy) job. She works a few hours per week. I'm not interested in being someone's sole support system when they're capable of forming other relationships but are choosing not to. I feel this is an unhealthy dynamic, and am seeking advice in how to manage the situation. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:40 PM - 12 answers

The core of the question I want to ask today is - how have you approached connections with people who have ideas that you don't respect about things like gender and self-expression? Also; people who are snobby/juvenile? I suppose under that question is - how do you figure out when to stick it out with a connection and see if the person grows and changes? [more inside]
posted by fantasticbotanical at 11:09 PM - 26 answers

I'm temporarily living with my Aunt, but it's awkward..... snowflakes inside [more inside]
posted by lawgirl at 4:12 PM - 28 answers

At the ripe old age of 52 I've been through this scenario at least five separate times. I'm not sure when the death or slow fade is breaking my heart or my broken heart is what begins the slow fade...(continued) [more inside]
posted by The_imp_inimpossible at 6:01 AM - 9 answers

Due to immigration and displacement, I have family members all over Europe. My much younger adult cousin (who I have never met and lives in Germany) recently lost her father (my uncle) who I met only once as a very small child. [more inside]
posted by Lescha at 12:08 PM - 7 answers

Sounds jerky, I know. My dad has a terminal illness and my family doesn't want me to visit. Should I take them at their word? Lots more details inside. [more inside]
posted by kingdead at 1:15 PM - 42 answers

I’m looking for fun ways to gift my wife between $100,000-$250,000. This will be surprise proceeds from the sale of an asset, mixed in with some inheritance sharing. Get creative! [more inside]
posted by CharlesDeP at 10:40 AM - 49 answers

What is your favourite inspirational story about a person who made the world a better place or did something extraordinary to help humanity? [more inside]
posted by matthew.alexander at 2:51 PM - 16 answers

Wondering what steps should be taken for an elder family member who was recently scammed. [more inside]
posted by klausman at 6:55 PM - 11 answers

I was recently dating someone who has a German Shepherd, Fido (name changed to protect Fido's privacy). It got weird, IMHO. I don't know what my question is, exactly. I guess it's, "Is this as weird as I think it is?" or "What the heck went on here and what was the meaning of it?" [more inside]
posted by SageTrail at 2:25 PM - 38 answers

Do you read reviews of businesses (such as restaurants or shops) before visiting? Do the reviews affect your experience and perception? Do you leave a review after visiting? [more inside]
posted by sucre at 9:39 PM - 32 answers

It seems to be a compliment, something about good manners or something ... but what do people (mainly Americans) really mean when they say this?
posted by wutangclan at 1:08 PM - 21 answers

I have a longtime friend, Amber, who I have posted about here numerous times over the years. Things came to a head when I had my CT scan today, a followup one I'm really nervous, and I asked her for moral support, and didn't get it. [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 1:00 PM - 24 answers