I do the xylitol gum! I think countries in asia regularly markets this as part of good dental hygiene for those reasons you listed. Some of the gum containers advertise, white healthy teeth. Not sure why the US doesn’t promote xylitol gum more.

Yep, while driving, stopped, or parked and trapped in the car with whatever task is involved in the commute. I keep a little trash container in the car for normal trash and just chuck the placker in there when done.

This is for all my floss-averse people out there: put floss plackers in your car. I floss way more this way than in front of my sink. Yes, not optimal dental hygiene but there’s just something that just clicks in my head and makes me want to do it when driving around vs literally any other time.

Inclement weather. Any kind really but the bigger, the better. Snow flurries, a really big thunderstorm, howling wind - I turn 5 years old again every time. Just overcome with excitement and fear and awe.

I think this depends on what invisible means. Does it mean no detectable signature - IR/thermal, scent, sound, etc.? Or just not on the visible light spectrum for humans? If not detectable at all, I think it would hold greater value for information gathering and have a lot of useful applications in hostage and other criminal situations, as well as state security through a very useful means of tradecraft. All that’s out the door if a couple of rottweilers can sniff me out though.

It’s a bit of a monkey’s paw question as having either power puts a huge burden of secrecy as well as the threat of danger on yourself and whomever you choose to share knowledge of it that with.

Usually it’s culture that’s not their own, from a position of expertise. Theres a fairly good chance of putting out some really bad info and it can also come off as racially or culturally insensitive - which I want no part of. Extra cringe when it’s your own culture that they’re talking about and you’re put in that awkward position of having to do an ackchyually…

I watched my dad fall into depression after retirement. The same for a family friend who was able to retire early in their 40’s. I think a lot of people only plan for the financial side of retirement and don’t plan for post-retirement hobbies and activities. It took these 2 people’s examples to open my eyes a bit and start planning for a heavy hobbying which will also look different from light hobbying where you are still committed to other things like work and raising a family.

Not with a broken leg and ankle but I’ve been overcome before by situations like this. I know there’s a lot of advice in here already to manage the anxiety, but here’s a few things you can actually do:

1. Make a list. Write down everything that needs to be taken care of. Pets, bills, work, rent, school work…just write down everything that comes to mind. Write down deadlines and where you are going to come short.

2. If you are not on heavy pain meds, start communicating. There’s a good chance that some deadlines can be pushed back, work can find you extra hours, friends and family can spot you. Even creditors may be willing to help. You have a situation that is entirely provable with hospital records.

3. Depending on your life situation, you may be able to find government resources, charity groups, etc. Just by calling around you could find a connection inadvertently that can help. I found pro bono legal services once when an someone tried to sue me because a charity group i called knew someone from another group.

4. Adjust your list and prioritize what needs to be done first. I think just putting things down on paper/word doc takes a lot of burden off your mind. You know you won’t forget what needs to be done and it helps to have all the info in front of you when you need to communicate.

5. Sudoku. Optional, but highly advocate that or some kind of problem solving game.

Good luck to you, friend. Speedy recovery.

If its just one item that shocks you, I wonder if there’s a permanent solution like taping dryer sheets to the legs or something.

Yep that’s exactly the thought process behind it lol. I’ve walked into and out of a couple interviews doing this because the alternative is usually the hand recoil plus an “ow fuck”.

During the cold season, I will give all metal door knobs and door handles a little whack first with my hand before grabbing. I hate the static shock that may or may not be waiting and the whack absorbs it in a way I can anticipate it.

I thought this would be more common but I don’t really see anyone else doing it.

I’ve never heard of this witchcraft. This is exactly what I need.

Edit: heard not beard

Oof thats really bad. Was there at least pizza?

God’s work my friend

That’s a good perspective - just like this guy

I will take ghosts and demonic possession over 25% rent increases and shit landlords and shit upstairs/downstairs neighbors.

Congratulations Void. Well done. Ok you can stop now. Really, you can just stop.

Only a few insects are known to have the ability to hear of which cicadas are included. However, from Brittanica:

Cicadas are noted for the intensity of sound produced by some species and for the elaborate development of the ears, which are located on the first segment of the abdomen.

Please adjust your torture method accordingly and continue…

I like that idea. Currently at a coffee shop alone. No panicking brain trying to keep up with the processing right or wrong actions.

I feel this. This probably stems from childhood issues and a string of failed relationships but I just can’t be comfortable around really any social groups I’ve had for very long. Functionally I’m great, people seem to like talking to me and want my company. So we’ll do a few get together sessions and then my fatigue will make me slowly fizzle out. It really sucks.

On the brightside though, I do love my own company and have made peace with having a lot of holidays and special occasions on my own or with the cat.