u/No_Tangelo5042

I recently broke up from a 8Y LTR where things started going downhill fast ~2 years ago and both parties were basically checked out... I could've (should've) left earlier but stayed around hoping things would improve. I'm not sad because this was going to happen sooner or later, but nothing improved and things got worse for me physically and mentally. Initially I didn't go to friends and family for support because I'm a male taught to act tough and silent, but I couldn't hold things in any longer... I needed to release or go crazy.

One of the people I got to know (amongst many - both genders) happened to be someone I had met recently in sports and we actually bonded genuinely through sports, meals, group and 1:1 outings, and we grew a real friendship (sharing trauma / vulnerability). This was over a year ago. This person had no obligation or reason to care about me or invite me out to things, but did so, and I appreciate her for that. I reciprocated and the feeling was mutual/appreciated. During this time, she was still dealing with her own post-breakup aftermath and dipped her toes back into online dating (while sharing these experiences with me when we were catching up); she still invested time in me so I felt "special".

Fast forward to today and guess what, we're both still single.... ~4 months for me, and ~16 months for her. We still talk, chat, go for meals and hang out sometimes but not as much as the first year we met. I know the connection is still there because we got into a new hobby together a month ago; after talking about it all winter and doing nothing about it, I dipped my toes in first and she followed weeks later. Health, wellness, healing is nourishing for the soul; she agreed and joined me.

So here comes the hard part. Because this is NOT a rebound situation. How do I know for sure she's interested in me? How do I "ask her out" or suddenly show romantic feelings? Because we've been friends for over 1 year and share trauma/vulnerability, I've essentially friendzoned myself (with just cause)... but a lot of the "icebreaker" stuff/mystery guessing game (stuff you find out on date 3-5) is already exposed. We both know each other well enough to know that we're decent human beings. We talk about what we want all the time, and we generally agree. There's a decent chance I'm the yin to her yang. Expectations, ideals, turn-offs, dealbreakers, marriage, kids, retirement, what we want in life... it's all been discussed and we align. And I don't know if it's a coincidence or not, but sometimes her answers seem tailored towards me, like she's speaking to me. So this is why I can't let this go and why I'm suddenly paying more attention. I just want to know I'm not going to f it up.

They said the screw from the belt tensioner from Rock Auto was too long and would require tearing apart the radiator. So they changed everything except the tensioner. My car is at 207500 KMs. First time changing all this stuff AFAIK. Is my mechanic an idiot???

Hi All, im getting a fresh start in life soon - no messy divorce, lawyers, kids, or assets to split. Just a fresh start as a FTHB. In addition to looking at renting a 1BR condo or basement for next 6 to 8 months (yes im desperately looking for a short term lease to time the market bottom), I'm wondering if I should go in and use the FTHB now/soon.

At 125K HHI, no debt, and 20% down (200K saved), I'm pre-approved for 675K mortgage at 4% 3y fixed. This puts me in range of 800-880K homes. I have another 100K in savings and recently avoided job cuts so I think im safe for now.

Where can I find a smaller 2BR 2BA FH TH? I'm trying to look for a smaller place because anything bigger is too much for 1 person. I WFH so extra room is nice. Condos in this range are all 800-1000$ in fees so hard pass on that. Id rather have a bigger nicer kitchen since i love to cook and bake than have extra rooms in my current state. Condo TH might work since the $500 fees are lower and include snow shoveling, roofs windows etc. Haven't looked into semi/links but my budget wont last. Im not allergic to outfoor maintenance and can do my own but would prefer to keep to a minimum.

Area - im flexible but prefer to be near 404/DVP. Thornhill - Markham would be ideal. Quiet, safe-ish, close to highways. I would consider further North all the way up to 16th or south to Eglinton but the home would have to be 100% worth it/an absolute steal - by that i mean above average kitchen, maybe finished basement with sep entrance etc.

Ideas? Do I rent for cheap for 8 months and continue to see where the tides shift while saving more money and time the bottom???

Is this legal since sharing amenities (kitchen) means RTA doesnt matter? Just trying to see why so many LLs are asking for lease when its technically a roommate situation.

A few listings interest me where they are clear roommate situations sharing a kitchen with the LL but yet they ask for a signed 12M lease as if either party is protected by the RTA.... is this legal? Can't they just kick me out whenever they want?

The towels cost almost as much as the mats these days, lol... im pairing with Lululemon Mat XL. anyone recommend a cheaper alternative $50 or less???

Looking for a mat and narrowed down to these 3... which one would you pick? And for a 10 ft strap, which brand would you choose??

Lululemon (Big) Mat 5mm Made With FSC™ Certified Rubber long 84" for $100

Materials

Body: 55% Rubber (Natural), 23% Rubber (Synthetic), 15% Polyurethane, 5% Polyester, 2% Nylon

Or....

Manduka eKO® lite Yoga Mat 4mm long 79" for $70

Or...

PurEarth 4.5mm Rubber 72" for $65