u/elisabethofaustria

Hi all! I’m 24F, earn $70k, and currently live in Dallas but hope to relocate next summer. I’ve visited Philly several times, in both summer and winter, and loved it, but that’s obviously not the same as actually living there, so I’d love to hear y’all’s thoughts. And if there’s another city that you think I should consider, let me know!

My biggest priorities in life right now are:
- My career (I can work remotely anywhere in the continental U.S., but being somewhere with an active social impact sector would be nice, in case I ever need to find a new job — but also so I can participate in local chapters of professional associations)
- Finding a partner / meeting liberal men of similar age/hobbies

What I’m looking for in a city: can get a 1-bedroom apartment in a centrally located neighborhood for ideally less than $1.5k per month (but can spend up to $2k including utilities), plethora of independently owned small businesses, community feel (e.g., active neighborhood associations), diversity, lots of vegan food, access to green space (urban parks are fine, they don’t have to be huge), always has some sort of event happening. I’m not a fan of how hot Texas summers can get but really do value sunshine and mild winters (hence why I’m not considering the Pacific Northwest). I don’t mind (some) snow but generally dislike rain / grey skies.

My hobbies are reading, rock climbing, thrifting, trying new recipes (access to well-stocked grocery stores is critical), traveling (would ideally live near an international airport), and taking random classes. I’d like to get involved with the Junior League and/or community theater wherever I end up. I don’t want to get a car, so public transit access is important (but I live car-free in Dallas right now, so it’s not like I have high standards).

I think Philly overall would be a great fit for me, especially because I don’t mind its two major drawbacks: I don’t want kids, so no worries about school quality, and I’m already used to living in a dirty city (you’d think downtown Dallas is an apocalyptic wasteland based on how some people describe it online, but I like it). I’d love to hear y’all’s thoughts! If you live in Philly and think there’s a particular neighborhood I’d like, let me know. Or if you think I would hate the city, that’s also important info. Thanks in advance for the advice :)

TL:DR; I don’t think Botox makes sense for me right now since I’ve had success with PT, but weighing all my options — advice is appreciated.

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Hi all! Would appreciate any thoughts/insights y’all have as I navigate treatment options.

For context: I’ve had vaginismus for as long as I can remember. I’ve never used a tampon, the only pap smear I’ve ever had was painful but ultimately successful, and I can count on one hand the amount of times I’ve had (uncomfortable and somewhat painful) penetrative sex.

I went to physical therapy for two months back in 2022 and was making really good progress (I was using the sixth dilator out of eight by the end) — but I decided to stop because of the cost. Since then it hasn’t been a priority (my then-partner didn’t really care, I haven’t been interested in dating ever since we broke up, I don’t get a period because of my birth control, etc.).

So it feels like I’m starting from scratch now (I tried yesterday and was able to use the first dilator, but nothing more). I also had a Botox consultation yesterday and was told that it would cost $8,000. I have no idea if my insurance would cover it and frankly, I wouldn’t be surprised if they tell me they cover it and then somehow I get stuck with the whole bill (so I’d only proceed if I was comfortable paying the whole amount myself).

I can technically afford it. My financial situation is very different now, so it’s not “Botox vs rent/food” and more like “Botox vs several international vacations” — but I still want to make sure it’s a good value.

I know you still have to dilate after having Botox — it’s not a magic solution — and I already know that physical therapy and dilating has been helpful for me in the past, so I think I should decline Botox for now and then potentially revisit in the future if I’m not making any progress with dilators. So I think I’ve made my decision, but I definitely welcome any thoughts/insights y’all might have!

Hi everyone!

I’m trying to book round-trip flights from Sydney (SYD) to Cairns (CNS) for September 7-10.

Using Google Flights, I found a Jetstar flight that costs $219 and then I confirmed it exists on the Jetstar website… but I can’t find this flight within Bilt’s travel portal (even when selecting “show basic fares”). Is it there and I missed it? Or does Bilt only offer flights from select airlines?