Lucas Ward 🥉

Sounds frustrating and especially with a trip coming up. dealt with something similar last year and after formatting failed, I ran a disk check on the card through my computer - that found some errors and fixed them right up and but only if it's not totally dead. You plug it in, right-click the drive, properties, tools, check now or whatever it's called in your OS. I tried that and it fixed everything but then I backed up my stuff first, just in case... yeah. If that flops, probably time to consider if the camera's reader is the culprit.

By date three I stop guessing and start comparing calendars, because childcare and PTO aren't flexible and a wasted sitter night stings. I say, 'I plan trips a couple months out and I do want kids eventually, so how does planning and long term stuff land for you?' If they go weird or vague, I park it and just keep having fun for a bit, but if they engage that's your green light.

Totally normal and it can actually boost the relationship. Set a recurring date window that is small but sacred, then carve a recurring hobby window you do not negotiate weekly. Invite them to a tiny touchpoint like a five minute progress update so they feel connected without participating. Say out loud that their place is secure and the new hobby is additive. Revisit in a month and adjust together, this rhythm works great even on tight budgets.

Constant pings had me misplacing my phone in the fridge, twice. People thought I was flaky when I stopped answering, which made it worse. Now I announce quiet windows like do not disturb 8–10pm and set auto-replies so they get a heads-up. I also pin a message at the top of our chat with when I'm best to reach. If they still spam, I archive the thread until morning.