#Multi-function Solutions

[lizseyi]

Multi-function Solutions (MFS) / ISE (Integrated Solutions Engineered) - Techni3

The signature of today’s advanced technology – whether it’s autonomous vehicles, 5G-enabled devices, sensors creating an internet of things, or home routers – is high-speed, high-volume data transfer in increasingly dense packages. It poses new and unprecedented signal interference and heat dissipation challenges for design engineers worldwide.

New products operate at higher frequencies and use more powerful ICs/SOCs to facilitate enhanced data transfer and capabilities. Therefore, these electronics generate an even higher potential for a significant amount of electromagnetic signal interference. But EMI is only one part of the problem. More components make electronics more powerful, but also hotter, thus increasing the need for fast, reliable heat dissipation. Don’t forget about increasing needs for mechanical and environmental durability, space constraints, and lightweight designs. Enclosures are not just simple, aesthetic housing. They are functional, essential parts helping to address EMI and thermal challenges while protecting devices and systems from potentially harsh environments.

Design engineers face a quandary: How do I effectively solve both signal interference and heat dissipation challenges in tight (and shrinking) spaces?

Laird´s new Integrated Solutions portfolio addresses these multifaceted challenges with a unique range of multifunctional products and solutions – from electrically conductive fabrics to board level shield covers with thermal transfer capabilities. Combining our decades-long wealth of expertise in EMI products, precision metals, RF absorber and thermal solutions – with the latest material and manufacturing innovations – sparked a new way of thinking and has resulted in a plethora of value-add solutions. Significantly reducing your total cost of ownership and maintaining premium performance while lowering design iteration efforts is Laird´s driver for ISE (your Integrated Solutions Engineered).

Laird ISE is your one-stop-shop: from simulations/modeling to co-engineering, co-designing and high-quality manufacturing. Challenge us to trust us.

Explore Solutions:

Metal-ISE:

Thermally and electro-magnetically enhanced die-cast, stamped, deep-drawn precision metal parts at board level (e.g. board level shields and RF absorbers) or subassembly level (e.g. automotive heatsinks).

Structur-ISE:

Highly durable mechanically stable solutions at enclosure and I/O interface level (e.g. radomes, using state-of-the-art injection molding or forming capabilities).

Hybrid-ISE:

Homogeneous single layer or heterogeneous multi-layer polymeric solutions offering multi-functional signal interference mitigation and heat dissipation (e.g. a thermally conductive RF absorber).

Textil-ISE:

Electrically conductive fabrics enabling sensor, switch, and heating functionality (e.g. selectively plated stretch fabric).

Multi-function Solutions (MFS) / ISE (Integrated Solutions Engineered) Groups

Hybrid - ISE

Merge Device Functionality. Laird Hybrid-ISE solutions merge thermal, EMI shielding, and microwave absorbers into a single engineered package. You have more heat, higher frequencies and ever-smaller packages. Hybrid-ISE delivers answers.

Structur - ISE

Improve performance with smart components. Device enclosures can offer more than just physical and environmental protection. Sensors and antennas need smart structural materials to keep out unwanted signal interference. Discover Structur-ISE.

Metal - ISE

Enable enhanced functionality. Metal-ISE solutions utilize Laird’s automation capabilities to enhance precision metal components with our portfolio of thermal and EMI materials. Get complete thermal and EMI solutions from one global manufacturer.

Textil - ISE

Finding solutions in smart fabrics. Textil-ISE uses selectively-plated flexible conductive fabric (stretchable and non-stretchable) to create assemblies providing more than just a conductive path. Textil-ISE provides a host of compelling solutions.

[b-online]

🛍️ 1pc Compact Double-Tier Shoe Organizer - Versatile, Foldable Rack for Home & Dorm Space Efficiency

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[thepanvelite]

The Art of Minimalist and Functional Design in Modern Living Spaces

Minimalist design, characterized by simplicity, clean lines, and functionality, has become a staple in modern interior design, offering clutter-free and visually appealing living spaces.

Minimalist design, a trend that has gained significant traction in recent years, is a testament to the adage “less is more.” This design philosophy, characterized by simplicity, clean lines, and functionality, has become a staple in modern interior design. Living Room The living room, often the first room one enters, sets the tone for the rest of the home. In a minimalist design, the living…

[techdriveplay]

Power Up Your Adventures with DJI's New Portable Power Stations

DJI, the leader in the civilian drone and camera technology sector, proudly announced the launch of its latest products, the Power 1000 and Power 500 portable power stations, today. Leveraging more than a decade of experience in battery technology, these new power stations can be charged to full capacity in just 70 minutes. They are capable of rapidly charging DJI drone batteries as well as…

[stratuspropertygroup]

Flex Space Near Me

Find convenient and flexible workspace options near you with Stratus Property Group!

[homeimprovementrefferal]

Transforming Small Spaces: The Latest Home Trends

Transforming Small Spaces: The Latest Home Trends - #homeimprovementreferral #HomeSpace - https://www.homeimprovementreferral.com/transforming-small-spaces-the-latest-home-trends-2024-04/

[hsmagazine254]

Creating a Perfect Haven: Your Ultimate Checklist for Setting Up the Complete Family Room

Crafting Comfort: The Essential Family Room Setup Checklist The family room is the heart of a home, where memories are made, stories are shared, and bonds are strengthened. Designing a family room that caters to everyone’s needs while fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere requires careful planning. In this article, we present you with an all-encompassing checklist to create the ultimate family…

[nasa]

Black Hole Friday Deals!

Get these deals before they are sucked into a black hole and gone forever! This “Black Hole Friday,” we have some cosmic savings that are sure to be out of this world.

Your classic black holes — the ultimate storage solution.

Galactic 5-for-1 special! Learn more about Stephan’s Quintet.

Limited-time offer game DLC! Try your hand at the Roman Space Observer Video Game, Black Hole edition, available this weekend only.

Standard candles: Exploding stars that are reliably bright. Multi-functional — can be used to measure distances in space!

Feed the black hole in your stomach. Spaghettification’s on the menu.

Act quickly before the stars in this widow system are gone!

Add some planets to your solar system! Grab our Exoplanet Bundle.

Get ready to ride this (gravitational) wave before this Black Hole Merger ends!

Be the center of attention in this stylish accretion disk skirt. Made of 100% recycled cosmic material.

Should you ever travel to a black hole? No. But if you do, here’s a free guide to make your trip as safe* as possible. *Note: black holes are never safe. 

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[fantasy-anatomy-analyst]

So I know you’ve given the old black dragon from Dungeons and Dragons a redesign in the pats but I thought I would ask for your thoughts in the redesign coming soon in the new handbooks. There is a video on YouTube where one of the designers is interviewed about the new dragon designs. He says they designed the dragons more as characters then creatures which likely influenced a lot of the design choices. They want this thing to look evil. Do you think the design has improved? I also want to know if there any major changes you would make. I know in the past you had issues with the horns.

comparison time! old and new!

(image description: a side by side look at the old DnD 5e black dragon design and the new black dragon design. the old one is more multi colored and shows a variety of design choices that are common for making dragons look "cooler" but have no real function. the new design is more cohesively colored a very matte black with a white face and is anatomically more similar to a giant crocodile with long legs. end description)

I absolutely think the new design is so much better. the horn problem has been solved!!! my issue with the horns in the previous design was mostly that they just overlap the mouth! even taking into consideration how wide they might be, they line up directly with the open mouth and extend further forward than the mouth, making them a pretty huge impediment! but now the horns curve below the jaw and don't extend beyond it, so they're a lot less cumbersome! overall, this design and posing also makes so much better use of illustrative shape language, look at how little the body parts overlap each other! much cleaner. I appreciate the bony looking spines with minimal membrane between them, as opposed to the old version that just had the big sail fin on the neck for no reason. I kinda miss the striped coloration of the old one, but this new design is far more cohesively colored and so much more focused on really making it look like a black dragon, with nice subtle greens on the underside for that good ol fashioned countershading. I also like that the face is white to give it that skull-like vibe instead of shrinkwrapping the face to make it look like the underlying skull. overall, there is way less shrinkwrapping on the new design, it no longer feels like the skin has been vacuum sealed to the skeleton and musculature.

That said though, even considering the intention of making it look evil more than making it look like a real creature, why in the year 2024 are we still skimping on dragon wing membrane near the torso, making the wing fingers extend so far beyond the membrane, and adding random wing holes instead of making use of more interesting battle scars all over the body?

here is a very quick paint over to alter that and show how the design could just be tweaked a tiny bit and not lose any of its coolness while adjusting the things i have a pet peeve for

(image description: same as above, but now on the new black dragon design I have colored in the random holes in the wings, erased the overly extended wing fingers, and added more surface area to the wing membrane where it meets the body. end description)

could absolutely be done better, this was just my quick sloppy solution. even just adding a little more wing membrane would be good enough, I don't know why there is still this insistence on leaving such a massive gap between the body and the nearest wing finger. or leaving so much finger extended past the membrane. what are those fingers there for. why do they still have big claws. these dragons have proper forelegs, they clearly aren't using those big cumbersome wing hands for anything other than flying, and the thumb is perfectly useful as a gripping tool all by itself. the fingers only get extended like that for the Look, but i think there are other ways to make the wings look cool. like giving them interesting colors and patterns on the membrane! why not extend the facial coloring here to the wings? enhance the skeletal vibe by making the underside of the wing arms all pale, maybe put some striping on the membrane? that would be neat!

[argumate]

multi-state solutions seem to worked sorta okay in Yugoslavia

took a lot of massacres sure, but look at a map! okay don't look too hard at Croatia and Bosnia, they're a little fucked up, but overall the wreckage of the former Yugoslavia leaves behind some reasonably shaped blobs, yes?

Israel is less than half the size of Bosnia alone! and there is no clean geographic split like the partition of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh (which worked out oh so well): the Palestinian areas are separated and chopped up into little Bantustans, scattered enclaves embedded within Israel and subject to Israel, more like a system of open air prisons than coherent territory for a functioning state.

I don't think a two state solution could ever work, and the insistence on it to the exclusion of other possibilities seems like a way to avoid confronting Israeli intransigence while pretending to be doing something to avoid accepting the unpalatable implications of Palestinian displacement and genocide.

[lizseyi]

Multi Functional Solutions - Techni3

Learn how an OEM resolved complex design challenges using our Multi-functional Solutions. Due to the reduction in electronics form factors and the need to include more and more components into each device, many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are looking to combine electromagnetic interference (EMI) and thermal solutions into single assemblies. This adds to the complexity of the thermal design process. It creates a need for multiple layers of thermal interface materials whose performance interacts with each other.

[procarpetcaretx]

15 Charming Tiny House Communities - Bob Vila

Tiny house communities are popping up all across the nation, and they’re attracting long-term residents and vacationers alike. — Read on www.bobvila.com/articles/tiny-house-communities/

[psychooomind]

Flickering Lights

Michael Gavey x singer!reader

Summary: Michael and Violet come from completely different worlds, but when their paths cross at university, an unexpected connection sparks between them. As their relationship deepens, they must navigate secrets, misunderstandings, and their own fears. Can their love overcome the odds, or will the time put them apart?

A multi-entry, slow-burn, friends to lovers fic.

You can also read it at AO3 here.

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 4

Chapter 3: Picture me

The Mathematical Analysis classroom was filled with tension. The students, mostly seated at the front of the room, were focused on the equations being solved before them by their peers.

∫01​xex2dx

It was a fierce competition, and everyone knew about the rivalry between Michael and Victor, two of the top students. They were duelling, solving the equations in two different ways. Victor had chosen the substitution method, solving both the integrated function and its derivative, while Michael had opted for the Taylor method, solving the equation with an infinite sum.

Michael was the first to finish, pleased with himself for having beaten his rival, but as he defended his equation, it was Victor who, with a confident smile, presented his solution method more clearly.

Once he finished his presentation, the young man sat down. Michael, with a serious expression and his gaze fixed on the notebook, reread his exposition, concentrating on speaking in front of his peers.

“…and that is why this approach allows the integral to be expressed as an infinite sum of terms that can be integrated individually,” Michael explained. “Although it may seem more abstract, this method is useful in situations where it is not possible to find a closed-form solution using traditional methods,” he added, adjusting his glasses on his nose again. “Thank you,” he murmured, looking at his classmates and his professor, who smiled at him.

“Very well explained, Gavey,” the man complimented as he moved to sit at his desk.

Victor, on the other hand, looked at him irritably and decided, in an act of pure provocation, to ask Michael quick-fire questions, as if playing ping-pong.

“Don’t you think the Taylor method is an unnecessarily complicated approach for this equation?” Victor said, his expression serious. “And what do you think about the difference between using a direct numerical approximation and developing infinite series? Do you really understand those subtleties, Michael?”

The questions kept coming, and with each one, Michael began to feel more uncomfortable. Victor’s mocking tone was getting on his nerves, and although he tried to keep his composure, his colleague’s words were starting to overwhelm him.

“I know what you’re trying to do, Victor. I don’t like being underestimated,” Michael muttered, his anger beginning to show on his face.

Victor, with a defiant gleam in his eyes, kept challenging him. “Are you saying you don’t understand it? Maybe your approach is too rigid to grasp the flow of the theory. Or is it that you just get stressed by the questions?”

The murmurs of the classmates grew louder. Michael tried to remain composed, but something about Victor’s attitude was making him explode on the inside. The competition had somehow left him trapped in a maze of doubts and insecurities.

“Enough!” the professor exclaimed, approaching Victor’s seat. “This discussion ends here, before it gets out of control.”

They both fell silent. Michael couldn’t take his eyes off Victor, who smiled at him with that typical arrogance, as if the argument had been a victory for him. After a moment of calm, Victor approached Michael, letting out a sigh.

“You’re such a weirdo,” he said quietly, extending his hand to Michael as the professor had instructed, in a gesture of peace. He’d said it loud enough for Michael and a few classmates nearby to hear.

Michael spent the rest of the class glaring at Victor with contempt. The comment had struck a nerve.

When the lesson ended, the young man gathered his things, while one question resonated deeply in his mind: Would Violet think he was a weirdo too?

After class, Michael locked himself in his room, studying and reviewing for his exams. He had also gone to the secretary’s office to collect the package his mother had managed to send him. Michael had spoken to her on the phone, and she had sent him his grandfather’s camera and a ton of chocolate bars. The camera was covered in dust, so he spent most of the morning cleaning it, hoping to use it for the photoshoot he had volunteered to help with for Violet’s band. But by midday, Michael began to have doubts about whether it would actually happen.

Maybe Violet had changed her mind; perhaps she didn’t want him to be the one to take the photos and had found a more suitable photographer for the occasion.

Michael checked his MySpace profile, but there were no new messages from her. The same was true on his phone. Maybe Violet had grown bored of talking to him, maybe she didn’t even want to see him again. But then, why had they been texting almost every day? Why had she even sought him out and added him on MySpace? He reread her last message on the platform, where she had sent him a “rest well :p” the night before.

As Michael was reflecting on their interactions, he received a new message from her:

Violet: hey sorry for disappearing, I was studying for a linguistics test

Michael: hey no worries :)

Violet: u wanna meet up tomorrow morning? u could come to my place & we can try some angles before meeting the crew

Violet: gotta keep our secret safe u know ;)

Michael: sounds good, I'm in!

Violet: awesome, see u tomorrow, Gavey! :)

Michael: see u :)

Despite the tense day in class, Michael went to bed that night with a spark of excitement after talking to her. The fact that Violet wanted to spend time with him, outside of classes and away from her friends, thrilled him more than he cared to admit.

They met at the flat. Michael arrived nervous, trying to control the trembling in his hands. The last thing he wanted was to run into Victor, Violet’s brother. He wasn’t sure if she had mentioned anything about the photoshoot, and the idea of Victor mocking him in front of her made him deeply uncomfortable. To his relief, it was Violet who opened the door with a broad smile.

“Hello, Gavey!” she greeted him, radiating joy.

Michael couldn’t help but return a slightly awkward smile, almost as though he were copying hers.

“I’m glad you came early. I made tea for us both,” Violet said as she invited him to climb the stairs of the building.

He followed her without hesitation, feeling a bit more relaxed.

“Victor went out to train, so we have the flat to ourselves for about... forty minutes,” Violet said, stopping at the door and turning to look at him with a conspiratorial smile. She then gestured for him to come in with a gentle wave. “Afterward, we can leave before he gets back and meet up with the others. Does that sound good?”

The flat was spacious and bright, with a large window that dominated the living room and a balcony that let the breeze in. The daylight bathed every corner of the room, where two two-seater sofas faced each other along the walls, framing a modern TV in the centre. To one side, a wooden table with four chairs occupied its place, with a solitary ashtray as the only object on top.

From the other end of the room, a hallway led off, which Michael observed with curiosity. From there, he could see three doors, probably the bedrooms. Beyond them, the kitchen gleamed even more, flooded with natural light that intensified the warmth of the space.

Michael realised the living room was almost the size of two university dorm rooms combined, which made him feel a little more intimidated by the surroundings.

“Make yourself comfortable,” Violet said with a carefree smile, pointing to one of the sofas.

Michael complied, placing the camera case on the sofa before sitting down. As he did so, Violet asked from the kitchen:

“How do you take your tea?”

“Just plain?” he replied, unsure, wondering if that was the right answer.

“Oh, how boring,” Violet teased lightly, letting out a chuckle before disappearing behind the kitchen door.

Michael sat rigidly, not quite knowing what to do. His thoughts began to wander: this was the first time he’d been at a girl’s place, and more importantly, completely alone. Did this mean something? Or was he misinterpreting everything?

Before he could resolve his own dilemma, Violet returned with two cups of steaming tea on small saucers. The citrus aroma from her cup filled the room, giving it a cosy atmosphere. She sat next to him on the sofa, so close that Michael could feel the warmth of her body.

“So...” she began, sipping her tea calmly. “Want to show me your camera? I’ve got some ideas to make you look like a real professional.”

Michael, with an awkward effort, placed his cup on his lap and handed her the camera, trying not to spill the tea in the process. Violet let out a spontaneous laugh as she saw his manoeuvre.

“Don’t try so hard,” she said, leaning towards him to take the camera directly from his hands, brushing against him lightly.

“It’s a bit old,” Michael admitted, looking down. “Sorry, it’s the best I’ve got.”

“It’s perfect, Gavey,” Violet assured him as she turned the camera on. She then raised the viewfinder and aimed it at him. “Smile!”

“What are you doing?” Michael asked, bewildered.

“Taking your picture, obviously.” Violet laughed, and before he could protest, the flash blinded him momentarily.

“Hey!” Michael exclaimed, quickly reclaiming the camera. He placed it out of Violet’s reach as she pretended to protest with a pout.

“I don’t want to fill up the roll with my horrible face, thanks.”

“Oh, Gavey...” she challenged him, rolling her eyes. “Stop talking nonsense. You’ve got an angular face, it’s perfect.”

Michael felt his cheeks burn.

“Yeah, sure...” he mumbled, looking down.

“I mean it, Michael.” Violet placed her hand on his knee and gave it a warm squeeze.

He looked up, only to meet Violet's eyes, which were watching him with a softness that made his heart skip a beat. However, before he could react, she sighed and stood up.

Michael remained still, his mind racing. Why would she tell him his face was perfect? Was she messing with him? Maybe she had stepped out of the room to prepare some prank or to call her brother and laugh at him.

When Violet returned, she was holding several magazines.

"I've marked a few pages with photos we could use as inspiration," she said, handing him the magazines with a confident smile.

Michael flicked through them quickly, trying to absorb any information that could help him learn something he had never done before: taking photos with a purpose.

Meanwhile, Violet observed him closely, noticing how he anxiously moved his knee each time he turned a page.

"I can tell them you can't do it; it won't be a problem..."

"No!" Michael exclaimed almost without thinking. "I mean, no. I'm a man of my word."

Violet looked at him surprised for a moment before a smile appeared on her lips.

"I'm glad to hear that."

Michael adjusted his camera and gestured towards Violet, signalling that they could start with the poses they had planned. He carefully took several shots, making sure to show her the results after each one.

"Wow, Gavey, you’ve got talent," Violet said, reviewing the images on the screen. "You’re picking up the art of photography quickly."

Michael smiled shyly, pleased with her approval.

"Shall we go meet the others?" she asked as she grabbed her coat and bag.

Violet and her friends had decided to head to Cowley Road to photograph some graffiti and urban scenes. When they arrived at the meeting spot, the girls greeted Michael enthusiastically, laughing and making cheerful remarks. As usual, he followed them in silence, observing how Violet interacted with the group. He was fascinated by her natural way of speaking, the warmth with which she hugged her friends, and how their laughter seemed to fill every corner.

As Violet posed in front of a colourful mural, Jessy, the most extroverted of the group, noticed how Michael was watching her.

"Hey, Michael," she interrupted playfully. "Did you know you have to focus on all of us, not just Violet?"

Michael felt his face flush with embarrassment.

"I’m just... taking photos," he muttered, trying to hide his discomfort.

"Jessy, leave him alone!" Walda intervened, giving Jessy a friendly pat on the back.

Jessy raised an eyebrow sceptically but didn’t press the issue. It was clear to her that Michael was smitten with Violet, even if he tried to hide it.

Later, as the group explored more of Cowley Road, Michael and Hannah, one of Violet’s friends, started a conversation that quickly turned into an argument.

"Did you know that Einstein, despite being a genius, was also a sexist?" Hannah said, her tone challenging.

Michael stopped, surprised by the comment.

"That’s not true," he replied, his voice tinged with irritation. "Einstein had conservative ideas, but that doesn’t make him a sexist. He was a man of his time."

"That doesn’t excuse him," Hannah insisted, crossing her arms.

The conversation heated up, and in a moment of frustration, Michael made a remark that sounded more arrogant than he intended.

"Maybe the problem isn’t that you're a woman, but that biology is too much for you," he said, with a smug smile.

The group fell silent, and Violet raised an eyebrow at him, clearly taken aback by his words.

"Are you spending too much time with Victor, Gavey?" Violet asked with a mischievous smile, though her tone made it clear she disapproved. "You’re acting just like him when he’s wrong."

Michael felt a knot form in his stomach. He knew Violet was right; he had overreacted, just like Victor did when he tried to impose his views. Realising his mistake, he stepped closer to Hannah, who was looking at him with obvious annoyance.

"Violet’s right," Michael admitted, lowering his gaze with a regretful air. "I’m sorry, Hannah. I’ve been rude and condescending."

Hannah studied him for a moment before offering a small smile.

"It’s all good, mate," Hannah murmured, though with a slight teasing grin. "Just don’t be a cunt."

Michael exhaled in relief, while Violet, behind him, carefully collected her punk accessories and put them in her bag.

"You're passionate, Gavey," she teased, giving him a playful look. "But tell me, why are you studying mathematics?"

Michael shrugged, answering almost without thinking:

"Because I'm good at it."

Violet looked at him with curiosity, as if expecting more.

"Is that it?" she insisted, tilting her head, intrigued.

Before he could respond, Walda intervened with a challenging smile, adjusting her sunglasses as the group prepared to head back to the station.

"How good are you?" she asked, her tone suggesting she was testing his confidence.

Michael lifted his chin, determined to prove his skill.

"Very good," he assured them, looking at each of them with a confidence he didn't usually display. "I can solve any calculation in my head. Try me, go on."

Jessy was the first to take him up on it, crossing her arms and throwing a random sum his way.

"Okay, tell me what 34 times 5 is."

Michael took barely a second.

"170."

The group fell silent, impressed. But soon, as they walked towards the station, the girls started challenging him with more calculations: additions, multiplications, complicated divisions. Each time Michael answered correctly, the murmurs of astonishment grew.

"That was quick!" Walda exclaimed, looking at him with admiration after he solved a particularly tricky problem.

"You're amazing, Gavey," Violet said, her eyes sparkling with a mix of admiration and amusement. "You're a real genius. Now I understand why it's your passion."

Michael looked down for a moment, trying to hide how much Violet's compliment affected him. He smiled, grateful, but when he looked up again, she was still watching him with that expression that made everything he did feel worthwhile.

"Thanks," he murmured, with more sincerity than he expected.

For him, mathematics wasn’t just numbers on a page or problems to solve. It was his way of making sense of the chaos in the world, finding patterns in what seemed random. But few people seemed to understand that. Yet Violet did. She understood his fascination, and in that moment, Michael felt that finally, someone accepted him for who he was.

As they neared the station, the atmosphere was filled with a light, contagious energy. The group’s laughter echoed around him, and for the first time in a long while, Michael felt completely at ease.

"Hey, Gavey," Jessy said, breaking the moment with a mischievous grin. "If you can calculate all that in your head, why not use that brain for something more fun?"

"What do you have in mind?" he replied, narrowing his eyes, expecting some kind of joke.

"I don’t know, maybe find a formula for picking up girls," she teased, and the group burst into laughter.

Michael rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t help laughing too.

"Maybe I will," he said, shooting a sly glance at Violet, who smiled back at him, as if she understood exactly what he meant.

Upon arriving in Oxford, the group of friends quickly dispersed. Only Hannah, Violet, and Michael headed towards the university area. Hannah was the first to say goodbye, speaking with a mix of hurry and exhaustion:

"I have a Genetics essay to hand in next week. I’d better get started on it now."

"Good luck!" Violet said with a smile, while Michael simply nodded, still processing the pleasant chaos of the afternoon.

He expected Violet to say goodbye as well and leave him to return to his dorm, but to his surprise, the girl looked at him with a relaxed expression and made an unexpected suggestion.

"Fancy a beer? There’s a bar nearby."

Michael accepted with an enthusiasm he tried to hide. He didn’t want to seem too eager, but inside, he was excited about the chance to spend more time with her. Before he knew it, they were sitting at a dark wooden table, surrounded by the laughter and conversations of other students.

The night passed in a blur. They talked about mathematics, university life, and their families. Michael, initially reserved, ended up opening up. He told her about his mother, Fiona Gavey, a widowed woman who had dedicated her life to raising him after his father, a Physics professor Michael had never met, passed away.

"So it’s in your blood," Violet said, nodding with a warm smile that made Michael feel less vulnerable.

She also shared snippets of her life, revealing that her mother, a renowned pianist, had passed away when she was young. Her father remarried and, over time, practically disappeared from her life.

"Sometimes I think music was the only part of her that my father really loved," Violet confessed, spinning her beer glass between her hands.

Michael was taken aback by the depth of her words, feeling there was much more to her than Violet let on at first glance.

"It’s incredible to hear you talk," Michael said after his third pint, choosing his words carefully to avoid seeming too enthusiastic. "Generally, people don’t want to talk to me. They say I’m too… intense."

Violet let out a laugh, but her eyes sparkled with an empathy that disarmed him.

"I’ve been told that too," she replied, leaning slightly towards him. "Maybe we have more in common than you think."

Michael looked at her, trying to decipher the emotions behind her words. Before he could say anything else, Violet gave him a playful tap on the arm as they both got up from the table to walk back to campus.

"It’s nice to have a friend outside of the band," she said, breaking the silence with her soft but confident voice. "Oxford can be a lonely place, don’t you think?"

"Sweet baby Jesus, don’t even get me started," Michael replied, letting out a short laugh.

The night progressed, and Michael found himself walking alongside Violet towards the door of her building. Their conversation had flowed effortlessly, with an unexpected naturalness, as though they'd known each other forever. However, as they reached the entrance, the bubble of that moment seemed to vanish with a single word: "friend."

"Thanks for the company, mate," Violet said with a warm smile, leaning slightly against the doorframe.

Michael smiled, trying to mask the pang he felt in his chest. He wasn’t sure what he had been expecting exactly, but the word "friend" made it clear where the line lay, a line he shouldn’t cross.

"Of course, anytime," he replied, raising a hand in a somewhat awkward wave before turning and starting to walk back.

As he walked away, the warm lights of the building went out behind the door Violet had just closed. Michael felt a mix of emotions, as though he were caught in a whirlwind of contradictory thoughts.

Why had it hurt so much? He was a nerd, a passionate maths geek, someone who had always felt more comfortable with numbers than with people. People like Violet—charismatic, fun, and so self-assured—didn’t take an interest in guys like him. Maybe she had just been kind because she'd taken photos of the band.

Of course, Michael couldn’t stop overthinking the situation, because that was his nature. Every word, every smile, every gesture of Violet’s throughout the night now seemed to take on new meanings in his head. Was there really a connection between them, or had it just been an illusion fed by his own loneliness?

What if she didn’t speak to him again after this? The thought hit him like a punch. Throughout the night, he’d felt that something special was happening, a kind of unspoken bond he’d never experienced with anyone before. But maybe that was just in his head. After all, why would someone like Violet want to spend time with someone like him?

He walked slowly, letting the cool night air soothe his thoughts. But even when he reached his dorm and lay down on his bed, his mind wouldn’t rest.

The ceiling seemed to watch him as he replayed every detail of the day: the way Violet laughed, how she looked at him with genuine interest when he talked about his love for maths, and the casual way she’d touched his arm when they said goodbye at the bar. There was something about her that made him feel seen, as if, for the first time, someone could see beyond the numbers and equations that defined him.

Was that enough to keep hoping? He closed his eyes, trying to silence the thousand questions that raced through his mind. But deep inside, one thought lingered, a tiny spark he couldn’t extinguish: Maybe, just maybe, there was something more between them. And if not, Violet had already changed something in him.

He turned in bed, searching for a comfortable position. But the turns weren’t just physical; they were mental as well. His last thought before falling asleep was a mix of hope and resignation.

"Friend," he told himself, repeating the word in his mind. Maybe that was all it could ever be. But for the first time, he wished it wasn’t.

The next day, Michael was walking through the university halls when his Nokia vibrated in the pocket of his jacket. He pulled out the phone and saw a text from Violet. His heart skipped a beat before he even read it.

Violet: Hey, what are u doing for Halloween? There's a party at my uni. Wanna come with me? Don’t know anyone else that u & Hannah.

Michael stopped dead in his tracks. A party. With Violet. His mind immediately started racing. He’d never been one for parties, and certainly not the kind that required dressing up. But the idea of spending time with her was tempting.

Michael: Never been to a party before.

The message left his fingers almost automatically, honest but with a hint of doubt. Violet replied within seconds, as though she’d been waiting for his response.

Violet: Even better. It’ll be u first time. Come round to the flat first.

Michael swallowed, trying to picture what the experience would be like. The noise, the music, people in costumes... and Violet by his side. He wasn’t sure which part intimidated him more—the party itself or spending an entire evening with her.

Michael: Okay. Time?

The message sent quicker than he’d expected. On the other side of the line, Violet smiled as she read it and replied:

Violet: Come at 8. And with a costume. No excusez. 😜

Michael put the phone down and tucked it back into his pocket, his heart racing faster than usual. A costume? He had nothing in mind, and not much time to plan it. However, the thought of seeing her pushed him forward.

The rest of the day was spent trying to concentrate on his classes, but the images of the night ahead kept distracting him. What did it mean that Violet had invited him to go together? Did she really see him as a friend, or was there something more behind that casual invitation?

Michael couldn’t help but smile as he read Violet’s messages on his phone screen. At that moment, he was heading to the corner of the library where Joshua had asked to meet. He’d mentioned something about joining the chess club and that Oliver would be there too. But for Michael, chess was just an occasional hobby—nothing as serious as maths or, in this case, the idea of improvising a Halloween costume.

When he arrived, Joshua was waiting by a chess table.

"Where’s Oliver?" asked Joshua, looking behind Michael.

"I don’t know, mate," Michael replied, puzzled.

"But didn’t he come with you?"

"No, mate," Michael said, his tone slightly irritated. He didn’t understand why there was so much emphasis on Oliver. "What’s going on?"

Joshua hesitated, clearly uncomfortable.

"Well... forget it, Gavey."

Michael’s expression hardened. He didn’t like being treated as if he didn’t matter. He quickly realised what was going on: they’d only invited him because they thought Oliver would be coming with him. It was clear that to Joshua, he was just an unnecessary add-on.

Just as Michael was considering leaving, another boy, of Indian descent, approached with a curious smile.

"Are you Michael Gavey?" the boy asked, looking at him with interest.

"Yeah..." Michael replied cautiously.

"Michael.Gavey88?" the boy added, mentioning his MySpace username.

Michael nodded, surprised that someone recognised him from his online profile. The boy extended his hand in a friendly gesture.

"I’m Rishi. Come, let me introduce you to the rest," he said, leading him into the room.

Inside, a small group of five boys were engrossed in looking at a chessboard projected onto a screen. Rishi led him over to Joshua, who seemed more interested in his phone than the game.

"This is the guy I told you about, Josh," Rishi said enthusiastically. "The mathematician who’s in the top spot on the hot rock chick from Saint Hilda’s’ MySpace profile."

The room fell silent. Joshua looked up, eyeing Michael with scepticism.

"Seriously?" he asked, looking at Michael as if he were someone else. "Are you talking to Violet Bryon?"

Michael tensed when he heard Violet’s name coming from Joshua.

"I don’t know what you’re talking about," he replied, trying not to give himself away.

"No way!" insisted Joshua, ignoring his response. "Violet Bryon. You? How did that happen?"

Michael didn’t know whether to feel flattered or annoyed by Joshua’s incredulous tone.

"She’s just a friend," he finally said, shrugging.

But the laughter and looks from the others made it clear: no one in that room saw him as someone who could date someone like Violet. To them, he was just "the nerd."

And although Michael tried to focus on the chess game, he couldn’t help but let his mind drift back to Violet’s messages and the Halloween invitation. The thought of seeing her that night made him feel like he had something to prove—not to Joshua or Rishi, but to himself.

For her part, Violet was delighted with Michael. Yes, he was a bit dorky and sometimes socially awkward, but that wasn’t something she disliked; in fact, it was part of his charm. Michael didn’t try to be someone he wasn’t, and Violet found that authenticity refreshing. Unlike many guys she knew, Michael seemed genuinely unconcerned about what others might think of him. There was something about his lack of pretension, the way he spoke with such passion about mathematics or any topic that interested him, that made Violet see him as peculiar but unique.

She had watched him while he took photos of the band, how he analysed every angle and adjusted the camera with almost obsessive precision, completely focused on getting the perfect shot. It was that kind of intensity that she liked. Michael didn’t do things by halves. Even when something wasn’t his specialty, like improvising a casual conversation or fitting in with a group, his effort to try was evident and, in Violet’s eyes, adorable.

Moreover, there was something that intrigued her deeply: Michael was like a puzzle she wanted to solve. He didn’t fit into any of the usual moulds of the guys she was used to dealing with, and that made him fascinating. While others tried to impress her with rehearsed lines or arrogant attitudes, Michael simply... was Michael. He wasn’t interested in being the most popular or pretending to be something he wasn’t.

In a way, Violet saw him as a breath of fresh air in a world that often felt weighed down by superficiality. There was honesty in his words and actions, a vulnerability that made him real. And although she wouldn’t admit it aloud, she enjoyed his company more than she expected. It was easy to be with him, even when he got nervous or said something that didn’t quite fit into the conversation.

For Violet, that Halloween night would be an opportunity to get to know him even better. She wanted to understand what lay behind his fascination with numbers, what else he was passionate about, and if that spark of peculiarity was just the tip of the iceberg of someone who, in her opinion, was far more interesting than he believed. Michael Gavey was different, and Violet loved that difference.

When Halloween night arrived, Violet and Michael decided to meet outside her apartment, avoiding any chance of running into Victor. Violet waited at the corner of her street, leaning against a lamppost and watching as students paraded by in costumes, heading to nearby parties. Dressed as Elvis Presley, in a crisp white suit and golden sunglasses, she tapped her fingers against her hip to the beat of a song only she could hear.

Suddenly, a man appeared in front of her wearing the eerie Michael Myers mask, advancing in a disturbingly slow manner. Violet let out a scream that echoed down the street and froze, her heart pounding in her chest. Then, a familiar sound broke her out of her panic: Michael’s unmistakable laughter.

"Oh, what an idiot!" Violet exclaimed, half annoyed and half amused as she recognised him while he lifted the mask, revealing his smug smile.

Michael was holding a bottle of beer in one hand and leaned slightly towards her with a mischievous air.

"Hello, Violet," he said in a voice slightly deeper than usual, as if trying to mimic the killer from the movies.

"Hi, Michael," she replied, crossing her arms, though a smile tugged at her lips. She pointed at the bottle in his hand. "Did you bring me one, or were you just planning to scare me?"

"Of course, darling," he answered, with a confidence that seemed fuelled by the beer he’d already had. He opened his backpack, pulled out a cold bottle, and handed it to her with a small, exaggerated bow.

Violet blushed at the nickname. It wasn’t the first time Michael had let something like that slip when he was a little tipsy, but instead of making her uncomfortable, it amused her. With a smile she could hardly suppress, she took the bottle, gave him a playful shove on the arm, and then linked her arm with his.

"Let’s go, Elvis," Michael joked as she led him down the pavement.

"Elvis doesn’t walk alone," Violet replied, dramatically adjusting her sunglasses.

As they walked together to the party, Michael felt like he was floating. His costume, which was just a black T-shirt and the Halloween mask, now seemed less ridiculous with Violet by his side. For the first time, he felt like he wasn’t out of place, but exactly where he wanted to be: with her.

At the party, Violet and Michael ran into Hannah, who was dressed as a cat, watching them curiously from the entrance. Violet and Hannah started dancing together, enjoying the moment, while Michael stayed in a corner, silently watching them. Despite being surrounded by people, Michael seemed to notice nothing but Violet, laughing and moving with complete freedom. Violet, for her part, occasionally glanced back, worried that he might be having a bad time, but what she saw was Michael utterly absorbed, as if everything else disappeared when he watched her dance.

However, Michael was so lost in his own world that he didn’t realise Oliver Quick was watching him from upstairs. Oliver wasn’t interested in Michael, but he saw him there and was surprised by how he had managed to get an invitation. He had managed to avoid him all week and didn’t want to even look at him too much, fearing the guy would end up following him. Following Michael’s gaze, Oliver spotted Violet, Victor Bryon’s sister, dancing nearby and throwing him knowing looks. That made him wonder what Michael had done to capture the attention of a girl like her, who clearly had no qualms about inviting him to join her on the dance floor.

Oliver was left wondering whether Violet was just using him for fun or even to take advantage of his intellect. Michael, the rare, antisocial genius, but undoubtedly brilliant, might have been nothing more than a tool for her, something Oliver could easily understand. Maybe Violet just wanted to have a bit of fun, like he would with someone she wasn’t genuinely interested in.

His thoughts were interrupted when he saw Felix Catton dancing with a visibly drunk girl. His eyes turned back to him, returning to his own fascination with the guy and their upcoming encounter. Nearby, Victor Bryon grabbed a bottle of beer, lost in his own thoughts. Oliver realised that Victor could be the key to getting into that group that had always intrigued him, and his mind was already beginning to form new plans.

Michael and Violet escorted Hannah to her dormitory, as the girl was too drunk to walk on her own. As they headed back to the apartment, Violet pointed out Oliver and Victor, who were walking a few steps ahead of them.

"Hey, isn’t that your friend?" Violet asked, looking at Oliver, who was chatting animatedly with Victor.

Michael, somewhat confused, nodded half-heartedly.

"I thought he hated my brother," he murmured. Then, with a disdainful expression, he added, "A weird guy, that Oliver."

Although his words were indifferent, Michael couldn’t shake the feeling that something deeply troubling about the situation was gnawing at him. Oliver, his friend, was walking alongside Victor as if nothing had happened. How could it be that Oliver was there, laughing and drinking beer with Victor, the same guy who had tormented him? Michael watched him with a growing sense of betrayal. Oliver had witnessed Victor humiliate him, taunting him over and over again, and yet here he was, acting as if nothing had occurred. What had happened to his friend to make him behave this way?

Michael furrowed his brow and clenched his jaw, feeling an internal anger he couldn’t calm. He tried to push the thoughts away, but it was impossible. In his mind, the image of Oliver sharing a beer with Victor kept replaying, like an annoying echo he couldn’t ignore. It was like reliving his high school years over and over again.

Noticing the change in Michael’s expression, Violet watched him carefully. She could read his emotions like an open book. Without saying a word, she decided to change course.

"Let’s go to Monty’s," she said with a warm smile. "I’ll get you a chocolate crepe, and you’ll see you’ll feel better."

Michael looked at her with gratitude, thankful that Violet had noticed his discomfort and had pulled him away from his dark thoughts. The scent of the chocolate crepe filled the small café, and with every bite, Michael began to relax. The sweetness of the chocolate and the easy conversation with Violet calmed his mind. Suddenly, he found himself talking about things that genuinely interested him, like the history of Halloween and its pagan origins.

The night passed, and the friends parted ways when they reached Violet’s apartment. Michael returned to his room with a bittersweet feeling. Despite everything, it had been an interesting night, one that had allowed him to break through the invisible barriers of university, those barriers that sometimes made him feel like a stranger in his own environment. It didn’t matter that the party hadn’t been at his college; what really mattered was that it had been Violet who had invited him. That gave him a strange sense of belonging, as though, despite his solitary nature, someone saw him beyond his apparent oddness.

As he prepared for bed, the image of Oliver came back to his mind. He was determined: he would need to talk to him, figure out what was going on between them. He didn’t want to lose a friendship, but he wasn’t willing to keep being the last to know what his friend truly thought.

Violet arrived at the apartment minutes after Victor, her head still spinning from the party and the unease about what she had seen between Oliver and her brother. As she took off her coat, she tried to push those thoughts out of her mind, but she couldn’t help feeling a little bewildered.

"Are you friends with Oliver Quick?" she asked, her tone absent.

"Oliver Quick?" he repeated, surprised. Victor, slightly drunk, raised an eyebrow, trying to steady himself as he made his way toward his room. "Who the hell is Oliver Quick, sis?" he said, letting out a low laugh before stumbling a little and entering his room.

Violet shook her head, feeling the familiar annoyance that always arose whenever her brother was in that state. Without wasting time, she went to her room and lay down, not wanting to argue any further that night. It wasn’t the first time Victor had come home like this.

The next day, the peace of the morning was shattered by the sound of Violet's bedroom door slamming open. Frederick Bryon, her father, stormed in with firm steps, slamming the door behind him with a loud bang. Violet woke with a start, feeling a knot in her stomach as she saw the serious and unkind expression on her father’s face.

"Dad!" she exclaimed, raising her voice as she tried to fix her hair and get out of bed.

"Violet. Get ready," he said firmly, not giving her time to react. "We’re going for breakfast."

Violet sighed, knowing what was coming. As she tried to get to her feet, she heard her father heading toward Victor’s room.

"What is all this?" came the voice, surely referring to the mess in Victor’s room.

Violet sighed. If her father had asked that, it meant he had found something that displeased him, as always. She glanced at herself in the mirror, trying to look as presentable as possible, knowing it wouldn’t be a relaxing breakfast. And she was right.

At the breakfast table, the tension was palpable. Frederick sat at the end of the table, observing his children with a penetrating gaze. Meanwhile, Violet and Victor exchanged furtive glances. They were used to these types of morning encounters, where the atmosphere was always heavy with tension that only a father like Frederick knew how to generate. He wasn’t there to talk about what they had done the night before or ask about their well-being. No. He was only interested in making sure they weren’t in trouble.

With his cold gaze, Frederick turned first to Violet, knowing exactly what he was looking for: any sign of disorder or wastefulness.

"How are your exams going?" he asked, without breath or a hint of interest in his voice.

Violet looked up, not particularly eager to answer. She knew that nothing she said would change the situation. Her father wasn’t the type to offer support or recognition, and although her grades were always good, that had never been enough for him.

"They’re going well," she replied, trying to make her tone as neutral as possible.

Then, Frederick turned to Victor, who was still half asleep, staring at his cup of coffee.

"And you," he said, with a more accusatory tone, "how are your exams? Still wasting time on nonsense?"

Victor, still a little groggy, lifted his eyes, his expression clearly reflecting the accumulated frustration. He knew his father’s question wasn’t really a request for information, but a disguised reproach.

The twins knew that all of this was just routine. Frederick Bryon wasn’t known for being a loving or affectionate father. Rather, he behaved more like a supervisor, concerned only with performance and discipline. He didn’t show them affection, and even less did he give them space to relax or make mistakes. Exams, grades, and flawless behaviour were the only things that seemed to matter to him.

Tired of the same scene, Violet slouched in her chair and tried to focus on her breakfast, though the discomfort was almost unbearable. She could feel her father’s cold gaze on every gesture, every word, every silence. And no matter how hard she tried, she could never escape the feeling that, to him, they were always just a pair of children who had to play their part.

[ailesswhumptober]

All About Us! -->asks are currently open<-- AI-less Whumptober 2024 Prompts

-->Our Discord<--

~Who are the Tumblr Mods?~ Mod Missy: She/They, Writer --will sign >Mod Missy when answering questions Mod Radio: They/It, Artist --will sign >Mod Radio when answering questions

Mod Shae: They/Them, Writer --will sign >Mod Shae when answering questions ~Some Frequently Asked Questions~

Q:Why did you make a separate Whumptober? A: We noticed the usual Whumptober has taken a strange stance in regards to AI, particularly a non-stance that doesn't seem to discourage AI usage in the way we and some others were hoping. This included saying AI had a place in writing as well as art, and saying defending against it was going down on an already burning hill. We disagree with this wholeheartedly. (read this for more info) Q:What is AI-less Whumptober? A: Well, it's basically Whumptober...But with a firm stance against AI content. AI-less Whumptober will essentially function the same, with a list of prompts every day for the month of October, with the difference being that we actively disavow AI content and discourage it strongly

Q: What's so bad about AI?

A: AI in itself is a theft. It works off of cannibalizing other people's works, often without permission, and it CANNOT be used without this theft. The argument that you can just train it on your own work is entirely false, as even then with the AI apps used it compares, contrasts, and includes work that is plagiarized and stolen from artists and writers alike. It is also downright terrible for the environment. AI IS NOT AN ACCESSIBILITY TOOL! Q: Okay, but is AI really that bad though? A: Yes, yes it is. here are some links. > the negative impacts of AI art on Artists >The Intellectual Property Problem

>AI in the publishing world: Are AI novels theft? >ChatGPT: The fight against AI Q: Do you have to post every single day? A: Nope! You can post any of the days you'd like. You can bounce around and do 10 different ones, or just 1, or all 31! If you're posting content you made under the hashtag #AIlesswhumptober2024, congratulations, you've participated in AI-less Whumptober! Q: Can I post NSFW? A: Absolutely! Just please keep everything under the read more, otherwise known as the cut. NSFW content will not be allowed in the Discord server. Q: Can I post OC content? A: Yes! AI-less Whumptober is a multi-fandom event that can include different fandoms or original content Q: Will your list of prompts be different from the regular Whumptober? A: Yes. The mods of AI-less Whumptober have come up with the 31 different prompts, as well as a few extras in case the theme of the day just isn't vibing with you! 3. How do I protect my work from AI?

Glaze is a great tool for protecting the art that you post, made by the awesome people at University of Chicago. As for writing, we're looking at finding solutions for this. We're open to suggestion! -->Our Discord<--

[rin-and-jade]

A Cup, and A Thread: A Post About System Communication

Hey, you know classic string telephone? The one made with two plastic cups and a piece of yarn, i suppose you recognize that old-school science toy? It's one of the simplest inventions that showcases how messages are sent from one place to another!

This little invention is very fitting to explain how inner communication works, so i hope today's theme of analogy will help you understand all of my messages im about to share, with a twist of a fiber.

There's a lot of things i want to address on this topic, thanks to all my 8 great friends who had helped me gather a variety of insights on what seems to be the problem, i have the answers right here that will be shared to the community, because of them!

You know what communication is?

I sure do, but let's both revise on what it means, according to Merriam-Webster, it's defined as..

"a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior."

It also means "a technique for expressing ideas effectively."

..Alright, we should be in the same page now, but, do we actually know what counts as 'good' communication in system context? After some examination from the given data, it was a resounding "No." This can also mean many may not have a clear idea on it, which will also be addressed.

Okay, tell me please?

Before i do tell, remember that communication is diverse, with no perfect or right way to do so. Just like animals, where different species use unique methods to pull it off, means can systems have their own unique styles too.

There are a few examples we see in animals; like how some use pheromones to talk to its own kind, while some read off from their signature body languages, and some use tones or cues that is meant to be recognized specifically, to each their own meanings.

So, good communication means ensuring that everyone in the system can understand and receive messages effectively which eases functioning and cooperation, regardless of how frequent or indirect the communication may be.

For us, systems have unique internal methods of communication that are based on how our brains function, not having any unique features in animals. These methods are very personal, so find what works best for you.

Here are the common styles so far:

Verbal: Where you talk aloud, or in a media like notes.

Abstract vibes: Where you speak no words, which encompasses feelings, or concepts, or ideas, that can be "felt" instead of heard or seen.

Images: Where the share of messages are conveyed through memories, expressive actions or symbols that are projected in the mind.

Direct thoughts: Where an internal dialogue is present, parts communicate using this inner voice, that can vary in different accents and intonations.

The media represents a lot of the stereotypical kind, direct thoughts, while the rest are less recognized. These four kinds are not limited to, but are the ones often represented, they are equally as important and real.

It's important to note that alters within a system can have different communication styles, or the collective may share the same style. You can't force yourself to use a particular kind, so focus on practicing and mastering your style.

..But there's many problems!

Which is why it's a good idea to educate yourself and find proper solutions in order to resolve them. I know some of them at best, as there might be issues i have not heard of, though will still be shared.

Consider a clear communication between two alters with an example of both cups, connected to the string with no obstructive noise at the background while exchanging messages, one conveys the content clearly, and the other hears and received with maximum clarity/understanding. This will be our main example that will be used to compare with the problems that usually arise in this topic.

The problem with multi-talking

Now, to explain interruptions from another part would be like having an extra string-attached cup tied to the middle of the initial cup, now with two inputs and one receiver, the messages will overlap each other and become obscured.

This can be resolved by being aware, then slowing down when talking and take turns between each other to avoid clashes which can easily overwhelm or confuse the receiver, or even the sender itself since losing track of thought or words can happen.

The problem with worser performance from stress

When stress happens, this can sometimes mess up your state to receive messages, imagine that outwards stressors had pulled and tugged your thread, now a bit twisted out and weak, which still can be used to communicate and hear, but now in a weaker clarity.

Because parts communicate mostly from internal ways, our brain networks are responsible to allow when activities inside (that doesn't necessarily involve system things) can happen. Just like how imagination runs in a mind that's wandering off, stress alerts you instead, snapping off from any safe or calm activities until the 'threat' is resolved.

You can gain temporary clarity by calming yourself down and bring all your focus to send your messages if any responds, if it doesn't happen, it would be best to wait it out until you naturally feel at ease once more, or solve the issue at hand and try again afterwards.

This may not work when you are in a fight or flight response, if you do got cutted off and need to contact anyone from inside, try using strong triggers to probe a response.

The problem with ineffective communication

It is like talking to a part who uses a rubber strand instead of cotton string as its mediator. Threads can conduct finer vibrations that can preserve the original verbal message, while rubber can represent for those who use vibes, as they're more broad and less specific. So if they attempt to talk to you with rubber, you might not receive it's message well,

This can be solved with having another part that are flexible or able to decipher, or find the middle ground where both can exchange better. (e.g. texts)

The problem of talking outside your subgroup

This is where it gets tricky, because there is a notable difference in communication where it's easier to converse inside your group while it's harder to converse outside of your group. What i mean by group is they are the people you meet and talk the most and have easy time communicating.

Imagine that the same group has the same length of the thread, the shorter, the better it retains or transfers message with no effort. Talking outside of your group would require you an extra pair of string telephone, but this time the thread is long as you're talking to another neighboring group, who isn't directly related with you.

Suggestions varies from trying different medias to contact with and see what works best, or rely on someone who have direct relations with the group you mean to interact with, acting as a bridge. Lowering barriers by consenting to get closer in co-conscious might do the trick too. Long term solution would be building ties to strengthen communication. (can also work with layers, better if you can 'travel' there to get direct interactions)

The problem with front and innerworld disconnection

It is normal to be out of contact from the inside when you're fronting, since this would mean you put down the cup to focus doing task or role job. To remedy this, try finding a moment to sit down or close your eyes, and feel yourself going back to your mind, since in order to contact those inside, you must lightly disconnect from the real world to focus better inwards.

The problem with having aphantasia

As if you heard the noise from the cup, but you're not sure where that sound is coming from nor aware of your surroundings as this condition blinds you visually (can vary from mild to severe, blurry/vague mental images to blank respectively).

Your innerworld is still there, using visualization is one way to immerse in, start relying on your tactile awareness, or your 'radar' that is, since it is possible to detect parts in your proximity. Rely on tangible medias such as texting or notes to keep track of things.

The problem with external noise

Having a comorbid of something, such as ADHD, autism, or OCD can create a mental chatter that exists in the background constantly.. if not most of the time, imagine that the location of the telephone is somewhere bustling, now it is harder to tell which one is intrusive, random chatters, or an alter's voice.

There is not a lot to say except learning how to separate those noises from your people, it is done best by slowing down and voice your messages wide and clear to create a distinction from such background chatter, making it easier to differentiate.

Other conditions like depression and anxiety can also affect the clarity and ease of communicating.

The problem with distinguishing others

For those with comorbids and aphantasia, this can make it much harder, though still possible! One last problem with communication is sometimes not knowing who is who, which creates obstacles in different ways. Imagine that there are multiple cups lined up to you as the receiver, this creates difficulty on pinpointing whose speaking. Thus, having problems on replying back or made sure if the first sentence relate to the second one, or it belonged to someone else.

The only solution there is, has to be a long term one. As you're suggested to slowly collect and recognize different speech pattern, assigned vibes of other parts, when they usually reply or what topics/mentions brings them up, and different accents or tone if any.

It is not required to 'know' physical attributes or what they look like, but this one will help a ton and usually the easiest way in distinguishing who is who. The solution is to go through a trial and error (arrange all the attributes you like/feel connected to, and see what sticks) and document all the findings somewhere, incase you're forgetful/difficulty memorizing.

Special mentions

It is worth knowing that communication is greatly affected by your state of mind + physical health, the conditions you have, the maturity of the alter in communicating skills, and the style you or the collective dominantly have.

That being said, having the same role, or source, or how old or new an alter is doesn't generally affect the ease of exchanging messages.

Lastly, inner communication also obeys similar rules to how conversation works in real life, this can be taken from examples:

The proximity of the talker you're with affects how much you can understand what is being said. It makes sense that you need to focus harder to hear what the mumbles meant when they're further away from you.

Being with people you can vibe along always results in a better and more effective exchange, as you don't have to explain twice for them to get the message. (mutual understanding)

How loud the environment is also affects how focused/undisturbed you are within a conversation, and it takes effort to separate the background noise to catch what they're saying.

People also have their own ways of expressing their message, some are more dominant in body language or etc. This is why it is important to recognize and understand what it means. You will always have your own dominant way of socializing, but this doesn't mean you can't learn other ways, partially.

Now comprehending the concept of system communication does become easier, right? This should serve as a good framework to start building and understanding connections.

One last phone call

I hope everything i have said here has been loud and clear, if there is a problem that has not been mentioned that needs fixing, give this string telephone a tug and i'd answer your call alright?

May this post address all the things you need more than a hotline help centre and leave with full satisfaction.

If you please, i will now indulge in the whole history of telephone strings, join me if you wish! Did you know it's originally made of tin can instead of a plastic cup?

-- The next post that will be out: all about introjection. Stay tuned!

- j

[stratuspropertygroup]

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Flex space, synonymous with flexible office space or coworking environments, epitomizes dynamism, offering businesses specific office solutions. Unlike conventional office setups, flex spaces offer versatile work environments that seamlessly adapt to specific business requirements. From customizable layouts to scalable options, these spaces boast modern amenities, cutting-edge infrastructure, and a thriving community of professionals—a perfect fit for startups, small enterprises, and corporations alike.

Unlocking the Advantages of a Flex Space

Cost-Effectiveness: Embrace fiscal prudence with a flex space, sidestepping hefty upfront expenses associated with traditional offices. Flex spaces offer solutions that feature all-inclusive pricing models, sparing businesses from long-term lease commitments, furnishing overheads, and maintenance costs.

Flexibility and Scalability: In the dynamic realm of business growth, flexibility is paramount. Flex spaces empower businesses to tailor workspace sizes, lease terms, and amenities to suit evolving needs. Whether expanding operations or streamlining, businesses can seamlessly adjust without the hassle of relocating.

Modern Amenities: Elevate your workspace experience with thoughtfully designed flex spaces. Enjoy high-speed internet, well-appointed conference facilities, rejuvenating break areas, and round-the-clock access—an environment conducive to productivity and professionalism.

Networking Opportunities: Embrace synergy and collaboration within a vibrant community. Flex spaces facilitate cross-industry interactions, fostering a fertile ground for idea exchange, collaboration, and potential partnerships.

Effortless Setup: Say goodbye to tedious setup procedures. Flex space providers offer fully furnished and equipped workspaces ensure a swift transition, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations from day one.

Location Advantage: Nestled in prime business districts, flex spaces offer a prestigious address that elevates brand visibility. Proximity to key business hubs enhances accessibility, fostering client and partner relationships.

Additional Services: Flex space providers often offer additional services like mail handling, front desk support, reception services, and IT support. These services relieve businesses of administrative tasks, allowing them to concentrate on core business activities.

Embrace the Future of Work with Flex Space in Atlanta

In Atlanta's competitive business landscape, flex spaces stand as a beacon of innovation, offering agility, cost-effectiveness, and a vibrant community. Whether you're a burgeoning startup or an established enterprise, flex spaces provide the ideal environment to thrive and achieve your goals. Explore the possibilities of a flex space and embark on a journey towards dynamic and inspiring workspaces—your gateway to success in the evolving business landscape. Ready to secure the perfect flex space for your business? Contact Stratus Property Group today to secure a new home for your business!