u/Temporary_Brain_475

I work in a deli. People will approach the counter and say things like, "give me some chicken." Okay, 2pc, 4, 8, 12? And they stare at me. "How much is a 4pc?" Then, "what's in it? Does it come with sides?" I made a coworker snort laugh the other day when I said, in the most neutral/nice customer service lady voice ever, "i actually do have a menu right above me, it lays out all the information. I'm here if you have specific questions though, I understand those things can be confusing sometimes!"

Also, the ones that dig through the rotisserie chickens, looking for the flavor they want but refusing to READ THE LABEL. I for one line them up neatly, if you're looking at a lemon pepper bird, all the birds behind it are gonna be lemon pepper as well. There is no need to pick each one up, shake the bird around, open the bag to smell or touch it, or in one instance, poke the seasoning and LICK HER FINGER. Just look at the sticker I placed on the bag.

In April 2025, I bought a navy blue, so dark it's almost black, men's polo shirt from walmart for work. Shirts are supposed to be black according to my job's dress code, but it was close enough and I needed a shirt. In the 13 months I've been wearing it, only a handful of people have even noticed it isn't black, we talk about it briefly, back to work.

Last week I was walking across the parking lot and a friend stopped me to see if I needed a ride, seeing as it's 90° outside and I'm wearing all black, he says. This friend is a stickler for details and would NOT call this a black shirt. I look down. My shirt is black.

I've searched my Walmart history, I only ever bought this extra dark blue one. But I've looked at it in all different lighting, like I did back in 2025 when I realized it wasn't black and NOW IT'S BLACK.

Not as crazy making as many stories on here, just an odd occurrence.

More than a few times now, I've been training/ working with a new employee, men about 10-15 years older than me, and in the getting to know you talk, they naturally ask if i have kids. That part i don't mind, it's when I say no and they start interrogating me! They ask why, they point to my "natural biological urges," they try to convince me I'd be a good mother. Dude, literally NONE of that is your business. I'll discuss pretty much anything with anybody, but not when I've known you all of 2 hours. Kindly fuck off.

I've read so much King, and...so little! I want to venture into The Dark Tower world but honestly, I don't know where to start. Any guidance appreciated :)

I'm still making baby steps to get out of this situation, I am relatively stable and safe where I'm at so I have the "luxury" of my husband's drunkenness being a thorn and a slow stressor, not an immediate dangerous one.

I've had some financial setbacks so I'm not where I wanted to be a year ago, but that's okay. I've managed so much and I just wanted to brag on myself a moment.

Despite his weight around my neck slowing me down, I've managed to accomplish some things.

In December 2025, I lost my mom, my best friend, my north star, suddenly and unexpectedly. Hardest thing I've ever gone through, but I am proud of myself for being sober through it. 5 year ago me would've handled this in a very destructive, pity party, kind of way.

That same month our 15 year old dog and constant companion died, again I was able to handle it with grace while feeling gut punched and very "this isn't fucking fair!" But, c'est la vie, as they say.

I turned 40 in January and also had a 1 year anniversary at my job, I hadn't worked in almost 10 years prior to that, I was too busy being a drunk right alongside my Q.

In February, I took advantage of the health insurance I'd never had before in my adult life, and had all my teeth pulled and am now wearing a proud, prosthetic, smile. It was life changing.

In March, I started volunteering.

April, I advocated for myself and made my case, got moved to mornings at work AND a small pay raise.

In May, I'll be 5 years sober.

And what has my Q done? Not a thing, but that's not my problem anymore, is it? I'll be physically away soon enough and for now, I just celebrate myself and let him be however he's going to be.