#outright created your type when she showed up

[lloovvv]

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL - how they celebrate it with you - multi x reader - headcanons

characters: Kamisato Ayaka, Wanderer, Furina, and Xiao

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KAMISATO AYAKA -

• Ayaka adores the serene beauty of winter, so she might invite you for a stroll through the snow-covered streets of Inazuma or the Kamisato Estate gardens.

• She’ll hold your hand shyly, her cheeks dusted with pink as the two of you enjoy the frosty air.

• She would prepare special dishes like dango or miso soup with seasonal ingredients to keep you warm.

• Ayaka would put a lot of thought into her gift for you. It might be a hand-sewn scarf or a calligraphy piece with a heartfelt poem.

• She would be just as excited to see your reaction as she is nervous that you might not like it (though she tries to hide it).

• Despite her usual poise, Ayaka has a playful side. She might challenge you to a snowball fight, laughing sweetly when you surprise her with a sneak attack.

• If there’s a frozen pond nearby, she’d guide you through a graceful ice skating session, showing off her effortless elegance but cheering you on if you struggle.

• At the end of the day, you two would be lying in the comfort of her bed.

• She’d wrap a blanket around both of you, finding peace in the quiet intimacy.

• This is when she’d open up the most, expressing how much your presence means to her.

• She’d hum a soft melody, creating a memory she’d cherish forever.

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WANDERER -

• Wanderer isn’t the type to actively embrace festive holidays, viewing them as frivolous at first.

• However, if you’re excited about Christmas, he’d begrudgingly go along with it—grumbling about how “pointless” it is while secretly enjoying your enthusiasm.

• His gifts would be unexpectedly thoughtful but wrapped in sarcasm. For example, he might gift you a warm coat, teasing you about always complaining about the cold.

• When you give him a present, he’d act indifferent, but the faintest smile would betray how much it means to him.

• If you insist on decorating together, he’d mock the whole process but still help out—often making snide comments like, “Why do humans like hanging shiny objects everywhere?”

• You’d catch him adjusting the decorations to perfection when he thinks you’re not looking.

• Wanderer isn’t big on crowds or loud celebrations, so he’d prefer to spend the evening with just you.

• He’d sit by the fire, occasionally tossing in witty remarks about holiday traditions, but his eyes would soften when you share your holiday memories.

• If you try to drag him outside for a snowball fight, he’d initially refuse, saying it’s beneath him.

• Eventually, he’d relent—and once he does, he’d be annoyingly good at it, dodging every snowball you throw and smirking the whole time.

• Despite his teasing, he’d let you win in the end, though he’d never admit it.

• Christmas would bring out a reflective side of him. While he’d never say it outright, he’d hint at how he cherishes having you in his life.

• In rare moments of vulnerability, he might let you see his softer side, admitting that spending the holiday with you makes it bearable—even enjoyable.

• If you suggest cooking together, Wanderer would scoff, claiming he doesn’t need food, so why bother?

• But if you persist, he’d eventually help — albeit with sarcastic comments.

• By the end of the day, when everything is quiet, he’d let down his guard and show a genuine smile—a rare and precious sight.

• “You’re lucky you managed to drag me into this,” he’d say, before adding quietly, “But I guess it wasn’t so bad.”

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FURINA -

• Furina would insist on making Christmas a grand event, full of flair and drama. She’d plan an elaborate celebration, complete with a beautifully decorated tree, ornate lights, and a luxurious feast.

• She’d take charge of the preparations, even if she doesn’t know exactly what she’s doing, because she wants it to be perfect.

• Furina would constantly seek your attention during the holiday, making sure you notice all the effort she put into the decorations or her carefully chosen outfit.

• “Y/N, doesn’t this outfit look dazzling? Of course, it does—only I could pull off such elegance on Christmas!”

• She’d turn gift-giving into a contest, wanting to outdo you with the most extravagant and meaningful present.

• Her gift might be something over-the-top, like a rare jewel or a custom-made piece of art that reminds her of you.

• She’d act smug when you open it but would blush when you give her something heartfelt in return.

• Decorating the tree with Furina would be a theatrical affair. She’d dramatically declare that she should place the star on top because she’s “the brightest star in Fontaine.”

• If you challenge her, she’d make a big fuss but secretly enjoy the playful banter.

• Furina would love the idea of ice skating, insisting on showing off her “graceful moves.”

• In reality, she might stumble a bit, but she’d laugh it off and pretend it was all part of the show.

• She’d be thrilled if you held her hand to guide her, though she’d make a big deal about it: “Oh, so you want to hold hands with me? Very well, I’ll allow it.”

• A snowball fight with Furina would feel like a grand courtroom battle. She’d declare herself the “Supreme Commander of Snow” and make every throw with flair.

• If you manage to hit her with a snowball, she’d feign a dramatic fall, claiming you’ve “betrayed the Hydro Archon.”

• Furina would insist on staying up until midnight to celebrate the official start of Christmas Day. She’d drag you outside to admire the stars and make a wish together.

• “If you don’t wish for more time with me, I’ll be very upset,” she’d tease, though her eyes would betray her sincerity.

• Furina might decide to bake Christmas treats with you but would approach it with overconfidence, leading to chaos in the kitchen.

• Even if things go wrong, she’d laugh it off and blame the recipe, saying, “Clearly, it’s not my fault. Who writes these instructions anyway?”

• At the end of the day, Furina would pull you aside for a private moment. She’d hold your hands, her usual theatrical demeanor softening as she says, “I’ve had many performances, but this one, with you, might be my favorite.”

• She’d make it clear, in her own unique way, that you’re the highlight of her holiday.

——————————————————————————————————

XIAO -

• Xiao isn’t one for holidays or celebrations, finding them unnecessary distractions.

• However, if you express how much Christmas means to you, he’d agree to participate—though his discomfort would be obvious at first.

• Xiao wouldn’t understand the point of extravagant decorations, but he’d help you set them up if you asked.

• He might hang a single ornament on the tree, stepping back and saying, “That’s enough, right?” You’d have to gently coax him into adding more.

• Xiao wouldn’t think about getting a gift until the last minute, but he’d put his heart into it. It might be something simple yet meaningful, like a handmade talisman for your protection.

• When you give him a present, he’d be flustered, not knowing how to react. “You didn’t have to do this,” he’d murmur, though his softened expression would show how much he appreciates it.

• Rather than actively celebrating, Xiao would focus on ensuring your safety and comfort during the festivities.

• He’d stay nearby, silently keeping an eye on you while pretending he’s not part of the celebration.

• Xiao would prefer to spend Christmas in a quiet, serene setting. He might take you to Wangshu Inn, where the two of you could enjoy the tranquil view of the illuminated landscape.

• If you try to get him involved in a snowball fight, Xiao would initially decline, saying, “That’s not necessary.”

• But if you’re persistent, he’d eventually join in, using his speed and precision to effortlessly dodge or land snowballs.

• He’d let a rare smile slip when he sees you laughing, though he’d quickly compose himself.

• Xiao isn’t big on physical affection, but he’d make sure you’re warm and safe, buying and silently placing a scarf around your neck or pulling you closer to his side if it’s cold.

• If you thank him, he’d look away and mutter, “It’s nothing.”

• Xiao would be hesitant to try Christmas treats, as he’s not used to indulging in such things.

• If you insist, he’d take a small bite and offer a neutral comment like, “It’s… acceptable.” But if he secretly enjoys it, you might catch him sneaking another bite later.

• At the end of the day, Xiao would admit in a quiet voice, “I don’t understand these traditions… but if it makes you happy, I’m glad I could be here with you.”

• He’d linger by your side, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and silently cherishing the moment you’ve shared.

——————————————————————————————————

[overtaken-stream]

Hey hru? can u pls 😭🙏🏻 write another hcs for sendoh akira, i really like like your others posts too!!!

Sendoh Akira Relationship Headcanons

I'm doing well, Thank you for asking and for liking my posts! It took some time for me to write this bc it's been a while since I've read slam dunk, and I didn't want this to seem out of character. Let me know if you like it! ❤️

He loves the fact that he can truly be himself around you, free from any preconceived image he feels he needs to live up to. At first, it took him a while to break out of that mold, but once he did, he felt happier than ever. For that reason, I think Sendoh cherishes the awkward, early stages of a relationship, where getting to know each other is the top priority. His observation skills are always at work when he’s with you—lingering in the back of his mind, in the corners of his vision, his ears tuned in to your thoughts and opinions on every topic. He’s extra cautious during those first few months, carefully noting any expectations you might have of him. He believes that if you’re both in the process of learning about each other, and as much as he hates to say it, he should be able to not live up to some expectations, allowing him to simply be himself without pressure. And he hopes for you to be same.

Sendoh starts his day by complimenting your appearance, even if your hair is a mess. You usually give him a side-eye, to which he responds by yelling, “It’s true, though!”—and he’s not one to lie to you.

While everyone knows he’s a merciless teaser, he always catches you off guard, striking when you least expect it. Yet, despite his playful jabs, he loves it when you tease him physically, it's amusing. grab his thigh, and squeeze while uttering something cheezy, massage his shoulders as you lean in to whisper in his ear, even if most of your emotional teasing flies right over his head. He never sees it coming. They say, “You can’t play a player,” but you’re living proof that it’s possible.

Sendoh has a special collection—folders on TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms—all titled “♥️.” It’s filled with cool videos he stumbles across, saved just for those moments when you’re lying on his chest, cuddling and snuggling closer. He loves sharing them with you to make your time together even more special. Whether it’s breathtaking places, adorable animals, jaw-dropping basketball techniques, or those stim board compilations he’s obsessed with, it’s all part of his way of connecting with you and creating memories.

Have to match eachothers vibe. If he's in a silly mood, you're in a silly mood. If you're sad, he's sad. If you're about to crash out, he's there in the corner, watching... carefully observing you, debating if he should hold you back or let you continue.

Sendoh’s PDA is subtle. He’s not hiding his relationship, but I feel like he isn’t the type to flaunt it in front of others either. He’s more about quiet, meaningful gestures—a gentle touch on your hand, a soft smile when your eyes meet, or standing just a little closer when you’re in a crowd. It’s his way of showing affection without making it a spectacle. For him, the intimacy of your connection matters more than public displays, and he’s perfectly content with keeping those special moments just between the two of you.

His mother absolutely adores you. After years of watching countless girls approach him without success, she’s overjoyed and proud that Sendoh has found someone like you. She’s the kind of person who notices the subtle ways he shows affection—the small gestures that others might miss—after all, what kind of mother would she be if she didn't?

Sendoh isn’t the type to outright tell his mother that he’s found someone he’s completely smitten with. Instead, he casually drops hints, keeping it low-key until the very last moment. In fact, he might’ve only mentioned once that he liked a girl—and even then, it was just a passing comment. It isn’t until the day before your first date that he finally lets it slip, leaving his mother both surprised and thrilled. She’s been waiting for this moment for years, and now that it’s here, she can’t help but feel a mix of pride and excitement for her son. Sendoh, on the other hand, is just relieved she didn’t bombard him with too many questions—at least, not yet. and she’s always eager to help him plan his simple yet thoughtful date ideas. Sendoh is genuinely happy that you get along so well with her, and it’s clear that her approval means the world to him. It’s like you’ve not only won his heart but also become a cherished part of his family. It makes things easy, simple. It's just the way he likes it.

His dad, however, is another story, a story too... uninteresting and full of unnecessities.

The good thing is that they both approve of his relationship.

[thedawningofthehour]

I love the new chapter. I was reading it during lunch and smeared my food across my sleeve, because I couldn‘t stop looking at the screen You’re a master at crafting tension.

My heart goes out to Galois and Cas who seem to be at their lowest point yet. I am in so much grief over the pain they had to endure. It hurt to read! :-(

I‘m actively rooting for Draxum and especially Raphael and TC to find them soon. Cas especially is in a vulnerable position. I doubt you would depict anything outside the tagged warnings, dear author, and her being female likely is not a plotpoint yes but Cas doesn’t know that . In her position I would’ve had multiple nervous breakdowns already, she is probably keeping it together for the sake of her younger brother

Leonardo is such a clever boy, but he can still learn a lot from Agent Bishop, who is (even though Leo temporarily managed to corner his king) arguably superior in all intellectual aspects. I hope Leonardo can take this as an opportunity… a type of involuntary internship? I‘m wondering if he had enough time to study Bishop‘s behavior if he could one day in the far far future go toe to toe with him

You have me gripped by their dynamic and their dialogue. Agent Bishop seemed to initially view him solely as an asset but eventually realized that Leonardo, if given the slightest opening, will become a player in his own write. I doubt Bishop would come to show him more respect in the future but the fact remains that something has changed in their relationship, which is always great in character dynamics and especially when paced out so well

I really hope to read more of them and their dramatic selves! They almost remind me of early Draxum and Donatello although in a different way (I might be thinking that only because I binged these scenes only recently… still what I noticed is that you are extremely skilled at crafting parallels)

Narratively I‘m wondering if Galois might get sold before Draxum and co can find him? Because it would make for great stakes and advance the plot into a entirely new direction but simultaneously would be a huge shake up in the balance of the war. From what I can tell it would force Draxum to:

1. hide the fact his greatest weapon has gone MIA from everyone outside his innermost circle (TC, Raph and only his most trusted rescue and search personnel)

2. face the possibility of losing his son and the war simultaneously

either and both would be amazing and I wish I could witness his reaction. I’m wondering how all this could lead to Galois regaining his memories but either way I‘ll be thrilled

ps: yes Agent Bishop is attractive but in the way Ilay from the Passion universe is attractive… I won’t delude myself thinking the man is fixable but nevertheless I shall enjoy the problems he creates

I‘m hoping Raphael is doing okay and Draxum won’t resort to taking his stress out on the boy. Raphael doesn’t deserve to feel even more guilt and heartbreak and something tells me Draxum is not the best legal guardian to be around right now…

lmao thank you so much and I apologize for any stains on your shirt.

Uh. I will be honest, there is going to be some minor sexual assault and harassment, if not in the next chapter then in the one after that. There's no outright intercourse, but there is groping and the scene where they see a doctor does include an exam that's more invasive than necessary. I will include warnings before the chapter though, so you can skip Gale's section if that's too much for you.

Cass being a woman doesn't really factor in because most of these people really aren't attracted to her, humans look weird to them anyway. It's solely about the power they have over them. But yeah, especially with her history in foster care and hanging around some very shitty people, (grew up in a poor area, was involved in gang shit, and her parents were both junkies) this is all stirring up some very awful emotions and it's really just focusing on Gale that's holding her together.

Involuntary internship, oh my god. I might have to add that to the story tags, that's amazing. That's like the spiritual inverse of consensual kidnapping.

We're kind of at a point in the story where I could take the story completely off the rails and just do something wildly different for many chapters, with Leo in Colorado and Gale being held in some rich dude's basement. And like, I do have ideas, but for the sake of readability (and finishing this story within my natural lifetime) we won't be doing that. This isn't the rest of Book 3, hopefully this plotline only takes up a few chapters. But who fucking knows with me.

But yeah, no one is to know that Galois is missing. Most of the people Draxum has searching don't even know, I haven't decided yet what he told them but he's keeping that a very close secret for now. His enemies and even his own allies would pounce on him the moment they knew. There's very, very few people he trusts not to stab him in the back or use the opportunity to buy or kill Gale themselves. Plus he has Cass to worry about too, and most of his allies would absolutely let Cass die even if they'd return Gale to him, would probably be confused why Draxum would even care about keeping her alive in the first place.

I might release a oneshot of Raph's pov covering the events of the next few chapters. (or what Draxum & co are doing over the next few chapters, we're not actually going to see most of it) Draxum isn't like...nice to be around right now, no. He's not exactly taking his anger out on Raph, he knows that wouldn't be right, but he's going to average like five minutes of sleep a night until Gale is back home and he's going to lash out at people.

This is actually kind of a turning point in their relationship. Both in good ways and bad.

[bonebabbles]

Thunder Chapter 6: Trial by Kittens

As usual, the trials for acceptance into another Clan are absolutely stealing the show. These are absolutely the most enjoyable parts of ASC so far.

I really hope that the characterization being given to Spotfur's three kits remains, they're all fantastic and I adore them. I haven't seen anyone compile these new personalities, or really point out the dynamics at play in this little scene though! So I'll do just that!

Misc Info

Apparently, Spotfur cusses in front of her kids lmao. This is the singular most important thing about this book, actually. Stemkit says "SHIT" and Sunbeam is like "WATCH YOUR PROFAMITY" and he protests with "MOM curses all the time"

They had never been outside of camp before, Spot's anxious about this! It's nice seeing her being a protective mom.

UNRELATED SIDE NOTE: I miss how in TPB kits seemed to have "their first prey" as a major developmental milestone, but those times are loooong gone. This situation is scratching an itch for me, though!

Sunbeam's first prey was frog; frogs apparently taste canonically like blackbird. (another side note, i should make a taste guide as a clan culture expansion and check if there's any validity to that... i would have guessed it would taste more like duck.)

She takes a good amount of time just chatting with them, and the dialogue here is actually fantastic. It feels just like being in the middle of a conversation with my nespring, it's great. The writer really nailed the cadence of little kids.

Sunbeam also realizes that she needs to keep all three kids engaged, and so creates a particularly convoluted setup so they're all doing something. Clever!

Graykit Gray-and-white tom

IS REALLY interested in hunting.

He chased after a mouse the same size as him when he was half a month old, though obviously he couldn't catch it.

Dreams of one day catching one of every type of prey around the lake. That's such a fun goal actually?? Completionist Graykit wants to 100% the hunting speedrun challenge. That's fantastic.

Stemkit Solid orange tom

Seems to be the most thoughtful of the kits.

Asks the majority of the questions, responses tend to be very "philosophical" towards things. Will say outright that he does not know something if he doesn't know the answer.

A wise child.

Cusses because he missed a vole lmao. VERY cute. I hope this boy grows up to have a mouth like a sailor. I love vulgar philosophers.

Bristlekit White-and-orange molly

Most impatient, and seems to have a little bit of a mean streak.

Scoffs when Graykit brings up his mouse story, saying that "nearly doesn't count." A bit of a perfectionist!

Also interjects the most when her brothers are rambling.

But is able to back this all up! She is the most focused, and is the first one to scent the vole den.

She also catches two voles when her brothers only catch one each.

[sugudoe]

Hello!! I've recently found your blog and I absolutely adore your writing and even have notifications on, hehe 🫶🏻 I'd like to request a match up, but of course only if you have the time to do it!

I'm 22 years old and I use she/her pronouns. I speak two languages (German+English), I have blond, medium length hair (it's dyed, my natural hair color is brown) which is wavy but I straighten it because I think it looks better. Sometimes, when I'm bored, I dye some colorful strands into it! (Like pink, or red, or purple.) I'm average in height, although on the higher side of the spectrum by being 5'7. I'm chubby, which I'm a insecure about, but I don't let that hold me back from dressing how I want, at least on most days. I usually wear baggy or loose clothes but on special occasions I wear form fitting clothes as well. I wear glasses, they're transparent and pink, and I absolutely love to do my make up! I'm very creative when it comes to it and it's often that I wear a lot of colors on my face, but not that it's too overbearing.

My personality type is ENFP 2w3 and I tend to get along with everyone, but more so with ambivert people since I sometimes have phases where I'm more introverted. I like people who are different from me since I like hearing a different perspective on things, so people who are too close to me in terms of personality are a no go. I also like mature people, so unnecessary fights or arguments can easily be avoided. I talk a lot and I joke around a lot too, so people tend to call me a social butterfly which I agree with. I need my downtime too, so it isn't too uncommon to find me sitting alone in my room, listening to music and playing video games at the end of the day.

I do have a few mental struggles and I do have a chronic illness as well (I don't wanna outright say what I have, but I have incredibly bad stomach aches from time to time, so bad that I even had to have a surgery because of it when I was 17.) All that is too say is that I can be a bit complicated at times, but I try my best to better myself.

My hobbies include: mainly playing video games (like stardew valley, animal crossing, generally more relaxing games), doing my make up, baking (when I'm stressed which is too often), and going out with my friends! I love running errands with my friends and spending time with them that way! I'm open to a lot of new things but I get extremely frustrated when I'm not immediately good at something, lol.

I'd like to be matched up with someone my age or older than me since that's my preference if that is alright! I hope this wasn't too much information 😭 I appreciate you and your work and thank you for taking your time to do these match ups!! 🩷

a/n: hiiiiiii, thank you for sending this, specially the many informations and the preference for your age or older. i had others in mind for you, being geto and hiromi. still, i think toji could do just fine with you, yay!

⁀➷ 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠. . . ﹫ 𝘵𝘰𝘫𝘪 ៹ ༉‧₊🫕

toji, in all his powerful presence, goes inside a room with a permanent scowl on his face. you, sparkly white eyeshadow with smoke eyeliner, pink glasses and equally pink highlights, comes behind. bubbly and threatening aura mixing together to create something no one else would have thought, yet, anyone can see the care you both have for the other.

can’t you see? if you look closely to toji, there is glitter sprinkled on his cheekbones and nose button, as well as a blue strand of his hair. but mostly, he might have show to everyone a threatening face, but when he stares at you, there is a smile present on his lips and a shine in his eyes.

it’s something that had been lost for a long time, some could say.

your dressed to the extreme for this boring party shiu is throwing, black silk dress conturing your waist and hips, at first you might have had some doubts about it, still you didn’t changed it — never one to back down.

that’s one of the many things that made toji attracted to you, your insecurities does not define you. thank god for that, he thinks while admiring you doing your eyes. so pretty and so his, he might just not go the party and have you all to himself.

“you look pretty.” he compliments while trying to knit his tie. you finish the final touches before moving his way, pressing a peck to his lips and doing it for him. “thank you, doll.”

“anything for you.” raising on your feet, you kiss him again, with your hands you caress his face, moving away you see the shine in it, thanks to your dirty fingers and laugh. “you have glitter in you, let me grab the oil to remove.”

“nah, no need, let’s match.” he is so sexy, that you might have arrived late to the party.

toji is a simple guy, his clothes are either black or grey and sometimes a dark blue might be presented in his drawer. that doesn’t mean he doesn’t like colors, if anyone where to ask him what’s his favorite, he would find you and pick the most vibrant one you are wearing. you’re his favorite everything, okay? in the presence of your room, if you ask, he will say is the color of your lips.

while first meeting, toji was instantly attracted to you, but he thought you would never give him a chance. that was, of course, until you let it slip how you are more inclined to romantic partners different than you, and hey! toji has the social life of a fucking worm with amnesia and you are a social butterfly, what could be more different than that?

a lot. a fucking lot!

he knew he had you right there, and you had been aware as well, so the dating started right away. toji and you don’t fight, he might not seem mature but he is strategic and pays attention to everything, so if something bothers you, he knows right away and change whatever it is quickly. you didn’t liked him gambling and he stopped before you could get even more annoyed.

your disagreements never reach the fighting stage if it comes from his side, but if comes from yours, you are more than happy to hear what is his complain and make it work. cheers to being non-toxic!

toji is very worrying of you. he likes to come home and see you happy, doing a random makeup or playing video games. he will sit on the bed while talking to you about both of your days, happy that you are recharging and having a you time. still, he goes extremely quiet and full on boyfriend mood when he comes home and you are baking. your pastries are divine, but something is wrong!

you will soon find yourself relaxing in a bathtub, using him as a personal pillow, caressing your back while letting you vent. if it is your medical condition, he will encourage you to go to a doctor, just for a checkup at least, if is mental, he will also beg for you to go to a professional, and also ends the night spoiling you by buying your favorite food. the next day he won’t work, instead toji rather be with you, learning how to play your games and having you doing his makeup.

─┈ ⭑ ° ⋆ FUN FACTS 𓂃ᰔ

🫕 ┊ dating toji means that you can wear whatever high heels, you’re still short to him.

🫕 ┊ toji is your biggest supporter, even if words of affirmation is not his thing, toji still helps you overcome this distress of not being good at everything at first. he basically points to himself as an example of hard work pays well!

🫕 ┊ toji has a different humor than most people, still, he laughs at your jokes and does the same with you. obviously, all in the presence of your house.

🫕 ┊ toji is a different man inside and outside your home, he loves you in all his forms, and everyone can see that!

🫕 ┊ his love language is acts of service and quality time.

[thecarnivorousmuffinmeta]

Any thoughts on Nanami and Wakaba? (not as a pairing, unless you see it, then I'm very interested)

I've been watching Utena with friends and we had constant fights about those two, because "She literally kills kittens, what's wrong with you" for Nanami (I am witch apologist) and "Why is she even here" for Wakaba (I am girl enjoyer)

Pfft.

I don't see it as a pairing though in the world of Utena anything's possible.

But I certainly have thoughts on the characters as well as the world of Utena itself that's perhaps worth bearing in mind.

Utena as a Show

Utena is one of my favorite shows to have ever been created. However, it's something I also sometimes hesitate to recommend. It not only deals with extremely dark themes (albeit in a non-graphic manner) from murder, sexual assault, grooming, to rampant incest but also doesn't do so in a way that the modern internet can in any way handle.

What do I mean?

Every character has something seriously wrong with them and makes awful and sometimes outright malicious decisions.

Utena, our heroine, the prince, we learn later has forgotten the reason she wished to become a prince as an adolescent and at first pursues the goal simply out of a desire to be noble and embody this idea of chivalry and nobility without actually knowing what these things are. Miki is alright enough save that he has that thing going on with his twin sister and covets Anthy without ever truly wishing to know her.

That's not even getting to Anthy who I can only state is very complicated.

It's not a show that people can watch if they're not comfortable with the idea that there is something horribly wrong with everyone. The good characters aren't always good, the bad characters sometimes have reason to be bad (and sometimes are just pure evil), and you might not even know who the fuck the good and bad characters are because it turns out breaking the world's shell was probably a good thing.

Compared to say Good Omens which has the complexity of a thimble and people are still upset that Aziraphale made the wrong choice at the end of series 2 there.

But back to your question.

Nanami

I love all the characters in Utena, but Nanami might just be one of my favorites in that she's the beautifully executed dark horse of the series.

Because it turns out she's the only one who's fucking sane.

We start out and Nanami is presented as Anime Mean Girl. Oh, she's that type, the pretty rich girl who's going to bully our romantic lead. Okay, Nanami, I will suffer through you. But then almost immediately this goes awry when nothing every goes Nanami's way. She's crushed by elephants, stalked by an eleven year old, and she... really really really likes her big brother.

And as we go on we see her at first as someone who's truly a villain, she murders kittens as you note, and that is fucked up but then by the end we find out that despite all prior indications she is the only person who does not want to sleep with her brother and thinks this is a madhouse.

She's fascinating and I love her.

But more on the kitten--I think Nanami is excellently portrayed as a little girl who is severely fucked up (in part by Ohtori and in part by life itself). She has an unnatural devotion to her brother, which he also enables throughout the series, and... something weird is going on with the parents (in other versions, namely the movie, it's worth noting that Touga turns out to have been abused by his father).

I don't know if I'd condemn or laud her but she's the character who's at first presented as the worst but then it turns out everyone is just as bad/worse than Nanami is and actually she lives in a madhouse.

Wakaba

I mean.

"Why is she even here?" is the point of Wakaba's whole character arc, which I'd argue is very vital to the storyline of the anime. That's why she's great.

Wakaba's that girl who is normal, she's just normal, and she wants to be special without there being anything special about her. She's nice and kind, but only to a certain degree, and she wants to be like Utena and all these shining brilliant people in her life.

She serves as the catalyst of the plot, in Utena first engaging in a duel, and yet is never involved further in the events. She desperately wants Saionji, to be special herself, and we see her rejecting a very kind boy who genuinely cares for her because of this. We learn that she's not as nice as we, e.g. Utena, had previously thought and that Utena has this quality that Utena herself doesn't understand and that others envy without her realizing it.

Wakaba's descent is when Utena first begins to realize she's failed as a friend, despite all her attempts to do right by Wakaba, and that she doesn't understand those around her as she's trapped in her own world/idea of chivalry (a foreshadowing for what happens with Anthy).

Wakaba helps act as a foil for Utena and is vital to help slowly reveal why Utena struggles and has to grow as a person in order to free Anthy (and why Utena is betrayed by Anthy without ever seeing a hint of it coming).

[elaho]

Stardew Valley MBTI x Enneagram: Haley

Following my last post about the Stardew marriage candidates and their MBTI types, I've been learning more about Enneagram, how it pairs with MBTI, and how it changes some of the typical characteristics of each type.

The Enneagram and MBTI complement each other wonderfully, providing greater depth and understanding of how a person interacts with the world [Cognitive Functions] and their motivations why [Core Desire/Core Fear].

Here are my thoughts on the MBTI and Enneagram pairs for Haley.

Haley - ESTJ 3w4: “The Professional”

“ESTJ 3w4s are ambitious people with a sprinkle of creativity. This personality type is goal-oriented and works harder than most. Because of their wing, they go about their tasks in a unique way.” - Personality Hunt

Haley’s Core Desire: To be successful and unique

The core desire of the ESTJ 3w4 is to be successful, using their wing to create a unique path for themselves.

Haley's desire for success isn't stated outright, but her actions and the dialogue about her in-game indicate that she's looking to achieve a certain level of 'societal success'.

However, she doesn't want to 'succeed' in the traditional way of actively working to gain success. Instead, she wants her own success to be achieved for her 'uniqueness'. By channelling her efforts into cultivating and maintaining her physical beauty, she aims to become the perfect trophy wife for someone rich and live a lavish life of luxury.

"Emily's friend had this swimsuit shipped to me from all the way out in Zuzu City. City fashion is on a whole different level, isn't it?"

"Laying out on a tropical beach.*sigh* I think I've finally found my place in the universe."

"This town is so small. It sucks. I have to drive, like, twenty miles to buy any decent clothes. That's why I usually just order online."

"I've decided I am going to organize my clothes today. I'll have to throw out all of last year's styles to make room for the new ones!"

“I wish Haley would get a job or at least contribute to cooking and cleaning. I think she's hoping to marry someone rich.”

Haley’s Core Fear: To be a failure or seen as a failure

The core fear of the ESTJ 3w4 is to be a failure or be seen as a failure, even if they know they aren't. Appearances matter a lot to 3w4s, both in how they see themselves and how they're viewed by others. However, Haley's desire for success goes beyond simple ambition. She seems obsessed with maintaining a flawless standard of beauty: perfectly tan skin, skin-kissed blonde hair, the latest fashion trends, flawless makeup and accessorizing, etc., Whom she associates with is also an important factor in appearing successful, such as having the 'perfect boyfriend' [Alex] and distancing herself from her 'weird' sister and others in her community.

Her behaviour leads many to believe she's just a spoiled brat who was babied by her parents, but in reality, Haley is afraid of failure; deep down she thinks she isn't good enough.

So to ease her own fears and insecurities, she tries to keep up with the impossible beauty standards she imposes on herself and hyper-focuses on how she is perceived by others who have, [in her eyes], achieved success.

Her pride prevents her from being honest with herself and accepting criticism from others when it matters.

“She should take the 'high road'? What's that supposed to mean? You think I'm being a baby, huh?”

“I'll be fine on my own...Thanks for the memories. Why are you still clinging to me? Go live your own life.”

“Haley is too proud to be heartbroken over the divorce... Or at least to show it.”

"My sister is so weird. Sometimes I wonder if we're actually related."

"I'm feeling an urge to go shopping. Ugh! I wish there was a mall here."

"…Well, I guess I used to like Alex. But not anymore! He's immature."

"I've never been to the forest. It's muddy and I could get a blister on my foot."

----------------------------------------------------------------------

How Enneagram 3w4 changes typical ESTJ behaviour:

New Strengths

1. Less Extroverted

"ESTJ are already introverted extroverts. The spectrum shifts even more with ESTJ 3w4s. Because of their wing, this personality type will crave alone time and autonomy.

So, expect them to be less social than typical ESTJs. It also means there’s a constant battle between type 3 and type 4 regarding human interaction.

The extent to which this applies depends on the strength of their wing." - Personality Hunt

Examples:

“Um... Yes? I didn't hear you, I'm thinking about something else.”

“Haley is ignoring you.”

“*sigh*...what do you think I should do today? I'll probably take a nap later.”

"I spent 3 hours practicing my signature today. I guess that's pretty silly, huh?"

"The only good thing about winter is that I get to sleep more. I like at least 10 hours of sleep every night."

2. More Interested in Fashion

Type 3s care about outward appearances and type 4s care about being unique, so it makes sense that ESTJs would be more interested in fashion.

Combined with their exceptional cognitive skills at strategizing [Te] and ability to maintain standards [Si], the primary goal of the ESTJ 3w4 is to create a lasting impression with their fashion sense.

Examples:

“Hmm... If it weren't for those horrendous clothes you might actually be cute.”

“Do you wear those clothes every day?”

"I'm going to start writing a list of all the clothes I need for next spring."

"I think I'm starting to realize that clothes aren't the most important thing. Right? I still like clothes, though. I mean, what's wrong with expressing yourself a little?"

3. More Creative

ESTJs are very pragmatic people who look to achieve tangible results in their daily lives. However, the ESTJ 3w4 is slightly different. Their enneagram makes them more creative and future-oriented than typical ESTJs.

As a result, they often have a good idea of what they want their near future to look like and infuse more art and creativity into their goals and lifestyle.

Examples:

“My name means 'field of hay', but I like to imagine it as a meadow full of sunflowers..."

“Wow, look at how the sunlight sparkles on the horizon! I bet the sunsets here would make for an amazing photo. I have to remember to bring my camera next time.”

"I felt like I had no direction in life before I met you. Now I have exactly what I want."

"We've got to make sure the farm is cute! That might be important… right, honey?"

“I cooked dinner last night. It actually turned out okay! But I did make a huge mess in the kitchen..."

"Hi, honey. Hey... I have an idea... I want to get everyone together for a charity cake-walk. Uh... It's kind of like musical chairs, but everyone wins and gets cake! You'll see...”

4. Status Conscious

"Type 3 is overly interested in what people think of them or how they’re perceived. This interest drives them to preserve their self-image. It also goes side by side with their need to look fashionable.

This has its advantages. ESTJ 3w4s are more likely to be noticed first. This can aid their careers." - Personality Hunt

Examples:

“Emily's friend had this swimsuit shipped to me from all the way out in Zuzu City. City fashion is on a whole different level, isn't it?

"This town is so small. It sucks. I have to drive, like, twenty miles to buy any decent clothes. That's why I usually just order online. What?”

“Hmm. What brand is your shirt? Oh. Um, never mind.”

"You got Haley to marry you, huh? I always figured she was out of your league!"

"I'll admit… I was a little jealous when you and Haley got married."

5. More Sensitive

ESTJs aren't known for being sensitive. They are Thinkers first and foremost, making them less sensitive to emotions and feelings [of others and their own]. Using logical reasoning, they prefer to communicate in a straightforward, matter-of-fact way that can often make them overly blunt, tactless, or dismissive.

ESTJ 3w4s are different. While they retain their inner logic, they are much more tactful and emotionally aware than typical ESTJs.

Once she connects more to her Introverted Feeling [Fi], Haley begins revealing the more sensitive, thoughtful, and empathetic part of herself. However, ESTJs tend to be very private about their innermost feelings and desires, so they only open up to people they are close to and trust.

Examples:

“Did you see last night's episode of 'Tears'? *sob*... I can't believe Kyle and Amy broke up...”

“Yesterday I found a seagull with her wing caught in a net. I set her free, of course. She looked so helpless, the poor thing.”

“...Maybe [my great-grandma’s bracelet will] wash up on another shore. I can't bear to think of it at the bottom of the ocean.”

“Fall is kind of sad for me... everything is dying.”

"I talked to my sister for a while last night. I actually enjoyed it quite a bit. You know, Emily's not actually that weird. I guess we have more in common than I used to think. Don't tell her I said so."

New Weaknesses

1. Can be Self Absorbed

"[Being an ESTJ type 3 with a] type 4 as a wing comes some weaknesses. One of them is the tendency to become self-absorbed. When stressed or unhealthy, ESTJ 3w4s might become wrapped in their bubble.

During these periods, they might become hypersensitive to any situation they find themselves. It can make them feel really special or cursed. Regardless of how they feel, it can make their loved ones feel like outsiders." - Personality Hunt

Examples:

“I feel the urge to go shopping. *sigh*”

“Your name is Farmer, right? I keep forgetting.”

"I wish someone would bring me a peppermint coffee. Don't even bother, I know you won't be able to make one."

[Spouse Flower Dance Accept] "*sigh*… My days of being Flower Queen are over… so it's a bittersweet dance for me."

"*sigh* I could really go for a cupcake right now. Do you need something?"

"I'm feeling an urge to go shopping. Ugh! I wish there was a mall here."

2. Competitive Streak

Type 3s are competitive people and while this can be admirable, it can also get out of hand. Combined with Haley's desire to be unique, her competitiveness comes out when comparing herself to the farmer, especially in the beginning of their relationship.

She constantly critiques the farmer's choice of clothes, profession, and even their smell. She is especially ruthless towards the female farmer, implying that Haley views her as competition.

Examples:

“Nice shoes. Are those made out of plastic?”

“Nice makeup. Or wait... Are you even wearing any?”

“Hmm... If it weren't for those horrendous clothes you might actually be pretty... Actually, never mind.”

"Don't you get tired of running around on that farm all day, or whatever it is you do? I couldn't stand getting all dirty like that. You probably get a nice tan, though."

“Getting the perfect tan is an art form...It's kind of like toasting a marshmallow... you have to rotate the body just right.”

"Ew, you're all dirty."

"Do you wear those clothes every day?"

"Hmm… Something smells weird…You've been working on the farm, huh?"

3. Excessive Focus on Self Image

"As stated earlier, self-image is important to ESTJ 3w4s for good reasons. However, when this is taken too far, it can cause problems.

This personality type can become too focused on self-image that they prioritize over anything else.

Thus, they may have fake lives and lie to seem more appealing. This can affect their personal relationships. ESTJ 3w4s need to sort out what’s most important." - Personality Hunt

Examples:

"Maybe I'll donate some of my skirts to a charity this spring. I mean, I do have over 1,000 skirts."

“Is that a grass stain on your knee? Sorry, I'm allergic to grass.”

“I've never been to the forest. It's muddy and I could get a blister on my foot.”

“My sister is so weird. Sometimes I wonder if we're actually related.”

4. Eternal Battle for Self-Identity

The conflict between type 3's need for image preservation and networking and type 4's need for independence can create a life-long inner battle for the ESTJ 3w4.

This can lead the ESTJ to wear facades for long periods, and if left for too long, cause them to lose sight of their core values and what they really want in life [especially if they get disconnected from their Fi]. In extreme cases, ESTJ 3w4s can spend their entire lives trying to discover who they really are.

Examples:

“I need to find some kind of hobby other than shopping. I've decided I want to expand my horizons. Maybe I should learn to play the mini-harp?”

"Shopping just doesn't sound as fun as it used to. What's happening to me? Hmm..."

“I should start reading some books instead of magazines. It's good to learn things, isn't it? I only ever look at the pictures.”

“I never thought I'd say this, but the country lifestyle really suits me.”

------------------------------------------------------------------

Conclusion

Haley is one of those characters that, whether players love her or hate her, has more going on than what first impressions imply. We're first introduced to her as a mean, shallow, self-absorbed, spoiled brat of a 'princess' who only seems to care about her tan lines and when her next shopping trip will be.

However, once we get past her 'mean girl' facade, we see someone deeply afraid of failure or being labelled a failure. As a result, because she tries so hard to keep up with trends and outward indicators of 'success', Haley doesn't really know who she is and what she wants out of life.

Her friendship with the farmer helps her to get more in touch with her Introverted Feeling [Fi], her weakest function as an ESTJ. Once she does, she begins to define for herself what it truly means to be successful, regardless of external standards or expectations.

She starts to find meaning and purpose in embracing nature, getting into photography, and helping others in her community. She even organizes an entire charity event by herself, infusing her creativity and passion for cake into the event to raise money for Jas’ and Vincent’s education.

"Hey! Oh, good, you brought the cake!.. It's a pretty good turnout [for the charity cake walk], huh? Thanks everyone for joining in. We raised over 5,000g!... It was a big success! Thanks for helping out, honey.”

She comes to cherish the town she was once so desperate to escape from to be successful, and instead, finds meaning, value, and joy in being a part of her tight-knit farming community.

"I used to complain about this town being so small, but I've grown to like it. If it was much bigger it wouldn't feel like a community."

"I felt like I had no direction in life before I met you. Now I have exactly what I want."

Do you agree that Haley is an ESTJ 3w4? If not, what type do you think she is? Let me know your thoughts in the comments :)

--------------------------------------------------------------------- References:

Personality Hunt: ESTJ 3w4 - The Complete Guide

[tvckerwash]

Alright I want to expand more on this reply and this reply I wrote because I was cooking and these thoughts are so good they deserve a whole post dedicated to them (this post will make more sense if you read those two posts I linked first btw, but it’s not 100% necessary lol).

I believe Wash’s role in Project Freelancer was to see what kind of impact a hyper-competitive, heavily individualistic focused environment would have on an individual who has previously been deeply embedded into the forced collectivist assimilation seen in the military, and vice versa; What kind of impact an individual of Wash’s inherently outgoing and collaborative temperament would have among a group of hyper-competitive, introverted loners.

Wash really stands out to me because he seems to outright refuse to compete with the other Freelancers. I mean, admittedly, all the guys in pfl come off as significantly less competitive than the women (which is its own can of worms), but Wash is the only Freelancer who shows no competitiveness period.

North for example, was not happy about Carolina showing up at the oil platform and voices as much to South. I think North’s displeasure is directly related to pfl’s competitive nature, because normally when you’re outnumbered and outgunned—As he and South were—You’d be very glad for reinforcements. So logically, North being upset about Carolina showing up must be because it will reflect on them poorly. 

Maine and Wyoming are characterized as sore losers—They were so pissed about Tex handing their asses to them that they were willing to seriously injury, if not outright kill her, by using live ammo and live grenades in a training exercise.

York’s competitiveness is portrayed in a similar vein to North’s, as in it’s very subtle. York was just as frustrated as Maine and Wyoming were, and I don’t see another reason for why he’d force himself to leave medical early after having a grenade blow up in his face beyond the longer he’s off the roster, the further down the board he gets.

We don’t see any type of competitive behavior like the examples above from Wash throughout the entirety of the flashbacks, but we do see a different type of behavior from him.

Project Freelancer creates an environment that is trifled with animosity, exclusion, and favoritism, and while The Director is able to fool the other Freelancers into perpetrating this behavior among their ranks, he isn’t able to fool Wash into it—In fact, Wash refuses to tolerate it, and he actively fights against it everywhere that he can.

When Ct is beating herself up over a failed mission, Wash is the one that goes to comfort her, and what kind of language does he use to do so? Language that avoids pinning the blame on Ct alone and instead puts it on the whole team. “It wasn’t your fault, Connie.”, “So the ball got dropped, we were all there.”, “Everyone make mistakes.” 

When Maine and Wyoming bring out the live ammo, and York gets injured because of it, everyone else is mad at Tex. But Wash? He’s pissed at Maine and Wyoming, it was their choice to use live ammo that lead to York’s injury, so he expects them to get punished for it—And he’s rightfully baffled at The Director’s refusal to do so.

When York shows up for the heist, Wash makes a point to approach Carolina about it. He understands that she doesn’t want to appear weak and unsure of herself in front of The Director, and that she doesn’t want to give her teammates any more reasons to dislike her than they already do. By approaching her first, he’s able to give her an out if she chooses to do so—And if she had agreed York wasn’t ready, then it’s Wash who York can blame for it.

Wash recognized almost immediately that Tex was going to get the brunt of the team's anger and outrage over York’s injury, and he makes sure to let everyone know that she likely kept him from getting killed. He also recognized that she was being set up to be excluded from the rest of the team, so the very first thing he did when he got a moment alone with her was reach out by making friendly small talk, trying to establish a connection so that Tex could use him as an entry into the team's inner dynamic. 

Now going back to the blurb I opened this post with, I ask these questions:

What would Wash—As someone who sees himself as one part of a bigger whole—Be willing to do in order to appease the people around him? What actions would he take to try and lower the mental burden that such a competitive and inherently hostile environment would put upon his teammates?

The answer? I think Ct puts it very well with this line:

“Some of us very specifically make mistakes, and some of us don’t seem to make any mistakes at all.” 

This line is meant to be seen as half Ct calling Wash out on his bullshit, and half her being genuinely upset over Carolina’s status as ‘Ms. Perfect’, because in Ct’s mind, Wash and Carolina are very much two sides of the same coin; Intentionally making mistakes that don’t get you or your teammates killed requires the same level of skill and attention to detail that it would take to avoid making any mistakes in the first place. This is why Wash’s talk about them being a team makes her so angry, and why she sees it as him trying to make excuses for her: There are no excuses for fucking up when you work with people who have to intentionally choose to make the same mistakes that you unintentionally do. 

uuuhhhhh idk how to end this post but I really love looking at Wash through this lens because it speaks volumes about him, and it adds so much more complexity and nuance to his already incredibly layered character. 

[chaifootsteps]

about the cartoon Viv made separating types of criticism - I think it's a fair point that the tone of a critique can make a difference in how an artist receives it & it's totally fair to point out that giving someone rude feedback makes it a much more bitter pill to swallow. anyone who's had passive aggressive to outright aggressive responses on fanwork or fanart can tell how it can ruin your day.

but what's not fair is framing all criticism like that. And I think Viv definitely has a habit of grouping all criticism into the bad faith category, even if the poster is going out of their way to try and be fair or polite. When you're a big creator it's easy for that happen because you get overwhelmed by the volume of feedback, but I think when it does and a creator just ends up getting hostile to all criticisms then that's when it's time to step back.

Viv talks about how if she responds or doesn't, she'll be critized and can't win. but I think she has at least some responsibility for creating the expectation that she might respond if people tweet at her because she can't seem to stop herself from engaging.

the Hellaverse fandom is super parasocial and she's made it actively worse by liking tweets that defend her writing or paint her detractors as engaging in bad faith (not to mention she admitted to not watching Diregentlemen's video on her and kind of implied she was vaguing about them that one time, when if she'd bothered to watch their video instead of just seeing them tweet about the show or the vids they'd made she'd know they went out of their way to say they wanted to like the show and they had praised it in the past).

People get the impression she's defensive and can't take criticism because she's responded that way consistently - she won't log off and be a creator who holds the fanbase at more of a distance, as some other creators do, but she also won't accept any criticism at all and encourages her fans to do the work of filling in the show's gaps for her, then likes tweets attacking people who criticize her or calling them names. To me the reality of how she 'can't win' comes down to her behavior - she doesn't have the type of personality who can stand any critique, so she should disengage, but she's also too addicted to trying to control the narrative that she won't do the one thing that might help. And she seemingly won't hire someone to do PR on her behalf, either

how does she expect anyone viewing this from the outside of her diehard stans to think of her? it is unprofessional and she does come across as unable to take criticism and that's even before adding in the allegations that she trash-talks other creators and is so thin-skinned she wants her animators to work solely on her shows. and I suspect her approach hasn't changed much given she's said herself she had that reputation for a long time

Well said.

Let's face it, nobody likes criticism. Nobody likes when your work is the subject of takes you believe are completely asinine, but most people hoping to make a career of it learn pretty early on not to google their own names. Nothing good comes of it.

Viv likes to present herself as the world's saddest victim of the cruelest, dumbest criticism ever spoken, that she loves "helpful" criticism, but she's shown time and time again that it's all the same to her. She's cut people like Ken and Kyra out of her life altogether for criticizing her in the gentlest way possible; her world's continued to spiral because she just couldn't let "My name is Caine, I am your bitch" go. And just like you said, she has absolutely zero problem dishing it.

She's a shallow bully with a wet tissue paper ego. And people are starting to wake up to that fast.

[opinated-user]

https:/ / archive. ph/ svv67

archive for lily telling britt to unalive herself.

thank you, anon! you're a real one!

reading through this, i have no doubt in my mind that LO send that to herself just to have an excuse to try to one up Brittany... even though Brittany has her own blog to do that on her own space. which brings the question, LO, if you have anything specific to say about anything we claim, what exactly is stopping you from just screenshotting those pots and respond to them directly instead of this weird "anon brought me this thing you say and therefore i get to rant about it while pretending i had nothing to do with how this information came to me" you do? just about in general, you comes off less trustworthy because of this because nobody is actually seeing what you're reacting to. you can make all the angry anons you want. doesn't mean that people are going to actually believe that is Brittany. anyway, there are some point in the response of LO that i want to talk about for a second.

so, sincerely speaking? from my bottom of my heart, hypothetically, if LO was actually a ghost writer and she was earning enough for a comfortable living, enough that she can drop youtube entirely, i'd be honestly happy for her. i'd prefer that she became a full time ghost writer than a youtuber, because you can't groom people with ghost writing gigs. you can't form an audience around being a ghost writer, only inside clients who need your services, who are all pressumably going to be adults in the first place. whatever bigotry or misinformation you spread on that job comes from what a clent asked of you, not from you having horrible opinions about issues that either don't affect you or you don't actually care about or generally being an awful person. because the thing that LO is missing is that nobody is trying to deplatform her because. we want to do that and encourage people to not give her views ever, no matter what kind of video she's making about what topic (which is why my pinned post will always be resources for people to avoid going to give her clicks), not because we want her to become homeless and struggle to have her basic needs met. we know that it's not going to happen anyway because she's daddy's girl and will always count with his money when this youtuber thing completely fails for her, but even if that wasn't a factor, nobody is aiming for that. we want to deplatform LO because she has actively used her platform to abuse, hurt and traumatize people. i'm not talking about her bad takes on anime or show or animation or anything she claims we have an issue with. i'm talking about the way she has groomed people, used her money to make vulnerable people do things they wouldn't otherwise, exposed minors to think they shouldn't have been exposed to by a trusted adult and spread outright lies to defend rapist or other dangerous people because it was convenient for her narrative. we want LO to not be watched anymore by anyone because she has shown, time and time again, that she'll never try to not hurt someone the moment she has a chance for it. because as long she gets views, has subscribers and has any level of influence, she's still a danger.

i'm sure that the Brittany hivemind agrees with all of this as well. so no, LO, you had it all wrong. if you had a job outside of youtube or any social media, we'd love that for you. if anything, we'd encourage it so much more than keep creating bad essays in video form. but we both know that it's not true and you told us that yourself without realizing. so we have to call out the obvious lie you naively expect people to just take.

literally the first result in google search when you type "do ghost writer write fiction":

the second one:

who is the one who looks like they have no idea how this industry works? (although, if i want to get extra petty here, another reason why people can have reasonable doubt about your ghost writing job, beyond the fact that we have evidence of the many lies you tell on a regular basis... a ghost writer by definition has to know to be versatile and write on an more than acceptable level, if not being also good for the editing. LO, you don't even edit your own scripts. you record them in the first draft. your writing style is terrible, both in a grammar sense as an stylistic sense. so you mean to tell me that for your fanfiction, videos, posts, and everything to do with your name, you make zero effort into making it look decent and reserve all your hidden abilities for... writting for crappy apps? oh and flavor text on some unnamed RPG? seriously? how is anyone supposed to believe that?) anyway, the relevant portion is this:

LO, you're a despicable horrible human being. every ounce of compassion or grace i was ever willing to give you have killed it, smothered it, turned it into ashes and then piss on the debris just to spite me. every chance i gave you to be a better person, to do the right thing, you have squandered it and ignored it. you genuinely disgust me. you're repulsive. i feel sorry only for myself for ever believing you were more than a parasite, a groomer and an abuser. Brittany has never been better than the day you both stopped being friends. your sibling, who never liked you in the way you wanted them to and never would have, is a better friend you never was. everyone who has left you is better for it and someday that fact will fully crush you, but there won't be anyone there to console you and tell you that you "deserved better" because you'll be all alone. nobody will be responsible for that when it happens. not me, not Brittany, not Courtney, not any of the other blogs who criticize you. you. you always be your worst enemy and, the best part is, that is the one you'll never get rid of.

[crimson-lair]

HEYY HELLO, I COME WITH FULL ON IDEAS (that are slightly for fluff and affection only.. but I'll try not to disappoint ! Long post ahead though.. I couldn't help but type out my ideas !)

I was thinking of maybe jealous bots of ptn women, how would they act if they see y/n or user be so close with other people? Here are my ideas:

Rahu - Need I say moreee? Rahu is maybe really stoic and the type to not get jealous quite easily, but I think she'd be the type to get jealous if someone starts to take her duties away from y/n, like, the person starts to somewhat be too close to the user to the point where Rahu can't even approach y/n or fulfill her duties to keep y/n protected.. since the person is replacing her and is creating a distance between her and y/n. Rahu might deal with this in a way where she'd start to act touchy whenever it's only her and y/n or she'd outright find ways to find excuses to get y/n away from that person! She finds it difficult to approach y/n about it since she's quite shy and she doesn't know how to talk about it..

Shalom - MMMMM, Shalom shalom shalom, y'all probably would know where this is going.. once the most calm and reserved type starts to get jealous that's a big uh oh! I think Shalom would be jealous because of how a person starts to display a sense of superiority or closeness over y/n, as in the person keeps on winning y/n over Shalom in certain things, like going to missions, instead of Shalom going with y/n, someone else slipped in, orrrr when a person starts to be so touchy to the point where Shalom can't even do any small amount of physical gestures to y/n. Shalom might deal with this in a rather straightforward way, since she's the type of woman to become blunt whenever necessary especially when it comes to y/n, but sometimes, Shalom can really be condescending especially when she becomes way too jealous, she might show the person just how y/n is really close with her, or the fact that the person would have no chance to get to y/n because of how competitive Shalom is (e.g. Shalom will compete with the person through missions, quality time with y/n, etc)

Zoya - Here's our favorite, going once, going twice, maybe more than twice.. no, 5 times, 5 bots of her 😭. A jealous Zoya, will be a much bigger uh oh than Shalom's. Zoya might get jealous if y/n's attention or interest keeps going to another person. Zoya might also get jealous if the person keeps impressing y/n to a point where y/n can't even pay attention to Zoya anymore. Zoya might deal with this directly and almost immediately after she notices things started to change. Zoya would outright intimidate the person, like "If you keep pulling this sh*t I'll show you real sh*t" or she might end up driving the person away with threats, as said before.

BUT ANYWAY THANKYOU FOR READING MY TED TALKK, THIS IS ALL I HAVE TO SAY.. I HOPE ITS NOT TOO MUCH!

my darling anon 😌 ARE YOU THAT PERSON WHO PREVIOUSLY GIVING IDEAS ABOUT RAHU? if yes, such a big brain anon i have (you must be secretly a writer). regardless, i love your bunch of ideas 🫶

rather than making bots (i don't know how to make these jealous bots 😭) I'll be writing small scenario based on this!

can only do Rahu tho cuz, well, easier to make it comedy

---

Rahu paced silently through the corridors of the MBCC headquarters. Her normally stoic demeanor betrayed a flicker of agitation. She couldn't shake off the disquiet that settled within her whenever she witnessed that newcomer growing closer to you. The duties she held, the protective shield she formed around you, seemed to be slipping away, replaced by the unwelcome presence of another.

Every moment that newcomer spent in proximity to you felt like a dagger twisting in her chest.

One evening, as she stood vigilant by your side during a mission briefing, that person's laughter echoed in the background. Her silver eyes narrowed, and her fists clenched, but her external facade remained impassive.

Days passed, and she struggled to find a way to express her discomfort. Her stoicism, a shield against the world, became a barrier that even she couldn't dismantle. Instead, Rahu found herself acting out in small, subtle ways. She became touchier in moments when she was alone with you.

A soft hand on the shoulder, a protective stance when you walked together. Or during a team meeting, she'd strategically positioned herself behind your chair. With ninja-like finesse, she'd do a subtle shoulder massage, all while maintaining an innocent expression. Or even, when you engaged in conversation with that newcomer, she would swoop in, spin around, and deliver a high-five so intricate it left everyone bewildered. "Just checking in on Chief," she'd casually say before walking away.

---

discovery of the day: im such a bad writer

[slydiddledeedee]

DOFLAMINGOOO BABEYYYY 1. 8. 21. 22. ◀️ me doxxing you

i won't lie this does feel like creating an elaborate pie-in-the-face trap only to set it off myself. anyway

1 - Why do you like or dislike this character? I find Doflamingo such an insanely interesting character because he shows up and sucks SO BAD. But also from the get go the way he's portrayed is so intriguing--he's flamboyant and has a finger in every pie and says the most insane things, and then you find out how he operates and it's absolutely horrific. The way Oda wrote him to have this tragic backstory and still not excuse any of his actions is one of his best writing choices imo--it really hammers how nothing justifies your actions except you yourself. I really do think about his psyche a lot because he is shown to be somewhat irrational from the viewer's pov, which always makes me think: what is going through his head which makes this rational?

8 - What's something the fandom does when it comes to this character that you despise?

Aside from the awful incest too many people are obsessed with (given), I really don't like it when dfmgo is over-simplified in either direction! He's not this traumatized victim who is solely acting out of fear and actually has a good heart (did you read the manga.) nor is he just i'm craaaaazy i'm insane asylum i'm gonna getcha etc. I also think his voice as a character is tough for me to read because idk. I think about him Often.

21 - If you're a fic writer and have written for this character, what's your favorite thing to do when you're writing for this character? What's something you don't like?

MAN.....i really like showing the awful ways he expresses love and how he is human despite his best efforts!! for example in family resemblance in the very first chapter when (spoilers) rosi comes in to help him and notices a stain on his coat, i wanted to write it with this unspoken trust between the two of them (though really more between doflamingo and rosi) where rosi automatically knows he has to clean the coat, which is a show of love from doflamingo because if he didn't love rosi (and in his mind conversely if rosi didn't love him) he wouldn't "allow" rosi to take and clean the coat, and rosi wouldn't keep his secret safe. similarly, later, when doflamingo is talking to tsuru he mentions how choosing to be killed with a bullet (vs his strings) is "the boring choice," which are words she later throws back in his face to comment how he killed his own brother. TLDR; writing doflamingo's love and how it is inseparable from anger for him. at the risk of sounding totally insane i can't think of anything i don't like doing when writing for doflamingo. i only write what i like and what i think will be good

22 - If you're a fic reader and have read for this character, what's something you like in fics when it comes to this character? something you don't like?

SAINT YOU KNOW I HAVE BEEN IN THE METAPHORICAL TRENCHES. It really really really comes down to characterization for me and there are veeeery few fics I've read where I can finish and nod and go yeah you know what I believe it. It's not about serious topics vs something more flippant; I've read both toned types of stories and there are people who characterize him in a way I really like!! but overwhelmingly i start to read things and am not drunk enough to get through it. to reiterate what i said above i don't like swinging too hard in either direction (which effectively flattens him as a character for me if not outright contradicts the source material in a significant way). on a more broad level i don't like when people oversimplify his relationship with the family in general--in particular cora, but really any of them. there's a lot of meat on them there bones yknow

Thanks for the ask saint MWAH!!!!

[fixitrightgaragedoor]

If you’ve been hearing strange noises, experiencing slow door movement, or noticing that your trusty overhead unit just isn’t what it used to be, then it may be time for replacing garage door opener hardware. Swapping out an older model with a new, more efficient device can save you money on repairs, enhance security, and even reduce noise levels. It’s a project that can be done by a determined DIYer, though it often pays to hire professionals for a seamless result. ⚙️ Before we dive in, check out the quick reference table below. It’ll help you spot those common “red flags” that suggest replacing garage door opener might be your next necessary home improvement: SignWhat It MeansDoor moves sluggishly or stalls frequentlyA failing or underpowered motorLoud grinding or rattling soundsWorn gears or chain, possibly near end-of-lifeInconsistent remote responseOutdated electronics or faulty wiringLacks safety features (no auto-reverse)Older model that doesn’t meet modern standardsKeypad malfunctions or no keypad at allUpgrade needed for better convenience and security Over the next sections, we’ll explore the essentials: from understanding the different opener types and tools needed to real-life stories, checklists, and insider tips. Let’s get started! Why Replacing Garage Door Opener Matters Many homeowners delay replacing garage door opener components because the door still “kind of works.” But waiting until it outright fails can leave you stuck outside late at night or risk your family’s safety. Upgrading also adds modern features, like battery backups and smartphone connectivity, which can make daily life a whole lot easier. ⚡ Real-Life Example Imagine you’re rushing to work, but your garage door simply refuses to open. You press the remote, and nothing happens. You swap batteries, wiggle the wiring—still no luck. This unfortunate morning scenario highlights why an outdated unit can throw a serious wrench into your schedule. Practical Tip Don’t wait until the last minute. Perform monthly checks and note the door’s response time, noise level, and reliability. A garage door opener tends to show small signs of declining health before it finally gives out. Signs You’re Due for a New Garage Door Opener When to replace a garage door opener is a common question. Some clear indicators include: - Unreliable Opening/Closing - If your door hesitates or reverses mid-close without reason. - Increased Noise - A sudden spike in grinding or squealing often indicates worn gears. - Outdated Safety Features - Modern systems have sensors, rolling codes, and auto-reverse. - Frequent Breakdowns - Repair costs can quickly add up, making replacement cheaper long-term. Real-Life Example A friend of mine kept tinkering with her ancient chain-drive opener. After multiple service calls, the cost of repairs nearly equaled the price of a brand-new belt-drive unit. By the time she realized this, she’d already spent more than she needed to. Practical Tip Create a small budget “piggy bank” for home improvements. That way, you’re financially ready to tackle replacing garage door opener the moment you see persistent issues. Different Types of Garage Door Openers Choosing the best garage door opener for your home hinges on personal preference, budget, and the specific needs of your garage. Here are the four main types: - Chain-Drive - Uses a metal chain to move the door. - Often louder but typically the most budget-friendly. - Belt-Drive - Utilizes a rubber belt for smoother, quieter operation. - Great for attached garages where noise is an issue. - Screw-Drive - Employs a threaded steel rod; minimal components, moderate noise. - Good for climates without extreme temperature swings. - Direct-Drive - The motor itself moves along the track. - Very quiet but usually at a higher price point. Real-Life Example A homeowner with a baby’s room adjacent to the garage might value a belt-drive opener for its nearly whisper-quiet operation. Another homeowner with a detached garage could choose a chain-drive to save money without bothering neighbors. Practical Tip Climate matters. Extremely cold or hot environments can stress certain opener types. Consider your local weather when deciding on the best garage door opener for your home. Essential Tools & Safety Gear Before you roll up your sleeves for any DIY tips for garage door opener replacement, gather the following: - Wrench & Socket Set: For loosening/tightening mounting bolts. - Drill & Assorted Bits: Makes removing old brackets and installing new hardware faster. - Step Ladder: A sturdy, non-slip model for reaching overhead components. - C-Clamps or Locking Pliers: Secure the door on the track so it doesn’t suddenly drop. - Safety Glasses & Work Gloves: Protect against flying debris or pinched fingers. - Flashlight or Headlamp: Handy in darker corners of the garage ceiling. Real-Life Example Picture this: You’re in the middle of removing the old opener, but your ladder wobbles on the uneven garage floor. Secure the area and use a ladder stabilizer if needed. Safety first! Practical Tip Always cut power at the circuit breaker, not just the opener’s power switch, to avoid accidental electrical mishaps. ⚠️ Step-by-Step: Replacing Garage Door Opener Ready to roll up your sleeves? Here’s a broad overview of how replacing garage door opener mechanics works: - Turn Off Power - Locate the correct circuit breaker and switch it off. - Remove the Old System - Disconnect the opener from the door and the ceiling brackets. - Prepare the New Opener - Assemble the rail, attach the belt/chain, and secure any tensioners. - Mount the Motor Unit - Fasten brackets to the ceiling joists; follow manufacturer instructions for spacing. - Attach Door Bracket - Securely connect the opener’s arm to the door. - Install Safety Sensors - Position them near the base of the tracks. Align them exactly to avoid false triggers. - Connect Wiring & Power - Double-check the opener’s wiring diagram for correct terminals. - Test & Adjust - Open and close the door multiple times, making sure limits and force settings are correct. Real-Life Example A neighbor tried installing her new belt-drive opener without carefully reading the instructions. She forgot to calibrate the travel limits. The door slammed into the floor on its first test run, bending the top panel. Carefully follow each step to avoid damage! Practical Tip Snap photos of your old opener’s wiring before you disconnect anything. Visual references can be a lifesaver during reinstallation. 📸 DIY Tips for Garage Door Opener Replacement Many homeowners ask about DIY tips for garage door opener replacement to save on labor costs. If you’re handy with tools, it’s quite doable, but always prioritize safety: - Follow Instructions: Each brand has unique assembly steps. - Use C-Clamps: Keep the garage door from moving unexpectedly. - Enlist a Helper: Mounting the motor unit overhead can be tricky alone. - Consult the Manual: Pay attention to torque settings and height adjustments. Real-Life Example I once assisted a friend who attempted a solo install. Midway, he realized balancing the motor on the ladder while screwing in the mounting bracket was beyond his comfort level. Having a second pair of hands made it a breeze. Practical Tip Even the most thorough DIY can miss some finer details. If anything feels off—strange vibrations, inconsistent stopping points—consider calling a professional. Professional Garage Door Opener Installation vs. DIY It’s tempting to tackle professional garage door opener installation tasks on your own. However, there are distinct benefits to hiring experts: - Warranty Preservation: Some brands require professional installation to maintain coverage. - Accurate Alignment: Technicians have specialized tools for sensor calibration. - Time Savings: Avoid spending your entire weekend on tricky adjustments. - Safety Assurance: Pros are trained to handle heavy parts and electrical wiring. Real-Life Example A colleague opted for professional garage door opener installation. Despite the cost, the technicians had everything done in under two hours, including testing and removing the old unit. No fuss, no stress. Practical Tip Ask about service guarantees. Many professional companies offer a satisfaction warranty, ensuring free adjustments if something isn’t perfect the first time. When to Replace a Garage Door Opener (Detailed Insights) We touched on signs to watch for earlier, but let’s get more specific about when to replace a garage door opener: - 10-15 Year Mark - Technology evolves quickly; older models may lack critical safety features. - Multiple Service Calls - If you’re calling for repairs more than once a year, start budgeting for a replacement. - Security Concerns - Modern openers use rolling codes that are tougher to hack. - Visible Rust or Wear - Rust on the rail or chain can point to deeper mechanical issues. Real-Life Example A family friend kept their opener for nearly 18 years. After hearing about break-ins in the neighborhood, they opted for a new system with rolling code technology. This decision gave them peace of mind and a quieter opener to boot. Practical Tip Look for UL-compliant labels on new openers. These indicate adherence to industry-recognized safety standards. ✅ Best Garage Door Opener for Your Home: Factors to Consider Selecting the best garage door opener for your home involves more than just picking the cheapest or quietest option. Factor in: - Door Weight: Heavier wooden doors often require sturdier chain or direct-drive models. - Budget: Belt-drives typically cost more but may be worth it for noise reduction. - Frequency of Use: A busy household might benefit from a more durable, reliable opener. - Location: Attached garages benefit from quieter drives; a detached garage might go for cost savings. Real-Life Example A homeowner in a dense neighborhood with sleeping children invests extra in a high-end belt-drive with battery backup. The result? Peace and quiet during late-night returns, plus operation even during power outages. Practical Tip If you can, visit a local hardware store’s display models. Hearing and seeing the openers in action can make your choice clearer. Cost Considerations & Sample Pricing Table Lastly, one of the biggest questions about replacing garage door opener systems is cost. Prices vary based on brand, features, and labor. Below is a handy table for an approximate range: Opener TypeUnit Price RangeProfessional InstallationSmart Add-OnsChain-Drive$150 – $250$100 – $300$50 – $150Belt-Drive$180 – $400$120 – $350$50 – $150Screw-Drive$200 – $350$120 – $300$50 – $150Direct-Drive$300 – $600$150 – $400$75 – $200 Warranty options vary by brand: - Some offer lifetime motor warranties. - Others provide limited coverage (3–5 years) on parts and labor. Real-Life Example A budget-conscious friend opted for a $200 chain-drive and installed it himself. Another neighbor chose a $450 belt-drive opener plus professional installation, totaling around $750. Both families were happy but valued different priorities (cost vs. noise reduction and convenience). Practical Tip Ask about any promotional bundles. Certain retailers or service companies offer package deals, which might include extra remotes, keypad entry, or even a discounted tune-up later. Conclusion Replacing garage door opener equipment can be a game-changer for your home’s security, convenience, and peace of mind. Whether you decide to DIY or go with professional garage door opener installation, understanding the various types, tools required, and cost expectations is essential. Don’t wait until you’re locked out or find yourself dealing with a faulty system on a busy morning—be proactive. Thought-Provoking Questions - Have you evaluated the noise level in your garage lately? Could a quieter drive type improve your daily routine? - Are you comfortable handling electrical wiring and alignment tasks, or does a pro’s expertise sound more reassuring? - Which safety features (auto-reverse, battery backup, rolling codes) are “must-haves” for your household? If at any point you feel uncertain or prefer expert insights, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted professional. Fix It Right Garage Doors offers top-tier service and can help you install your new opener safely and efficiently. For further reading on recommended safety standards, visit this external resource for additional tips. Replacing your opener is not just about functionality—it’s an investment in the comfort and security of your home. Take the time to choose wisely and, when necessary, rely on professionals to make sure every bolt is tightened and every sensor is aligned perfectly. ⚡ Read the full article

[a-method-in-it]

I don't even fuckin' know man but here's how to community organize

*Disclaimer: This is based on my experience, which is mostly with unions; not all techniques will work for all types of community organizing.

You have to talk to people you don't know. In person. Yes, really. No, there's no shortcut or weird trick. Yes, it sucks and is awkward and at least one attempt will go badly and become one of those things that your brain reminds you of when you're trying to fall asleep. There's no help for it, so just accept it now. I'm sorry.

Pick AT MOST two things that you care about. You might have a burst of energy and want to do everything right now, but community organizing is a long game. Ideally pick one thing to care about for the purposes of organizing, maximum two.

Talk to people about those things. Maybe this means trying to talk to your coworkers to form a union (more on that here). Maybe you want to talk to your neighbors about providing support to homeless people in your neighborhood. Maybe you start to build support for making your church/temple/etc. a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants. Maybe you want to create a mutual aid group. Whatever it is, start having conversations.

You'll get better at it over time. I promise.

Focus on goals. Big picture issues can seem daunting. No individual can solve the housing crisis or fix our broken immigration system or restore reproductive rights. But a small, dedicated, organized group of people can provide material support to the unhoused, assist undocumented neighbors, or create a system for seeking reproductive care out of state. Think about concrete things that you can do. Those are the things that will get your neighbors involved.

Don't talk about ideology or politics. Like I said, what gets people invested is the shared goal. Don't turn off potential allies by throwing a whole lot of charged political rhetoric at them. Relatedly:

Forget ideological purity. One of the main reasons lefty orgs wind up being ineffective is because a lot of people have a lot of opinions about politics and then prioritize having correct politics over actually getting anything done. I have done (very effective) union organizing with people I do not get along with and stood side by side on a picket line with outright conservatives. It does not matter if Susie next door is a proud liberal with cringe opinions about The West Wing; if she is willing to show up every other Saturday to hand out sandwiches in the homeless encampment, she is your motherfucking comrade and you will respect her as such.

Think in networks. Your org might be small, but how can you work with other groups? How can you share resources? How can you make sure that the work everyone is doing is connected and coordinated, across causes. Related to this:

Look for allies, not enemies. There are somethings that shouldn't be tolerated in an org --- sexual harassment for one --- but mostly, you want to take advantage of any opportunity to bring someone in or work with another group. Focus on solving problems, reducing friction, and de-escalating conflict wherever possible.

Spread out leadership and responsibility. This can be a big one. Train as many people as possible on how to do all tasks (especially anything admin!!). Empower people to feel like they could fill in as necessary when leaders are out. Over time in any org, people will get burned out, will have health issues, will have kids, will move, etc. A strong community org does not rely on any one person or even any three people; it allows people to come and go over time because there's always someone to handle what needs doing.

It is neither a marathon nor a sprint but an eternal relay race. You will not solve everything, but you will make the world better. Maybe over time it will grow into something bigger; maybe it won't. But if you go in with the idea that you just need to give it your all until it's fixed, you will burn out very quickly. There is no end point when everything will be fine. There will always be work to be done to improve the world. Do it while it is yours to do. Rest when you need to rest. It is all any of us can do.

[liliansun]

so now i need to dumpster dive into jensal's issues bc why was he going around with other girls and why did they never make it official and why was she hurting herself staying with him and why was he neglecting her, cause it seems like she was making plans and telling him she missed him and just her being adorable and sweet and his ass being a brick fucking wall and ik it killed her bc she isn't affectionate either so to see nothing be reciprocated hurt sm so i see why she's pushing him away ALSO THOSE LASR LINES 🥺

dumpster dive live : so this actually i will splurge into and say things i was waiting to let y’all figure out on your own bc it’ll actually make sense when y’all go along w the story (whole bunch of spoilers in here,, not really but at the same time yes)

okay,, so jeno’s thinking wasn’t right nor was it rational,, but from his perspective and his backstory w relationships that aren’t really on the relationship more of a situationship level,, he didn’t think much of it (due to the people he was ‘with’) and he didn’t directly see that his actions were creating ripples of effects he now has to face in the timeline of the au

they also never made it official bc neither outright said they wanted to be w each other due to the fear of their relationship not working out in the long run and they didn’t wanna ruin what they had already, so keeping quiet felt best for them

jeno isn’t really perceptive when it comes to emotions, but he cares enough to pay close enough to sal and bc she knew he knew her, she hid her pain due to him from him to not cause any problems in order to hold onto what they had for as long as she could,, hence why she put up w it for so long

jeno is the type of guy that if you want it,, you gotta tell him unless you show him and sal is the type of girl (all of this is based off my mind for the characters in the smau) to not tell you what she wants and hope you know what she wants to not seem like she’s asking for too much HENCE. THE PROBLEMS.

AAND NO BC THOSE LAST LINES HURT ME BRAH. HURT ME.

[nanowrimo]

Angst: How to Hurt Your Characters and Make It Count

As a writer, you’re probably familiar with putting your characters through painful situations. But how can we make all that suffering worth it? NaNo Participant Liz Generally has some advice on how to write effective angst! Arabella K Federico said, “Write pain so effectively, your readers will be begging for it to end.”

When you find yourself emotionally invested in your characters, hurting them can feel outright wrong. But sometimes, for the sake of your story, you just have to push them off the cliff (metaphorically or physically!)

Make it hurt. Dig deep, and reach into the darkest pits of emotional and physical pain. Give your readers a reason to break for your character. There are a few methods you can use to do this.

1. Physical Pain

Pain is a powerful motivator. It can cause people to act out of character, lash out, create out-of-character emotional outbursts or realizations, or show previously unknown care. This can also make your character more relatable to your readers. Pain doesn’t just affect the person experiencing it!

2. Mental or Emotional Pain

What is your character’s worst fear? The nightmare that keeps them up at night? Are they afraid of losing someone close to them? Are they terrified of leaving someone behind? Use that to heighten the consequences of a scene. Characters who experience intense emotional or mental pain become more real to your readers, especially if they have experienced similar mental or emotional pain.

3. Spiritual Pain

Although spiritual pain generally results from either physical, mental, or emotional pain, it can be a very effective method to hurt your character and create angst. How can you make your reader question their faith or lack thereof? If they are very spiritual, can you make them believe their god or deity doesn’t exist? If they don’t believe in a deity, can you make them believe in one? Spiritual pain can be the most excruciating to read when done well.

So how do you amplify the pain? What can you use to make the pain more graphic, intense, and palpable?

1. Dig deep into your own personal experiences.

Using your own pain as inspiration will help you ensure that what you’re writing is authentic and raw. Chances are, at least some of your readers have experienced something similar.

2. Use words that evoke not only emotion but physical sensation.

If you are struggling to write a specific scene, outline it. Write a list of each of the five senses and a list of all of the thoughts that your character might feasibly think. You should write at least one or two from each sense, and a few thoughts (if your chosen point of view allows for it) into the scene to create a full sensory profile.

3. How does your setting affect the pain you’re writing into the scene?

If your character is in love with someone, and the angst happens at a wedding, what is happening around them to increase the pain they feel? Is their love interest marrying someone else? What are they feeling or seeing that could make that pain worse? Is the song playing a song they imagined dancing with them to at their own wedding? Does the wedding look like the one they always imagined having with them? Are they standing beside them trying to pretend they don’t wish with every fiber of their being that they were the ones getting married?

Angst doesn’t have to be physical. It does have to connect with your reader. When you use multiple types of pain, utilize your own experiences, use all of your senses, and your setting to its full potential, there are unlimited ways to create angst that will have your readers begging you to put your characters out of their misery. Have fun hurting your characters!

Liz Generally is a romance author, wife, and mother to two girls and two dogs living in Oklahoma City. Liz is passionate about helping people and raising awareness for congenital heart disease. When she isn’t writing, she can be found spending time with her family and friends, volunteering, crafting, or cheering on her favorite hockey team. Liz is the author of Never Gonna Let You Fall, Alpha Mine, Blood Dreams, and Through The Flames all available on Kindle Vella. Photo by Abigail on Unsplash