u/JohnnyRock110

25m here. I took a long break from dating after my last relationship ended in 2024. While I'm still ironing out my future, I've made a lot of progress with work, my health and fitness, making new friends, being creatively active, and college plans. As for dating, I tried to slowly put myself back out there without any apps, but I've had mixed results.

Months ago, a female friend wanted to set me up with one of her distant friends, Person A. This didn't work as she eventually became codependent on me for money and was desperate for a relationship. She couldn't take no for an answer from me or other people, and she was emotionally abusive after I asserted that I just wanted to be friends. I wish her healing, but I had to cut ties with her.

Person B was a crush I had at a local art club I attend. We had fun hanging out at events within and outside the club. However, due to her more reserved communication style, I struggled with mixed signals from her, and it took a while for me to admit my feelings to her. A club friend told me that she was hesitant to date me due to my tendency to overthink things and our age difference. (She's in her thirties, and I had to clear up that I wasn't 21 since I look young, lol.). Thankfully, we're still friends though, which is great.

Person C was an artist at the club who I've hung out with on several occasions. It turned out that she found me attractive, we had great chemistry through our conversations, and that we're also closer in age. She and her friend enjoy hanging out with me at their art studio, especially on First Fridays. On one occasion, she felt safe with me there when two weird men were present at an event. My club friend initially teased the idea of me and Person C getting together, but it won't happen now due to C's health issues and family situation.

I'm happy to still be friends with Persons B and C, but I'm not sure where this leaves me with dating though. On one hand, I don't want to seem desperate, but my club friend also said "I'll help you out" once she's ready, and that I don't need dating apps. (At best, I'd do Facebook Dating.) Would it be best to continue my self-improvement journey and hold off on apps or dating altogether, and should I take up my friend's offer?

I'll start...

Toy Story: AlpacaHawk's YTP clip where Sarge picks up his fallen comrade and declares, "A good soldier leaves a dirtbag behind!" then struts away. (Imagine how audiences would have reacted, lmao.)

Toy Story 2: Buzz yells, "Not today, Zurg!" and immediately gets blasted by Zurg. Jessie knocking out Buzz for insulting her would also be hilarious. 😂

A while back, I posted here about artists who aren't particularly liked or respected despite their fame. There has also been a discussion about artists who, deservedly or not, became punching bags for systemic issues.

These posts now have me thinking in the opposite direction: What artists seem to constantly screw up but get endless second chances? This could be after poorly received artistic choices, toxic beliefs and drama, or even misconduct and criminal behavior. It's also interesting to note as many rock fans are more forgiving of their artists who do egregious behavior while pop stars are more likely to be held to account for slights and bad takes, perceived or real.

Examples I have so far:

1. Chris Brown
2. Red Hot Chili Peppers
3. Steven Tyler
4. Ted Nugent
5. Tim Lambesis
6. Michael Jackson (Posthumously)