The bolded exactly. I still find myself struggling with these very thoughts. I do think I spend more time thinking about this stuff than others I'm around, and this perhaps added to the feelings of "something must be wrong with me."

I really appreciate the feedback. It helps to see that others feel the same way, and either experience it similarly to me or in different ways. Yes, I'm an introvert and a people pleaser. I'm definitely working on the people pleasing part of myself, but it feels so ingrained it's hard to overcome. I do want to be a "realer" person, but I struggle with finding my limits of realness, if that makes any sense. T.Wells -- Transactional analysis and Gestalt therapy sound interesting and right up my alley. I'll look into it further. Thanks.

I'm glad to know my feelings aren't out of the norm and perhaps this is just a normal stage in my life where I'll either choose to change some things or learn to like where I am.

I'll try to be as brief as possible. Please do not quote, as I may choose to delete later. I feel as if there's a disconnect somewhere in my brain. I don't feel "real" most of the time. Different people get different "parts" of me. I can't think of one person whose seen all of my sides - not even my husband. I remember feeling this was since age 10, perhaps? I was a very sensitive child (and still am sensitive), and some not-so-good things happened to my family and within it. We fell apart as a unit, and it's been that way since. I saw a few counselors, but even with them I couldn't bring myself to be real. I showed them what I thought they wanted to see. I have trouble showing emotions but I feel them very strongly. I'm a functional adult - married, full-time job, full-time student. But, I still feel as if my life is effected by this gaping disconnect. I struggle to hang onto friendships. Not outwardly, I don't think, but inwardly I have to push myself to be that good friend. And it isn't my friends - they are truly wonderful. It's me and my constant urge to detach and run. I'm not depressed. I do take anti-anxiety medication, however. I'd really like to pursue therapy again. But I don't feel I've had luck with general counselors. I feel like I need a specialist in whatever my issues are. Someone who can tell when I'm being fake and call me on it. But I don't even know where to begin. I don't know who to look for or what type of help to even seek. I mean, is this just my personaloty? Is it some kind of mental illness? Is it both, perhaps? Thank you if you've read this far. I appreciate any guidance on this.

I knew just who the author of the post was by reading the title LOL Happy Birthday, Marco!

Yes! I know small talk is a normal social action, but I'd rather avoid situitions where it occurs. Not that I blame the one doing it - it's expected. I admit it's fully my own issue.

Thanks zoobie -- very helpful!

The document is dated 2005. NEPA's enactment was 1970, but a memorandum was issued in 1979 to further clarify regulations and implementation. The 1979 memorandum is relevant to my thesis, yes. ETA: The document is a reprint of the code of federal regulations.

I'm in my first ever environmental policy class and am struggling with the legalese I'm coming across. While writing a paper, I've come across as amended and just want to be sure I'm understanding its meaning. My specific example is: "NEPA, the Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4371 et seq.)" Is as amended used to mean that this document can be read at any time (1970, 2000, 2045) and that the act or policy being stated is to be interpreted throughout the document as it is in effect currently? For example, I'm reading this in 2015. No matter what the Act meant in 1970, I have to interpret the act throughout the document I'm reading as it's interpreted today in 2015 and not in 1970? I'm not quite sure how to phrase my question and understanding, so I hope someone is able to interpret it and help me out. Thanks!

Honestly? It seems as if you knew the sale prices would show at the end, so I'm not quite sure why you made a stink about seeing them during the actual transaction. With that said, the man was rude, but I still don't understand why you went through all the trouble when the price would be the same either way.

My mom's a weirdo and says funky instead, and it caught on lol. Getting jiggy sounds too much like getting freaky, if you know what I'm saying.

I automatically thought of James Brown when I read the question. But I still say get down. Or get funky with it.

If your child doesn't do all problems in the text (for example, only evens are assigned for work), you could use the odds for some test problems. Regentrude gave solid advice, so not much to add.

Absolutely. Unfortunately, termination of parental rights is very difficult to do. They'll give them every chance possible to get their children back, and then even more.

Funnily enough, I found it on UK Daily Mail, so it made international headlines. Sorry, Albuquerque, that may be the thing you're known for around the world.

Sorry, I can't get emojis on my phone easily. The *barf* was to indicate a barfing emoji. Unfortunately, you're right, the story was much worse.

If you're in New Mexico, I think I found the story *barf*

I guess my question is, what does this young man hope to do with his life? What does he think will happen when he doesn't complete high school or go for a GED? Maybe he can find something that makes him care enough to trudge through his last few years. If his difficulties in math are significant, throwing a textbook his way doesn't seem like it'd be helpful. Is a tutor a possibility?

As I understand it, there are only a limited number of spots open to GED applicants. So while it's not impossible, it's not easy.

There's no timeline. I expect I'll be working on this for a good while.

It looks like it's up to 302 votes. 31 in the lead of 2nd place!

My two best friends are twins. When we first met, I couldn't tell them apart for the life of me. But now it shocks me when I'm with them and people ask if they're twins. They don't look like twins to me, just sisters.

This was my line of thinking as well. Many of the books I loved growing up were because the heroine was older, and I felt like I could look up to them. Thanks, all! I'm so glad to know there's an interest, because I'm having too much fun writing it!

I would say it's alternate universe. I really love stories that are set in non-specific times (Sword of Truth, A Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings). The surroundings seem more primitive, but I'm not required to make sure all of my facts are historically accurate :lol: But, I also feel it helps my characters to not be stifled by a set of standards. Would a 14th century French girl do this? Would a 10th century English man do that? Etc. They're able to be who they are, without predetermined societal standards (except the ones I set up ;)) As for the name -- I was informed that Effie is a major character in the Hunger Games. I saw the first movie, but never read the books and the name completely slipped my mind. They mentioned it might be an issue in terms of association. I LOVE the name Effie, but I'm not entirely sure if I'll stick with it or not. Maybe I can come up with a reason that she is named as such and it will lessen the HG association. Thank you to you and your daughter!

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