It’s worth a try, I think. If you hate it, switch things out in 6 months.

I think maybe your dh needs to start handling these conversations without bringing them all back to you. If your dh doesn’t know how to erect a boundary on your school decisions, that shouldn’t be your problem.

I think the historical end has been answered. On the theological end, and I hesitate to put a definition out because I’m sure to be corrected, but the clearest one I have is belief/agreement with the 5 Solas. https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/the-five-solas-of-the-protestant-reformation.html If someone says they are reformed, my expectation is that they place a high value on exegetical teaching (teaching scripture by trying to understand what scripture is saying rather than using scripture to support what the teacher wants to say), they will hold God’s sovereignty and holiness in high regard (the source of some earned criticism is the emphasis of his holiness more than his love), and as someone upthread mentioned, the biggie is who does the saving. Do we save ourselves through our faith or does the Holy Spirit compel us? I personally hold that point in some tension, though all of my biggest doubts and questions over the years have been resolved by pressing into God’s sovereignty. Reformed folks (I would say that currently, those who use the title on themselves are talking theology) tend to be thinkers. The intellectual pursuit of studying theology is an emphasis. It’s a swing away from “feelings†driven faith and the evangelical seeker movement of the 80s and 90s. That’s my nutshell. I’m sure I’ve neglected or offended, as is almost always the case in these threads! (This one seems to be going well so far!)

I love the term Protestant. It's my preferred "title" aside from non-denominational Christian, which still seems to get the job done.

Maybe Lutheran (Missouri Synod)?

I've never heard it described that way, but my dh totally this. Actually, nearly your whole description. He's definitely not on the spectrum. He is an INFJ and I think a lot of what you described fits that personality type. (not that it doesn't also fit Asperger's, but just as an alternative)

That's really sweet, and I think (in time) you should share that with your sister. Here's the good news- you've got a whole year (almost) to work this out. If nothing else, it's a chance to dig through some layers of family muck.

That reporter is clearly a big fan.

No, she blasted the judges after the competition. She thought she deserved higher scores.

I have 2 friends who manage not to be annoying about their mlm. Neither needs the money to survive. It’s a side gig that brings in a little extra vacation money. They rarely post anything on social media. Maybe twice a year putting together a catalog order. One sells Thirty-one and the other sells Norwex. The 31 gal- I went over to her house 3 or 4 times before I asked her what 31 was because she always had piles of boxes in her entry. She was like, “oh it’s this thing that I sell.†I had to ask her for more details. She was so determined to never sales pitch anyone. So it can definitely be done.

And I'm reminded again why I don't have the stomach to brew my own.

If the amount of cash I would have given them for a gift is equal to the tattoo cost, then yes. But we don't give huge bday gifts, and I don't think there's any tattoo worth having for $50. DD got her nose pierced on her 18th. She has since gotten 2 tattoos. None were funded by us.

I have found that just 24 hours away can be magical. Hotel, eating out, sleeping in... that can get me through a long stretch. It’s great if dh can come, but that takes more work coordinating care for my ds. What’s easier is a night away with the girls. Dh takes on my duties. I have 2 girlfriends that I try to do this 1-2 times a year with. We’ve had a hard time coordinating dates this year (18 kids between us, it gets tricky!).

Based on your previous posts about this guy, 1) I think you should stay out of it before he catches wind that you’re doubting his choices, 2) it may be a very good thing for him to be gone for awhile.

Have you tried Alaway drops? They’re non steroidal antihistamine drops. You probably have, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. My eyes are the most allergy reactive part of my body. Those drops are a lifesaver.

Addressing #1. That is so, so typical for that age. 15 year olds can be stunningly myopic and self centered. See also: 17 and 19. For whatever reason, I’ve found odd year teens to be a pain. Good news! Who she is now is not who she will always be. My teen approach is to take nothing personally. I would say that, yes, this is an overreaction. It sounds like you have good self awareness about that and the underlying reasons why, so I would greatly encourage you to let this specific issue go. Instead, think of ways to nurture yourself in the big picture. How can you carve out a space and time to push some of your own interests and needs to the forefront?

In the future, send the money her way rather than her reimbursing. It’s just a generally less awkward way of contributing to a group purchase (1 step vs 2 steps).

What?! So it sounds like this specific condo community would be very welcoming to your SN young adults. That’s awesome (and unusual).

That sounds awesome!

I still have about 2 months left in my current BuJo, but I got some amazon money for Christmas so I ordered this gorgeous copper Leuchtturm for my next one! https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XGDFZLZ/ref=sxts_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1514917600&sr=1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65

The access to services would be a big deal to me. Things that might be hard Proximity to neighbors. This really depends on the layout of the community. Having neighbors above and on both sides of you is a big change. If it’s more townhouse style, where you still have a backyard and share one wall, that’s not so hard. Less access to nature. What will you see when you look out your window? The biggie is the HOA. Basically, strangers are in partial control of your personal property. The health of the HOA is everything. My mom is on her HOA. Even though it’s a huge pain, it’s important for her to have some say in the decisions being made. Don’t forget capital gains taxes on whatever you don’t reinvest in property. This sounds very promising for you! It sounds like it’s the right stage of your life to make this kind of change.

Tahoe in Feb for dh’s 40th. Then sending him to spring training in AZ 2 weeks later. Nothing planned for the summer, yet. That usually means we’ll end up going to Oregon. 2017 was a big travel year, so I’m not expecting a lot from 2018.

That K-pop band blew our minds!

Always. We go outside and bang pots and pans.

It’s kind of like when you start homeschooling. At some point you just have to make it clear that you are no longer inviting other’s opinions. “Friend, I hear you, but this topic is closed for discussion. I am not going to have this conversation with you anymore. Our decision is firm.â€