Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with comfortable

Help me find awesome men's or unisex leather sandals!

nohaybanda — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 12:37:21 -0800

My husband's dual-strap Birkenstocks have finally stepped on a rainbow and gone to Jesus. We're going on a trip mid-July and I'd like to find him a suitable replacement by then. I'm looking for something around $100 with superior comfort and sturdy craftsmanship. Buckles/straps are preferable.

Does anyone have any good finds/recommendations? (If it matters, he's a fairly standard size -- 11.5.)

Looking for pants that are similar to the Savane Comfort Plus pants

candasartan — Mon, 27 May 2013 16:30:12 -0800

What kind of pants are marketed today that have a similar feel to the Savane Comfort Plus pants? I wear a 32x32 pant size. I have been wearing the Comfort Plus pants made by Savane for a long time, and they have been comfortable. They also don't wrinkle very much.

What kinds of pants are out there that have the same feel and the same sweat-wicking properties of the Comfort Plus pants? Is the Sorbtek brand similar? Are the travel intelligence pants more similar?

My dad is having heart bypass surgery. Making his recovery comfortable?

Captain Chesapeake — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 05:28:23 -0800

My dad is having heart bypass surgery. How can we make his recovery more comfortable and more interesting? My 70 year old father is having open heart surgery tomorrow. He's generally in somewhat good health and this surgery is being undertaken as a preventative measure. A blockage in his cardiac artery was not treatable with angioplasty or a stent. I want to know how I can make the next few weeks more comfortable for him. I'm assuming he'll be in a lot of pain early into the recovery, probably on pretty strong pain medicines. Once he starts coming to, how can I make his immediate environment more comfortable? What should we treat (as in YAY treat) him with? What can we do that would make his recovery awesome? Foot massages? Keep the curtains closed/open? Buy him an iPad? He's a pretty introverted guy whose favorite pastimes are yardwork and reading.

Prince's taste, paupers finances.

TomMelee — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 10:56:22 -0800

I really like the fabric/material in the "Life is Good" shirts... They are comfortable and durable. I do NOT like paying $30 for screenprinted t-shirt, and I really don't wear logos. Can you direct me to plain (any color is fine) tshirts of this quality/construction? Whole-box options are fine as well, I can print my own or go blank.

I got fat really fast. I'm short. Where to find clothes that fit, stat?

ArgyleMarionette — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 20:20:36 -0800

Best stores for short and plus sized gals? Comfortable yet young professional clothes, especially. Snowflakey details inside. I've recently gained A LOT of weight (thanks to medication I think) and I really need new clothes, but I don't know how to shop for this new shape. I don't want to spend a lot of money, but want to look good for work and going out with friends, and be comfortable as well (I hate itchy, tight, scratchy stuff. Most tights for instance drive me crazy.) My biggest problem is my stomach area, where I feel like I've expanded the most. It's really weird -- that's never been a 'problem spot'. Pants can be SO uncomfortable due to the waistband digging in, or other weird midsection constriction issues. I don't know if this weight gain is temporary or not, or if it's still going up, so while I don't want to really invest in a new wardrobe, the lack of appropriate clothing is stressing me out now. i prefer petite length so i dont have to hem pants and such.

I am 5'3", early 30s, and probably hovering around 200 lbs at this point :( I used to be ~ a size 12/14 before the new med, and my recent pants purchase at talbots, 18W petite, is too uncomfortable due to the waistband issue.

thoughts on where to go? Talbots is good, but expensive, so i'd like to hear of other places. I'm out of the retail league I'm used to!

Thank you in advance.

One Shoe to Shod Them All

drlith — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 11:02:49 -0800

I'm looking for my perfect, versatile slip-on walking shoe that is comfortable without socks and not too clunky to wear with a casual skirt/dress. I have decided I need another type of comfortable footwear to bridge the gap between sandal season and boot season. My wishlist:

The essential features:
1. Not so clunky/sporty that it can't be worn with a casual dress
2. Can also be worn with jeans, leggings, and shorts
3. Can comfortably be worn sockless
4. Comfortable for walking distances of up to 2-3 miles
5. Slip-on of some sort
6. Size 9.5/Euro 41. I sometimes need to go up to a 10.

The desired features:
1. Color other than brown
2. Cute!
3. Less than $100
4. At least modest arch support--not ballet flats or moccasins.

For the past couple of years this gap is mostly being filled by a pair of fatbaby cowboy boots that I adore and wear constantly, but they don't meet the requirements of essential feature #1 (especially since I wear them at the barn a lot and they kind of smell indelibly like horse pee). I've tried a couple of different clog-type shoes in the past few weeks, and both have wound up short of the mark in terms of comfort: these Portlandia Ashland clogs, but if the "leather" is real leather I'll eat my hat, and the felt is just a covering over some sort of synthetic inner upper and they feel synthetic-y and sweaty with no socks.
I then tried these Skechers clogs, which are very comfy, but found that after 4 or 5 times wearing them sockless on walks of a mile or so, that they were starting to rub the skin off my inner arch on one foot. This may be because they're at least 1/2 size too large on me but not available in the next lower size so I couldn't exchange for smaller ones.

In my own looking around I've focused more on clogs/mules type shoes. I would also consider some sort of "loafer," but I don't like the look of mary janes.

The sockless thing is a priority for me because (1) I would like to have a pair of shoes that I can slip on with minimal fuss and be out the door without corralling a pair of socks; (2) I don't like the look of shoes + socks + dress; (3) my daughter STEALS ALL MY PRECIOUS SOCKS ANYHOW FILTHY SOCK THIEF.

comfy shoes for women

luvmywife — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 15:03:30 -0800

Wife is getting shin splits. Walks a lot for her job. You chics out there--what is the most comfortable athletic or casual shoe you've ever worn?

Oh honey, those are L.A. shoes, you've got to get yourself some New York shoes STAT.

mmmcmmm — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 18:29:31 -0800

Order up for some serious, stylish, comfortable shoes that are New York fashion AND all-day-walking compatible. If I go to the big city one more time with shoes that don't live up to a full day of pounding the pavement, I think my partner will seriously consider leaving me blistered and bloodied with my broken-strapped, formerly adorable 3-inch heels to fend for myself the steps of the High Line. His patience is all used up and he doesn't understand why I don't just wear something practical already like sneakers(!), even though we're in and out of the kinds of places where the fashionistas flit around in their Jimmy Choos anytime we're in town on business.

Yes, that was me buying moleskin and bandaids at Duane Reade at 4pm on a Saturday. Yes, that was me (oh the humiliation) buying Crocs at an outdoor kiosk in sheer desperation. Yes, that was even me, long after midnight, abandoning my silver heels on a stoop in Chelsea and hailing a cab barefoot.

So, what's a lady to do, especially in the warmer months when I can't rely on super-cute boots to carry me through? I need all your best advice for stylish, comfortable, all-day-walking worthy shoes that can be worn — preferably without socks — with dresses or skirts.

Danskos and tennis shoes just aren't going to cut it here, fashion-wise, but Danskos have the right comfortablity / longlastedness that I'm looking for: unfortunately, they're too far down the hip-ness ladder to be a serious contender.

What, my fashionable friends, should I be shod in on my regular, pavement-pounding trips to the Big Apple? Please, oh please, hope me and my blistered feet.

Recommendations for comfortable car/RV to sleep in

Prairie — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 05:27:45 -0800

What is the most comfortable car/SUV to rent to sleep in? I'm going to my third star watching party, and after having a few converstions, it seems like renting a car would be just as cheap as renting a hotel was in the past (I'm going for 2-3 nights). There's no problem with finding a space to park-- the star field, where people tent and RV camp, is like a small affable town as long as I stay out of the no-light zone (a vehicle with no dings or lights when I open the door would be ideal too). Another advantage is being right there (the star field is 20+ miles from town). Ideas for comfortable cars or RVs? It's just me.

Just get used to it, already!

mireille — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:44:47 -0800

Why am I struggling to feel comfortable in my body, which has changed quite a bit over recent years? It's like my brain is stuck in "thin" mode but my body is constantly announcing that there have been new changes, like little alarms all day long-- even though the weight gain happened over the course of a few years. I don't even really mind the way my body looks, but I can't seem to get used to the physical feeling of being in it. I'll preface this by saying that I'm healthy and otherwise quite happy. The problem is that I've gained some weight-- and it's weight that I'm finally okay with-- but it isn't going to be going away, and I wonder if it's possible to mentally find a way to feel more comfortable physically. I'm sure I can't be alone in this. I've looked through other questions about body image and weight gain on AskMe and many of them are related to post-pregnancy body changes, to which the answer is often "But you made a whole other person! Go easy on yourself!" But that's not what happened for me.

I was always very thin but had strong dysmorphia; I was bulimic/anorexic in high school and the first part of university. That would have gone on longer except that I had an onset of rather severe bipolar disorder at age 18 and very quickly discovered that I could self-medicate with speed, cocaine, and pills. I spent the following decade+ with a crippling drug addiction, but I was thin and for a four-year stretch when I worked as a stripper, very fit too. I was a mental and emotional wreck, and much of the little self-confidence I had was related to my physical appearance. The best way I can put it is that when a Victoria's Secret commercial came on, or I saw a cover of Maxim, I was never uncomfortable because I saw more similarities than differences. There was nothing healthy about why my body looked the way it did-- I was very, very sick for a long time-- but it was my "normal" for most of my adult life.

I've now been clean and sober for almost five years. I've been meds-compliant for my bipolar disorder for the same period. Life is pretty good, very low-drama and quiet living and working hard. And I've also gained what for me feels like quite a bit of weight-- instead of being 104-114 muscular pounds on a 5'5" frame, I'm about 128-130 and considerably less muscular. I'm occasionally self-conscious but I've basically come to terms with wearing larger sizes than before. The way I've decided to look at it I've still got an hourglass figure, only now with more curves. I'm my husband's ideal body type! I'm healthy and probably look better! What do I have to complain about?

The problem for me is that to my body, this feels like an enormous difference and I'm physically uncomfortable. I wear clothes that fit my new shape, I just am so aware of my various body parts that it's constantly on my mind, and I'd like to spend a lot less time thinking about it and more time just living. It's like my brain still thinks I'm super-small and my body keeps sending signals that I'm suddenly less small (even though it's been years), and the two have this constant argument where I always lose. And then I have to tell my brain things that I spent a long time learning (much of it on AskMe), like that it's okay that my thighs touch, it's normal and doesn't make me a bad person so could you please tell my body to STOP POINTING IT OUT ALL DAY LONG.

Losing any of this weight (not that it's even necessary) just isn't going to happen-- a lot of it is directly caused by the psychiatric medications and changing them is off the table-- after years of streamlining I'm down to 19 pills each night and I'm not inclined to upset the balance that's been struck (the permanent damage to my metabolism may already be done, anyways). And it's taken me the last two years or so to figure out how to be okay with the fact that it's never going to go back to the way it was. Take my personal story out and you've also got the aging part that happens to everyone-- bodies never stay the same, and this is the way mine is now. I've done fairly well considering my personal lifelong warped body image (and most everyone has their own version, I know). I can work on toning but that can only help with the physical feeling part so much-- what I need is a brain re-wiring, where I physically adjust to this new normal and my brain stops announcing it like it's news. Is this even possible? Why hasn't it happened on its own yet? It's not like this all came about overnight.

The final difficulty is that therapy is not an option unless you can recommend one who deals with patients by videochat. The nearest therapist is a half-day's drive from where I live. I am originally a city girl myself and if someone had told me before I moved here that they lived this far away from anything I wouldn't have believed them, but it turns out that it is possible and you will just have to believe me. If anyone would still like to suggest a visit to the therapist then I can only conclude that you will not only accompany me on the weekly 10-hour round trip, but that you will also help pay for gas.

So.. anecdotes? Book or article recommendations? What can I do to make my brain and my body agree that everything is okay, nothing's wrong, things are actually arguably better, and make them be quiet?

How can I set up a mildew-free workout space in my unfinished basement?

wexford_arts — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:32:13 -0800

I want to use my unfinished basement as a workout space and have laid down some interlocking foam tiles on the bare concrete floor. However, the floor under the tiles has started showing mildew after a few weeks in place. How can I set up a comfortable workout space in a typically humid but not wet basement without having to lift the tiles every couple of months to scrub out the mildew? * My workout space is about 8 feet by 8 feet, with enough space for floor exercises at one end and a weight bench at the other end of the tiles. I could keep the tiles under the bench all the time (removing them as needed for cleaning) and lay down the free tiles only when I work out. Or I could just give up on tiles beneath the bench, although that would make the transitions for some exercises awkward.

* Would laying down a plastic sheet between floor and tiles help or hurt? I have seen plastic bags left on the floor for a long period also start showing mildew.

* I cannot afford to put in any permanent flooring yet. I need a relatively simple and cheap solution. If the only real solution is real flooring, I guess I'm scrubbing the floor periodically. (I've removed other areas of mildew with cleaner, bleach and elbow grease.)

Avoiding back spasms and sore butts at the dinner table

Meg_Murry — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 10:10:15 -0800

Recommend comfortable, modern dining room chairs, please. I need new dining room chairs. I’m looking for something relatively casual, inexpensive ($100 per chair or less, ideally), and modern looking. However, I’d also like chairs that are comfortable enough to sit in for a long dinner and after-dinner conversation.

The types of chairs I’m looking at are: knock-off Eames chairs, this type of aluminum chair, and this type of molded plywood chair. I’m open to other styles.

I don’t want to buy chairs and then find out they’re painful to sit in for more than 20 minutes. I've sat in comfortable, unpadded chairs that were more traditional styles, but haven't been able to test out more modern looking chairs. I'm also concerned that cheaper might mean more painful.

Has anyone purchased either these particular chairs or similar chairs that you would recommend based on comfort? Has anyone purchased these or similar chairs that you would not recommend? Alternatively, can anyone suggest a good way to figure out if a chair will be comfortable or not, short of sitting in the dining room display at a furniture store for an hour?

Help me find shoes that are stylish, comfortable, don't look sporty at all and are suitable for everyday use.

GlassHeart — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 09:49:13 -0800

Help me find shoes that are stylish, comfortable, don't look sporty at all and are suitable for everyday use. I want shoes that are stylish, comfortable, don't look sporty at all and are suitable for everyday use. Where online can I get shoes that fit this description?

All my life I've been wearing very sporty shoes which is kind of weird considering that I'm not athletic at all. Lots of the shoes I've worn in my life may have been comfortable, but sports shoes simply don't suit me; it's time for me to get something that's more me.

Thanks. Hope to get replies soon.

*Note - I live in Canada -- a cold country -- so recommendations for stylish shoes that are suitable to wear in the Winter are welcome.

Is there a reason for my inability to connect with guys and what can I do to be more at ease with them?

the borneo kid — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:01:27 -0800

I’ve been trying to figure out why I can’t communicate with guys at a more personal level. I’m wondering if it’s just shyness or something more. A bit of background info (Okay, it is long).

I’m 21, female, at uni. I live in a dorm. The kitchen is where most of socializing is done. I don’t usually talk to random guys who are cooking beside me. If one walked up and said hi or asked a question, I’d have no problem answering. The ones that I know and do talk to regularly, our conversations are mostly polite and formal: how are classes, what are you cooking. And there are a couple whom I have tried being friendly with. They seem uninterested to talk so we are now on ignoring terms whenever we walk pass each other. Ok, basically I gave up trying with these dudes. But I want to improve. I want to talk about movies, music and other more interesting things.

I’ve never had a boyfriend. Don’t think there was/is anyone interested in me. It takes a while for me to open up to people. Maybe it’s partly due to me being an introvert. I’m much more comfortable around girls. Most if not all of my closest friends are girls. But I’m okay with the more feminine guys. And I’m also okay with guys at a professional level, say working on a school project together or being in a position of authority.

Possible reasons:

Maybe my family background has to do with it. I’m an only child. I have a good relationship with both my parents, but much closer to my dad as my mum often worked long hours. My dad suffers from depression and I guess he’s just a naturally angry person. I grew up in a not so peaceful household, always exposed to my parent’s bitter arguments, things breaking in the house, my dad screaming his head off at my mum and me, calling us ‘stupid’, ‘useless’ and worse names in my mum’s case. It’s she who is frequently targeted. He has hit her a few times too. Could witnessing all these abuse have left some sort of impact on me? Am I wary of guys without realizing it?

Also, I notice girls who have male siblings (and not forgetting those who are generally bubbly and outgoing) are very much at ease in their interactions with guys, like touching, teasing, playfully hitting and getting the boys to do things for them. I don’t really feel comfortable doing those things (I pride myself in thinking I’m independent enough, don’t need a guy to carry my books). I’m just not used to it I guess. But I don’t mind the occasional physical contact. You won’t believe how touched I get when a guy pats me on the shoulder. I feel like I’m acknowledged as a homie. The word that comes to mind is ‘stiff’. Yeah, I’m ‘stiffer’ compared to these girls. Maybe having a brother or male relatives my age would have given me more insight about the male species?

It is possible the root of the problem is simpler than that. I just need to socialize more? I’m usually quiet but loud around people I’m comfortable with. I can spend long periods (days even) alone in my room watching movies and reading AskMe posts happily without getting bored. I don’t have a big gang of friends to hang out with. I have 2 that I’m pretty close to but I can’t expect them to want to spend all their time with me. They have other social circles and stuff to do. Or maybe I don’t have the right body language? When I enter a crowded room, the only thought in my head is to choose a less crowded area to pass through and stare directly ahead... makes me unapproachable, I know. Hell, I even avoid the kitchen at peak hours. I’ve never liked crowds really.

Or is it just plain self-esteem issues? There are days when I do feel miserable and lonely after beating myself up mentally for not having many friends (or a gang to be exact). But that’s rare now as I’ve started embracing the idea that it’s alright to go out and do things by myself without dragging the entire village along.

I’m worried this silly problem will lead to me never meeting the love of my life in the long run. I would be really grateful for any experience/insight/advice!

We're content, should we move?

fireoyster — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:44:40 -0800

You have friends, a kid, a spouse, family that you reasonably like nearby, a good job, a place to live, and most of the other trappings of a decent life. Would you move for something new? I'm the sole wage earner in my household that consists of me, my spouse, a pre-teen who is homeschooled, and an obnoxious cat. We live in north Texas where I have family I get reasonably along with, a few friends, a decent (rented) house, and a really good job. My spouse has little of that. Some of her family is nearby but they really don't get along and haven't spoke in about two years, and only one of my friends is really a mutual friend.

I've been offered the chance to change positions within my employer to a job based near Seattle. If accepted, my salary would go up a little bit and the company would pay relocation expenses.

My spouse would love to live in the Pacific Northwest and Seattle seems like a great place*, but I am extremely anxious about leaving everything I've ever known behind. I was born in the area where we currently live and have never lived outside of a 50-mile radius of here. My spouse is fine with remaining here but this isn't her ideal location. My only other concerns with moving up there are the cost of living adjustment and that we still have 8 months remaining on our lease here, but I wonder if I'm just using those as excuses to nix the idea.

* We like that the weather is Not Hot^tm, there is a baseball team (such as it is, but baseball is baseball) and I imagine the area has things like Fort Worth's Main Street Arts Festival.

Understanding that this is a decision that we ultimately have to make ourselves, what would you do or what advice would you give, hive mind?

RELEASE THE DORK!

sprezzy — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:09:34 -0800

How do I learn to be more myself with someone I'm crushing on? I'm seeing a boy--he's just about one of the sweetest guys I've ever met and I really want to make it work. The thing is, it's been about a month and I still feel flustered and nervous when I hang out with him.

Normally I'm a huge dork...I make stupid jokes and delight in verbal humor/verbal banter. I'm also really into dry humor. I'm totally like this with my oldest friends and family, and I'm usually very social when I'm talking to absolute strangers (no pressure to perform, perhaps?). I like making people laugh.

For some reason, though, I feel like I lose it with this guy. I think it's partially that he's (on the outside) shy and quiet himself. I feel like I might hold back based on that, because I don't want to weird him out or embarrass him (when meeting his friends). He's so reserved sometimes that I almost can't bring myself to let loose and go full dork.

I have no problem throwing out my little jokes and quips in writing. I blog little stories (which he seems to find amusing) and when we text we can totally slip into silly, nonsensical exchanges. I'm just worried that I can't seem to bring that when we're hanging out in person. He's said before that one of the things that attracted him was my humor, and I guess I'm just a little afraid that--through extended hangouts--he'll find I'm not that funny after all.

How can I show him my funny side in person? Does it just take time? Or is this a bad sign (dun dun DUUUNNN)?

Yet another bag question.

lucyleaf — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:19:11 -0800

I need a new bag that will hold all my stuff, look good, and won't make my shoulder sore. I have carried Healthy Back Bags on and off for years. I keep going back to them because of the room, the pockets and the way I can pack it full, and it still feels light and cozy on my shoulder.

But, I think that it lacks a bit in the style department, and I'm ready for a change. I would love to find similar elements - big, organization/pockets, most importantly, comfy on my shoulder - but in a new bag. Is there such a thing out there?

I'm 5'2" and, um, generous of bosom, so long, crossover straps can be too long and/or uncomfortable for me.

I'd like to find something at $100 or less (preferably less).

Can you help me Hive Mind?

Got a pen?

hal_c_on — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 18:38:33 -0800

Looking for the MOST comfortable pen I can buy! I am an avid typist and I rarely hand write. I probably type 750-1000 words for every word I hand write. When I hand write, its usually a few words for a grocery list, some math, or some very rare impromptu notice taking.

I have perfect pen-holding form, but only just legible hand writing (not complaining...just giving you as much information as possible). I recently handwrote volumes for an hour and was able to do it, but I stopped a few times because my hand, wrist, or arm needed a break. In less than 2 weeks, I'm going to have to handwrite for 2 straight hours rather than 1.

What kind of pen would be the most comfortable pen to use in this specific situation?

What is the most comfortable pen you have ever used?

Also...any other tips for this scenario?

Yes, I have seen THIS, but my situation is different as I have perfect form and I'm willing to spend money on a pen that would work well for this specific situation. I'd rather it be a $0.10 pen, rather than $300...but I am willing to spend because its worth it to me in this situation.

And, yes, I won't have the option of typing.

Best place for low-intermediate luxury snowboarding in French Alps, mid-April?

avocade — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:51:21 -0800

Going with a Swedish friend to escape insane work schedule for a week or so in mid-April. Both in our late-twenties. Never been down in the Alps skiing before, so want to get a good feel for it. Money is not an issue if the experience is good (within reason people...). Looking for a nice comfortable hotel, good slopes, fun people, good food, _great_ scenery. (We're used to the beauty of Sweden/Norway, so needs to be up there :) PS. Have EuroBonus points to spend if that suggests something. No idea just thought I'd throw it in there.

PPS. We won't bring our own stuff, so want good renting possibilities.

Nursing Home Hacks

Thin Lizzy — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:34:34 -0800

What are some good nursing home/hospital hacks? My grandmother recently settled into a full time nursing home after living in the same house for 50 years. When we moved her in we brought as many things as possible to make her new room feel a little more like home- pictures of our family, some little tsotchkes my grandfather gave her, the comforter and pillows from her bed, as well as some small luxury items- nice hand cream, a bag of candy, a bigger TV, etc. While the nursing home is what she needs and is staffed with friendly, competent people, it still feels like a hospital and I get the feeling that she's a little uncomfortable there (but of course she doesn't want to worry me and insists that she doesn't need anything). So what are you're favorite nursing home hacks- things that would make her life just a little bit easier or provide a degree of comfort that's hard to come by in a hospital setting?

A little more about her- she's in her 90s and uses a wheelchair most of the time. She has some trouble with her memory, but is "with it" for the most part (she has reading material, but probably wouldn't be interested in puzzles or games). She has a roommate (who she seems to like) and her room is laid out much like a typical hospital room- the beds side-by-side with a divider between them and a private bathroom.

How do I get comfortable in this tub?

gfrobe — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:49:47 -0800

The bathtub in our new apartment has really straight sides making it impossible to recline. How do I make it more comfortable ? I guess what I'm looking for is some type of reclining backrest but don't really want a pillow type solution. Is there anything available like this? I'm not having much luck with google.

Is it possible to get a great nap in a car?

swrittenb — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 18:51:49 -0800

How on earth can one sleep comfortably in the front passenger seat of a car? Added bonus: baby car seat is behind the seat in question, so the seat is pushed fairly far forward. What tips do you have for making things more comfortable? My wife has been napping on the frequent car trips we've been taking lately, and since she takes the majority of the night wake-up calls for breastfeeding, it's a great time for her to snag an hour or two of shut-eye while I drive us to and fro. The main problem is that she wakes up with a really sore neck due to the unaccommodating conditions.

Any advice? How do you sleep in a tight spot? Neck-brace, or pillow suggestions? Can this be more cozy somehow? Thanks!

Bringing sexy forward

Anonymous — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:47:02 -0800

Help me be more comfortable with my (straight, female) sexuality and be more sexy Several well-meaning friends have told me in my single phases over the years that I dress too much like a priss and should try to look and act a bit more sexy, and just well, lighten up and not take things so seriously. I've realised I actually have little idea of what to do/wear and moreso, feel uncomfortable with the idea. I would like to feel natural and confident and comfortable with playing up my sexuality (being flirty and dressing in an attractive way) and I'm not sure why I don't (was not raised religious or anything).

I take part in a lot of male dominated activities and have always had this perhaps misguided idea that not playing up my sexuality when mixing with the guys was a matter of integrity and a way to be taken seriously. I'm also pretty uncomfortable with unwanted sexual attention and feel anxious when someone hits on me and I'm not interested because I worry that I won't get the balance of kind and assertive right and I tend to feel guilty for not reciprocating. I'm not sure if this is part of it.

I dress very femininely, but more along the lines of "girly" than "womanly" - pretty but definately not sexy. It probably doesn't help that I also look much younger than I am.

I'm not a prude but I think I might come across like one because I feel so uncomfortable with being "sexy" until I actually get in the bedroom - and this is obviously limiting my opportunities to do so! When I go out to clubs with other single girls they're just so much more confident and out there than I am, and I feel kind of awkward. I still want to be me but would also like to be a bit more sexy and womanly without feeling ridiculous or like a piece of meat.

I always feel uncomfortable when I get attention for my appearance, so I try to underplay it and cover up, but then get frustrated when someone I find attractive doesn't notice me.

Help me shake out of this please!

The girls miss their lacy summer home!

bunji — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:17:09 -0800

Please help me find my beloved lacy black sports-style bras! My summer bras of choice have traditionally been various makers' all-stretch-lace sports bras, which were comfortable (no underwires, hooks or bitey straps, yay!), could wrangle a C/D cup size, and looked acceptable peeking out of a tank top armhole. Sadly, however, they all seem to have gone extinct! The closest thing I can find now is this bra, which is apparently no longer produced.

Does anyone know where to find something similar? It doesn't need to be super-supportive, just pretty and comfortable. Bonus points if it comes in black!

(Also: This thread was close, but alas, no cigar.)

Comfortable shoes in the UK

penguinliz — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:06:51 -0800

Help me find comfortable shoes I can buy from a shop in the UK. I do a lot of walking around, and my job involves a fair amount of standing up, so I want to buy a pair of really comfortable shoes I can walk for miles in. I had a pair of Skechers trainers which were great, but they wore out, and the replacement pair are nowhere near as good and give me sore feet. I don't want to buy shoes online, which rules out a lot of previous AskMe comfy shoe suggestions as they're not available in the UK. I have wide size 6/7 women's feet, I prefer trainers but I'm not fussed about style if they're comfortable, and I'm willing to pay up to £80 or so.

Any suggestions for brands and/or shops I could check out? I'm based in Cambridge but could get to London shops.