u/astrosid

Picked up my first wide-brim felt hat (after trying a Panama straw last summer) and honestly I'm obsessed. I went with a neutral tan conner hats style, figuring it was a safe bet for trying something new, and despite reading mixed online reviews about felt hats looking too costume-y, I have to say the response has been surprisingly positive. I live in Portland, Oregon where it's not exactly common to see women in structured wide-brim hats, but I've noticed a few interesting things whenever I wear it:

1. People are significantly more polite and engaged. I get a lot of "yes ma'am" and acknowledgment, it's genuinely interesting. Also, almost everyone greets you or at least makes eye contact as you walk past...in stores, on the street, wherever. Almost like people feel obligated to acknowledge you.
2. Most surprisingly, many women have told me they love it, and several have asked me where I got it or said they've been thinking about getting one but no one has called me Tex or accused me of being a "fake cowgirl" or anything negative like that.
3. Men seem to really notice it. I'm in a relationship and not looking for attention, but let me be honest, men definitely seem drawn to the hat.

It's clearly something that makes you stand out...so be ready for that, but I've genuinely enjoyed the experience of incorporating the hat into my wardrobe. Adds a bit of edge and confidence to otherwise simple outfits.

 I have a good friend I've known for years. Lately though, every time I share something difficult I'm going through, he has to top it. I mention work being stressful, he talks about how his boss is literally trying to destroy him. I say I'm tired, he hasn't slept in days. It feels like my problems don't matter or aren't bad enough to deserve sympathy. I've tried just not sharing much anymore, but then he asks why I seem distant. How do you address this without blowing up the friendship or sounding like you're competing back? I genuinely think he doesn't realize he's doing it. Is this something you just learn to accept in some guys, or is there a way to gently call it out?

I feel like cleaning and chores are never really “done.” The moment I catch up, something else needs attention again.

It’s not even deep cleaning — just daily stuff like dishes, laundry, tidying.

how do you keep things under control without spending all your free time on it?

Thinking about buying my first apartment, but doing it alone scares me

The thing is that I’m 35 y.o., single, no kids, and overall life is pretty stable. I have a solid career, make decent money, and I’m comfortable financially. But one thing that’s starting to wear on me is renting…

I feel like every couple of months and not even years, I’m forced to move for one reason or another. The landlord decides to sell or rent goes way up. Basically, there’s always something. I’ve moved more times than I can count, and I’m getting tired of never feeling fully settled

So, I think if it’s finally time to buy my own place instead of wasting money on rent. I looked for apartments just to see what’s on the market, and for the first time it feels like something I could realistically do

But I’d be doing this completely on my own, and that makes me a bit nervous. You know, like a mortgage feels like a huge commitment when there’s no helping hand

For anyone who bought solo, was it worth it, or did the financial pressure end up outweighing the stability?

It was not perfect but it felt natural and honest in a way a lot of other relationships did not. They had tension but also respect and understanding. Do you think they are underrated as a couple?