u/Sad_Change_7512

I'm in my early 20s, and I've realised making friends as a Pakistani adult is way harder than people make it seem.

If you're extroverted, already have a solid friend group, or are naturally good at talking to people, maybe it's different. But if you're introverted and your social skills are... let's just say "under construction", it's incredibly awkward.

Everyone already seems to have their own circles from school, college, or work. Walking up to someone and trying to start a conversation feels weird because you're constantly wondering if you're bothering them. Then you overthink every interaction afterwards.

People always say, "Just put yourself out there," but nobody tells you how when you've never been good at it in the first place.

Sometimes it feels like everyone else got the manual on how to make friends in their 20s, and I somehow missed the class.

Also I thought big cities mean more people more diverse backgrounds and personalities and everything but everything feel so artificial and fast too. Ive tried going to several social events and mixers too. It's not that they're flawed or don't work, it just feels too forced and genuinely vibe sath match hona, you can't simply just wave a magic wand tbh

Does anyone else feel this way, or is it just me? Maybe Its something I'm lacking.

When I started medical school, I had one vision of success.

I wanted to become the hotshot doctor everyone looked up to. I dreamed of matching into a prestigious residency, publishing research, earning accolades, making a great living, and becoming exceptional at what I did.

I still want all of those things.

But two weeks ago, during my elective rotation in a pediatric ICU in Pakistan as a fourth-year medical student, I met a six-month-old who completely changed the way I think about medicine.

He had truncus arteriosus, a rare congenital heart defect in which a single great artery leaves the heart instead of separate vessels supplying the lungs and the rest of the body. I later learned that if it had been diagnosed and surgically repaired very early in infancy, his chances could have been very different. Instead, he had developed severe pulmonary hypertension. By the time I met him, the damage to his pulmonary blood vessels was so advanced that corrective surgery was no longer an option.

He was receiving palliative care.

The heartbreaking part?

You would never have guessed it.

He looked like any other healthy six-month-old.

He smiled.

He cooed.

He laughed.

He waved his tiny arms around.

And there was something else I couldn't shake.

He looked almost exactly like I did in my own baby photos.

For a moment, it felt like I was looking at a younger version of myself.

That realization didn't hit me immediately.

It hit me later, after I learned his prognosis.

I couldn't stop thinking that I was fortunate enough to grow up, go to school, make friends, enter medical school, dream about becoming a doctor, and imagine my future.

He might never get that chance.

For a moment, it was easy to forget he was one of the sickest patients in the unit.

Then everything changed.

Within seconds, he went into severe respiratory distress.

Subcostal recessions.

Accessory muscle use.

His eyes began to roll upward.

The cheerful baby I had been looking at moments before was suddenly fighting for every breath.

The PICU team moved instantly.

Oxygen.

Nebulized ipratropium.

Everyone had a role.

Everyone stayed calm.

I didn't.

I froze.

Trying to help, I suggested giving Ventolin.

The attending calmly explained that, with his underlying cardiac condition and physiology, that wasn't the right approach.

That sentence taught me more physiology than any lecture I'd attended.

Not every patient in respiratory distress has asthma.

Not every child with low oxygen needs the same treatment.

Medicine isn't about memorizing protocols.

It's about understanding why a patient is deteriorating.

Later, I learned more about his condition.

His pulmonary hypertension had become so severe that surgery was no longer possible.

There wasn't going to be a miracle operation.

There wasn't going to be a cure.

The goal was to keep him comfortable.

I remember looking at his parents.

They weren't crying.

They weren't shouting.

They just looked... exhausted. Broken.

Like people who had been carrying unbearable news for months.

That image shattered me more than anything else.

That night, I cried.

Over the next several days, I'd randomly feel tears welling up during my rotation.

I'd quietly disappear into the call room.

Or pretend to tie my shoelaces.

Or busy myself reading through a patient's file so nobody would notice.

Even now, I still dream about him.

Sometimes I'll see young parents carrying their baby through a shopping mall or a park, and my mind immediately goes back to that room.

Before that day, patients were fascinating cases.

Now they're someone's son.

Someone's daughter.

Someone's mother.

Someone's father.

Someone's grandparent.

That child reminded me that every person lying in a hospital bed is somebody's entire world.

I still want to become an outstanding physician.

I still want to match well.

I still want to publish.

I still want to succeed.

But those things are no longer the reason I want to become a doctor.

I want to become the kind of physician who knows enough to recognize disease early.

Who understands physiology instead of just memorizing treatments.

Who keeps learning.

Who treats every patient as if they were family.

Who gives every patient the best chance medicine can offer.

Because sometimes, if a diagnosis is made early enough, tragedy can be prevented.

And when it can't...

I hope I'll never lose the ability to care.

Some patients are remembered because you save their lives.

Others are remembered because they change yours.

He was the first patient who changed mine.

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I'm genuinely impressed by their catalogue. They have impressions of fragrances I've barely seen any other Pakistani house attempt, and the variety is honestly insane.

For those who've ordered from them:

- Are they actually worth the money?

- How's the quality of the impressions compared to other local houses?

- What's the projection and sillage like?

- How long do they last on skin and clothes?

- Are there any standouts you'd recommend?

The prices seem pretty reasonable, but I'd love to hear some real-world experiences before placing an order.

Saw it pop up here a few times

Several people recommended it and I haven't actually tried it before so going in totally blind? Also I'm curious to know what does it's smell remind you off and like what seasons does it go well in. Also the projection and longevity of this bad boy. Thanks.

Hi everyone,

I'm a final-year MBBS student from Pakistan and I'm exploring Ireland as a potential destination for postgraduate training and long-term practice, particularly in General Practice.

I'd really appreciate some advice from people who have gone through the process or are currently working in Ireland.

I have a few questions:

What is the current pathway for a Pakistani IMG to work as a doctor in Ireland?

Which exams or registrations are required (PRES, IELTS/OET, etc.), and in what order?

How difficult is it to secure the first non-training job after registration?

How competitive is Ireland currently for IMGs? Is the market becoming saturated, or are there still good opportunities?

Is General Practice a realistic career pathway for an IMG, and how competitive is GP training?

Are there particular challenges that Pakistani IMGs should be aware of?

If you were starting today, would you still choose Ireland?

I'd really appreciate any insights, personal experiences, or advice. Thanks in advance!

Is this brand worth it? I've visited this sub Reddit and a lot of people seem to like the following brands arome, sesky, enchantee, peirama.

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I've ordered from sesky and peirama loads of times.sesky has delivered quality, performance and is so freaking economical. Peirama has elite scent profile but it's on the pricier side as well.

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My question is how is arome ?

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I've seen the website, incredible variety and ok price but just wanted to make sure.