What did you learn today?

(Lazy, Dirty Keto 😝) #1026

Love this :heart:

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #1027

When I was young—ancient history, I know—the standard cliche about gay men was that we were “a woman in a man’s body.” It was hard to fight, but though I was pretty sissy back then, I always knew I didn’t want to be a woman.

One of the things that brought me past that stupid saying was meeting several effeminate men who were completely, utterly, and irredeemably heterosexual—talk about having your sterotypes blown away! And the reverse, as well: my ex was a ballet dancer, and in the ballet company where he performed, not only were most of the male dancers heterosexual, but the few gay male dancers were among the most masculine of the lot. More destroyed stereotypes!

I’m still not the butchest of men, but I really enjoy being a guy. Not only that, but I enjoy being a guy who likes guys. Fortunately that has become a lot easier thing to be, over the last (cough, ahem) years. I’d like to see society get to the point where everyone can be who they are, without everyone else freaking out for whatever reason.

#1028

Very true, Paul!

We cannot judge a book by it’s cover. (Did somebody say cliches? :slight_smile:)

Besides, if we were always judging people by what we saw on the outside, we’d miss out on knowing some truly wonderful people!

#1029

I can see how the statement could have been interpreted that way. And I’m no stranger to the inter-community issues of the LGBT+ community (woof). It’s definitely one of those things where it’s best we discuss it amongst ourselves, because The Straights might be listening and they don’t have the nuance or knowledge to understand these things without weaponizing it.

I know trans men who are heterosexual and some of the biggest misogynistics in their misguided attempts to “act like a man.” I know gay trans men who are accused of being “secretly straight.” I know trans men who are very masculine, some who embrace femininity.

But none of them are “men trapped in women’s bodies.” Talk in the trans community has tried to shift from phrases like “x trapped in y’s body,” “sex change,” and “gender confirmation surgery” for these complex reasons. Because, again, it’s a nuanced topic.

(Laurie) #1030

I love that you posted this. My boyfriend is all about SETI and populating the universe with humans (all that empty space being wasted!). That Carl Sagan has a lot to answer for.

I’m like, life is a mistake, and “intelligent” life evolved only for the sake of finding food and stuff. Emotions developed only to help animals decide whether to do this or that. What’s so wonderful about that? And lifeforms here on Earth are annoying enough.

(You've tried everything else; why not try bacon?) #1031

I forget who it was, someone like Arthur C. Clarke or Richard Feynman, who said that the surest sign of intelligent life in the universe is that they are smart enough not to come here!

(Lazy, Dirty Keto 😝) #1032

This! :heart:

Thank you @PaulL and @anon2571578 for sharing your stories.

I hope one day we won’t even feel the need to label everything. Be who you are, love who you love. Why does everything need a label? I have people ask me all the time if I’m a “lesbian” now since I have a gf, or if I consider myself “bi” since I was with men before. And my answer is: I love who I love.

(Laurie) #1033

I live on an island where lots of people are gay, bi, poly, or intersex, or prefer not to use gendered pronouns. When my bf and I got together I was exactly twice his age. This has not been a pattern for me, and I don’t consider myself a cougar. So not defining people is more meaningful for me now–whether it’s national stereotypes or anything else.

I am interested in personality types, which is a useful way of defining people, but I’m talking about trying to avoid judging, poking fun, etc.

(Ellen) #1034

That would be a wonderful world! :heart::orange_heart::yellow_heart::green_heart::blue_heart::purple_heart:

(Ellen) #1035

Love is love is love! What 2 (or more) consenting adults get up to is no one’s business.

(Steaks b4 cakes! 🥩🥂) #1036

Today I learnt that a teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt can completely change my outlook on life! :joy:

(Susan) #1037

I learned there are a LOT of carbs in gherkin pickles. 9 carbs per 3 pickles! :persevere:

(Hyperbole- best thing in the universe!) #1038

It really depends on the brand. Check Labels! The Russian ones I’ve seen use more sugar than the Turkish ones. I haven’t found a sugar free one yet, but know they exist. After all, picking has been around longer than refined sugar has.

(Susan) #1039

Thank you, @Ruina I will do that. I will also check on Dill pickles. You are right, pickling is an ancient process! You can make it without sugar and chemicals at home. I am hoping someone has decided to do that commercially.

#1040

I’ve learnt that I have to get back to basics with my food.

I started off well 4 months ago, but more and more processed convenience keto foods (pork rinds, dips, keto friendly chocolate etc) have been slowly creeping back into my diet over the last month and my attempted plan of staying at maintenance weight is starting to unravel with slow weight gain.

Time to nip it in the bud.

(squirrel-kissing paper tamer) #1041

I learned that it’s okay to wear sweat pants to work and that my coworkers got a real big kick out of it. (It won’t be a habit, my feet just really hurt and I needed a reason to wear my gym shoes and @Regina knows I’ve sworn off jeans altogether.)

#1042

Can’t you buy sweat pants that are designed to look like jeans these days? Or is that a casual-wear faux pas?

(squirrel-kissing paper tamer) #1043

I think you’re referring to jeggings, which are leggings that look like jeans? I’ll be back into my chukka boots tomorrow, my neuropathy had these feet on fire and feeling like I was walking on rocks. I think will have to get some better shoes. Finding solid shoes that also look cool has been a many years long search for me.

#1044

You can buy those at our post office :laughing:

(squirrel-kissing paper tamer) #1045

:rofl::rofl::rofl: WHAT??