u/West-Willingness3697

I'm new to a big-ish city, late 30s, and it's been about a year since I dated.

I've been considering putting myself out there in search of something relatively serious. Would love to find a long term partner.

I am introverted, probably neurodivergent, and not the smoothest, but tonight I was out by myself at a county fair and shot my shot! I hope I didn't come across as a creep.

The girl was a beautiful soft masc who was a vendor at the fair. I declined to buy what she was selling but eventually came back to her stall and complimented her, asked if she was single. She said she was taken and flashed a photo of her with her partner.

She called me very pretty and seemed flattered by my compliment. I hope I made her night and I'm proud of myself for shooting my shot!

Big Thief – Chicago – 08/13/26

The Salt Shed Fairgrounds was packed in spite of on-and-off rain showers. I wasn’t wearing rain gear and my hair was wet from the walk to the venue. My friend and I eventually found standing room in the crowd between half and two-thirds of the way from the stage. We had a fair view of the stage and a good view of the jumbotron screens on either side of it.

I commented to my friend that the crowd in Chicago was similar in vibe to the crowd I experienced in New York at Forest Hills last October. While there certainly were millennials, Gen X, and older, it seemed that the crowd skewed to Gen Z. Lots of young queer folk, unusual hairstyles, lots of people wearing Doc Marten type footwear and dresses with fuzzy legs.

There were clusters of friends, couples, friend couples, and solo fans. I took a secret solace in seeing the solo fans. Shout out to folks who are comfortable doing things and going places alone.

Ben Lamar Gay, the opener, was very loud. I wish I had had earplugs. While I appreciated the group’s originality (tuba, unusual time signatures, cryptic chanting), they were a little too noise-y and chaotic for me. But I love that Big Thief supports such a range of artists.

Big Thief came on and you could see the excitement on the band’s faces. Adrianne addressed the crowd with a simple, adorable, “Hello.” Buck cutely said, “Thanks for waiting in the rain.”

The jumbotrons were a godsend. It was lovely to be able to see Adrianne clearly in spite of not being super close to the stage.

They kicked it off with Vampire Empire. They were immediately in the zone. You could see and feel the chemistry between everyone on stage; they were having a great time.

The first song that I was thrilled to hear was Not, four songs in. That opening minor chord ringing out! You know what I’m talking about. One of my all-time favorite Big Thief songs. I wanted to scream the lyrics and flail, but contained myself.

Things got interesting during the next song, Contact, which also happens to be one of my favorites. Not one, but two people in different parts of the crowd had medical incidents during that song. I couldn’t tell what had happened, but apparently one person fainted (?). Adrianne paused the song both times to send security over to help. After the second incident, she encouraged everyone to take a break if needed and the band skipped ahead to the breakdown (again, IYKYK).

Muscle Memory was a new one for me and I loved it. The lyrics are so real and relatable.

The opening notes to Flower of Blood made me swoon, as always.

We were treated to three new songs, two of which they had never played live before. Adrianne said, “It’s not every day that two come to you,” or something like that. She indicated that she had written them the night before and for the second one she asked the crowd not to record due to it being a vulnerable one for her as well as it being unfinished. I was pleased that people (myself included) did put their phones away. Everyone was respectful and attentive.

The lyrics of the second new song referred to a feeling of heartbreak at looking into someone’s eyes and difficulty trusting after a rupture or betrayal. It was very plaintive. I will be interested to see how it develops going forward.

Mary was a revelation. Of course, I knew the song but hearing it live was magic.

They closed the set with an ecstatic version of Spud Infinity that made me want to sing and cry. That was the highlight of the show for me. So much pure joy.

Naturally they came back for an encore, and it was a banger! The first encore song, Beautiful World, was new to me and I loved it. Los Angeles was like a big, much needed sigh. Actually, I would describe Los Angeles, Change, and Incomprehensible (the final three of the encore) all as having the energy of a much-needed sigh and return to balance after an energetic, passionate set.

I feel extremely fortunate to have been at such a heartfelt, real, joyful show! I am delighted for the band that they seem to be having so much fun and I wish them many more years of the same.

This was my second time seeing them (first was last October at Forest Hills). The Forest Hills show was great, but this show was on another level.

The whole band exuded joy. Adrianne seemed in her creative element and played three new songs. When she addressed the crowd, it felt genuine, natural, and affectionate.

I didn't know I was in for such a treat of a show 😍

I'm a master's level clinical social worker and therapist. Recently I went into private practice. The first four years of my career were in community mental health, treating clients with SMI and low SES.

I have a long history of receiving therapy myself, including 10 years in psychodynamic therapy.

My CMH years were valuable: I learned a ton about SMI, therapy basics, trauma basics, case management basics, social services environments, etc.

Now that I'm self-employed, I am thinking a lot about carving out my own practice niche. When I think about the writers in this field who have most excited me, it's Michael Eigen, Nancy McWilliams, and other psychodynamic/psychoanalytic folks.

I value the psychodynamic focus on personality structure, depth, and using therapy to play out and modify the assumptions and behaviors that cause suffering.

What options are there for master's level clinical social workers to receive psychodynamic training?

Looking for recommendations on where to find these spaces in Milwaukee. I'm familiar with the Milwaukee LGBTQ Center (I think that's what it's called), and am seeking other possible ways to connect with these communities. I'm also familiar with the Tool Shed. Thanks!