u/HereFerGrinz

Heyyo! I'm a 28F into carpentry(it's my job now!), computers, video games/animation and have always been just all-around... Masculine? I've always preferred wearing my hair short, not wearing makeup and felt most comfortable in baggier clothes, as I've always been a bit modest about "showing curves".

My last relationship, as much as I'm trying to be positive moving forward, has left me with some baggage I've been having issues letting go. Probably because he's been the only man who's showed even the slightest interest in me after 10+ years of being single.

He told me that BECAUSE of everything that I do, that I "chase guys away" and "I look like a [slur]". That if I ever want to be attractive to a man, even a Catholic one, I need to dress... Tighter. More feminine. Like, permanently.

I don't want to be someone I'm not. I don't look good with long hair, I don't feel comfortable wearing makeup, and I've tried the whole "girly girl" schtick, but it just looks like a costume on me. I can't change who I am, and I'm getting kinda torn down over it. I understand that guys in general are attracted to women that don't dress like a hobo(I'd like to believe I'm not THAT bad, lol), but is it really to that extent, that if I wear cargoes, everyone assumes that I'm not straight/Catholic?

I see the kinds of girls guys go for, and I'm anything but that. But, I have a deeply loving heart, a passion for Christ's teachings, and a love for generally everyone and every THING God has created on this earth. I'm just kinda confused as to why I'm getting such bad attention, whenever someone DOES approach me.

I guess I wanna hear from you guys. Do I have a chance at finding a virtuous gentleman? Or am I just not built for him?

***

EDIT : Thank you guys so much for your feedback. Despite this being a recent mishap in my dating life, this has actually been a long-standing point of insecurity for me from the beginning. Hearing that I have a chance out there, that I'm not doomed to singleness because I don't fit the mold of a "traditional looking" woman(or even because of my neurodivergence!), makes me happy beyond words. I could cry.

Thank you all for your time, and I sincerely wish you all the best. May God bless you all, as you've blessed me with your kind words. I feel like I can finally move forward in my life and let my insecurities, as well as what my ex told me, behind.

Genuinely. God bless you all, and anyone reading this who may have felt the same as I have.
You may be different, but you're made exactly as God wants you to be. We'll all get our happy ending, just in His time. Have faith. Stay strong. Let the light of God's love continue to shine through your actions, just as you all have for me tonight <3

As a job hopper, Michaels has been my home for the past nearly 4 years--the longest time I've ever held down a position.
I stayed for one reason and one reason alone. My co-workers.

They've been literally the best people I've ever worked with, let alone MET in my life. I've made so many friends and memories, despite working through some of the hardest points in my life, and I'll never be able to thank them enough for their lifechanging influence.

As we all know from the changing economy and corporate's weird shenanigans, I've felt that it was time to switch up to a career for a while... But I never expected it to be this hard.

My workplace made such a difference in my life, changing me into a better person, every time I walked through those doors. They challenged me in the best of ways, and continue to be a good influence through whatever comes up.

When I signed up to be a part of my team as a framer, I was just expecting to get a job. I didn't expect to meet a second family.

I'll miss working with you all, and I can only pray that I've made a mutually positive impact on my team.

Godspeed, Michaels employees.
I'll be with you all in spirit 🫡