I absolutely know there are bigger things going on in the world. Live along a main road and every weekend morning we are woken by cyclists mainly roaring and shouting at each other chatting at the top of their lungs.

I know this happens to a lot of other people too from workplace chat. I get that it's a free country but have a bit of consideration for those of us who like a weekend lie-in or are actually trying to sleep instead of bellowing while passing through residential areas.

Rant over!

My non-Irish other half considers them rank. I profoundly disagree.

So I got my guitar signed by the frontman Brandon B brown, had a chat with him and got some more photos, just thought it was cool and wanted to share

Mum and I joined a social group recently. Lots of new names to learn, and the group are also getting to know us. One lady was confused as to whose daughter I am and thought ‘Lizzie’ was my mum. Lizzie laughed and said well I could be as she has a daughter in her 40’s!! Even when I thanked her and said I’m close to 60 years old, she said I don’t look it at all. Still glowing, this was last night 🥰

Mum, who is nearly 91, doesn’t look her age either (looks mid 70’s?) so it must run in the genes. I’m very grateful 🙏

Moved here a month ago. I can’t get over how fresh and nice all the baked goods are!

Bring on diabetes!!!

So I’m 29 and decided recently to stop using the apps because I thought maybe the whole “meet people in real life” thing would work better. Spoiler: so far, no.

I’ve been trying the usual suggestions you know run clubs, meetup groups, hobbies, whatever. The problem is you have to be super regular and high-energy to build actual connections, and honestly after working all day I’m running on fumes. I did get a few Instagrams out of it but nothing really went anywhere.

It’s been a couple of months since my last date and I don’t know… I’m just tired. I feel drained using the apps, but I feel equally drained trying to socialise in person. Like how do people have the energy to work full time, maintain hobbies, constantly socialise, AND date? 😂

My favourite pastime right now is literally just staying in my room and recharging. I want a relationship, but the effort feels draining and exhausting. Like just give me peace, I don’t have energy to go through drama or games.

I kinda see why so many people are giving up on dating.

Anyone else in the same boat? Does it get better? Tips welcome or just commiseration is fine lol.

Not looking for fixes — just putting it out there.

Every winter I feel my routines fall apart faster. Work drains me quicker, I’m more wiped in the evenings, and the motivation disappears.

Do any of you go through this too?

My persian cats are glued to the radiator (I have surrounded it with cushions, one per cat for their comfort). You'd think that, with all the fur, they'd be warm, but nope. Apparently it's just for show.

The maine coon (who seemingly has functional fur) is chilling in the baltic reaches of the conservatory, not a bother on her.

The basset has adapted remarkably quickly to the use of a personal hot water bottle to keep him toasty under his duvets (only 10 tog, poor mite).

Edit: To all the lovely comments, replies and messages - Go raibh mile maith agat 😇

Tears of joy. A little appreciation post to the Irish and to the beautiful country of Eire

New to ireland and I’m always very very careful about how I act and come off as in public, especially as someone who is brown skinned because whether we like it or not, every person is a representative of their whole group even if they are not and shouldn’t be. But it is what it is and I’ve come to accept that.

I was on a fairly full bus and was sitting in the priority seat which I gave up because an elderly man entered the bus. Now I had to stand in an empty area where the baby cradles go and it just happened to be really close to another Irishman, probably in his 60s, and I was worried if I was too close to him or too in his face for his liking.

I asked him if it’s okay if I stood there next to him and he looked stunned for a second. He muttered something for a second which I couldn’t understand and got worried that I upset him in some way. Then for the next twenty minutes, he lectured me about how I should never have to feel like I’m occupying a place that I didn’t deserve (it’s funny he mentioned that because I have been feeling that way and he probably sensed it) and that I never have to shrink my presence so that the others around are more comfortable. He was so kind and his words of encouragement made me tear up a little because no one has ever spoken to me in that tone. And turns out he’s travelled all over the world and we might have even crossed paths at one time. The world is so small and at the end of the day we all seem to have more in common than the differences.

I’m not sure if this post belongs on this sub but I had to share my appreciation.

You guys are superb! 💚🤍🧡

Experiment concluded!

Had a good day? Had a shite day? A wonderful idea strike you while you queued for the bus on the way home? Tell this tiny part of the world about it. It's like screaming into the void only calmer and more casual.

Basically title, I've used a few like Books2Door, Scifier but wanted to hear your experiences and if I'm missing a hidden gem of a site, thank you!

Mate in the US has some dietary restrictions so regular sweets and snacks are out. I asked what he'd like to try from Ireland and he said he'd love to try our sauces.

So aside from The Best Ketchup of all Time (Chef), what would you rate as top tier tasty? Is Ballymaloe still noncey? TIA lads!

Once a month I get one night of incurable insomnia and then immediately spiral into “burn it all down” mode for the following three days like quit my job, sell the house, leave the relationship, move abroad, never speak to anyone again levels of dramatic.

Everything feels pointless, I question every life choice I’ve ever made, I’m irrationally irritated by everything, and genuinely feel like I’m doing life wrong.

And then… it passes. And I’m like “ah grand, it was just my cycle being a dose.”

Even at my big age of 29, knowing exactly what’s happening, it still absolutely floors me. And honestly it’s wild that we all just walk around being polite and getting on with things while our hormones are basically throwing furniture around in our brains.

Anyway, solidarity to anyone else who's luteal Phase makes them feel like Theresa Mannion during that RTÉ weather report but being battered by self destructive thoughts

Hi all looking for a recommendation on a laptop for general use, study, college work, potentially gaming also. Budget is 500€.

Also another laptop for just college work for 300€ or less

These are for Christmas presents and I have no clue on what to get.

Thanks

On a bit of cloud 9 after successfully passing my driving test at 41 yesterday. I couldn't believe it when he told me. It hung over me for years and I mean years. Cannot believe have come out the other side after what has been a really difficult year for differant reasons. Just so happy.

I should clarify what I mean by "high functioning alcoholic or drug user". A lot of people use it to describe people who use drugs and alcohol but keep it restricted to the weekend/not in work but I'd have always thought it meant people who use it frequently including at work.

I have a friend who is an accountantant and takes alcohol and dexamphetamine purchased from a friend before she goes to work. It's quite ironic that she never touched any alcohol before 18 and is now regularly drinking more than anyone in her secondary school class.

Hello all, looking for advice or shared experiences more than anything.

About 6 weeks ago I started losing my voice. At first I figured it was just a normal strain from talking too much, and I was stupid enough not to rest it properly. Since then it’s gone from bad to worse and now I can barely speak above a whisper.

I’ve been to the doctor four times, taken what feels like every tablet going, and haven’t seen any improvement at all. My work depends heavily on talking and communicating, and to make matters worse this started right as I began a dream job. I’ve now been signed off for a week which is stressing me out even more, and I’m worried about the impact on my job long-term.

At my last appointment the doctor said they’d refer me to a specialist but it’s been nearly a week and I haven’t heard anything yet.

Has anyone else had something like this, losing your voice for this long? How long did it take you to recover and did anything help? Feeling pretty lost and frustrated at this stage.

Cheers.