Sometimes there are things that really weigh on us—but there’s no possible way to tell anyone about them. When you just need to get something off your chest, there’s nothing like the anonymity of the Internet. These confessions just had to come out—and they go from heartwarming to absolutely heartbreaking.
1. My Secret Identity
My biological mother brought me into the world when she was just 14, and at that tender age, made the hard decision to put me up for adoption. Throughout my childhood, my adoptive parents were transparent about my origins. I've held on to a letter she penned for me, that they could choose to share with me if they wished. It's remarkable to reminisce now, reading that heartfelt note written by what was essentially another child.
In the letter, she apologized for not being able to raise me but harbored a hope that I was leading a happy life. She'd expressed a desire for us to stay in touch. But, when I was 11, we had to relocate due to my father's job, and reconnecting felt beyond reach. Miraculously, though, I found her. I pinch myself every time at the strangeness of it all. She's working at this little cafe, oblivious that I'm her son. She and I converse occasionally.
She appears to be a kind woman. Each time she addresses me endearingly during our interactions, for instance, "Would you like a top up, sweetheart"? or with other similar phrases, I almost blurt out the truth. I find it daunting for some reason. We exchange pleasantries now and then, and she comes across as genuinely sincere. If it's a slow day at the cafe, she's even more affable and chatty.
I've been making this two—hour drive to have a meal at her establishment, only to glimpse her. I'm already a familiar face to her as I've been a regular diner once or twice every week for the past quarter. She greets me with a beaming smile. If only she knew about our unique bond.
2. Sink Or Swim
Today marks the second year since my father passed on. Currently, I'm staying with my paternal grandparents. Why? Well, since my father's loss, my mother began dating a man who, I feel, clearly favours my brother over me. He and I just can't coexist under the same roof. I adore my mother, but I believe I'm mature enough for her to respect my choice of living with my grandparents during the summer.
As you can imagine, today was emotionally charged. My grandmother is a sentimental soul and lately she's been compiling photo albums of our family. One of my father, one of his brother, one for me and another for my brother. Today, Grandma and I leafed through the album dedicated to my dad, mostly comprising pictures of his childhood and teenage years when he lived with my grandparents.
However, it did include a few more recent snapshots. One that really drew my eye was of my dad in his 20s, before I was born. It showed him treading water in the deep ocean.
You see, I have a form of epilepsy that causes occasional jerks or spasms in my limbs. This has prevented me from swimming, despite our family's regular trips to the beach. The picture that intrigued me was of my dad swimming in the ocean, clearly in deep water.
When I inquired, my grandmother explained that my dad's brother had taken the photo on a cliff-diving adventure their squad went on. But wasn't Dad unable to swim? Her response was heart-wrenching. She was baffled and insisted that of course, he could swim. She asked, did I truly believe he was the sort of man who couldn't swim?
However, throughout all our family beach outings, my dad had always claimed not to know how to swim because he was afraid of the water. Would I keep him company on the shore? This was great for me, being alone while mom and brother took to the sea wasn't appealing. We passed the time with other games and activities.
To be honest, his fear of water always seemed odd to me. He was a sports enthusiast, a marathon runner even, and a Californian native—swimming should have come naturally.
But today, it clicked. He could swim! He was just making sure I didn't feel like a burden due to my condition. If I thought he wanted to swim, I would have urged him to go, leaving me behind. So, he told me he couldn't swim. He was selflessly looking out for me, despite knowing I might never discover his little white lie. Today, of all days, this realization hit me hard. I miss him dearly. Thank you, Dad.
3. The Truth Always Comes Out
I was 21 when my sweetheart proposed to me. He was my world. Our families had known each other since we were kids. We used to share meals every day, and he was pretty close to my two older sisters too, particularly since he was an only child.
Eventually, we became a couple, much to the joy of our parents. He was a great support system, loving me for who I was. Our engagement lasted six months before tragedy struck.
My second-oldest sister, let's call her Nicky, was pretty unemotional. She was close to my fiance and often confided in him as she battled addiction. Although she was my sister, our bond wasn't strong.
Unexpectedly, she suggested going clubbing together. Initially, I was hesitant, but after a few drinks, I began to enjoy. Things went south when Nicky got upset because a guy she was interested in preferred my number to hers. She wasn't herself after that.
Nicky went to the restroom, but never returned. During the wait, I was sipping cocktails and eventually felt tipsy. I decided to take a cab home alone. As I was leaving, Nicky's ex asked if he could share a cab with me, considering my state. I agreed, though my memory started to blur soon after; waking up the next morning on a couch in his place.
He explained that I had passed out, and without knowing my address, he decided to take me to his place. When I returned home, I was met with a disturbing sight. My parents, my fiance, and Nicky were all there. My fiance said that Nicky told him I'd cheated on him. Dejected, I tried to explain but was called a liar by Nicky.
To worsen things, a photo Nicky took surfaced, showing Nicky's ex's hand on my back. Nicky called her ex to testify, and he corroborated her version, resulting in my fiance leaving me.
Driven from home, I sought refuge with a friend. My frantic pleas to my fiance fell on deaf ears and mother abandoned me. Homeless and penniless, I was shunned by my own family.
Try as I might reconcile, I saw on Facebook that my family were on a Christmas vacation without me. It was heartbreaking. Deciding to start afresh, I moved away and worked in a restaurant while living in the tiny apartment above it.
Two years have passed since I've seen anyone from my family, until my ex-fiance showed up unexpectedly. He came clean about Nicky's deceit: she had been lying about the whole scenario. She revealed the truth after she got married.
My family has been trying to reconnect, but I need time to work through my feelings. Nicky has burned bridges, but the others were misguided. Forgiving them isn't easy, given they all abandoned me without giving me a chance to explain.
4. Kismet
This story starts when I was 18 and desperately needed a heart transplant. After waiting for months, the phone call that would change my life came in. I was so overwhelmingly grateful to the donor that my mom and I penned letters to the family. But they chose not to maintain any contact, a decision I completely respected.
Now, I owe my life to this man. Yet, for his family, it was a time of immense sorrow. I've always held a deep gratitude for this sacrifice, and it's only grown deeper after meeting my girlfriend and expecting our first child, a boy, due in August. We now know the whole truth.
She rarely mentioned her passed-away brother and all I knew was that he ended his journey on this earth years ago. His birthday was a few weeks back, and my girlfriend wished to pay a visit to his resting place as they hadn't done so in a while. It was then she revealed that her brother had met with a fatal car accident, was on life support till they decided to let him go and since he was a registered organ donor, he passed the same exact date as I got my heart transplant call.
For the sake of her family's grieving process, my girlfriend and I decided to uncover the truth. If it wreaked further havoc, we agreed to abandon it all. But her mom granted us the permission.
Luckily, she hadn’t disposed of the letter. It just hadn't been read because it stirred up feelings of pain. That's how we found out the heart I received belonged to her brother. I'd only disclosed my first name on the letter, but I remembered the whole context. We wept for hours, stunned by the realization that our lives were intertwined in such an extraordinary manner without us ever suspecting it.
It's incredibly surreal. This man gifted me a chance to live, to meet the love of my life and to start a family with her. I regard myself as the luckiest man in the world, all made possible because of him.
5. Remember Me
In the same neighborhood where I grew up lived a boy whom I secretly admired. We never managed to foster a strong friendship, and as years passed by, he tragically lost his life in a car accident which, unfortunately, also claimed several other lives.
It wasn't substance-related, he just happened to be a novice driver navigating through snowy and icy conditions. The tragic incident left me distraught, but my sympathy was particularly extended to his mourning mother. She was a single mother battling financial hardships.
As per my understanding, she stretched herself financially to the brink of bankruptcy to afford both the funeral costs and an additional car, all while grappling with the loss of her only offspring. Touched by her struggle, I decided to leave anonymous tributes for the son she sorely missed. I do this every now and then, during significant days like his birthday, the day he left us, or during Christmas.
In order to ensure that his mother finds these gestures, I make sure to leave these tributes a day before the important dates. Turns out, she shares her joy and curiosity on Facebook when she stumbles upon these tributes, cherishing how someone still holds her son dear in their memories while wondering who it might be.
6. One Last Glance
While I was at work, boredom struck, so I chose to take a virtual "tour" of my hometown on Google Maps. The sight that greeted me was so potent it made me completely dissolve into tears. It's been over three years since I last set foot there.
I started mapping a route from my childhood school to my grandparents' home and during this virtual stroll, I was struck by an image of my grandpa, sitting on the porch. It was a sight I was familiar with, especially after his health started to decline around 2015. By the middle of 2016, illness had left him bedridden and his cognitive abilities were pretty impaired. Being city-based, I couldn't visit him as often as I'd have like to.
He eventually passed on in November that same year. The picture from Google Maps was somewhat fuzzy, but without any doubt, it was him. The sight of him there just stirred up so many emotions inside of me, and it's taking all my strength to not blatantly cry at my desk.
Wherever he is now, I hope he's doing well. I miss him terribly.
7. Teach A Man To Fish…
When I was just 17 and you seemed so mean, you approached me, stating the painfully obvious, "You've got a flat". It wasn't an inquiry, but a statement. "Bet you don't know how to fix it," you said next, never really asking, just presuming. "I doubt you even know where your spare tire's stowed away".
Each time you made one of these statements, my response was a simple, "No, sir". To that, you scolded my dad for ever allowing his little girl on the road without the know-how to change her own tire. At that moment, I saw you as nothing short of a jerk, making me do the grueling work after a long seven-hour shift, and it was late, 11 pm.
Yet, I somehow remembered each step, as clearly as if it had happened just a day ago.
A decade has passed since that day, but now, because of you, I've managed to change my own tire. I'm grateful to you for caring enough to impart a valuable lesson to a complete stranger like me, a lesson that I'll carry with me forever.
8. It’s Not What You Think
My significant other was once married back in his younger years. He doesn't dwell on this past chapter of his life and he seldom mentions his ex-wife. What he did share with me is that their marriage deteriorated because his ex-wife was tackling some mental health challenges.
All things considered, I saw her stepping aside as my golden opportunity because my boyfriend is an absolute gem, the nicest guy I've ever been with. Today he was at work and he told me I could hang out at his place until he got back. I decided to catch up with some Netflix on his laptop and found it powered on and logged in to Facebook. Blinking on the screen was a chat dialogue with a woman's name on top. Then it hit me—this was his ex-wife.
My heart sank as I contemplated the ruin of our blissful relationship. But then I read through their exchange, and it painted a completely different picture. The conversation was initiated by his ex-wife. She appeared agitated, possibly amidst a mental health episode. In her desperation, she expressed wanting him back. Apparently, he is the only man who ever showed her kindness. She was basically pleading.
My boyfriend's reply to her brought a sigh of relief from me. He affirmed his happiness in his current relationship and stated clearly that he will not entertain messages like that from her again. But he did not abandon respect, reassuring her that he believes she is good at heart, but her mental health struggles were hindering her from forming sound and healthy relationships with others. He encouraged her to seek effective therapy.
He firmly stated that though he hopes she could live a balanced and joyful life one day, reconnecting with her was off the table. He insisted confronting her issues was necessary for her to arrive at happiness. He ended his message by reasserting his commitment to our relationship and his non-negotiable stance on not entertaining any future messages from her. But he did end on a kind note, wishing her well.
His words moved me to tears with their poignant tone. His sensitivity and tact in handling such a delicate situation reminded me why I hold such deep affection for him.
9. Regrets…I’ve Had A Few
I never yearned for children, although I wasn't entirely opposed to the idea. After I got married, my wife understood my lukewarm demeanor towards parenthood. During our engagement, I conceded that having a single kid was plausible, but absolutely no more. However, as my friends embarked on their parenting journeys, I tilted towards a definite no towards kids. I did observe some of my peers having lovely children while others weren't as fortunate. Even in the case of relatively easy-to-raise kids, the whole parenting gig seemed overly exhausting.
But when my wife's sister tragically passed on, our world took a turn. The concept of 'family' became ultra-significant to my wife, which I empathized with. But, my standpoint on having kids remained unswayed. My wife, being persistent, repeatedly approached the topic until I was on board. The agreement was that her parents would sell their ranch and relocate to our neighborhood.
Promises were made and assurances were given, making me feel naive for believing them. I was made to believe that the grandparents would be the primary caregivers to our child, mitigating any overwhelming responsibilities on my part. My wife, being the only one capable of continuing the family lineage after her sister's demise, was desperately seeking my agreement. Together with her parents, they presented a convincing argument leading to my reluctant approval.
Her parents, relatively young in their 50s and in good health, seemed like a perfect backup, promising that they would be available well till our child's toddler phase and capable of keeping up with youthful energy. I was given an idealistic version of my role as just a devoted dad and breadwinner, envisaging a 1950s kind of fatherhood. I was led to believe that most of the challenging parenting tasks would fall on the mom, allowing me to experience the joys of parenthood without much hassle. Preposterously, I bought into it.
Fast forward 11 years, my life is far from ideal. My kid has been diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), which is a fancy term for a child being unruly and quarrelsome. Ironically, the same grandparents who once promised to share in our parental duties now deem the child too much to handle, barely assisting once a month over the past seven years. Now, I find myself tapping away on my laptop, glued to my phone, enveloped in a dark parking lot. Having returned from work only to find my kid spitting on the neighbor's doorknob as an act of revenge for a petty incident.
His vindictive behavior and utter lack of empathy shocked me. Seeking revenge for his package getting delivered late seemed absurdly cruel. To make matters worse, my attempt to correct him led to him deliberately spoiling the only memento I had from my deceased parents.
I can't bear stepping into my house and have taken refuge in my car instead. Soliciting advice isn't my aim as I understand the implications of having a difficult child are beyond mere discipline or parenting skills. I've exhausted every form of scholarly parenting aids and have invested countless time, loose ends of my paycheck, and over ten years in therapists and counsel, all to no avail.
The bitter truth still remains: This entire predicament is my doing. Cynically, I deem myself a coward for disregarding my initial disapproval for having kids and letting myself be convinced into becoming a father. So here I am, a desolate 45-year-old man, bawling my eyes out in my car at a park.
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10. Slow And Steady Wins The Race
Seven years back, when I was just 24, I suffered the terrible loss of my wife in a car accident. This devastating incident left me, shocked and grieving, as a single dad to our two little ones, aged one and three. With no education beyond high school, I was working in construction at the time.
While my wife was alive, both of us were employed full-time, allowing us to live comfortably in a modest yet pleasant home. But after her departure, being a single parent and working full-time was a tough juggle. Making both ends meet was an uphill battle and I was forced to downsize to a small flat. The realization of my financial struggle hit me hardest when I couldn't afford Christmas presents for my children. That was a wake-up call—something needed to change.
I decided to further my education, enroling in college classes in the evening, while juggling two jobs. This intense period of hard work and sacrifice stretched over five grueling years until I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. My efforts paid off when I secured a job with an impressive six-figure salary.
Today, I'm the proud owner of a lovely house with a sprawling yard for my kids to run around and play. I've managed to build them a treehouse, and I even have ample time to spend with them, thanks to a more flexible work schedule. Just last week, we enjoyed a lovely camping trip in the mountains. It's only now that I'm allowing myself to appreciate the enormity of my achievement—I've truly turned my life around.
11. Charlotte’s Web
Since mid-October, a small creature has made a corner of my home its own. At first, I was tempted to sweep him away but after seeing how nimble he was, I called a ceasefire instead. The little fella was not a threat, he was just as apprehensive of me as I was of him. With the winter closing in, it was only fair not to send him out into the cold. And just like that, our live-and-let-live pact was formed.
My husband tried to get rid of him a couple of times, but realized it was futile and eventually gave up. Now, our eight-legged buddy was not living for free, he paid his rent by feasting on any pesky gnats who dared venture into his shadowy corner. We started to bond. I'd greet him, exchange pleasantries- it was a quiet, peaceful relationship. He didn't seem scared anymore and occasionally would wave back.
Today, as I got ready to take a shower to tackle the rough skin on my feet, a bottle of body wash slipped from my hand and landed into his web. I can't comprehend what he could've been doing so close to the ground recently, but today my action startled him. It left me hating myself. I despised having set off this series of unfortunate events. I'm ashamed that I let myself get so attached to a spider, now the grief is overwhelming.
But you know what, I refuse to feel embarrassed. I'm going to acknowledge what it was- a strange friendship that left me with a profound lesson about fear, affection, and empathy. This experience is one I'll carry in my heart forever.
12. Now That’s A Surprise Party
I was celebrating my birthday over lunch with my buddies. After a quick restroom break, I returned to see they'd all bobbed off. I felt a pang of sadness, but also reasoned, "Hey, they're busy people, and I truly appreciate them taking time out for lunch".
Suddenly, I noticed a cryptic gift with my name on it resting on my chair. Inside was a quaint bundle of intrigue: an enigmatic ransom letter, a UV light, and handfuls of puzzle bits and pieces. The next four hours were an exhilarating expedition of mystery across the city, unlocking one puzzle after the other. This thrilling escapade led me into a speakeasy where the bartender, nonchalantly noting, "I've been expecting you", passed me a drink along with an additional cluster of puzzles snugly tucked in a locked box.
This captivating journey culminated at a cosy weekend stay they had arranged for me, plus the final destination, another bar, where everyone was eagerly waiting for me, their smiles mirroring the twinkle in their eyes. They had orchestrated everything themselves. I was deeply touched and humbled by their creativity and effort put in just for me. These folks—they're witty, clever, big-hearted, and so giving. I count myself incredibly fortunate to know them, let alone call them my buddies. Their existence brightens the world considerably.
13. Good Grief
My son's mind operates differently. He struggled a lot in school and was frequently misunderstood. With an intellect beyond his age and a heart full of love, he was unique in his own way. He shared an extraordinary bond with his pet cat, who happened to be his best friend. He had always expressed how lost he would feel without his feline friend and hoped that these bitter days would come when he goes off to college.
His dream is to become an aerospace engineer because he believes that he would be surrounded by 'his kind of people' there, which would make it easier for him to cope up with the loss of his cat. Today, he experienced one of his life's hardest moments when he saw his beloved cat taking its last breaths. Despite our desperate attempt to rush it to the vet, death was inevitable as a massive stroke took its life.
This is the day that I've dreaded so much. I could stand up against anyone, be it teachers, school districts, mean individuals, or even his father for his defense. But one thing I couldn't do was shield him from the pain of loss. My wish was for him to grow older, gaining more skills and support system to better handle grief loss. However, his reaction to this loss surprised me.
He cried briefly, and then he gathered himself to comfort me. He expressed being at peace with his cat's departure and said that he would use his cat's memory to motivate him to become a kinder and more compassionate man. For him, it's now all about moving forward, as he so maturely emphasised, "we can only move forward, mom".
14. When My Girlfriend Met My Wife
At 32, I'm a widower. My dear wife succumbed to pancreatic cancer five years back, leaving me and our two boys. She was my everything; we fell in love in high school, pursued the same college together, and tied the knot after graduating. I found myself falling deeper in love with her each passing day.
Her departure plunged me into pain so deep it almost didn't seem real. There were times I wished not to wake up, hoping to join her. But the sight of our boys, their faces mirroring hers, their personalities reflecting her, held me back. They were pieces of her that I couldn't bear to lose.
Her passing left me struggling for a long time. I was no longer a full-time father, nor the man I used to be. Being out of work for a year, I subsisted on savings and her life insurance. Two years later, I decided it was high time to pick myself up and move forward.
I secured a job in another city closer to my parents and moved with my boys. Life continued to be a struggle; however, I pressed on. A year after moving, I encountered my current girlfriend during a business trip to NY. We clicked, though I was honest about still considering myself married.
But as fate would have it, I found myself falling for her on a subsequent trip to NY. Before I knew it, she was transferring to my city. She met my boys and quickly won them over. While she emphasized she wasn't a replacement for their mother, the boys affectionately started calling her "Mama L".
The anniversary of my wife's passing is always hard. Today, I found my girlfriend and boys, dressed up and eager, waiting for me with a surprise. They'd planned a picnic at my wife’s grave—a place they feel close to their mom. With their matching outfits, homemade food, and fresh flowers, the sight was enough to move me to tears.
They reminded me why I chose to stay alive despite the heartache. I feel lucky to have found love twice, and to have such wonderful kids. I wish fervently that my wife could have met my girlfriend, so I invited her to join us at the grave. Despite the pain, today turned out to be a comforting reminder of why I've held onto life.
15. Stayin’ Alive
A couple of weeks ago, something happened that still shakes me. I was at home late at night, having relaxed with two bottles of sauvignon blanc while waiting for my friend to pick me up. Suddenly, the night was broken by a girl screaming for someone to call 9-1-1 because her friend had overdosed. Immediately, I found my phone and rushed into the hallway to see what was going on.
In another apartment, a boy, who I recognized, lay on the floor. He wasn't breathing, his skin was an alarming purple color, and two distraught girls near him didn't know how to react to the situation. Even though I was quite merry from the wine, I managed to stay calm. I gave my phone to one of the girls, instructing her to call 9-1-1, before dropping to my knees to begin CPR.
For the next two minutes, I performed compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Throughout, I didn't panic or lose control. It was as if the effects of the drinks had temporarily cleared. After two long, heart-stopping minutes, the boy started to wheeze. I placed a pillow under his head and spoke with the EMT over the phone. They informed me that if I hadn't been present, he would not have survived.
My chaotic night didn't end there. As soon as I sat down inside my friend's car, I crumbled, and the tears came. I had learned CPR back in 10th grade, never truly believing I'd ever have to use it. The experience terrifies me to this day, and frankly, I can't quite fathom how I managed to do it.
16. Break The Cycle
My little girl recently tipped over a full cup of Jell-O right onto the carpet. Yet, instead of panicking or crying, she turned to me and simply said, "Mommy, I spilled". Remarkably, she was so composed and just requested assistance. So, I headed over and we tackled the cleanup together. This incident got me thinking quite a lot.
You may find this trivial, but I was deeply touched by her calm demeanor. There wasn't any fear or attempts to conceal the spill. She wasn’t immediately consumed by worry that she would face some punishment (which, no doubt, she wouldn't). But her action sparked a feeling of tremendous self-pride in me.
I didn't respond as harshly as my parents might have, no severe scolding. I didn’t belittle her or allow any sign of irritation to sneak in. The realization that she's aware of this is simply heartening. She comprehends that it's absolutely normal to err, and mom will always be there to lend a hand.
17. Anything For A Pizza Party
I started my student teaching experience in a fourth-grade special ed class this September. My lead teacher made a promise to her students: earn 100% on your spelling tests, and we'll celebrate with a pizza party! Sadly, however, that milestone has so far remained unachieved. As it approached my last week in class, my mentor suggested we try extra hard to finally win that long-awaited party.
The students reacted with high spirits, using their free time to study. There's nothing like the promise of pizza to harness their focus. Despite this prevailing sense of camaraderie, we slowly uncovered a persistent issue that hindered their shared goal—a little feud between Gabby and Sam. Sam, who has pronounced dyslexia, often struggled with her spelling, making her a favorite target for Gabby's unwarranted taunts. Although the school took these incidents seriously, Gabby continued on her path of insensitivity.
Gabby had no qualms about hiding her feelings. She was the first to voice out challenges against Sam's spelling skills, casting a cloud of self-doubt over the latter. Such toxic behavior did not sit well with me. Despite her young age, I found Gabby's antagonism extremely frustrating. For Sam's upcoming spelling test, I decided to lend a hand, staying with her after school on Thursday to cement her word-list.
By Friday, however, Sam broke down under pressure, anxious about failing the spelling test and barring the whole class from the pizza party. Offering my reassurances, I comforted her about her hard work over the past week. For the spelling test procedure, the students had a standard list of words that were read aloud to them, save for Sam. Sam's words were slightly easier and given to her discreetly; still, Gabby would sometimes snicker, testing my patience.
One such incident in particular came to head on Friday, when I sternly warned Gabby against such behavior. The tears she shed did not elicit sympathy in me, only hopes of a behavioral change in the future. When it came time to grade the test papers that afternoon, I was thrilled to see the abundance of full marks, including Gabby’s! A wave of realization hit me though when I found only 11 papers. Sam's paper! It awaited me on my mentor's desk.
As I went through her answers, I was simultaneously relieved and broken-hearted. Sam had gotten everything right except for the last challenge word. Although satisfied with her evident improvement, I worried about the class's reaction and subsequent bullying. My mentor, a stickler for rules, insisted that everyone score 100% for the pizza party. I couldn't bear the thought of Sam feeling like a failure again. So, I made a little adjustment, swapping the "u" and the "a" in the misspelled "because". Maybe Sam wouldn't notice, but I knew she had fought her battle hard.
When the kids returned from recess, we broke the news to them, ending their wait in anxious anticipation. Their excitement was infectious, especially Sam's—she radiated pure pride! I couldn't wait to join them for the pizza party when I returned the following Monday.
18. Home Is Where The Heart Is
Growing up, my surroundings were far from ideal. Stability was a rare commodity, and I dreamed of discovering a sense of home—a safe, reliable space. Oddly enough, my then-stranger, now fiancé, and I first talked about this longing to find a home when we randomly reminisced about our childhoods on the night we met. I emphasized how the idea of a "home" was paramount for me, and I was quite particular about the environment I chose to dwell in. My wish was to someday secure that sacred space.
My fiancé, a construction company owner, and I had been on a house-hunting spree for a year. Yet, none of the houses we visited seemed quite right. We stumbled upon a breathtaking piece of land out in the farthest ends of the country last spring. The thought of owning it and eventually building our dream home on it was a wonderful, yet daunting prospect. I had always perceived such a possibility out of our reach.
Much to my surprise, my fiancé decided to buy that land and initiate the construction. On our anniversary, just passed, he planned a surprise for me. He blindfolded me, like a couple of kids playing a game, and drove me to the destination. When the blindfold came off, I couldn't believe my eyes.
My initial reaction? "Are you serious", I asked him, roughly ten times! Then, the emotions overflowed. It was exactly as I had envisioned—a small, traditionally designed farmhouse, with a wrap-around porch, and a front mudroom with a double entry (something I always desired because it made me feel secure). Although the house was not entirely completed, it was beyond perfect in my eyes.
Looking back at my unstable past, and now, having this dream come true with the most wonderful man, seems like an unbelievable stroke of luck. I've finally understood what it feels like to be home.
19. Plot Twist
A handful of months back, I crossed paths with a lady at a gas station. She was without funds and trying to reach a nearby bus stop. Being the Good Samaritan, I offered her a ride. During the drive, we chatted away about pretty much everything, and unsurprisingly, we really hit it off.
Realizing she didn’t have a place to call home, I invited her to join me for a meal. Truthfully, my aim was to prolong our intriguing conversation. Her personal story, her experiences, and her predicaments were captivating. Eventually, we shared a tender moment where we kissed, marking the beginning of our romantic journey.
Over the following weeks, we continued to meet up at local coffee shops for catch-up sessions. Eventually, she informed me that she had secured a job-based an hour away and was planning to stay at a shelter nearby until she could afford her own residence.
To give some context to our next development, these details help paint the background picture. Skipping a couple of months forward, she reached out to me finally to drop the bombshell; she's just over four months pregnant with my child.
The news was as unexpected for her as it was for me. She admitted that the pressures and demands of her new job had kept her distracted until the reality dawned on her. Understandably, I felt somewhat inundated by this news; however, I took comfort in knowing the baby was indeed mine. She was kind enough to assure me that she wouldn't hold any ill will if I chose not to participate due to the unconventional manner of the whole situation. But I had no such plans.
Yes, the prospect of fatherhood was somewhat unsettling but the instant I saw the ultrasound picture of our unborn child, I experienced an emotion that I can only describe as pure elation. I'm going to be a father! I have no clue how we'll manage this situation, but I've made up my mind to take responsibility for my child. Before this news starts becoming public knowledge, I just felt like unburdening myself here.
20. The Truth Comes Out
Shockingly, I discovered that my fiance was having an affair with my best friend. The revelation came to me by way of another friend, whom my supposed "best friend" had confided in for some unknown reason. I couldn't comprehend why she thought I wouldn't hear about this, maybe she reckoned her secret was safe because they are close buddies.
Initially, I brushed it off as it seemed almost impossible that my confidante would stoop so low, but the details imparted by our shared friend started to make sense. All those extra hours my fiancé claimed he worked or instances when he purported to visit his unwell mother were all but lies. He was spending that time with her.
The information lingered with me all day. My fiancé arrived home acting as if nothing was amiss, expressing his love as usual. But I held my tongue until we were in bed. Once he dozed off, I quietly examined his phone and what I found affirmed my suspicions. His iMessage, Facebook, and Snapchat were all clean. Nevertheless, evidence lay hidden in his Instagram.
There were endless messages and pictures. They gloated about the physical pleasure they derived from each other and ridiculed me for my obliviousness. This revelation prompted a mental collapse. I rushed to the farthest restroom in our joint apartment and let the tears flow freely.
The pain was profound. But in that moment, I collected myself enough to take snapshots of their scandalous exchanges and sent them to my own phone. The next day came with no sleep for me. My deceitful fiancé embarked on his work as usual while I stayed home. On that day, my now ex-best friend wanted to meet up but I responded with an excuse. A lengthy walk allowed me time to consider my next steps.
The haunting images from those text messages continued to invade my mind until my emotional switch flicked off. My parents, rather harsh in their disciplinary methods, had a habit of separating me from my cherished belongings as a form of teaching. This experience had somehow taught me to snap out of love instantly. Once home, a long, soothing bath helped rinse away the remnants of my affection for him, and her as well. They truly deserved each other.
A week later, I was at my cousin's wedding, observing their clumsy interaction. The awkwardness of their situation was almost comical. And now, the only thing left for me was to devise a suitable revenge plan.
21. The Best Cure Is Prevention
My husband and I are both 28 and parents to three beautiful kids. Throughout the time we've spent together, I've noticed his struggle with low self-esteem, even more than my own. Around seven years ago, we got new phones, which unwittingly allowed us to see each other's messages.
After about two years, I started utilizing this feature to find out what presents he might want for Christmas or birthdays. One November, during my search for a Christmas gift idea and while I was pregnant with our second child, I came across some suspicious messages. My husband, who has never had an interest in substances, was apparently arranging meetings to buy what I assumed were drugs. I was shocked.
I spent hours searching our house for any hidden substances, but I found nothing. Yet, I found something far more shocking in his email and search history that night. He was making arrangements for an event to take place three months after our next child's expected birth date, topics included life insurance, which we already had due to my role as a stay at home mom, and cremation costs. I was shattered.
I immediately messaged the dealer, pretending to be my husband, saying I wasn't interested and deleted the contact. I kept silent about the snooping, but I was heartbroken and terrified of a future without him. I love him more than words can describe.
In my fear-driven frenzy, I might have embarrassed myself to show him just how much I loved him, from the staggering joy seeing him after work to constantly expressing my admiration for him. I got him into therapy too, and one sleepless night I confessed to having a nightmare where he passed on.
His response was cold and haunting, revealing the depth of his struggle with depression. He seemed to have given up, but I vehemently expressed my love for him, even if we had to live under a bridge, as long as we were together. He seemed genuinely surprised and agreed to let me accompany him to therapy.
I suggested to his therapist that he might be depressed and his agreement led to him receiving medication, which significantly improved his demeanor. It's been five years since then, still, every day I remind him of how cherished he is. I never want him to doubt his worth or the deep love I have for him. He is, and forever will be, my sunshine.
22. It’s See You Later, Not Goodbye
Today, my girlfriend and I made a heart-wrenching decision. We chose to surrender our newborn child, the most beautiful, radiant baby I have ever set eyes on. Our happiest day has become our hardest one. We wanted our little one more than anything, yet our circumstances dictated otherwise.
Scraping by paycheck to paycheck, relying on food stamps, and surviving in a rough neighbourhood in one of America's most exorbitantly priced cities just isn't viable with a baby in tow. It pains us that we can't provide the life he deserves.
We take solace in the fact that our baby boy is going to a family that will shower him with love they have long kept reserved for a child. They are good, kind-hearted people, of that we are sure. He's bound to have a wonderful life with them.
When the time came to part ways, tears rolled down my girlfriend's cheeks. She's sleeping now, resting on me while my heart aches on a level I have never felt before. I only got to cradle him briefly, but it already feels like I can't draw breath without him present.
Our little one deserves the best, and we both know that this was the right decision. Hopefully, our paths will cross again, our precious boy.
23. It’s The Little Things
I emerged from a distressing marriage where my ex-spouse was constantly sneaking around on his phone. Even after three years since that experience, I continue to rebuild my ability to trust others. Only yesterday, my current boyfriend and I were at the U-Haul. He had to pick something up and wanted his phone to stay unlocked as it had the login opened.
Without a second thought, he just handed me his phone. I am thrilled about his trust in me and that I can rely on him to be transparent about the contents of his phone.
24. Well That’s A Kick In The Teeth
This incident occurred when I was a young girl of 12. I had recently had my braces removed, and the dentist was in the process of cleaning off the adhesive from my teeth. Once he had finished, he informed me, "Since I already had the grinder out, I reshaped your canines to give them a softer, more feminine look". When I asked him to explain further, he helped me see my reflection using a small hand mirror.
Growing up, my canines had quite a distinctive sharp point which I had always been fond of. But now, he had significantly reshaped them, opting for a more rounded look instead of the sharpness they once had. His reasoning was that I would appear more attractive to boys and feminine in general. This was all done without consulting me—a decisive shift in my appearance carried out without my consent, simply because I was a girl.
Afterwards, feeling confused and distressed, I returned home and broke down in tears. I couldn't find the words to express what had happened to my parents, so I stayed silent until it was too late to address the issue. Looking back, I don't fault my 12-year-old self.
However, I do wish I had been able to advocate for myself then. It's a topic that still stirs strong feelings in me even after more than a decade, as it served as a stark reminder of how young girls can be treated and the blatant disregard for a person's right to control their own body. I sincerely hope no one else has to endure such a situation.
25. Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder
I'll be straight with you, I don't turn many heads with my looks. Some even say I'm unattractive. It's just the reality I've grown to accept. I've endured, throughout my life, some harsh comments about my appearance that leaves me feeling dejected. But I know it's not about others being unkind. When I'm with my good-looking friends, it's hard to ignore the favoritism they are accorded based on their looks.
It's a privilege I'll never know. It's not my friends' fault, but one thing really gets to me. When people comment on how "fortunate" I am. My hubby, oftentimes jokingly referred to as the "third Hemsworth brother," is undeniably handsome. I fully agree.
But whenever folks meet my husband for the first time, remarks are inevitable. "Wow, you're so lucky to have snagged him", or "Are you actually his wife", or "Ah, a childhood sweetheart..that explains it"!. Those comments would have been okay if it were not for two distinct aspects.
Firstly, the emphasis they lay on certain words clearly translates to me being undeserving of him. Second, the comments are never reciprocated. No one ever tells him how "lucky" he is to be with me. The most hurtful was a few years back. I was supplementing my college tuition by waitressing. I had been working at the restaurant for quite some time.
My husband dropped in and chose a seat in my area so we could spend time together amidst our demanding schedules. My colleagues, both female and male, recognized the "Liam Hemsworth look-alike" and couldn’t stop talking about him. Initially, it was humorous until I mentioned he was my husband. The shocked reactions were followed by heart-wrenching whispers about how on earth someone like me managed to "catch" someone like him. That day, I fought back tears.
It’s hard not to dwell on it as such comments seem to keep coming at me. And maybe I'm more sensitive today as I brace for my period, but it's weighing heavily on me. I am a person of worth and I bring value to my husband's life too. He would certainly agree, but that's beside the point.
I'm drained from it all. I'm tired of feeling worthless, simply because my physical appearance isn't conventional.
26. Better Off Alone
I was stuck in a pretty bad relationship. I couldn't even enjoy the simple pleasure of going out by myself at night, even for quick trips to the gas station. Our shared apartment was a never-ending sea of dull grey because we had to agree on everything, leaving no room for anything that could be seen as too "girly". I felt like I couldn't really express myself.
Then, in January, I found the strength to end the relationship. That decision led to him tossing all of my belongings onto the front lawn. At that low point in my life, while I was crashing on a friend's couch, I decided to take a bold step. I browsed Zillow and began looking at properties for sale back in my hometown. I stumbled across a charming old farmhouse that needed quite a bit of refreshing. It was a bargain and came with plenty of land.
Now, I'm finally home, I can breathe deeply, and I've the freedom to do absolutely anything I want with my house. I opted for a chic, floral tile for my bathroom. I've painted my bedroom a vibrant purple. I'm even embracing a total 70s vibe for my kitchen, complete with vinyl of enormous sunflowers plastered all over my fridge. To put it simply, I'm letting loose.
I have the freedom to come and go as I please. If I have a sudden craving for Ben and Jerry's at 2 am on a Saturday, I can pop over to Walmart without anyone berating or threatening me. So what if it sounds silly to others? I've been enjoying my freedom so much that I ended up has been dancing around my living room to classic rock which led to a happy meltdown. I'm just absolutely loving life right now.
27. Now That’s Payback
My boyfriend is the type who always wants to pick up the tab. Even though he's currently out of work, he continues to make an effort to cover costs whenever possible. This morning, we decided to grab some breakfast, but he realized he didn't have enough money to pay for both of our meals. So, he chose to cancel his part of the order and only paid for my meal.
This situation left him feeling down and less masculine. He confessed that not being able to pay for things made him feel inadequate. So, when he hopped in the shower later, I quietly tucked a $50 bill into his wallet, folding it in such a way that when he stumbles upon it, he'll likely assume he had overlooked it. I just want him to regain his confidence the next time he attempts to pay for something.
28. Secret Stash
My husband and I have a rule where we don't keep secrets from each other (well, apart from keeping the bathroom door shut). One ordinary day, I went rummaging for one of our old credit cards. My husband, who is a bit like WALL-E, has his little nooks where he stashes important things, and one such place is the bottom drawer of his bedside table where it's common to find aged financial documents. There, much to my surprise, I found a real treasure.
In that drawer, I discovered every card I've ever penned for him, all the playful love notes, all the sentimental sticky notes, neatly stacked in the far corner. Some were tucked away in envelopes while others were on full display. The pile was over six inches tall, containing every card I agonized over, every late night hope and dream I put in writing. As a writer, words are vital to me; they’re my refuge when verbal expression becomes a challenge, and he understands this.
Stumbling upon this pile of cards, which might seem trivial to some, absolutely made my day. I remember fondly how, about 7 1/2 years ago, I confessed my love for him for the first time in a clumsily written Valentine's day card. We have always made it a point to exchange heartfelt cards on every occasion—birthdays, anniversaries, just because.
Perhaps one day while searching for something, he'll stumble upon my own collection, neatly stashed away in my bookshelf. It's a pile holding every card he's ever given me.
29. The Stuff Of A Hallmark Movie
My little girl, who's six, found her new best friend at the start of this academic year. The friend's mom is such a wonderful woman and fortunately they live nearby. For the past couple of months, we've begun to make it a tradition for them to visit us over the weekend, both Saturday and Sunday.
Our activities range from taking the girls on fun outings to staying in and catching a movie while engaging in various activities. I surprisingly find myself enjoying one-on-one time with their mom, we would get lost in conversations for hours on end, time just seems to fly by. Before I realize, I find myself blushing every time she flashes her beautiful smile.
I've been leading life as a full-time single dad for the past three years ever since my ex decided to abandon our daughter. So, dating was never something I had considered until recently. This Christmas, they spent both the eve and the holiday with us which stretched into the entire weekend. The girls dozed off on the couch watching Encanto while we spent another hour engrossed in conversation.
I had a few drinks in me and unexpectedly complimented her on her beauty. It took her by surprise but by the end of our conversation, we shared a wonderful kiss. My heartbeat was irregular and I believe my face must've been tomato red because I was feeling unusually warm. We couldn't suppress our smiles, grinning like a pair of fools.
Just before she left, she planted a quick kiss on my cheek which made me yearn to hold her close just a bit longer. It's been such a long time since I shared a heartfelt kiss, and with a woman I relate to on such a deep level, it felt incredibly special. The weekend was surprisingly fantastic and it brought me immense joy.
30. Getting Even
My granddad was the best. I had an imaginary friend when I was a kid. My friend was none other than The Hulk. He was this big green guy, same height as me, and oddly enough, I felt like I needed to protect him. I remember when Hulk used to sit in my granddad's chair, and whenever granddad was about to sit down, I'd yell, "No! Hulk's sitting there”. My granddad would always just move to another chair, giving me this understanding nod.
Fast forward to years later, my granddad sadly suffered from Alzheimer's before he passed on. The disease led to confusion about people's identities, disorientation about his surroundings, and even hallucinations. It wasn't the severe stage yet where he was hospital-bound, but still, he'd visit us. There were times when fear consumed him and he refused to share what was wrong.
He would become anxious, and in those moments, all I could do was plead to know what was going on. Finally, he confided in me about the goblins. They were scampering all over the place, he said, and were out to get him. I knew exactly how to help. I would stomp around and swat the air, asking, "Did I get him”? He’d say, "Yes, but there's more over there”! Then, I'd continue my make-believe battle until he finally said all the goblins were gone. His relief was palpable.
My granddad always respected my imaginary friend, so when he started seeing goblins, I treated them with the same seriousness. I didn’t question them; I just fought them off. We both shared a world of imagination and I think that made us equal. I miss him dearly.
31. Am I Hearing Things?
My spouse and I both are employed at the same office, although we work in different sectors. As such, we don't run into each other as much as you'd think. He's come up with this odd pet name for me, which I've been hearing around the workplace for several months now.
It always seems to be said quickly and under someone's breath, and it’s so brief that I sometimes question if I actually heard it. But invariably, I'll automatically look about, although I never catch anyone speaking or overhearing it.
Initially, I didn't bring it up with my husband because I figured I might just be missing him or even slightly losing my grip on reality. Even so, I was assured that I wasn’t genuinely hearing it. However, one evening we were relaxing, enjoying a couple of drinks and sharing a conversation, when I left the room and heard the mysterious nickname once again.
I stormed back into the room to find my husband sitting on the couch, almost crying with laughter. I couldn’t help but ask, "Has it truly been you all along"? He was laughing too uproariously to respond and had to resort to nodding his head.
Apparently, during the odd occasions when our paths did intersect, he'd been intentionally dodging me, just to have the pleasure of whisper-shouting that strange nickname and watching my bewilderment. I must admit, he had me doubting my own grasp on reality for a while there.
32. Too Late To Turn Back Now
Almost everyone in my life is oblivious to a deep truth—I regret becoming a mother. I long for the days when I was solely responsible for myself. I miss those peaceful prolonged sleep, the thrilling spontaneity, the career-centered push, and the joy of voyaging to new destinations. My daughter, almost touching the two-year mark, is an amazing child. She's reached all her milestones early, carries a relatively cheery temperament for a toddler, and is undeniably cute.
I believe I'm fairly adept at parenting. I dedicate a lot of time to her, ensure she maintains a healthy diet, keep her actively engrossed with educational toys and games, and strive to shield her from negative emotions, barring necessary discipline. Yet, if given a second run at life, I might reconsider the decision to have children. The responsibility feels excessive, the concessions to personal desires too significant and I admit, the nurturing instinct doesn't come naturally to me.
It's somewhat therapeutic to express this guilt, particularly when it's considered taboo to openly discuss such feelings, primarily due to worries regarding my daughter's welfare.
33. Ghosted
I've been in a relationship with this guy for a few months after we met on Bumble. He's sweet and attractive, and he's always busy studying because he's pursuing a grad degree in engineering. I'm studying engineering too, but I'm not at grad level.
A couple of months back, he asked if we could be exclusive so I wouldn't entertain the attention of other guys on Bumble. I had not been interested in other guys anyway since we started our chats, so I agreed to his request. I deleted the app, and we decided to only see each other.
However, recently, we haven't been spending much time together. We sometimes go for two weeks without encountering each other physically, although he tries to fill the gap by texting romantic words, telling me how he misses me. I try to give him space, understanding that studying can be demanding. But not long ago, a friend informed me that even if the Bumble app is removed, the account remains unless it's officially deactivated.
I found the information unsettling. For clarity, I re-downloaded the app, so I could delete my account properly. To my shock, when I reopened the app, my boyfriend was the first person I saw online! That's not all; scrolling through his profile, I noticed two pictures were taken while we've been exclusive, and one of the photos was shot just a week ago, by me.
This suggests that he’s actively using it. Rather than confront him directly, I acted a bit immature. I accessed my friend's Bumble account and navigated until I found my boyfriend's account. My friend and I look similar, so I knew he would be attracted to her. They’ve never met before. Then, I initiated a conversation, and he engaged, even asking for a date on the upcoming Saturday.
Want to know what I'm planning? Go ahead, judge if you like, but on Saturday, he’ll be sitting alone at the bar. When he eventually texts me to console him, I’m going to reveal his unfaithfulness and tell him to never contact me again. So, there you are, my little tale of some payback in action.
34. The Good Lie
My wife works night shifts as a nurse in a big city hospital. Right after she came back from maternity leave, she had to face non-stop shifts for weeks on end. There are days she doesn't even get to see me or our three-month-old son. Since I'm a teacher and it's summer, I'm mostly home and take care of our son, except when I have football training.
A few nights ago, she accidentally messed up our son's sleep cycle. This led to her having a meltdown, during which she threw her glasses and began to cry. She was upset because she felt she wasn't familiar with her own son's routine, making her feel like a horrible mom. However, the truth is that she's an amazing mom and wife, making a significant positive impact on many people's lives.
Anyway, this morning she returned home to begin her three-day break. We were on the floor playing with our son, and she tickled his tummy. Hearing his heartwarming giggle, she couldn't contain her joy and began to cry tears of happiness. I joined her in celebrating our son's "first" giggle.
Right now, she's sound asleep, content and happy, but there's something that she's not aware of—that wasn't, technically, his first giggle. Over the past week, he has giggled a few times with me. But that's a secret I plan to take to the grave. In my books, today will always be the day of his first laugh. She deserved that moment of pure joy and happiness.
So, you might say I told a little fib to my wife today, but it's one I'm perfectly fine with. End of story.
35. Respect The RSVP
So, my boy had his 10th birthday bash yesterday. He's a big Avengers fan, so his dad and I set out to organize a fun, themed party at home. We invited everyone—our relatives, his friends, and ours. We got loads of positive responses and thought, cool, let's prepare food for over forty guests. We went all in with Avengers decorations, colorful balloons, delicious cupcakes, and so much more.
Much to our dismay, only the closest family members turned up—five or six people, tops. No other kids showed up for my son's birthday. It was genuinely heart-wrenching. My boy kept glancing through the window and door, enquiring about his friends, but sadly, no one else came over.
Now, all we have is a bunch of party packs, an untouched piñata, and unplayed games. It's frustrating how people can be inconsiderate! Having a small family size made my son feel left out on his own birthday, which was pretty disappointing. Our boy is amazing and had eagerly been anticipating his birthday bash all year. But seriously, how could people RSVP 'yes' and then not show up to a child's birthday party? Come on, that's just not done!
36. Honeymoon Period: Over
My wife and I tied the knot on September 19, 2019. We're going into our third year together and we're head over heels for each other. She's the best thing that's ever happened to me. Our wedding day was nothing short of perfect—we were so caught up in our joy and love. But shortly after, things took a turn for the worse.
Our honeymoon was a dream come true. We went on a Caribbean cruise and spent a week in Curaçao, exploring the sights and sounds. But there was something odd happening. My wife started frequently having unexplainable bruises and headaches. We noticed, but dismissed it, thinking it wasn't serious. Toward the end of our honeymoon, though, she developed a blood spot in her eye and a nosebleed that was persistent.
A local doctor examined her but found nothing out of the ordinary and suggested we consult a doctor once we returned home. So, we made an appointment two days later. The doctor detected high blood pressure and immediately ordered blood tests. We completed the tests in the morning, anticipating results later. But to our surprise, the hospital contacted us that same afternoon.
We rushed over, and after two more grueling hours of tests, we received the news. My wife was diagnosed with acute leukemia, specifically acute promyelocytic leukemia. It's a type of leukemia that triggers both bleeding and clotting simultaneously. This particular form can be particularly lethal initially, so recognizing her symptoms early proved to be lucky for us. But there's a silver lining.
This type of leukemia responds well to treatment and has a high survival rate. My wife will undergo treatment involving Vitamin A and Arsenicum, bypassing the need for chemotherapy. Although this is reassuring, it doesn’t change the fact that risks are still present. Consequently, we now find ourselves discussing matters that are far from your usual newlywed conversations.
37. From Family To Strangers
For the past half-decade, my father has been in the grasp of an addiction, which has been progressively deteriorating. He was once a thriving real estate broker, but now, he's without a home and he spends his time begging on the streets. He's become increasingly paranoid, suspicious of his own family.
It reached a point about a year ago, where I had to sever communications with him; he transgressed one boundary too many. But the story doesn't end there. As fate would have it, he now begs for money at the burger joint across the road from my current apartment.
The first time I spotted him there, it was hard to accept it was him. I've held back from any forms of interaction—it’s not out of hatred, but fear of being pulled back into his tumultuous world. More so since I know there's limited help I can provide to him. I yearn to share with him that I'm now in a good space. I'd love to narrate how I graduated in May and secured a job.
I would love to introduce him to my new life partner. I fantasize about the possibility of having him over—giving him a warm bed in our guest room to save him from the bone-chilling cold outside. I wish we could go back to the good old days— indulging in our favorite music, hearing him play the guitar. However, that's implausible.
He's become a hollow shell of the man he once was. Each time I drive past him, a sense of guilt overcomes me—there’s guilt about how our lives have taken such disparate paths. I miss you, Dad.
38. Exit Plan
In a couple of weeks, I'm making a big move out of state, and I haven't broken the news to my boyfriend yet. We've been sharing a home, but honestly, I can't deal with his lack of initiative anymore. It's become too hard coping with the indifference, always being the only one responsible for all the cooking and cleaning, and the dull weekends that are just spent on watching TV. Now, our days either involve doing nothing or fighting.
A wonderful job opportunity fell into my lap that almost doubles my current pay. I'll be revealing my plans to leave after I return from the Christmas holiday at my family's house. I’m finding relief in closing this chapter of my life. I'm more than ready and excited to start afresh in a new, bustling city!
39. It's Not About The Pasta
My ex-husband and I were once high school sweethearts, marrying right after college. We hoped our bond was everlasting. He comes from an Italian-American household and his mother had always envisioned him ending up with a "lovely Italian girl, like our neighbor". However, he chose me, a black woman with no ties to Italian culture, as his wife. This didn't sit well with his mom.
Despite her initial coldness, I made every effort to connect with her. I dived into their traditions, learnt family recipes, and even started appreciating Italian culture. While she still disapproved of me, she at least didn't stare me down openly.
After her passing, I supported my ex-husband in every way. We found some leftovers while clearing her house which he froze, wanting to consume them when he was ready to "move on". In this tough time though, he began acting out. He picked fights unfoundedly, hurled hurtful words at me, and even commented on my weight—a sensitive topic for me due to my body dysmorphia. I gave him some slack, assuming his behavior was due to the loss of his mother.
However, that tolerance faded when I had a miscarriage about a year and a half later. My messages went unanswered and I found myself alone in the hospital. His reaction when he was finally made aware? A mere "oh", followed by a shower. That was the last straw for me.
Post-miscarriage, my ex-husband started working late, quite conveniently on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Those unexplained absences led me to suspect an affair, but I dismissed it as paranoia. Until my best friend confirmed my suspicions. She saw my husband on a date with another woman at her workplace.
To confirm this, I decided to visit the restaurant the next Tuesday and there he was, with another woman. The revelation hit me hard—that other woman was the one his mother always wanted him to marry. In a fit of rage, not my proudest moment, I confronted them.
When I got home, I vented my anger by throwing his frozen leftovers onto the driveway. Upon his return, after his shouts and demands for an explanation, I simply said "I want a divorce". And that was the end of our communication. Although, my actions might not have been righteous, I don't regret them. Would I have done some things differently? Yes. But, feeling remorse for what I did is just not in me.
My tale might even bring me a twisted sense of satisfaction as my actions probably hurt him like he hurt me. Now, attending therapy sessions, I am finally sharing my story with the world. It is therapeutic knowing that my voice is out there, my story is available for anyone to read and understand. Even if my identity remains unknown.
40. Now There’s A Redemption Story
A couple of years back, following my dad's funeral, I returned to my apartment only to be met by a chilling sight. A man was emerging from my kitchen, brandishing a crowbar and carrying my TV. Living in the city, burglaries were not uncommon.
The man started yelling, dropping my TV and gripping the crowbar like he was on a baseball field. The entire scene left me rooted in shock. Even under his piercing screams to clear out my pockets, all I could do was break down.
I wasn’t fearful of the man, rather I was overwhelmed by the unfortunate series of events at the worst possible time in my life. As tears welled up in my eyes, I handed him my wallet, curling up on the floor pleading him to take away whatever he wanted.
Perhaps my despair moved him. He dropped my wallet, made himself comfortable beside me, offering me comfort, an apology, assuring me the TV wasn't damaged. He unveiled his story of joblessness, his mother's medical needs, and homelessness.
His words were just background noise to my sobbing. I cried for my lost father, my unclear future, and the violation of my personal space. For roughly 10 minutes, I found an empathetic ear in an individual intending to rob me.
He begged me not to involve the authorities. All I managed to do was scream at him to leave. He dashed away, leaving his crowbar behind. I tossed it after him as he vanished down the street. Two days later, he was back at my doorstep.
Though terrified, I noticed a certain remorse in his expression. He confessed about telling everything to his mother and gave me a small bowl of soup she had made. My emotions were a whirlwind and I angrily dropped the bowl, sending it to the floor in pieces.
I commanded him to leave or face the consequences. He did, looking quite upset. The spilled soup and broken bowl stayed outside my door as a reminder to stay away. Later, I received a letter from him, confessing that his mother had passed on, he was employed and had secured a shelter.
He intended to compensate for his wrongdoing by offering me to break into his apartment. This overwhelmed me and pushed me throw away the letter. However, driven by curiosity, I found myself making my way to his stated address one day.
I saw him entering his decrepit apartment building. He spotted me and ran after. Apologizing again, showing me his mother's funeral program kept in his wallet, he proved his sincerity and reality.
Something resonated with me and I began believing in him. We started opening up and getting to know each other. After a year of consistent communication and mutual growth, he started attending a community college to gather enough credits for university. I helped him in history. He was naturally good with math and sciences.
Despite the progress made, I never invited him over. He understood my inability to trust him fully. However, tonight we had a coffee outing planned as he had an upcoming world civilizations exam. On arriving, he confessed forgetting his book. We engaged in a friendly chit-chat, shared laughter, and out of nowhere, he expressed his wish to cook for me.
I impulsively decided to invite him over. I could feel my nervousness as we shopped for groceries and he prepared dinner at my place. He noticed, offered me comfort, and then we enjoyed a fantastic meal together. We spent the evening conversing, laughing, and watched a movie on the same TV he intended to steal, joking about it.
The mention of his mother made him emotional and I comforted him with a hug. He left, leaving me with a strange realization. I learnt not to lose faith in humanity, realizing that misfortunes can sometimes lead people astray. Perhaps there is hope for things to turn around. I guess, I miss my dad as well.
41. Double Cross
I found love with my husband when I was 24 and we tied the knot when I was 27. I'm unable to conceive due to a bout with cancer in my early twenties. Whenever we discussed alternatives like adoption, my husband never seemed interested in having kids. Our life has been on an upward trajectory recently, with his recent job promotion and our ongoing renovations to turn our house into our dream home.
I work in the healthcare sector, which means my work schedule includes every other weekend. My husband has the typical Monday to Friday 9-to-5. There are weekends when I clock in over 12 hours of work in a day and don't get to spend much time at home. One day, I happened to overhear my husband on a phone call, during which he mentioned a woman's name and the name of a local kindergarten.
I had been busying myself in the garden and he didn't realize I had walked into the house, so he had no clue I had overheard his conversation. The connection with the kindergarten seemed odd so I did a little online detective work with the name he mentioned, landing on an Instagram profile of a woman, peppered with regular selfies and holiday snapshots.
Curiosity got the better of me and I started scrolling through the photos. What I came across next made my blood run cold. There was a photo of my husband holding a little girl, with a caption that read "Lizzie (not her real name) on her 4th birthday with her loving father". I found more photos just like it, all posted on the same weekends I was busy at work.
It's been a few hours and I haven't mentioned what I found. He hasn't said a word either, so I don't think he realizes I heard his phone call. I'm lost for words and don't know how to respond. To think my husband has been leading a double life for who-knows-how long, with a child to boot, has left me deeply shaken.
He'd always said he never wanted kids, and now I'm starting to worry this was only to spare my feelings about being infertile. It’s like a dagger to my heart, thinking that he's been leading this secret life because a life with just me wasn't satisfying enough. I couldn't provide him with the one thing he secretly desired.
42. Food Is The Great Uniter
My history with food has always been a complex and challenging one. When I was younger, my grandmother was overly concerned about me maintaining a thin figure, leading her either to feed me insufficiently or to take food away from me. On top of that, my mom, who wasn't really into cooking or embracing parenting as one would expect, tended to give me only what was strictly necessary to eat.
Such circumstances made me undernourished for a significant part of my life, leaving me clueless on how to nourish myself healthily in my adulthood. Consequently, my eating habits fell into two undesirable extremes: I would either eat too little for several days or binge eat to the point of feeling unwell.
Things, however, have changed since my toddler came into my life. She is an enthusiastic eater who enjoys a variety of foods, but she won't eat unless I join her at the table. This situation has led me to develop new dietary habits that include balanced meals three times a day and a small snack in the middle.
This is the first time in my life I don't feel intimidated or threatened by food, and I no longer fear that my body is withering away from malnourishment. I’m not sure whether I'll ever find the words to communicate to her how fundamental she's been in this transformation once she grows up, but one thing I know for sure is that my gratitude for her assistance is beyond words.
43. Baby Blues
In our early twenties, my ex and I tied the knot. We planned about having 1 or 2 kids in our early thirties. When we were around 32, I stopped taking birth control. Nearly 18 months passed and I didn't become pregnant. Our next step was checking his sperm count and then for any issues with myself.
He mentioned he visited a urologist for a checkup and his test results were fine. I underwent a series of tests as well, an invasive ultrasound included. Everything was in the positive for me. My gynecologist suggested we see a fertility specialist, but my ex was not in agreement. He felt unease about it, considering it would be expensive and held on to the possibility of conceiving naturally.
Since we were having fertility issues, I naturally blamed myself believing something must be wrong with me. I couldn't have been further from the truth. The pregnancy I was yearning for never happened and we divorced years after following his unfaithfulness. Post the divorce, he called me to confess something shocking—he had undergone a vasectomy in his late twenties without letting me know.
He had made a life-changing decision, wanting no kids, fearing I would leave him if I were to uncover the truth. He felt guilty enough to finally confess. When I received this information, I was already 40 and single. It devastates me that I spent my youthful years with a man who wronged me, deceived me, stole my opportunity to have children, cheated on me and moved on with a girl 17 years younger.
Seeing babies, though hard, I put on a brave face and act pleased for the parents. Every baby shower invitation, pregnancy/birth announcement, social media post regarding kids feels like a dagger to the heart.
44. Leaving It All Behind
I spent my childhood years in Nebraska, living under my father's roof as my mom had disappeared from my life when I was only two. Living with my dad was not an easy experience, as he was continuously unkind to me and often used his earnings on unhealthy habits.
This often meant that unless I was lodging with a friend, there were days when I didn't have much to eat. Given his indifference, the moment I was old enough to earn, I started providing for my own food, always under the radar, because if he discovered my savings, he would seize them.
At the age of 17, I purchased an ancient vehicle from a friend, revamped it, saved some good chunk of money, and then journeyed towards an unplanned escape. No one was informed—not even a blueprint was laid out. I just packed my things one night and was nomadic for years, taking up temporary gigs only long enough to make some money for survival, and then moving on to the next town.
Eventually, California became my aim and by the time I reached 19, I achieved my goal. A fresh identity was created, and I enrolled in a college, eventually securing a well-paying job. I've earned a comfortable apartment, a close-knit group of friends, and a loving girlfriend I've been dating for some months. None of them know about my past identity.
Whenever questioned about my parental absence or about my personal past and the visible marks that my father’s treatment has left on me, I provide vague replies. As far as I can tell, no one has an inkling about my real identity. Today, I am a person made entirely of my own efforts, and that's the persona I prefer people to see.
My childhood experiences with my father deeply scarred me and the effects still linger. However, I have decided to put those fears behind and refuse to let him have any kind of control over me.
45. The Sins Of The Father
Today, I was scrolling through my camera roll and stumbled into the recently trashed photos section. Being on a shared Apple account with my Dad, I can see the pictures he's chosen to delete. What I found wasn't exactly pleasant. I spotted a picture of him at a bar, giving a peck to a woman who definitely wasn't my mom, and seemed much younger. The photo was from roughly 20 days ago.
To be fair, I wasn't entirely taken aback. My Dad's always been a big shot in his field, often jetting off to Vegas and whatnot. I've even caught a glimpse of a website for paid female company on his phone in the past. So, it wasn't that much of a leap to imagine that this could be that kind of arrangement. Despite all this, he's always been more of an elder brother figure to me and a genuinely caring father—and that's why this stings.
After giving it plenty of thought, I've made up my mind not to stir the pot. My main concern here, clearly, is my mother. Some would argue that I owe it to her to reveal this secret. But at the possibility of an emotional upheaval, I'm not ready to take that chance. As a family, we've always had a great rapport and share a happy life. My dad even extends a helping hand to my elderly grandparents, making ours one of the most tightly knit families I know.
They clearly love each other deeply. Honestly, I wouldn't put it past my mom to already know about my dad's possibly extra-marital activities, since it might involve a 'working girl'. But the risk of confiding in her is too high. I especially don't want this coming back to my younger sister who already has enough on her plate with high school and deciding her future.
I do have an older sister who might be able to take this news. Yet, I hesitate from stirring up drama. As much as my mother's wellbeing is front and center, it's hard to disregard the overall family dynamics. It’s simple for others to suggest disclosing the truth to my mother, but I’ve firmly decided against it.
This whole situation takes me back to when I first saw that dubious website on my father's phone years ago. I chose to brush it under the rug and pretend as if it never happened. Even though I plan on adopting the same stance this time, it's going to be tough to act like as if all's normal. Adding to the discomfort is the upcoming three-day trip with my dad. Just the two of us.
46. Fungi-Curious
My father has always led a clean and sober life. We were raised in an extremely devout environment with no room for drinking or any form of substance. However, a while ago, we watched Fantastic Fungi on Netflix together, an excellent documentary about some remarkable tiny organisms. Given my father's scholarly interests, I suggested he give it a watch. Much to my surprise, after viewing it, he expressed interest in experimenting with mushrooms.
With his birthday around the corner, my husband and I hatched a plan for my husband to take my mother out, knowing she'd be overly concerned. My siblings, being quite rigid, would not lend a sympathetic ear, and we chose not to involve them. I've decided to keep this secret for apparent reasons. As I write this, my dad is comfortably ensconced in his favorite recliner downstairs, wrapped in blankets, enjoying Enya's music by candlelight.
He's cuddling our pet dog in his lap, donning an eye mask, and splashed across his face is the broadest smile I've ever seen. I've been frequently checking on him to ensure he's alright. Here's to my dad's adventurous birthday event! Happy birthday, father!
47. Letting Go
I recently met my boyfriend's ex-wife, and it made me rethink our relationship. I've been dating my boyfriend, who I'll name Danny, for close to a year. Throughout our relationship, we've mostly avoided discussing his ex, let's call her Mer. What I do know, however, is that they share joint custody of their five-year-old son, with Danny seeing him or bringing him home every weekend.
Danny's son recently graduated from daycare, and as a result, Mer extended an invitation to Danny, and, to my surprise, me, to join them for a celebratory dinner. Despite my initial reservations, I agreed to go at Danny's insistence. When we arrived, I braced myself for hostility, but Mer was gracious and kind.
She was easygoing, respectful, and even introduced me to their son. Her home was warm, clean, and radiated a welcoming atmosphere. I offered to help with dinner preparations, but she insisted that I spend time with Danny and their son.
Throughout dinner, Mer and Danny interacted casually. They weren't overly friendly, but their relationship didn't seem strained either. Mer made an effort to get to know me, which aided in making me feel more comfortable. I could tell that she was an amazing mother; their son was polite and cheerful. What really struck me, however, was Danny's expression when he looked at Mer—one of fondness and regret.
Before we left, Mer gave me some food to take home. This gesture touched me deeply and prompted me to ask Danny about their past and why their seemingly perfect family broke apart. The truth broke my heart.
Danny explained that while Mer was away attending her mother's funeral, he had been unfaithful with a mutual friend. This friend secretly recorded their encounter and sent the footage to Mer. Upon her return, Mer calmly asked for a divorce and full custody of their child. Despite Danny's pleas, she steely held firm in her decision.
One night, Danny overheard Mer crying. He wanted to console her, but was afraid of causing her additional grief. He regrets not taking the opportunity to comfort her when she was mourning her mother, and confessed that, at that time, he had chosen to be unfaithful instead. He described how Mer always prioritized family and friends.
She'd cook and entertain for his friends, visit and bake for his parents, even babysit his nephew—all without a word of complaint. Danny broke down crying as he apologized. He reassured me that his feelings for me were genuine, but the revelation made me realize that I was not the object of his affection.
I empathized with his regret and his love for his former family. When I asked why he had cheated, he said he had been drinking and wasn't aware of his actions. Since that night, Danny has remained the same, but I've felt different. I feel like I'm intruding on something. Mer is still single, currently focused on raising their son and her law studies. While I do love Danny, I find myself ill-equipped to compete with Mer.
48. Secrets Hurt
I was born out of an extramarital affair, a secret that I've begrudgingly carried. My biological parents chose to betray their partners, and it's a choice that continues to affect me. I discovered the truth of my heritage when I was 18 and both pleaded with me to keep it a secret from the man I'd always thought of as my father, fearing he'd use it against my mother in a custody dispute.
I find it disheartening to see my biological father publicly expressing love and pride for his publicly acknowledged children, while I'm left with a strained relationship with the man who raised me but isn't my biological parent. Despite being 30, this painful reminder resurfaces now and then, and it still hurts.
49. Behind Closed Doors
Here's my story. I'm an almost 30-year-old woman. I hold down a regular 9-5 job and typically dress like any other person whether I'm at work or hanging out somewhere. I have wonderful friends and family, and a cute cat. I fill my spare time with activities like road trips, reading, drawing, movie-going, and cooking. Nothing remotely out of the ordinary. I am fully independent; living alone, paying my own bills, keeping up with a gym routine, pretty much what you'd expect.
Yet, the moment I cross the threshold of my home, it's like stepping into another world entirely. Despite all outward appearances, my apartment is anything but ordinary. It's a spacious second-floor unit in a two-apartment building; my only neighbor is the person beneath me. Boasting 13-foot high cathedral ceilings with rustic wooden beams and immense, medieval-style furniture, my place resembles a relic of an ancient era.
My home decor is heavily inspired by Skyrim: horns, candles, banners, furs, skulls, and more. I live up north near the mountains, so I get to experience a good amount of snowfall. My at-home mode is all about immersing in fantasy. This includes listening exclusively to mythical music, reading adventure books, and cooking traditional homemade meals.
My attire consists of faux fur-accented outfits. To complete the look, I put on "warrior" makeup, indulge in epic fantasy like Skyrim, Lord of the Rings, The Witcher, and Game of Thrones. I've even taken to wearing long, hooded robes. I'm starting to learn archery and picking up languages like Dovahzul and Tolkien Elven.
My nighttime routine involves writing and sketching in leather-bound journals, complete with feather quill and ink, as well as eating from wooden dishes and lighting up my apartment with candles instead of electricity. I love nothing more than snuggling up near the fireplace in my fur blanket, watching the snow fall, and letting my mind wander off to far-off mythical land.
I'll admit it may sound strange to some, but this is how I destress from the pressures of everyday life. Every time I close my front door behind me, it's like stepping into my own little fantasy world. Although it's my secret life, I occasionally let friends and family get a glimpse of it but I save the full 'warrior' makeup and fur capes for when they leave.
Albeit, the idea of people I know finding out about this side of me is a bit embarrassing. I'm nervous about their judgment so this confession is a pretty big step for me. But sometimes, it's important to get things off your chest.
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