#chicago interactive introverts

[sgtmickeyslaughter]

✨It's the Wednesday Tag Gaammmme✨

happy wednesday everyone, this game has me feeling incredibly sentimental

thanks for tagging me @jrooc @creepkinginc @energievie @doshiart @energievie @lingy910y @blue-disco-lights @spookygingerr

How did you get into the fandom? 

I watched Shameless when someone recommend it and loved the show for many many reasons but the unreal depth and chemistry in Ian and Mickey's relationship came as a real shock to me

How long have you been here?

I actually went back and looked for this question and found out this blogs one year anniversary was a couple weeks ago!

What’s the first fandom channel you found? (Youtube, Reddit, Tumblr, Insta, Twitter, FB, other?)

Tumblr

what’s your favourite now? 

ditto

Which mutual have you known the longest in the fandom?

I honestly have no idea, but gallavichlover19 was the first person I really interacted with and they were really sweet about In Your Love

Which tumblerino’s did you have your first fandom crush(es) on and wanted to get to know?

I think @softmick and @jrooc and @callivich were the first who like, tagged me in things so I thought (and still think!) they're super neat

First Gallavich fan fic you read (or that blew you away that you remember)

I distinctly remember reading the broad shouldered beasts series and thinking oh wow, this fandom has some incredible fanfic quality

First fan art that blew your mind? 

this one was the first that i really really adored, and again, still do

Fanfic trope that you were sure wasn’t for you but now you low key (or high key) love?

This isnt super original, but I havent been able to read highschool au since i was in highschool, its just not that fun or interesting to me but there are always exceptions

What surprised you most about this fandom?

I mean, obviously like everyone else, the gallavich community on here is so sweet and creative and welcoming and I think we generally haver very respectful and nuanced conversations about this complex show, which is awesome

Im also a little surprised by how many non-americans are in the fandom, the commentary that the show makes broadly about the culture of america and very specifically chicago could be more alienating than other tv/movie exports so the fact that it still resonates is interesting and super cool to me. i tried to watch the UK version and just felt like i didnt grasp the cultural context

Moment in the show (or YT vids if you’re one of those) that you fell in hyperfixation with Gallavich?

literally the first time they hooked up in Mickey's bedroom, like you could just tell these two matched each others freak and the love story that unfolded just grew so beautifully and organically

Ian or Mickey?

you know what? IanandMickey. if the gallaghers have to deal with the fact that theyre slowly morphing into a single being, so do we.

Which Gallagher or Milkovich are you?

Honestly, I think Liam. Maybe? Independant, clever, eclectic, resourceful and thoughtful. And i think hes probably the most introverted in the bunch

hi! tagging below

@iansw0rld @mmmichyyy @mickittotheman @ian-galagher

@mickeym4ndy @gallawitchxx @mickeysgaymom @deathclassic

@em-harlsnow @mybrainismelted @heymrspatel @thepupperino

[eowynstwin]

I don't know if this is an overstep so if it is feel free to ignore this but do you have any tips on how to write for Soap? I have a few things down already but i feel like I'm not getting his character right. Thank you <3 (love you work btw hoping things are better for you)

I’m kind of surprised I’m being asked this since I really haven’t written for Soap all that much! I do have a few things I think are important for writing him, which I put into practice when I consider his character and also gravitate toward in reading fic about him. This turned out to be kind of long, sorry lol.

I tend to break Soap down into certain specific traits: he is outgoing, he is provocative, he is compassionate, and he is self-sacrificing.

Outgoing—we see, constantly, that he’s the one offering his hand to shake, that he’s the one asking other people questions about themselves. He does his best to learn Spanish to talk to Rudy and Alejandro. He saves Ghost a seat on the transport in the very first mission of MW2. Soap is warm and friendly, always eager to talk to people and learn about them. He is absolutely the extroverted friend every introvert needs to feel comfortable leaving their safe space to explore the world at large, and he’s happy to be that friend too.

Provocative—Soap likes to push buttons. Nothing shows this more than his interactions with Ghost; “Actually he prefers to be called—”, “The mask…take it off,” “Are you ugly?” And so on. He is willing to say things other people might find less than tactful because of that outgoing nature of his. He isn’t shy about things other people might politely avoid. He does not, of course, cross significant lines; he doesn’t presume to actually tell Ghost what he thinks of the mask. I think this is because Soap is very good at taking the metaphorical temperature of his dynamic with other people—he can see where a boundary might be, and test how permeable that boundary is without outright violating it.

Compassionate—he does not provoke to cause trouble. Soap cares, deeply, both about his comrades and what is right. He’s the one to ask about the families driven out of the cartel compound they search through for Hassan. He’s the one to remember that Alejandro and Los Vaqueros are still on the oil rig before they blow the second missile, and he’s the one to warn them to get clear (I’m pretty sure). Soap likes people very much, and believes in their inherent worth. It’s why he manages to crack through Ghost’s armor; he is not shallow in his efforts to bond with the lieutenant. He actually cares enough to make the effort.

Self-sacrificing—because of Soap’s wealth of compassion, we see that he’s willing to put himself at risk for the greater good. He volunteers to go into Diego’s manor alone to find El Sin Nombre, and he chases after Hassan in Chicago after nearly getting blown up to stop the missile from reaching DC. He is cavalier with his own personal safety, and I think he might also be a little reckless with his own well-being in favor of getting a job done. After all, almost all of his campaign skins have him wearing a brace on one knee, and let’s not forget that he fucking GOT SHOT and kept going anyway without treatment. I think Soap doesn’t really pay great attention to his own pain, because he thinks outwardly; his main consideration is for others, not himself, even to his own detriment.

So those four things are what I’d consider foundational traits for writing Soap! I think they are excellent lodestones to return to if you get lost in trying to figure out how to characterize him. It’s easy to reduce him to bumbling comic relief (and I think that has, in part, something to do with him being Scottish, as Scot characters often suffer reductive treatment), but he can be richly complex given enough consideration.

[lastcallatrockysbar]

Oversharing on the Internet

Thanks for the tag, @sensitivehandsomeactionman 😊

ONE: Are you named after anyone?

My middle name is the same as my Mom’s. Actually, she wanted to name me Dawn - my father’s name was Don. But he said absolutely not, so... 20 years later (yes, 20 years), my baby sister was born, and I guess she wore him down, because her name is Dawn. LOL

TWO: When was the last time you cried?

Within the last hour - because I’m a sap and I was watching an episode of Chicago Fire, which gives you an opportunity to cry about every other ep 😁😭

THREE: Do you have kids?

Two.

FOUR: Do you use sarcasm a lot?

Who, me?? 

FIVE: What sports have you played/do you play?

Does mini-golf count? 😂

SIX: What's the first thing you notice about people?

How they treat other people. I can’t handle unkind people.

SEVEN: What's your eye colour?

Blue

EIGHT: Scary movies or happy endings?

Both, it depends on my mood. Although these days I tend to prefer a suspenseful thriller more than a horror movie as far as scary movies go.

NINE: Any special talents?

I write, but I guess it’s up to my readers to say if I have talent 😉

TEN: Where were you born?

Born, raised, still live in Nebraska

ELEVEN: What are your hobbies?

Playing video games on my Switch (Zelda games are my fave), board and other types of games when I’m with family, writing, reading, Supernatural/Jensen fandom stuff.

TWELVE: Do you have any pets?

Not any more - I just borrow snuggles from my son’s Yorkie 😊

THIRTEEN: How tall are you?

5′5′’

FOURTEEN: Favourite subject in school?

English was the easiest for me, but my favorite was algebra/geometry. Must be the puzzle-loving side of me.

FIFTEEN: Dream job

Right now I work from home full time, and that’s as good as it gets, I think - not having to drive to work, dress in office clothes, and all the social interaction that my introvert self hated. But I’d really rather be independently wealthy and spend all my time doing things I actually love doing without worrying about being able to pay my bills.

I’ll tag @jensensgotyoudean  @deanscarlett  @dean-winchester-is-a-warrior  @deanwinchesterswitch  @jensenscomedyelbows

[mayasdeluca]

happy that d is doing cons just sucks that it’s kinda not the same without stef there as well:( don’t blame her for not doing as many tho

So far she's only doing one more than Stefania, no? The Chicago one. Which I don't expect Stefania to do because she's not going to be in the US unless she has to lol but they're both doing the Paris one and the Milan one so far at least. I have a feeling Danielle might do that UK one too but who knows.

Definitely makes sense that Danielle would do a lot because she's said she thrives off of having that kind of interaction with people whereas Stefania is a little more introverted so makes sense for both. Glad we'll at least see them together for a couple though.

[servin-up-surveys]

survey #208

What is your absolute favorite hobby? Who got you interested in it? It's probably feral animal RP, at least when I'm in the mood to write. I discovered it myself through the OG Meerkat Manor Animal Planet forum.

What color are the squirrels where you live? Brownish gray.

Have you ever fostered an animal? No. I would struggle immensely to let it go.

Have you ever dated a fat person? Yes.

Have you ever dated someone with a fine ass body? Yes.

What are two foods you think taste good with whipped cream? I hate whipped cream, it's a texture thing.

If you eat it, what is your favorite way to eat beef? On a burger.

Do you have any medication that you keep with you at all times? Yes, an inhaler for asthma but also a med for anxiety or panic attacks.

[TW: ABUSE] Have you ever had a significant other who hit you? No, I would never in a thousand years allow this.

Do you own any exercise machines? Yes. I have a stationary bike in this spare room and there's a treadmill in the living room.

Do you have a dining room in your house? Yes, but we don't really use it unless there's a large number of people over. It's more seating.

Are you in the process of watching or re-watching a series at the moment? No.

Has anyone you know gotten a new pet recently? Ummm I'm not sure.

How old were you 10 years ago? Who were your closest friends at that point? I was 18. I was dating Jason, and close friends included Summer, Girt, Tez, Sam, and possibly still Hannia?

Do you still speak to any of them? I'm dating Girt, I'm close with Tez and Summer, and while Sam and I don't really talk nowadays, I still consider him to be basically my big brother.

Have you ever kissed someone of another race? I started saying no, but I guess actually yes; Girt's father was full Native American. I sometimes forget that; you'd never guess looking at him and his sister.

Are there any races you wouldn’t kiss? Absolutely not, it's 2024.

What is your favorite thing about your best friend? I know I can trust him. I genuinely never DON'T trust what he tells me, we prioritize healthy communication and honesty big time.

What do you mostly have in common with your best friend? We both love video games. We're also very introverted and love metal music.

Do you like it when men shave their chests? If you are a guy, do you shave? I have no preference.

What is your favourite kind of video game? Horror.

Do you watch anime? If so, what are some of your favourites? I'll watch it if I'm with someone who wants to watch TV, I have nothing against it other than television shows just normally don't entertain me as much as YouTube videos. I like Fullmetal Alchemist (+Brotherhood), Ginga Densetsu Weed, and Deadman Wonderland. I've watched a good deal of Attack on Titan and enjoyed what I saw, Girt and I eventually just drifted into watching other stuff.

Do you have any siblings? If so which one of them do you get along with the best? Yeah, a few. I think I get along best with Nicole, my youngest sibling.

What’s your favorite TV show? And who’s your favorite character from it? My favorite television show of all time is Meerkat Manor, and Mozart is my favorite meerkat.

Do people think you look like either of your parents? Does that offend you? I've heard both. As a child I remember hearing I look like my dad wouldn't really��offend me, but I didn't like/get it until I was older. Not all physical traits are gender-specific.

Do you prefer regular bacon or turkey bacon? Regular, by a long shot.

Do you think it’s weird when people talk to their pets like people? I don't think this at all. Even if your pet doesn't truly understand you, I feel the interaction can't be bad for them; I would think it benefits them, at least with most animals you can have as pets. You're including them.

What is the last place, other than home, that you stayed overnight? The ER after my asthma attack.

What is the furthest you have traveled alone? The Chicago area of Illinois.

Have you ever dated someone simply for their looks? No.

What was the name of the main character in the last book you read? Ponyboy Curtis; I re-read The Outsiders. I still enjoyed it very much, but not as much as when I was in middle school.

Do you prefer pizza or hot dogs? Pizza.

What is your favorite pizza topping? I've been into pepperoni + sausage together lately.

Is anyone in your family currently in the military? Not that I know of. Definitely no one close.

What is your favorite dog breed? I have too many I consider my "favorite," but I can tell you I have a specifically soft spot for beagles.

Do you own a bikini? God no, you couldn't pay me to wear one with my current body. I'm completely for big girls wearing whatever the fuck they want, but *I* couldn't do it.

What are three of your favorite bakery items? Cinnamon rolls, donuts, muffins.

Which book series could you read again? I'm really not a re-reader; recently doing so with The Outsiders was VERY unlike me. The only reason I was really able to do it again was because I'd forgotten like... everything.

Is your last ex currently in a relationship? *shrug*

Who was the last female you were introduced to? My new psychiatrist.

Who was the last male you were introduced to? The doctor who did my colonoscopy lmao thanks for checking out my colon 👍

Is there any band out there that you like every song by them? Nope, not even Rammstein or Ozzy.

Have you ever smoked? No.

Have you ever been in a lighthouse? No. I was supposed to visit one on a 4th grade field trip, but the ocean was way too aggressive so instead we stopped at a nearer island where wild horses live. It was very fun.

Do you know anyone who always makes themselves out to be the victim? Colleen, who I haven't associated with in years and never plan to again.

How far away do you live from the house you grew up in? Like... 20ish minutes.

Have you ever been to a same-sex wedding? No.

What’s the most difficult experience you and a significant other have gone through together? Distance, with Sara. It was very difficult sometimes, especially when we really wanted the comfort of each other's presence. It got much worse once we actually met in person and got to feel what being together was like.

Would you like living on the coast? No, the effects of hurricanes along coasts are no joke.

Honestly, do you enjoy arguing? NO

Are you scared of losing the person you like to someone else? No, not really. I acknowledge we may not be together forever, but I certainly don't expect him to cheat on me. He's BEEN cheated on and was very affected by it, so it'd be a wild world where he did that to me. Early into our relationship we shared dealbreakers and cheating was one for both of us.

Do you have a hard time making decisions? I get choice paralysis FOR REAL, like it's ridiculous.

If there was a large spider in your room, would you stay in the room? I'd get the spider out.

What’s your favorite kind of meat? (vegan/vegetarian options count!) I don't know, really. I eat the most chicken, but I'm very limited in the kinds of preparation I like for chicken.

What’s the coolest or most memorable animal you’ve ever seen at a zoo? The most exciting for me was definitely meerkats, but I think the objectively "coolest" thing I saw was a leucistic alligator.

What video game have you played the most hours of? If you don’t know, just make a rough guess. So you can type /played into World of Warcraft to see exactly this and my time is FUCKING DEPRESSING, there is no game that competes against that shit.

Have you ever modeled before? No.

What’s your best friend’s favorite color? Teal.

What color was your senior prom dress? Black. I regret deleting all those pictures, I was beautiful and so fucking happy.

Which YouTuber do you feel like you could be friends with easily? Gab Smolders.

Who do you know personally that has a nice singing voice? Girt.

If you met your favorite musician, what would you ask him/her? god forbid, I would be so embarrassing lmao

What’s something you used to believe in that you don’t anymore? The Christian god and devil.

What’s something you believe everyone should have? Food, water, shelter, fun.

Who do you know that wears the most makeup? My friend Summer, she's an artist with it.

Are you anyone’s first love? Maybe, idk.

How much does your mother know about your sex life (or lack thereof)? She goes to my doctor appointments so she knows we don't have actual sex right now. She's aware we do "things," but I absolutely won't share details with her, not that she's ever asked.

What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever had an obsession with? Do you still like that thing? I'm actually very embarrassed that my hyperfixations tend to be celebrities, I guess because it makes me feel like a pre-teen. I'm oddly WAY more private about this off the Internet, though, and I don't totally understand why.

Have you ever played any of the Animal Crossing games? Do you have the new game, or do you plan on buying it? No and no.

When was the last time you were nauseous? Do you know what caused the feeling of nausea? It was the morning of my colonoscopy prep, drinking way more water than my body wanted. I couldn't finish the last cup I was supposed to have.

What brand of earbuds/earphones do you own? Do you like them? Oh I have no idea, but they're very basic earbuds. Cheap ones you can buy in bulk.

Can you remember the last time you saw a rainbow? No.

Do you have any plants or flowers in your house? What kinds? Do you like having plants in your home? Mom keeps some plants. I don't know what they're called, though. I just know they're nothing exotic or anything.

[girlmadeofstarlight]

Some people might say, "Get over it, it's just a fictional character" but fictional or not they could have made an impact on you. I started watching Chicago Fire because of Sylvie Brett. I'm introverted and shy but bubbly around those I trust and open up to. I related a lot to the character of Sylvie, I found her dorky, goofy and kind demeanor similar to that of mine. I watched this character go through the ups and downs of life, so I really an going to miss her.

My wish for my favorite paramedic on her last season on CF.

She gets some recognition for the amazing work as a paramedic. I hope she gets a promotion or award that is long overdue.

Some great friendship moments especially with Stella, Mouch and Violet. But also, scenes with those she hasn't really interacted with like Herrmann and Boden.

HER HAPPY ENDING!!!!!!! A Brettsey wedding better be on the horizon. I want to see everything the wedding planning, bachelorette party, and wedding dress.

[cosmererambles]

Modern AU coming along.

I know I’ve been fairly insane about my pirate AU, but my modern AU is coming along as well! I fleshed out the first chapter of the Kelsier side of things, Kaladin’s chapter is uh...getting drafted, as it’s all over the place and he’s being a little shit to write. I’ve always had this issue with him; I started with Stormlight, and whenever I tried to do something Kaladin he was as stubborn as a mule, absolutely refusing to let me write him. Kelsier in contrast just...flows. He’s excited. He loves the attention. 

These fics are two seperate fics that will be published seperately, as opposed to two different chapters. The characters will meet, but not interact much. It’s just for fun, like seeing a Stormlight easter egg in a Mistborn novel, or vice versa.

Kelsier is of course, the best part. He’s a crime boss; owning several downtown businesses in the MSP area, including a strip club which he has no hands in running; he just owns the thing. It’s entirely woman ran.

He’s got intricate tattoos that run up his arms, dubbing him the name “Lord of Scars” though that may be edited to fit the period, because it sounds a bit...archaic if you put it in the mouth of city dwelling Minnesotans. He’s originally from Chicago.

Kaladin in his fic is an ex marine trauma medic turned trauma surgeon at a Minneapolis Hospital, I’ll probably make it a North Memorial, idc really the exact placements of these settings. They are just in the city. Eventually, he’ll meet up with Adolin and Shallan, and even Tarah, who finds this introverted doctor incredibly sexy from her cloistered area in the registration booth. 

I know next to nothing about actual ER procedures so if there are any nurses who read my stuff, please don’t kill me; theres only so much I’m willing to research for a fic, it’s just for fun!

[lilyroses-blog-2024]

Call Me By Your Name - Behaviorism Exploration (Psych - Class Assignment 2)

Call Me by Your Name is set in the summer of 1983 in Northern Italy, primarily in the fictional town of Crema. The film portrays the beautiful and vibrant presence of the Italian countryside. The time period, the early 1980s, plays a significant role in shaping the characters' experiences and the social context of their relationship. This era is marked by a sense of freedom and exploration, particularly in the realm of sexuality, while also reflecting a time before the widespread impact of social media, allowing for more intimate and personal emotions.

Major Characters:

Elio Perlman is a 17-year-old boy living in Northern Italy. He is smart, introverted, and musically prone, often struggling with his feelings of identity. Throughout the film, Elio experiences significant emotional growth as he navigates his attraction to Oliver (who recently stays in Elio’s family home). His character embodies the complexities of love, relationships and short-lived moments.

Oliver is a 24-year-old American graduate student who comes to Italy to assist Elio's father, a professor in ancient articular studies. He initially presents a carefree presence while his relationship with Elio is central to the narrative; he becomes passionate and vulnerable. He represents both the excitement and confusion of young adulthood, as he also struggles with his own feelings toward Elio. 

Marzia is Elio's friend and briefly becomes his girlfriend. Her relationship with Elio reflects the typical teenage experiences of infatuation and heartbreak. However, her presence further illustrates Elio's internal struggle as he navigates his feelings for Oliver.

Literary themes 

Coming of Age

The film centers on Elio’s journey from adolescence to young adulthood. It captures the complexities of self-discovery, identity, and the transition into adulthood, specifically regarding sexual identity.

 Identity and Self-Discovery

Elio's relationship with Oliver forces him to confront his own identity, including his sexual orientation and personal desires. The film delicately navigates themes of authenticity and self-acceptance, illustrating the struggle to understand oneself in all of societal expectations.

Sexuality and Societal Norms

The film explores themes of sexuality in a complex manner, capturing the joy and struggle of love that defies social norms. It addresses the complexities of same-sex relationships, particularly in a historical context where such love was often hidden or stigmatized.

Conflict/Resolution:

Conflict:

Elio grapples with his emerging sexual identity and the intense feelings he develops for Oliver. His desire is complicated by societal norms and the fear of vulnerability. As he navigates these emotions, he experiences confusion, and a deep sense of fear about the fleeting nature of their connection.

Resolution: 

The resolution comes with Elio’s acceptance of his feelings and the reality of his situation. He has strong complex feelings for Oliver and is willing to live in the moment of their experiences with the summer coming to a close.

Behaviorism Theory:

"is a psychological approach that emphasizes the study of observable behaviors rather than internal mental processes. It posits that all behaviors are learned through interactions with the environment and that psychology should focus on measurable and observable phenomena." (Chapter 9)

John B. Watson (theorist) was born on January 9, 1878, in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. He studied psychology at Furman University and later earned a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1903.

One of Watson's most famous experiments was the Little Albert study (1920), where he conditioned a young child to fear a white rat by pairing it with a loud, frightening noise. This study demonstrated that emotional responses could be conditioned and unconditioned.

Watson believed that psychology should be considered a natural science and that it should focus solely on observable behavior. 

Some Major Components: 

Positive Reinforcement: Involves adding a pleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. (For example, giving a child praise for completing their homework.) Chapter 9

Negative Reinforcement: Involves removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase behavior. (Ex. a student studying to avoid the stress of failing a test) Chapter 9

Positive Punishment: Adding an unpleasant consequence (ex. scolding a pet for misbehaving). Chapter 9

Negative Punishment: Removing a pleasant stimulus (ex. taking away a toy when a child misbehaves). Chapter 9

Role of the Environment: Behaviorists believe that the environment is the primary determinant of behavior. They emphasize the importance of stimuli in the environment and how they can shape responses. Chapter 10

Situational Context: Understanding the context in which behavior occurs is crucial for analyzing and modifying that behavior. Chapter 10

The Foundational Beliefs/Assumptions That Underlies The Theory

Reinforcement and Punishment

Assumption: The likelihood of a behavior being repeated is influenced by its consequences. Reinforcement increases the probability of a behavior occurring, while punishment decreases it.

Implication: This leads to a systematic approach in behavior modification, where behaviors can be shaped and maintained through carefully applied reinforcement strategies.

Environmental Determinism

Assumption: Behavior is primarily shaped by the environment and external stimuli. Individuals are viewed as products of their environment, and their responses are conditioned by past experiences.

Implication: This belief suggests that behavior can be modified through changes in environmental conditions, reinforcing the idea that learning occurs through interaction with the surroundings.

Critiques on behaviorism 

Neglect of Internal Mental Processes

Behaviorism focuses exclusively on observable behavior and largely ignores internal mental processes, such as thoughts, feelings, and motivations.

Critics argue that this narrow focus fails to account for the complexity of human experience, which includes cognition and emotions that influence behavior.

Ethical Concerns

Some behaviorist techniques, particularly in the realm of behavior modification and conditioning, raise ethical issues regarding manipulation and control.

It is important to note that: The use of aversive conditioning or punishment may lead to unintended negative consequences, including fear or anxiety.

According to Behaviorism Which developmental stages did Elio Perlman from Call Me by Your Name experience?

In Adolescence/Emerging Adulthood

Classical Conditioning: Elio’s interactions with Oliver involve classical conditioning, where he learns to associate specific stimuli (like Oliver’s presence) with positive emotional responses (joy, desire).

Reinforcement: Positive experiences with Oliver (shared moments, affection) serve as reinforcement, encouraging Elio to seek more of these interactions.

How would John B. Watson evaluates or assesses Elio Perlman from Call Me by Your Name?

Classical Conditioning: Watson would likely assess how Elio's feelings for Oliver are shaped through classical conditioning. For example, the positive emotions Elio experiences during their shared moments could lead to a conditioned response to Oliver as a source of pleasure and excitement.

Assessment Method: Watson would prioritize observing Elio's actions and reactions, rather than speculating about his internal thoughts or emotions. He would note how Elio interacts with Oliver and others, looking for patterns in his behavior.

Using behaviorism as a guide to analyze Elio Perlman's development in Call Me by Your Name, we can identify major life events, circumstances, inclinations, and predispositions that impact and influence his behavior and emotional growth.

Environmental Influence: Elio's setting in the Italian countryside creates a rich, sensory environment that heightens his experiences and emotional responses. The beauty and freedom of summer provide a backdrop that fosters exploration and connection.

Stimulus-Response Dynamics: Oliver's arrival serves as a significant stimulus in Elio's life. The initial attraction Elio feels is a result of the positive experiences they share, leading to conditioned emotional responses (ex. excitement and desire).

Reinforcement and Punishment: The peak of Elio and Oliver’s relationship, filled with both joy and anxiety, reinforces Elio’s feelings of love and longing. The eventual separation serves as a punishing experience that shapes his understanding of love and loss.

Conditioned Responses: Elio’s past experiences with crushes and romantic feelings contribute to his uncontrollable fall for Oliver. His prior conditioning around love and affection shapes how he responds to Oliver’s charm and attention.

Does the theory of Behaviorism do well in explaining Elio Perlman's development?

Elio's experiences can be explained through classical conditioning. His initial attraction to Oliver can be viewed as a conditioned response to the positive experiences they share. The reinforcement he receives from their relationship encourages further exploration of his feelings.

The concepts of reinforcement and punishment are shown in Elio's experiences. Positive reinforcement from his relationship with Oliver motivates him to engage more deeply, while the painful separation serves as a form of punishment that impacts his future understanding of love and loss.

However… 

Elio's relationships are multifaceted and influenced by cultural, social, and personal factors. Behaviorism may struggle to account for the depth of emotional connection and how relationships go beyond observable behaviors.

Was Behaviorism capable of capturing or explaining all the experiences of your character?

While behaviorism offers understanding to certain observable behaviors of Elio's relationships and the influence of the environment on Elio Perlman's experiences; it can not fully capture the full range of his emotional and cognitive experiences. 

Is Behaviorism a good “fit” when making a psycho-developmental assessment of Elio?

Elio Perlman's development I would say is mostly based on his cultural and societal influences especially with his experiences with love and sexuality. These things are complex and cannot be fully explored through a behaviorist lens. Therefore, while behaviorism can be a part of the assessment, it should be involved with other psychological theories to fully understand Elio's development.

Given Elio's identity is Behaviorism a valid theory to use?

By Focusing on Observable Behavior:

Behaviorism emphasizes observable actions and responses, which can be useful in analyzing how Elio behaves in various contexts, such as his interactions with Oliver, his family, and friends.

Conditioning and Reinforcement:

Elio's experiences can be understood through the lens of conditioning, as positive reinforcement from his relationship with Oliver may influence his behaviors and feelings about his sexuality.

By LilyRose Martin

[yusufwrites12]

 Mental Health On The Menu: 4 Fruits You Need For A Sharper Mind 

INTRODUCTION

Communication is a skill that can save you—not from drowning in the ocean, but from sinking into social settings, professional environments, and personal relationships. No matter how talented, educated, or lovable you are, if you lack the ability to express your opinions, ideas, or knowledge, it’s hard to stand out in a crowd.On the other hand, those who can communicate effortlessly will always be a step ahead, not by inches, but by miles. Communication is the foundation of human interaction, ensuring that ideas, information, and messages are conveyed accurately, reducing misunderstandings, and enhancing productivity and collaboration. By mastering this skill, you can seize every opportunity that comes your way.

If you've struggled to communicate or felt humiliated in public gatherings, How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes can help you overcome these obstacles. This book will guide you on how to be an "insider" in any crowd and teach you how to handle conversations effectively. It’s the key to having successful interactions with anyone, at any time.If you've ever been labeled an introvert, shy, or lonely, this book will boost your confidence and self-belief. The book offers 92 tips and tricks, most of which you may have heard before but probably overlooked. These strategies cover various scenarios, from professional environments to personal relationships, and the simple, engaging language makes it accessible even for beginners in communication skills.

Overview of the Author

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Leil Lowndes is a renowned communication expert, author, and speaker. She holds a degree in communication and has conducted in-depth studies on psychology, human behavior, and relationships.Leil began her career as a teacher before establishing herself as a public speaking expert and a communication strategist. In How to Talk to Anyone, she emphasizes building confidence and understanding others, and provides easy-to-implement strategies that readers can apply immediately.One of her notable quotes is: "The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said." By the end of the book, you’ll understand the deeper meaning behind this statement.

Leil’s target audience includes:

Professionals seeking to enhance their networking skills and workplace interactions

Shy or socially anxious individuals who struggle with conversations in public gatherings and want to speak more charismatically and confidently

Key Themes of How to Talk to Anyone

The central theme of How to Talk to Anyone is mastering the art of communication and building meaningful relationships. Leil reveals the secrets and psychology behind successful communication through 92 simple and effective techniques.The book emphasizes:

The power of body language

The importance of being an active listener

How to adjust your tone for different circumstances

Understanding social cues and adapting to various social contexts

The book is divided into nine parts, with each part containing a series of lessons. This organization is practical because if you ever need to revisit a particular area, you can easily find and reflect on it.Every technique Leil discusses in the book has a personal and practical touch, as she tested these strategies herself thousands of times before sharing them. As a reader, you’ll find this approach fascinating and relatable from the start.

Top Communication Techniques

Let's dive deep into some of the techniques discussed in the book to help you comprehend its essence.

Sticky Eyes:

A famous quote states that the eyes are the window to the soul, which is true. Similarly, the book insists on maintaining strong eye contact even after someone has finished speaking. This gives the impression that you are listening attentively. When you must look away, do so reluctantly and at a turtle's pace.

The Mood Match:

This technique opened my eyes. Recall a time when something great happened to you or you had a compelling story to tell, and when you delivered it, you thought the listener would jump out of their chair with excitement. Instead, you received a mediocre response and felt disappointed.The reason you faced this predicament is that you failed to match the mood of the listener. They may have had a headache, been in a hurry, or had other concerns on their mind. As the book mentions, before opening your mouth, take a "voice sample" of your listener to detect their state of mind. If you want to bring people around to your thoughts, you must match their mood and voice tone, if only for a moment.

Kill the Quick "Me Too":

This technique will help you immensely if you master it. Although it seems easy, it's excruciatingly hard because it requires resisting the temptation to jump in. The book advises that when someone mentions a common interest or experience, instead of immediately saying, "Me too! I do that too!" let the speaker enjoy talking about it. No one likes to be interrupted while speaking, and you, too, have likely suffered from similar situations.The longer you wait to reveal your connection, the more pleased the other person will be, and you will come across as a confident individual.

Out of the 92 techniques, these are just 3 brilliant examples. Trust me, the other 89 have the same caliber to make you a social animal. These techniques are just a drop in the ocean; the entire ocean is in the book.

Parroting:

You might think the word "parroting" refers to a parrot. You guessed it right. But what can we learn from a mere parrot? Its ability to repeat exactly what its owner says. Still confused? Let me get straight to the point.I'm sure you've faced situations where you lacked words in a conversation or felt tired while someone was telling you an engaging story. Even when you wanted to concentrate, you failed. In these situations, the parroting technique will rescue you. Simply repeat the last few words of your conversational partner in a sympathetic, questioning tone, and it will keep the conversation going.This technique is one of the highlights of the book, and Leil Lowndes explains it eloquently with her personal experience.

Pros of How to Talk to Anyone

Practical Advice:

The book contains 92 tips and techniques that anyone can apply effortlessly and painlessly to daily life. These techniques range from improving body language to using the right words.

Real-Life Examples:

All the techniques Leil mentions in her book are filled with real-life scenarios and examples. Readers will find these engaging and helpful in understanding how to use the tips in practical situations, whether in personal or professional settings.

Actionable Advice:

Most of the techniques are quick to implement, so you don't have to wait long to try them out. These tips can be practiced with friends and family comfortably.

Broad Scope of Situations:

Versatility is a key factor of this book. The techniques are applicable in both casual and formal settings, making it a handy guide for overcoming typical communication hurdles.

Cons of How to Talk to Anyone

Not Helpful for Veteran Communicators:

For readers who are already well-versed in social skills or have experience in communication, the book might not offer much new information. Its advice is often basic and may feel elementary to those looking for more advanced techniques.

Not Suitable for Deep Conversations:

Most of the techniques fall short when the conversation shifts to serious or sensitive topics. While the tips are great for casual interactions, they seem less spontaneous and more rehearsed when it comes to building deep, meaningful relationships.

Outdated Examples:

The book was published in the early 2000s, more than two decades ago, and much has changed since then. Some examples or references may feel outdated to modern readers, especially those looking for advice on navigating the digital communication landscape.

Personal Reflection

When I picked up this book, I had very low expectations. I had never heard of it and only bought it because it was on discount. I didn't read it for four months, and it just languished in my library.One day, I opened it to examine its content, and the first technique, "The Flooding Smile," somehow caught my attention. Day by day, I read some of the techniques and didn't realize when I started to love the book. As I continued reading, it covered every aspect and situation I had suffered in social gatherings.This book helped me comprehend the psychology of communication and will do the same for you if you read it with an open mind.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Your Time?

Now you must be wondering, "Is it worth my money or time?" In one word: absolutely. With 92 actionable tips, the book offers a broad toolkit for making positive impressions, starting conversations, and building connections. If you're not well-versed in the rules of communication, this book will serve you well. After immersing yourself in the book, if not an expert, you'll certainly be referred to as a veteran.Despite the drawbacks discussed, it still has many elements to help you shine in conversations and avoid "lack of words" situations. However, make sure you practice the techniques repeatedly, as simply reading won't make you an expert in these tips and their psychology. It's not just a guide to small talk; it's a crash course in making every interaction count. If you're ready to transform your social presence and feel more confident in every conversation, this book is a great starting point.

[silver-blooded-synthetics]

Anonymous asked:

5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 for Arma and Dr. Chen

I wasn't sure if you meant Alma or Arda with the misspelling of the name, so I figured I'd just answer for both.

5. Where were they born?

It's dependent on verse, but I'm gong to assume the main verse for all of these asks since it didn't specify.

Alma: One of the American Safe Zones, located approximately where today's Seattle, Washington would be. In the future, things have changed quite a bit though so that's only an approximation.

Arda: Same place as Alma

Dr. Chen: Same place as Alma

10. What's the most embarrassing thing that's happened to them?

Alma: Someone that hadn't met either of them before, and only knew of them through the news story about what happened, mistook Alma for Dr. Graves once, because they look similar. Alma was mortified, especially after what Dr. Graves did to him. He doesn't want to be associated with Dr. Graves at all.

Arda: She was never properly introduced to one of the doctors she works with, so in her head, she gave him the name Dr. Smushy Face because his face resembled a pug's, all squished in. She avoided using any name at all for him for a long time because she didn't want to be rude, but then he found her notes referring to him as Dr. Smushy Face one time and she's never heard the end of it since. It prompted him to tell her his actual name at least, so now she knows. But she still gets teased for calling him Dr. Smushy Face before she knew.

Dr. Chen: Her most embarrassing moment was when Alma first called her mother. It was before she was really ready to accept him as a son, and she wasn't expecting it at all, nor was it something she had ever anticipated ever happening. Alma had done it on accident so it was embarrassing for both of them. She reacted very poorly and snapped at him for it. She's more embarrassed now about how she reacted than how it felt in that moment.

15. What is their greatest regret?

Alma: His regrets generally center around things he can't control, but still blames himself for. Things like being abducted by Dr. Graves, being a disappointment to Dr. Chen, etc.

Arda: She hasn't really had enough life experience to have any regrets yet.

Dr. Chen: She regrets ever mistreating Alma and her other prototypes. It's something she's still learning not to do, seeing them as machines more than people. But she doesn't want to be that way. It just takes her a while to change her thinking patterns. She's a very stubborn woman by nature.

20. What TV shows do they watch?

Alma: Alma will watch any and everything, because he's simply fascinated with the world and everything in it. Movies and TV shows are a great way to experience the world through the safety of fiction. He has a particular soft spot for documentaries though, that give real world information without it being a made up story.

Arda: Arda likes shows with a soft, wonder filled vibe, like Hilda, Ruby Gloom, or studio Ghibli movies.

Dr. Chen: She actually doesn't watch much TV, but when she does, she tends to like medical dramas, such as Gray's Anatomy or Chicago Med.

25. Who do they consider their closest friend or best friend?

Alma: Arda is probably his closest friend. So much so that he sees her as a sister. She's one of the few people he can confide in that actually understands him and his unique situation.

Arda: Alma is her closest friend, and she sees him as a brother figure as well. She looks to him for guidance and comfort.

Dr. Chen: She's always struggled to make friends her whole life. It's kind of sad, but the closest friend she's ever had is a pet fish she has that she named Mulgogi (fish in Korean. She wasn't very creative with that name).

30. Do they consider themselves an introvert or an extrovert?

Alma: He's definitely more of an introvert. He is curious about people and wants to make friends, but it drains his social battery, and his social skills are already lacking. He needs time to recharge after social interactions.

Arda: She's much more extroverted and loves to make friends and talk with people. She's socially awkward too, but in more of a quirky and endearing way, and she doesn't let it stop her from putting herself out there.

Dr. Chen: She's definitely more of an introvert. She finds social interactions to be tedious and annoying. Most people get on her nerves and frustrate her, she's always worked better alone for the most part.

[this-is-mine-and-mine-alone]

ABOUT ME

Call me Ky (rhymes with eye)

I'm 22 & a libra

I'm a WOC

I'm sadly a working girly

I'm not straight (I don't have a gender preference)

I use she/her pronouns

I'm pretty introverted & shy

I suffer from depression & anxiety

I've had a tumblr since middle school

This is my 1st time being interactive with others on this app so please be sweet

I literally made this as like a low-key rant diary/Void to scream my interests & thoughts because life,years of trauma,& damn near crippling anxiety has fucked up my social skills & I just need an outlet. I don't expect I guess anyone to respond to this. I just don't want to continue being alone with my feelings & I think this could be a place to start. If anyone does respond to this you're welcome to comment (within reason & with kindness I beg of you),but be warned I'm super shy/anxious & will shy away from responding to messages (think of me as a scared stray & don't shake your pet food can at me too intently). I just want to get all my jitters/hyperfixations/Madness/general feelings & ickiness out. Also just an FYI dni if you're a minor/uncomfortable or triggered of talks of abuse & mental illness/a bigot of any kind/sex stuff (I'm not gonna go on about my nonexistent intimate life don't worry. I don't even really talk about sex like that I just have an interest in femdom stuff from time to time (me being the dom) & I think the psychology of it is interesting as well as the dynamic).

Ok now for the fun stuff

My interests (off the top of my head) include:

Movies

*horror/action/sci-fi/thriller/animated movies from my childhood & "some" of the new stuff

I like most MCU & DCEU movies (I owned a tumblr in the mid to late 2010s I'm practically a veteran. But I will say I have more nostalgia for the older mcu movies,but I kind of fell off in the past few years of fond remembrance outside of fandom for it as a whole. I actually really enjoy most of the new stuff (all of the shows except fatws/some of the 1st season of loki)

My favs include

Studio ghibli (I didn't watch a single movie till the age of 19) specifically Howl's moving castle/Spirited away/princess mononoke/kiki's delivery service/arriety/the cat returns. These movies fill with legit smiles & warmth

All the john wick movies (mf Keanu Reeves)

All of the evil dead movies

The lost boys

Scream 1/2/4/6

The old bratz/Monster high/barbie movies (barbie specifically from the vhs-to before the 2010s)

Jennifer's body

Bride of chucky/seed of chucky/Cult of chucky

The 1st 2 bill & Ted movies

The Matrix/the matrix reloaded

Mad max fury road

Constantine

Sucker punch

Isle of the dogs

Train to busan

Promare

All of the mha movies

Teenage mutant ninja turtles mutant mayhem

CATWS

Thor the dark world

Black panther

The amazing Spiderman

Into the spider-verse

Across the spider-verse

Black panther wakanda forever

Saw 1/2/3/x

Ginger snaps

Kill bill 1/2

Battle royale

Death proof

Moulin rouge

Chicago

The hunger games

Bullet train

Midnight

Ballerina

Obviously old childhood movies from Disney/pixar/DreamWorks & just really almost any kids movie that came out when I was young

Music

*literally anything but country (no offense to people who like country music. Off the top of my head I listen to rock/pop/metal/kpop & jpop occasionally/hyperpop/50s,60s,70s,80s,90,& early 2000s music/rap/hip hop/some anime music/some game soundtracks (especially Bayonetta/dmc)

Video Games

*I usually stick to horror/action with the occasional comfy games

Games that I have played (played/finished & or played/haven't finished) include:

Dmc 1/2/3/5

Bayonetta 1/2/3

BOTW

TOTK

Horizon forbidden west

Horizon zero dawn

The last of us & dlc

The last of us part 2

Ghost of tsushima

The quarry

Resident evil 4/5/6/7 & the Resident evil 3 remake

Animal crossing new horizons

Stardew valley

Sunset overdrive

Sims

Astral chain

Unpacking

Cult of the lamb

Spiritfarer

Uncharted

Spiderman (I haven't played the new one yet yes I know it's amazing & yes I will be playing it once I get a ps5)

The tomb raider reboot trilogy

The arkhamverse batman games

Old ds games from my childhood (my littlest pet shop/mario/hello kitty big city dreams/some of the Mario & Sonic Olympic games/cooking mama/monster high/a few bratz games)

A decent amount of mortal kombat/tekken/street fighter & 1 doa game when I was a kid

There's definitely more I just can't think off anything else

I'm not really a first person shooter game person & really don't like 1st person pov in games. I don't know why I just don't care for the perspective.

TV

*The walking dead (I fell off on season 7 I think)

TVD

Old law & order svu/criminal minds reruns

You

Bob's burgers

Invader zim

Blue eyed samurai

Live action one piece

Owl house

Amphibia

The imperfects

Voltron legendary defenders (I was very late to the party but I remember chaos)

She-ra princesses of power

ATLA

The legend of korra

Adventure time

Gumball

Arcane

Santa Clarita's diet

The boys

Gen v

Castlevania

Castlevania nocturne

The legend of vox machina

Supernatural (preferably season 1-9)

The umbrella academy

Lovecraft country

Moon knight

She-hulk

Alice in borderland

Sweet home

All if us are dead

Squid game

Ms. Marvel

Wandavision

Hawkeye

Peacemaker

Infinity train

Burn notice

6teen

Abbott elementary

Modern family

Pose

Freakazoid

The Simpsons

Old nick/cartoon network/Disney cartoons

[Can I say teen wolf even though I only watched 1 episode but I know the lore from fan-fiction/tumblr/clips from YouTube from my preteen years]

I obviously watch more things but like I said off the top of my head

Anime (yes this is a separate section from movies/shows)

*Black butler

Naruto/Bleach/haikyuu/sailor moon/one piece/Inuyasha (I'm on the 1st seasons & won't finish anytime soon but I do enjoy them

Assassination classroom

Tokyo ghoul

Demon slayer

The apothecary diaries

Kamisama kiss

Noragami

My hero academia

Soul eater

Fire force

Angelbeats

Dorohedoro

Spy x family

Attack on titan (I remember when the 1st season came out & watching it in the 7th grade I believe & got bored waiting for the next season. I did like it though & it was my first anime I watched & will probably catch up at some point)

Jujutsu kaisen

The ancient magus bride

Yona of the dawn

Maid sama

Durarara!!

Durarara!!x2

Angels of death

Death note

Trigun

Trigun stampede

Devil may cry

Tokyo ghoul re

Tokyo revengers

The God of high school

Helsing

Akudama drive

Helsing ultimate

Seraph of the end

Toilet bound hanako-kun

Nanbaka

Gangsta

The boondocks

Life lessons with uramichi oniisan

That time I got reincarnated as a slime

Fruits basket

Chainsaw man

Bed & breakfast for spirits

Kill la kill

Black lagoon

The promised neverland

Madoka magica (1st anime I watched by myself not what I expected by a long shot,but still enjoyed)

Little witch academia

Kakegurui

Kakegurui twin

Ouran high school host club

Komi can't communicate

Bungou stray dogs

BOOK

* maze runner

Hunger games

Anything by edgar allan poe

Hooky

I just recently got back into reading recently & I have a fuckton of books to start reading.

I flit from fandom to fandom,even returning to old ones. Anything that catches my interest & becomes my new hyperfixation. I usually juggle between a few at a time. Usually games/movies/anime. Also obviously I read fanfic on tumblr (duh).

Final notes: I like history/mythology/polytheism/writing/media/cooking/baking/winter/nature/animals & I'm a dog mom. His name is anubis & he's a dalmatian.

That's about all I can think of as of now

PS for the love of fuck dni MINORS/RACISTS/ANTI-LGBTQ+/INCELS/MISOGYNISTS/RADFEMS & JUST ANYONE WHO'S HATEFUL/IGNORANT.

I have to deal with enough nonsense,bullshit,& all around dumb shit irl keep it off my blog & away from me please & thank you.

Goodbye I love you *smooches* ♡

[lunarcovehq]

Wangui Kariuki James is a pixie that currently resides in Celestial Hills and has been a Lunar Cove resident for five years.

ITS THE END OF THE WORLD

GENDER/PRONOUNS: Nonbinary, They/Them

DATE OF BIRTH: January 12, 1968 

OCCUPATION: Owner/Designer at Blush Boutique

FACECLAIM: Celeste O'Connor

AS WE KNOW IT, AND I FEEL FINE

SPECIES: Fae

SUBCATEGORY: Pixie

REGENERATED: Yes

FAE COURT POSITION: High Fae

AGE THEY APPEAR: 25

WELCOME TO LUNAR COVE, KUI KARIUKI JAMES

Trigger Warnings: Murder, Agoraphobia, PTSD

Wangui (known as Kui) James was a bit of an afterthought from the moment they were born, on a snowy December morning in 1967. The James family definitely had enough to handle by the time Kui came along, having just relocated from Chicago to Rockford, Illinois. Their parents balanced work, community, and family in an elaborate juggling act, and if one word described the general attitude of their home, that word would be ‘hectic’. 

With two older siblings whose ambitions focused on sports and academics, and a younger one who mostly seemed determined to be the loudest person in every room, they often felt overlooked. Even if there had been early indications of their supernatural origins, in all likelihood they would’ve needed to sprout wings at the dinner table before anyone would pick up on how different they truly were. 

In a way it gave them space to try different things—testing personalities the way only an unobtrusive middle child could. Kui slipped between boundaries of identity here and there with ease. They would be playing catch in the park with their big brother’s friends one day, and singing in the back row with their parents’ church choir the next, never drawing too much attention but instead, floating along without disturbing the waters with more than a ripple of their presence. While some would find it lonely, Kui was introverted enough that their solitude and secrecy felt more like a protection than a punishment.

They began to take notice of how presentation affected the way people interacted with them, and an interest in clothing and fashion germinated slowly, along with a natural talent for design and a solidifying of the knowledge that they lay somewhere outside a binary form of gender. Clothing and makeup was something they could use—they could express themselves without saying a word, if they chose, letting their style fill in the blanks of who they were. Fashion and art was where they flourished, spending hours pouring over catalogues and then trying their own skills with a rickety old sewing machine they got off a neighbour. Soon, people began to take notice, and word spread around—if that old coat that doesn’t fit quite right? New dress needed adjusting? Take it to the James kid—no, the other James kid, the quiet one. 

As they got older, Kui began to suspect that their innate ability to sense the emotions of others, to copy a complicated stitch after only seeing it once, was something a little more than ordinary. But they’d been used to holding secrets close to their chest by then. With the discovery of their wings and actual invisibility, it became easier than ever to stay out of the way, and curiosity about the world beyond Rockford began to tempt them to take greater risks. This culminated when at the tender age of 19, they hopped a train to New York, to see what they could see of Fashion Press Week in the city, and maybe even stick around if they decided that was where their future lay. They used their invisibility to sneak into show after show, swept up in the glamour of it all, but lacking practice they accidentally dropped it on their way out of a venue. A hand fell on their shoulder and panic set in as someone turned them around, calling them by a name they didn’t know. 

The stranger swiftly apologised for the error, but after asking a few pointed questions about things they couldn’t possibly know, took Kui to chat at a nearby diner. Over hushed tones in the back booth the stranger explained that they were both fae—a hidden species capable of being reborn if they were in mortal danger. If they were right (and the resemblance was uncanny) then Kui had previously been a singer, right here in New York—Odette “Odie” Kariuki, a rising star on the scene until one rainy night after their set, they vanished, and were eventually presumed dead. 

The fae pointed Kui in the direction of Odie’s old band members, the musicians who used to play together but had since retired. Several of them were supernatural themselves, and one confirmed what they’d all suspected—Odie’s death had come at the hands of hunters. 

It was with their blessings, aid, and encouragement, that Kui decided to try and pass themself off as Odie’s long lost child. After all, the band assured them, it’s what Odie would’ve wanted, and that stuff was theirs already, technically. They helped Kui fix up false adoption papers, naming the James’ as their adopted family. As surreal as it was to realize that they weren’t human like the rest of their family, it did answer a lot of unasked questions. Kui added the name Kariuki to their own, as a way to honour their previous incarnation. It was far from a perfect illusion, but a little magic here and there to smooth over questions, and the lie was good enough to hold, at least by 1980s standards. Kui James became Kui Kariuki James, and went from being another face in the crowd, to the mysterious heir of a tragically short-lived 60’s songbird. Although most of Odie’s possessions had been held onto by the remaining members of the band, the label, or sold to various private collectors and fans, at least the royalties were redirected. Suddenly, Kui had the means to follow whatever dream they wanted, a gift from a past life.

But along with this windfall, came nightmares of their previous incarnation’s violent death. Kui’s fears wore at them, and their affection for the bustling city life waned. Every alleyway felt like it held the potential for hidden assailants, waiting just out of sight. They were desperate and mostly sleepless when their old bandmates advised them to check out Lunar Cove, RI.

Here, they began to feel like they could breathe again. The little coastal town was going to be a place where Kui could gather their thoughts and decide how best to go about living as a fae, in light of their previous incarnation’s apparent recognizability. They joined the Court, and felt some measure of protection here, turned back to their designs. Money was no longer the worry it had been, so they opened a shop in Celestial Hills, turning the lower floors into a storefront, and the ones above it into their very own atelier and living quarters. Kui found that their new gift for casting illusions actually made for the perfect design canvas. Blush Boutique became their pride and joy—it wasn’t their own House, far from it, but it was something all their own, and they had centuries to nurture and build their vision. 

By 1992, they were very nearly content. Sure, leaving behind the outside world was a tough sell, and they still didn’t know how to feel about their family back in Rockford. But what they had gained—the safety, the community, the truth of their existence—it felt worth it. They’d never felt such a sense of belonging before, not anywhere.

And it should’ve been good. Lunar Cove was safe—they even learned how to lend luck out to those who needed it, and bad luck in a place like this barely felt like much of a risk. When a friend asked, Kui lent a friend more than enough luck to help shake off the blues. If they hadn’t been so generous, maybe things would’ve been different. There shouldn’t have been hunters in Lunar Cove. Kui should’ve seen them, should’ve vanished, should have had enough time to regenerate another time. All of this should’ve been true, but instead they were murdered by hunters. Again. 

Or so they’d thought. Maybe fate took pity. Maybe luck was just slow to balance out, and realized it had taken too much from them. The next thing Kui knew, it was nighttime, and someone was reaching for them. Without thinking, Kui shoved them backwards, watched them trip and fall down a flight of steps to land, unmoving, at the bottom. They weren’t aware that the person they’d just killed wasn’t a hunter, or that any time had passed since they were the one being attacked. Reliving trauma repeatedly will do that to a person. 

Trembling and shocked, they found their way to the Boutique, only to find the door locked, and when they broke a window to get in, nothing was where it should’ve been. Everything was strange and felt wrong. The atelier was full of things they didn’t recognize, none of their possessions or designs were in the shop. Disoriented and barely coherent, they were found there the next morning, and taken to the Faerie Ring.

With thirty years missing from their life, they woke up to a world entirely different from the one they were born into. Technology moved in leaps and bounds, along with fashion and everything else. Their human parents passed away, their siblings moved and scattered around the country with families of their own. It’s said that a fae will lose their powers if they’re heartbroken, but their abilities seemed to be the only thing left intact. That, and the Boutique, which after the confusion was resolved, fell back under Kui’s ownership without much arguing. 

Most days, Kui keeps to themselves, focusing wholly on their work in the atelier, catching up on all the changing trends and the evolution in fashion that they missed. It’s a source of great joy and pride whenever an event goes on, some of the locals come to the Boutique, where Kui does swift alterations or even offers bespoke designs of their own. When they do venture out into town, they’re still in the process of adjusting to this new era, and sometimes it’s easier just to be invisible. The news that hunters are once again terrorizing the town doesn’t help much, leaving them jumpy and untrusting around other people. Displaced from time, pulled back into a world they barely recognize and don’t trust, they don’t know if there’s any safety or peace to be found here—or if there ever truly was in the first place.

[hzlmrgoalsk]

I AM NOT READY FOR 7:30 PM TONIGHT. I AM NOT READY....

An accurate representation of my current emotional state.

[iiarchive]

Chicago July 25th

See anything wrong/missing? Please let us know!

Please click ‘read more’ to view the details from the show! It WILL contain spoilers from the show!

‘Props’/Opening of the Show

Starts with what they are not going to do

Mentions ‘erotic role play’

Dan as a criminal, Phil as a policeman, voiceover of implied smut

Dan and Phil ‘strip’

Truth Bombs

Dan:Whats hidden in their browsing history?

A: self-insert 1D fanfiction, Help I’m stuck in the Bahamas, How to tell my audience I’m a furry (winner)

Phil: What form of torture would make them say anything

A: A hot nacho cheese bath, a corgi that’s slightly too far away (winner),  taping his fringe back on

D&P: What would a documentary about their lives be called?

A: A Magnificent Accident, two bros chillin’ on a sofa (winner), A subtle cry for help.

Ball & Mystery Box

Phil threw a ball into the audience to guess what was ‘inside’ the mystery box

Nick Jonas, furry suit sketches, a corgi

Dan VS Phil

Psychic Connections - Something sticky (Dan said glue, Phil said stick.)

Phantastic Phacts

This part has been removed from the show.

Dan, Phil, or a Rat?

Picture: Rat (Phil got it wrong, guessed Dan)

Picture: Rat (Dan got it wrong by guessing Phil)

D&P Dilemma

For Phil: Phil’s eyesight is restored BUT Dan loses a toe off each foot. Dan would not do it (also mentioned it’s because we all love how Phil looks in glasses) 

For Dan: Dan gets a lifetime pass to Disney Parks BUT Phil grows mouse ears, Phil said he wouldn’t do it. 

Friendship Test loser - Draw (27-24, Dan is in the lead)

Wheel of Doom

Dan was sacrificed.  

Good VS Evil

Dan - Jumping into a volcanco, Murdering you friend, Pineapple on pizza

Justification 1: One day when you're 13 you make a new account and you type in the username "danisnotonfire" and then for the rest of your life you have to live with people calling you "dani snot on fire" or "danis not on fire" and eventually you get to jump into a volcano and end your suffering and finally be on fire. 

Justification 2: Phil no longer being able to steal all his cereal

Justification 3: Pineapple on pizza in Chicago would just be chunks of pineapple drowning in cheese and if you're the kind of person who likes pineapple on pizza then I honestly hope Thanos deletes you and that you're not feeling too good.

Phil - Money raining from clouds, eternal life, puppies playing with a baby

Justification 1: There would be tornadoes/hurricanes and then everybody would get papercuts and die. Dan added in that a penny falling from the sky could kill you.

Justification 2: Everyone you've ever known and loved will grow up without you and BTS will be old guys and then the world will end and you'll be stuck alone.

Justification 3: The baby could be an alien and rip the dog’s face off.

Getting Deep

Q: I'm going to university soon and I'm really scared! What should I do?

A: Everyone is in the same boat, terrified and alone.There is also always facetime if you ever miss your family. Also go home for free food and laundry. 

Q: How did you tell your parents when you started youtube? I want to start but I don't know how to go about it.

A: Dan said at first he just filmed when his family was away and talked about the time when he smashed 8 cups of yogurt on his face while his dad was out shopping. Phil said that he sorta just started making videos without telling anyone and his parents eventually questioned why he was talking to himself all the time, to which he responded it was just a hobby and they understood. They also said that right now it would probably be a lot easier because youtube is well-known and understood.

Q: I'm pregnant and I'm really happy about it! Should I name the baby Lucas or Sebastian?

A: Dan and Phil are shocked they get to name an actual human being with us and let the audience decide by cheering and Sebastian wins.

Golden II Awards

They wore glitter suits

Give fandom awards to the audience

Phil’s Diss Track

Lyrics to Phil’s Diss Track (fan cited/not official)

Dan on Piano

Dan plays a song on the piano

Has to do with him and Phil’s origin story

Phil interrupts by returning to his diss track momentarily

Lyrics to this part of the show (fan cited/not official)

Interactive Introverts Duet

Dan and Phil sing a duet with Dan playing the piano

About how they’re ‘Interactive Introverts’

Lyrics to this part of the show (fan cited/not official)

*Bonus*

The audience was named Susan!

In the beginning Dan talked a lot about deep dish Chicago pizza, Dan kept talking about how he was going to eat one after the show (shown in an instagram story later that evening) and Phil said he doesn’t like it because its like a pool of cheese. They were also very shocked that we actually had clean water in the river and commented on the giant bean.

At the end, Phil wore a Chicago White Sox jersey with ‘Phil’ and ‘18′ on the back and  Dan wore a Chicago Cubs jersey with ‘Dan’ and ‘18′ on the back.

Phil hit Dan in the dick twice while he was on the wheel and Dan was very offended. The first time Phil hit Dan on his hip and he sad “you clipped my hip you dick”

24% of the audience submitted “who are Dan and Phil” in the survey.

*Current pre-show/intermission playlist*

Thank you to Theresa, Dania, @/dani__302, Ally (@/herbologyhowell), Tay, Erika (@/erikaneedsjesus), Brigid (@/softsmiling), Emily (@/cranky_djh), Sabrina, Salty (@/paradisalpml),Salida, Mackenzie, Josephine, Hayden, Hannah (@/minnivord), Emily, Alexa, @/babyyybisexuall, Layne, Madison (@/trashforphilly), @/boppinbussy, Ian (@/ianmcgonigal), Celeste and theamazingviolin for your submissions!

[imalreadysorry]

ii Chicago Moments

- Chicago cheered for Satan

- We also all sang along to “Say Amen” “Welcome to the Black Parade” and “The Final Countdown”

- “Brendan Urie and Gerard Way would be proud”

- “RELEASE THE BEES”

- The three things in Dan’s box: Nick Jonas, Fur suit sketches, and a corgi

- “ARE YOU PHIL LESTER’S CLONE??? WHAT DID YOU DO WITH THE BODY?”

- We all yee’d... it was magical

- DAN APPRECIATING GIORDANOS IS MY FAVORITE THING

- “I am Phil trash number one”

- We named a baby??? One of the questions was from a pregnant chick who asked if she should name her baby Lukas or Sebastian (we voted Sebastian)

- “You all in the balcony really seem to like Dan and Phil Crafts”

- 24% of people said they don’t know who Dan and Phil are

- “What did you guys think you were seeing? SHREK THE MUSICAL???”

- Dan dabbed a lot

- “Dan and Phil will not recreate erotic fan fiction” “Be careful with the hand cuffs, I have sensitive skin”

- “TWO BROS CHILLIN ON A COUCH, 2 FEET APART....”

- “Somewhere 14 year old Dan is crying”

- “PHIL STOP HAVING AN EXISTENTIAL CRISIS YOURE STEALING MY BRANDING”

- Dan wants to jump into a volcano

- Someone made their turtle look like Dan

- Dan and Phil both got 0 on the friendship test/battle and both got the worst shock

- “Wow look at that graphic design”

- E D I T I N G T I P S

- “What form of torture would make Phil confess anything?” “A corgi that is just too far to pet”

- Phil talking deep into the mic twice and Dan cringing

- Dan doing a face palm with both hands, hitting his mic

- “We can’t let you do ANYTHING you want. That’s kind of illegal. Well... not really... but it’s not great emotionally or mentally”

- Dan trying to explain why stabbing your friend is a good thing by exposing Phil for eating his cereal and putting back the empty box

- Dan trying to explain why pineapple on pizza is a good thing when it turns into people who eat pineapple on pizza being killed by Thanos

- All of Phils “why good things are bad” just turning into “And then you’d die” after a hella weird explanation

- Dan was on the wheel. Phil hit him in the dick every time.

- We all cheered while Dan was getting out of his white jumpsuit after the wheel because his ass was towards us

- “This has a 50 shades of gray vibe”

-We were called Susan

- CUBS AND SOX JERSEYS IN CRYING

[itskam-chill]

If dan made ONE MORE IW joke I was gunna slap him. Also when he talked about Sebastian stan for a second my ass screamed Sebastian.