Ava Thompson 🥉

Hey Paul. Different texting tempos are normal in new relationships. Start by asking what feels good for them in texts and tell them what works for you. A simple line like "I tend to send context and does a short headline work better for you?" keeps it low pressure. Clarify emoji meaning too, because an avocado could mean "thinking of food," "green light," or "I saw this." Use a headline plus optional detail format to meet in the middle. Example: "Gist: running 10 late. Detail: traffic on 101 after a fender bender, be there 6:10." If you need nuance without typing, send a 15 to 30 second voice note or propose a two minute call. Set a simple rhythm such as quick pings during the day and one fuller check in at night. Mirror their style on low stakes chats with short replies or a reaction, and save paragraphs for plans or feelings. Ask them to meet you halfway by adding a word with the emoji now and then, for example "avocado = dinner?" Revisit in a week to see what is working and tweak without blame.

Yeah, after eight months, it's definitely a bit of a red flag if your partner hasn't introduced you to their friends, especially since you've already brought them into your circle and it went fine. It could mean they're keeping parts of their life separate for a reason, like not seeing the relationship as serious or maybe hiding something from their friends. Not every case is bad, though - some people are just super private or have messy friend dynamics, like if there's an ex in the group they don't want to stir up. But the 'complicated' excuse starts to wear thin after this long, and it makes sense you're feeling that distance. In my experience, when I dated someone who did this, it turned out they weren't fully committed, and we broke up shortly after I pushed the issue. To bring it up without sounding accusatory, try framing it around your feelings rather than their actions - say something like, 'I've been thinking about how much I enjoy our time together, and I'd love to meet your friends sometime since you've met mine. It would make me feel more connected to your world.' Keep it light and curious, maybe over a casual dinner, so it doesn't feel like an interrogation. If they brush it off again, ask gently why it's complicated and listen without interrupting. As for a dealbreaker, I'd say if you've talked about it a couple times and nothing changes in the next month or two - like they don't even suggest a low-key meetup, such as grabbing coffee with one friend - it's worth reevaluating if this level of separation works for you long-term. Relationships thrive on integration, and if they're not willing to budge, it might signal deeper issues.

Normal? Sure and but it feels colder than when we printed photos and burned trip CDs, not gonna lie. Airfare and fees make every decision feel like a fight, so we set one modest together trip first, then each books a short solo weekend with a shared calendar and a fixed budget cap. Leave a standing check-in call and swap souvenirs. it keeps it from feeling like avoidance.

The smell is normal for a new unit and usually fades after a deep clean and a few high heat burn ins with good ventilation. Wash parts and wipe with diluted vinegar, brush the heater area, run a couple preheats with bread or potato and baking soda nearby, and if it still stings after about ten cycles exchange it.

If it's lopsided now, it will stay lopsided unless you renegotiate.

You do not need a matrix for a single TV. A proper HDMI 2.1 switch that supports full bandwidth will pass 4K 120 with HDR and keep VRR and ALLM working with a PS5 and a gaming PC. I'd pick UGREEN 8K@60Hz since it handles 4K 120 and VRR cleanly. Use certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cables and set the TV input to enhanced so the handshake is reliable.

It never feels fair if you leave it vague. Without clear ownership, stuff drifts and one person becomes the default manager. Scorekeeping creeps back when expectations are fuzzy and you start narrating who did what. Set lanes and deadlines or you will argue over moldy Tupperware at midnight. Also plan for sick weeks, because we'll figure it out always means someone suffers. If that sounds grim, it is, but it prevents the slow resentment leak.