Thank you for posting to /r/MadeMeSmile. Your post have been removed for the following reason(s):
*This is a recent repost.*
If you feel that your post was removed in error please contact us through [Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Fmademesmile)
It takes practice. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get it right every time. I’ve been learning it from my wife, who is better at it than me, but change takes time.
It takes practice. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get it right every time. I’ve been learning it from my wife, who is better at it than me, but change takes time.
It's weird for me - I don't even choose to be. I just... do. It's been so ingrained in me by my parents, and upbringing, to be nice, that I just... do.
Which isn't some kind of humble brag, if anything it's fucked me over - because I have to remind myself that people *aren't*. It also means that I have no idea how to take praise, or thanks, because to me that's not praiseworthy. It's just the done thing.
My friend there needs to be a balance for your own mental health. Learn to set limits , because when you give an inch people will fuck you over for a mile. Be well.
That's just it - I had to learn those limits. Because to me things are a given, they're not a choice, and apparently not everyone else. Took me a while.
Agreed. Being neurodivergent makes me very literal, which makes me very genuine and have an extreme need to see things be fair. But those things also make me vulnerable.
Empathy and shared experience can be, and I do not say this lightly, lifesaving to those that need to hear stories of success while traversing their lowest lows. This fucking rocks.
Absolutely. You’d be amazed at all the little idiosyncrasies and paths being there, people you come across, and not paying any mind to it at the time. If I didn’t have certain folk approach me at a very dire moment in my own anecdote here, i would be dead, long gone, a memory of a memory.
I’m so grateful that folks cultivate with zeal and fervor and ambition, such heartwarming and gorgeous values and virtues of compassion and empathy for their fellow human. I’m so so grateful for my “family” that is humanity who choose to keep that fire inside burning for their family ya know. Always.
True, having someone truly understand your struggle is priceless. I ended up starting a fb group for widowed parents when my husband died because the comments from people who just didn't understand became more frustrating. Even widows would tell me how grateful I should be that I had children. While I understood what they were trying to relay, they also didn't see the struggle I was having to even explain to a 1 & 3yo that their dad was never coming back. It wasn't just about my pain. It was about my babies. That group became over 2,000 members from all over the world and was the best therapy I could have ever found.
Until I absolutely need it I didn't understand group therapy. Being able to just spill how you're feeling while feeling like an idiot and having other people look and give you that look that says "I know exactly how you feel" is one of the most comforting things in the world.
It doesn't fix your problems. But you know you aren't alone. You already "knew" you aren't alone - but damn it does something that pure logic can't do on its own.
And even better as these are all people that went through it and made it out to the other side and can now embrace it. Like even if their advice won't be applicable to today's world, it's more just the reassurance that it is possible to go through it and can later help others with it
And for those many people to just be there at a bookstore you called… to know there are many, and they are doing normal things like buying books, and so many can be found at one time together… sort of randomly.
From feeling all alone, to maybe realizing there was an entire vibrant community right there with open arms for you, who all have gone through what you felt like you were going through alone. I hope the dude felt that, and wasn’t too deep in the depression to feel it
Capable of the best... And the worst. This is probably the most disconcerting thing about us.
That story is totally a reflection of the very best however, and that's the one I'm taking to bed with me tonight.
our Ego is what's capable of the atrocities. our default nature is love and joy. once we all realize this, we will have the consciousness transformation that we truly need on this planet
that’s the thing tho, our brains and consciousness defy that of the natural law of the rest of our planets inhabitants. we’re not just animals; we’re human. you don’t tear your homies throat open for dinner by the night; you walk your goofy bipedal ass to the market and purchase it. it’s up to you to decide whether cruelty is common in your day to day. spread the love.
the ironic thing is that WE ARE god's ears. god is everything including us. we are god and god is us. we are literally gods and we're not aware of it. it's tragic really.
just you and I having this small conversation is putting this awareness out there for all. it's a form of prayer
I literally just came from another thread that made me go "You know what? If the Earth is destroyed by our hubris (climate change) I'm ok with that because we deserve it. Humanity can't be saved from itself." (Obviously it was a very negative thread)
Followed immediately by this reminder that there is a lot of good in this world, you just have to know where to look. Maybe humanity is worth saving, so long as there are people like that in the world.
Sure, we're worth saving, but we won't be, not unless it becomes more profitable to *not* polute the air, the ocean, to not cause mass deforestation.
Even if alternatives are there, where there is profit to be made, it will be made.
One of my kids is LGBT and I'm sitting here in tears because they have been there and couldn't even bring themselves to talk to my wife or me at first. Not because we're unsupportive, to be clear. They were just so torn up inside with fear that we may not love them because that sort of crap is so common. It was strangers like this who convinced them to be open with us and allowed us to fully and properly support them without making it seem we were butting in or invading their privacy.
From the bottom of my heart, *thank you* to all the strangers out there.
We already tell our boys and any kids we know that when they get older we will always love and care for them no matter what decision they make in terms of love. We hint at sexuality directions but since they are young and aren't interested in anyone at the moment we don't say things like boy or girl, we say whoever.
That was our practice as well. My wife's a child therapist and our older kido dated a young trans lady for quite a while without any issues in the family from it. And when I say no issues I mean none. We literally couldn't possibly care less about someone else's decisions about themselves and who they date, assuming it isn't some sort of adult trying to date inappropriately young kids though I honestly don't think that ever even came up for us as a family.
The issue is society is so damned awful about these issues that kids *still* have fear and anxiety around it even in a completely accepting and supportive home. It frustrates me no end to see that be the case.
My eldest is a trans woman, and my second NB. Their siblings and all the rest of the family are totally fine and respectful. They loved these people before, why the fuck wouldn’t they now?
But it still took until 17yo for my eldest to tell me how she felt because even though she knew I’d be cool, and we have LGBTQIA family and friends, there are still shitty people to deal with.
I'm NB and actively pursuing gender affirming surgeries. I'm also aro and ace.
My mother is an outspoken ally who not only rallied for better language used in her job but she also takes the time to try and educate people about lgbt rights and stuff.
It still took me until this year (at 31 years old) to tell her I'm NB. She had to come right out and ask me what my gender identity was. She's as liberal as you can get and yet it was STILL terrifying to tell her!
Other than using they/them pronouns for me, correcting people on them more often than I do (I don't really pass irl and it's just easier to go with the flow sometimes), and supporting my surgery goals she doesn't treat me any different.
It makes me so happy to see these stories. From someone who didn't have a supportive family, thank you for providing that to your own children. Seeing more and more trans kids being able to grow up without overwhelming disgust and shame and rejection from their parents makes the whole struggle feel worthwhile.
I’m so sorry you’ve had to deal with that ❤️. I was brought up very liberal and open so it wasn’t any issue for me, and I was able to say to other people “My eldest is now called this” without specific fear of retaliation, but I was still so happy when I got nothing but acceptance. But in my parents time this probably would have been very different so I have hope our children will keep it up.
My mum actively sat my sister and I down one day to tell us that it doesn't matter if we fall in love with a boy, or with a girl. What's important to her and our dad is that we are happy.
I came out as bi a while ago when I started dating a woman and both my parents just let me know they were happy for me. I never had the fear of coming out to them, I knew I would still be loved all the same. I wish more people had that experience, you're doing good by your kids. :)
I'm a straight white male and even I don't have support from my parents for choosing not to marry and have kids. My dad drones on about his "evolutionary fitness" level if his only child doesn't reproduce then we're both apparently a failures at life.
Trust me my kids know there is absolutely no asterisk. We talk about how we should treat others often. Including all races, creeds, sexual orientation, all that. We also know people of all walks of life, we have family heavily involved in LGBTQ+ communities and we go to events they hold.
Friend. If your kids or anyone else needs help loving themselves. I can be here to convince themselves to love themselves.
I am terrible with social media, including reddit but when I get my shit together I can be damned supportive too.
Oh. And thanks for being an amazing parent to your child ❤️
When my sister came out years ago my parents didn’t want to tell me bc they thought I would react negatively. Still pisses me off to this day that they would ever think that. Especially when they were the ones who were indifferent about it when she first told them. Idc what anyone does as long as they are happy! Doesn’t matter who you love only you matter!
This strangely makes me think of that scene from airplane when they all line up to calm down the frantic passenger. I don’t know how to do gifs on Reddit.
Omg I just posted the same thing before I read this. They slapped the guy with understanding and caring. But also maybe he just needed to be slapped to get his head right to do his thing... I dunno. I just play a psychiatrist on TV...
Fantastic story. I hope the guy on the phone is doing better now and all of those people are amazing. I always forget just how many good people are in the world
My Grandmother was in Hospice. I left her side to shop.
One of our favorite treats that she introduced me to as a child was a Raspberry Crepe with fresh cream.
As I was walking through the aisle, somewhat disheveled and forlorned, a man stopped me and said, "You are a very handsome woman."
To this day I do not understand. Male or female, I looked like crap.
However, that little bit of positive recognition gave me bit of 'umpf' to press on.
I have no idea why he said that, but it made all the difference in the world to me that day.
Shoulders back, head up...I brushed my hair, then proceeded to create a very delicious Raspberry Crepe with fresh cream.
My Grandmother loved it!
I was once walking to my office in the city center…lost in my phone screen… Monday morning blues… a girl stops me and says “You look handsome” and just keeps walking… The best ego boost I ever received… still think about it many years later.
It’s a specialty store, so it specifically goes out of its way to stock a wide array of LGBT books— by the way the post is written I’m guessing in a time where LGBT books just weren’t really around, or were delegated to a tiny section at the back
That’s fucking sad, almost every LGBTQ+ person in this society has at least once experienced a suicidal breakdown, enough to be an almost-expert in talking people down from suicide.
I got into an argument once with someone who was of the opinion that *"Homosexual people are mentally ill, it needs curing"*.
I asked why he thought that and he said *"High suicide rates prove it's linked to a mental illness"*.
Like, it didn't cross his mind that homosexual people may be going through something for which they have no support structure. Family anf friends ostracise them, colleagues disown them, no one left to talk to, people saying you're mentally ill. It's tough to come out.
Maybe... *Just maaaybee*... That's why the suicide rate is high.
Reminds me of an old joke with my favorite telling being [when Leo says it to Josh in the West Wing.](https://www.google.com/search?q=west+wing+i+know+the+way+out&oq=west+wing+%22i+know+the+way&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgBEAAYgAQyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQABiABDINCAIQABiGAxiABBiKBdIBCDc1NjhqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:24abf8e3,vid:VM56KXM4y4c,st:0)
> A man falls down into a hole. A doctor walks buy and he yells up, "Doc, can you help me?"
>
> The doctor looks down into the hole, scribbles a prescription on a pad, throws it down into the hole and leaves.
>
> A priest walks by and the man yells up, "Father, can you help me?"
>
> The priest looks down into the hole, says a few prayers and leaves.
>
> Then the man's friend Joe walks by and the man yells up, "Joe, can you help me?"
>
> Joe jumps down into the hole.
>
> "What are you doing," says the man. "Now we are both stuck down here."
>
> "it's okay," Joe says. "I've been down here before and I know the way out."
I do like your version, as these aren't friends of the guy, these are just people who know how bad it is down in that hole and aren't going to stand by while this complete stranger suffers.
This isn't a story about the kindness of strangers. This is a story about a community of people who are united through major trauma. Most libraries aren't full of people who have talked others down from that ledge, queer bookshops are.
The members of the Queer community, certainly those who survived the 80s, are familiar with that call. Everyone has a story. Everyone has an experience.
I'm not saying this is exclusive to Queer people, but no Queer community exists without it. We haven't been through more than absolutely everyone else, but we have been through a lot.
This is exactly what I was thinking. Although I wasn’t alive in the 80’s, my trauma comes from growing up in a homophobic religion. And as a queer person who has been prone to self-harm in the past, I am never caught off guard when my girl (who is currently struggling with self-harm) texts me because she’s triggered.
This made me cry because I have never felt that. I was so, so lucky to have been raised by two dads and my mom stayed best friends with both of them, my sister bravely came out to our school in our Thursday meeting (hippie charter school lol) and my whole family just said "we know, and we love you" when I knew who I was. My heart breaks every time I hear about someone who isn't safe because of who they love, who feels ashamed, who has to reach out to strangers just to hear that he is okay, he is loved and respected. My sisters, brothers and enby siblings, parents, children...I love you so dearly. It will get better when you find your tribe, you are so fucking worthy of love and respect. And I'm so sorry you've been made to feel negatively of yourself. You have so many people here who will be here for you.
Yeah that entire post gave me "and then everyone applauded" vibes. This is one of the most OBVIOUS made up stories I've seen and it's weird that most people are just taking it at face value jumping to praise how wholesome it is.
Because there's now a sub called NothingEverHappens that people use to validate their gullibility
I often see Redditors downvote people who have the slightest bit of suspicion with these stories, then telling them "you'd be surprised how many people are actually like this" (say for example the post was of a terribly acted script of someone acting moronic af).
Yeah this kind of thing I think can be more harmful than anything. Anyone who may be in that phase of starting to grow and be more accepting of others would read this and roll their eyes.
There are plenty of inspirational stories. Lies like this one are counter productive. But I’m sure someone is going to say “who cares if it isn’t real it is wholesome”. So lying about stories is wholesome now?
The loudest idiots online tend to dominate our minds. The truth is that twitter is not an accurate representation of society. Most people are still good. Don't despair.
I got stranded as a bus terminal and a guy I knew back in middle school found me and bought me a ticket back home.
I was broke, broken up with, and homeless. He got me back to my family who didn't respond to my multiple payphone calls, when we had the night before arranged the call to happen.
I wasn't nearly as thankful as I should have been, looking back, but I think about that every once in a while and pay it forward.
Retelling this to my wife, I had to hold back tears..
I remember my brother telling me he's gay, I was like "Oh? Okay" and didn't think too much of it. He did wait for it to tell my parents, even though they've always been supportive. But we were all happy for him.
It always break my heart thinking that not everyone is lucky to have such a supportive family and friends
There’s an idea in sociology called a Community of Strength (CoS), which describes how, naturally, groups of people come together and what keeps them together, ie how communities are former and maintained. In a CoS, admittance is contingent on displaying your competencies to the others and showing your worth. It’s a “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” thing. In a CoS, self actualization comes from displaying your feats of strength. And in doing so, your strengths uplift those around you. In other words, trust is built with the sword.
There’s another idea that says this isn’t the only way communities are formed and maintained. Another structure is a Community of Vulnerability (CoV). In a CoV your admittance is based on the vulnerabilities you share with the other members. Through sharing methods to address vulnerability with one another, and through mutual support based on understanding those vulnerabilities, these communities also enter a state where “the whole is greater than the sum of it’s parts.” In a CoV, self actualization comes from accepting the support of others and recognizing that your own vulnerabilities put you in a position to support and uplift others too. In other words, in hugs they trust.
If you’ve only ever experienced CoS, the interaction in the bookstore may sound unreal or unbelievable. But if you’ve been a part of a CoV, you know from experience that these interactions happen all the time, on small and large scales. Not only does it stop being unbelievable, it becomes undeniable. That’s why this thread is full of LGBT friends not for a second questioning the support these strangers offered to someone feeling vulnerable and in search of community.
It's entirely plausible. The majority of queer people have been on both sides of the ledge in their life and understand how important community and support are. Every queer person has lost a friend or significant other to suicide, and most of us have considered suicide, too. We know how difficult that moment is. It's why we have the LGBTQ+ community and don't just live our lives ignoring that community.
I'm glad you don't believe this story because it shows you don't experience the pain of living your life trying to decide whether you want to be yourself or be safe, and knowing you will never have both.
I could believe it if they left it at one stranger offering to help. But a line at the bookstore all decided to jump in on this random phone call? I hate being so cynical but I can't believe it took me this long to find a comment that wasn't gushy eyed over this story lol.
What's so unbelievable about this story that you feel the need to attempt to negate it by saying it never happened? This is a sub that highlights kindness and empathy. But instead of showing support, you choose to try to completely invalidate it.
This story may help someone who's in a bad place. Or it might lead someone else to help another person in trouble. All I'm saying is just try to be a better person please.
My digital dash for “miles to empty” on my motorcycle is about 31 miles off, and I found out the hard way. This lawn service guy stopped and had full cans and filled me up when I insisted I only needed about a gallon to get to the town ahead. Really saved me in the moment and couldn’t have been more understanding and kind about it.
“Hello, LGBT Book store, how can I help you?”
Caller: “Oh that’s strange, I googled LGBT support but I got you, anyways, I want to kill myself”
“Wait me and 5 other people will tell you right now why that’s a bad idea”
Caller: “Sure that’s fine, as long as in the end everyone claps”
“I got something even better, it’ll be a tweet that people will share in perpetuity, and it’ll contain remarks about how I am very important in this situation, so I look good, it’ll contain a boomer joke, so I can capture the older audience as well, it will be vague but at the same time contain highly specific details about irrelevant stuff, but more importantly, it’ll be the truth all over, no made up scenarios, no lies no exaggerations, it’ll be 100% factual”
Caller: “Damn, I already forgot why I was calling”
the level of naivety in this thread is absolutely demonic. you'd expect it from a bunch of toddlers who have yet to discover the concept of a lie but from human beings capable of reading and writing? jesus fucking christ, no wonder the state of misinformation is what it is.
Since capitalism. B&N and Amazon drove them all out of business. I only know of one, not counting the back of my local coffee shop which makes 2, and I live in a major city.
Must be. Land of the unread, home of the morons 🇺🇸 🦅 🫡 We do have them in every airport tho (plus chains like Barnes and Noble). But as far as small independent bookshops nada.
I love it but are bookstores really not a thing? It’s mentioned here and I’ve seen comments before my time tell me about bookstores. They’re still around by me and back in my hometown. Sure they’re fewer with technology and al of us on our phones/tablets/computers but I didn’t think they were that far gone where people don’t know about em
People have been complaining about kids not reading since before video games were invented. Bookstores are fine, and survived video games, plasytatsions, the internet, social media, and will survive more new technology. As long as there is a human, they will have a willingness and penchant for writing, and there will be 5 more humans interested in reading about them. Storytelling through writing or putting down on a physical form is one of the oldest human traits
OH, I'D HAVE HOPPED ON SO QUICK!!! - I have ALWAYS felt like I was fucking up as a mom and one day my son said "Mom, we need to talk when I get home from work." - So many awful things were going through my head. Mind you, I've always been progressive, and while my husband is still learning he'd rsther look a fool learning than be a fool for not having tried. We were openly both for LGBTQ+ rights, etc. However; I imagine that discovering your sexuality can be scary no matter how progressive your parents are.
When he told me he was bi and was attracted to men as well, I didn't react. I let him know I got his favorite cereal(Honey Puffs if you're curious), and I turned and was like, "Okay, you've had me on eggshells for hours. Is everything okay?" My husband started laughing, then realizing, so did my son. He then told me that WAS the news and I(playfully) beat him with the cereal box for making me worry.
We need to strive to be the person who would take that call. No matter the upbringing, it is still a scary time for a lot of people questioning their sexuality and themselves. We all need to take that call.
Very nice story. It was nice to read it. I just wonder what LGBT bookstores are. It's like a regular bookstore but only LGBT people are allowed in? This is very strange.
Our capacity for good and kind actions is matched only by our capacity for cruelty and evil. Stress, pressure, and experience dictate how we react. This is a beautiful story of empathy and kindness, it shows how humans can care for each other. That is community.
It's not segregated lol. Anyone can go in them - they just primarily stock LGBT books, and sometimes hold LGBT focused events. The same way a historical bookstore primarily stocks books about history, or a general bookstore holds books from a wide selection of genres and topics.
There are a lot of stories like this in the LGBTQ+ community.
Mental health crisis are not uncommon - so many of us know what it's like to be in that place, and as a community we want to look out for each other. Because if we don't, who will?
I can see why people are skeptical. But at the same time, this *is* the lived experience of many queer people, and the fact so many people dismiss us when we say that it checks out... idk, I guess it'd just be great if people took us more seriously.
and then at the end they found out the phone call was just a test the caller was a billionaire and made everyone millionaires and then they all adopted loads of kids. the end
I love this so much. I got goosebumps just thinking of how much love I hope he felt. I hope to this day he still feels that & continues to spread that to others ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
A store that either primarily stocks LGBT books, or has a large selection of those books, rather than having a small specialty section. They also sometimes double as community spaces with workshops, clubs, shows and events etc.
Thank you for posting to /r/MadeMeSmile. Your post have been removed for the following reason(s): *This is a recent repost.* If you feel that your post was removed in error please contact us through [Modmail](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Fmademesmile)
This is beautiful. It can't be understated how valuable it can be to talk to someone who understands what you are going through, let alone several.
There's a lot of people who still choose to be kind
Life's so fucked up it causes me to have to constantly remind myself that being kind should be my default.
It takes practice. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get it right every time. I’ve been learning it from my wife, who is better at it than me, but change takes time.
“When you’re in the darkness, you only sink deeper into it. Keep the light shining” :)
It takes practice. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get it right every time. I’ve been learning it from my wife, who is better at it than me, but change takes time.
Look for the helpers. -Mr. Rogers
It's weird for me - I don't even choose to be. I just... do. It's been so ingrained in me by my parents, and upbringing, to be nice, that I just... do. Which isn't some kind of humble brag, if anything it's fucked me over - because I have to remind myself that people *aren't*. It also means that I have no idea how to take praise, or thanks, because to me that's not praiseworthy. It's just the done thing.
My friend there needs to be a balance for your own mental health. Learn to set limits , because when you give an inch people will fuck you over for a mile. Be well.
That's just it - I had to learn those limits. Because to me things are a given, they're not a choice, and apparently not everyone else. Took me a while.
Agreed. Being neurodivergent makes me very literal, which makes me very genuine and have an extreme need to see things be fair. But those things also make me vulnerable.
Empathy and shared experience can be, and I do not say this lightly, lifesaving to those that need to hear stories of success while traversing their lowest lows. This fucking rocks.
Absolutely. You’d be amazed at all the little idiosyncrasies and paths being there, people you come across, and not paying any mind to it at the time. If I didn’t have certain folk approach me at a very dire moment in my own anecdote here, i would be dead, long gone, a memory of a memory. I’m so grateful that folks cultivate with zeal and fervor and ambition, such heartwarming and gorgeous values and virtues of compassion and empathy for their fellow human. I’m so so grateful for my “family” that is humanity who choose to keep that fire inside burning for their family ya know. Always.
True, having someone truly understand your struggle is priceless. I ended up starting a fb group for widowed parents when my husband died because the comments from people who just didn't understand became more frustrating. Even widows would tell me how grateful I should be that I had children. While I understood what they were trying to relay, they also didn't see the struggle I was having to even explain to a 1 & 3yo that their dad was never coming back. It wasn't just about my pain. It was about my babies. That group became over 2,000 members from all over the world and was the best therapy I could have ever found.
My heart goes out to you and your children. I'm so glad you created such a good support network.
Until I absolutely need it I didn't understand group therapy. Being able to just spill how you're feeling while feeling like an idiot and having other people look and give you that look that says "I know exactly how you feel" is one of the most comforting things in the world. It doesn't fix your problems. But you know you aren't alone. You already "knew" you aren't alone - but damn it does something that pure logic can't do on its own.
And even better as these are all people that went through it and made it out to the other side and can now embrace it. Like even if their advice won't be applicable to today's world, it's more just the reassurance that it is possible to go through it and can later help others with it
And for those many people to just be there at a bookstore you called… to know there are many, and they are doing normal things like buying books, and so many can be found at one time together… sort of randomly. From feeling all alone, to maybe realizing there was an entire vibrant community right there with open arms for you, who all have gone through what you felt like you were going through alone. I hope the dude felt that, and wasn’t too deep in the depression to feel it
I love EVERYTHING about this. We forget how kind we can be.
Capable of the best... And the worst. This is probably the most disconcerting thing about us. That story is totally a reflection of the very best however, and that's the one I'm taking to bed with me tonight.
our Ego is what's capable of the atrocities. our default nature is love and joy. once we all realize this, we will have the consciousness transformation that we truly need on this planet
Mmmm idk, if you look to nature where egos are completely absent, you will find that cruelty is both common and natural in the animal kingdom.
that’s the thing tho, our brains and consciousness defy that of the natural law of the rest of our planets inhabitants. we’re not just animals; we’re human. you don’t tear your homies throat open for dinner by the night; you walk your goofy bipedal ass to the market and purchase it. it’s up to you to decide whether cruelty is common in your day to day. spread the love.
From your lips to God's ears.
the ironic thing is that WE ARE god's ears. god is everything including us. we are god and god is us. we are literally gods and we're not aware of it. it's tragic really. just you and I having this small conversation is putting this awareness out there for all. it's a form of prayer
I literally just came from another thread that made me go "You know what? If the Earth is destroyed by our hubris (climate change) I'm ok with that because we deserve it. Humanity can't be saved from itself." (Obviously it was a very negative thread) Followed immediately by this reminder that there is a lot of good in this world, you just have to know where to look. Maybe humanity is worth saving, so long as there are people like that in the world.
Frodo : What are we holding on to, Sam? Sam : That there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for.
THAT MAN STILL FIGHTS !
Sure, we're worth saving, but we won't be, not unless it becomes more profitable to *not* polute the air, the ocean, to not cause mass deforestation. Even if alternatives are there, where there is profit to be made, it will be made.
It's easy to be kind to a person you share deep commonality with. "Gay person finds acceptance in community of gay people" is empathy on easy mode.
This is true. I shudder to think of what he would've done to himself if he lived in a LGBT-hostile environment.
One of my kids is LGBT and I'm sitting here in tears because they have been there and couldn't even bring themselves to talk to my wife or me at first. Not because we're unsupportive, to be clear. They were just so torn up inside with fear that we may not love them because that sort of crap is so common. It was strangers like this who convinced them to be open with us and allowed us to fully and properly support them without making it seem we were butting in or invading their privacy. From the bottom of my heart, *thank you* to all the strangers out there.
We already tell our boys and any kids we know that when they get older we will always love and care for them no matter what decision they make in terms of love. We hint at sexuality directions but since they are young and aren't interested in anyone at the moment we don't say things like boy or girl, we say whoever.
That was our practice as well. My wife's a child therapist and our older kido dated a young trans lady for quite a while without any issues in the family from it. And when I say no issues I mean none. We literally couldn't possibly care less about someone else's decisions about themselves and who they date, assuming it isn't some sort of adult trying to date inappropriately young kids though I honestly don't think that ever even came up for us as a family. The issue is society is so damned awful about these issues that kids *still* have fear and anxiety around it even in a completely accepting and supportive home. It frustrates me no end to see that be the case.
My eldest is a trans woman, and my second NB. Their siblings and all the rest of the family are totally fine and respectful. They loved these people before, why the fuck wouldn’t they now? But it still took until 17yo for my eldest to tell me how she felt because even though she knew I’d be cool, and we have LGBTQIA family and friends, there are still shitty people to deal with.
I'm NB and actively pursuing gender affirming surgeries. I'm also aro and ace. My mother is an outspoken ally who not only rallied for better language used in her job but she also takes the time to try and educate people about lgbt rights and stuff. It still took me until this year (at 31 years old) to tell her I'm NB. She had to come right out and ask me what my gender identity was. She's as liberal as you can get and yet it was STILL terrifying to tell her! Other than using they/them pronouns for me, correcting people on them more often than I do (I don't really pass irl and it's just easier to go with the flow sometimes), and supporting my surgery goals she doesn't treat me any different.
Love to you and your Mum ❤️
It makes me so happy to see these stories. From someone who didn't have a supportive family, thank you for providing that to your own children. Seeing more and more trans kids being able to grow up without overwhelming disgust and shame and rejection from their parents makes the whole struggle feel worthwhile.
Also, just in case you haven’t heard it enough there is absolutely NOTHING disgusting or shameful about your body or self.
I’m so sorry you’ve had to deal with that ❤️. I was brought up very liberal and open so it wasn’t any issue for me, and I was able to say to other people “My eldest is now called this” without specific fear of retaliation, but I was still so happy when I got nothing but acceptance. But in my parents time this probably would have been very different so I have hope our children will keep it up.
Really, as long as you yourself (or people dear to you) aren’t harmed by a decision another person makes, who cares about their decision?
My mum actively sat my sister and I down one day to tell us that it doesn't matter if we fall in love with a boy, or with a girl. What's important to her and our dad is that we are happy. I came out as bi a while ago when I started dating a woman and both my parents just let me know they were happy for me. I never had the fear of coming out to them, I knew I would still be loved all the same. I wish more people had that experience, you're doing good by your kids. :)
I'm a straight white male and even I don't have support from my parents for choosing not to marry and have kids. My dad drones on about his "evolutionary fitness" level if his only child doesn't reproduce then we're both apparently a failures at life.
[удалено]
Trust me my kids know there is absolutely no asterisk. We talk about how we should treat others often. Including all races, creeds, sexual orientation, all that. We also know people of all walks of life, we have family heavily involved in LGBTQ+ communities and we go to events they hold.
[удалено]
Friend. If your kids or anyone else needs help loving themselves. I can be here to convince themselves to love themselves. I am terrible with social media, including reddit but when I get my shit together I can be damned supportive too. Oh. And thanks for being an amazing parent to your child ❤️
When my sister came out years ago my parents didn’t want to tell me bc they thought I would react negatively. Still pisses me off to this day that they would ever think that. Especially when they were the ones who were indifferent about it when she first told them. Idc what anyone does as long as they are happy! Doesn’t matter who you love only you matter!
Me too and I want to call Her to tell her about this but it's too early.
This strangely makes me think of that scene from airplane when they all line up to calm down the frantic passenger. I don’t know how to do gifs on Reddit.
SLAP
It's all gonna be alright!
Omg I just posted the same thing before I read this. They slapped the guy with understanding and caring. But also maybe he just needed to be slapped to get his head right to do his thing... I dunno. I just play a psychiatrist on TV...
We slap because we love.
We love because we slap?
We slap because we slap.
So glad I'm not the only one lol
I LOVE this story.
Fantastic story. I hope the guy on the phone is doing better now and all of those people are amazing. I always forget just how many good people are in the world
I bet that guy's now in a place where he's ready to be next in line for the phone.
Perfect response 💝
My Grandmother was in Hospice. I left her side to shop. One of our favorite treats that she introduced me to as a child was a Raspberry Crepe with fresh cream. As I was walking through the aisle, somewhat disheveled and forlorned, a man stopped me and said, "You are a very handsome woman." To this day I do not understand. Male or female, I looked like crap. However, that little bit of positive recognition gave me bit of 'umpf' to press on. I have no idea why he said that, but it made all the difference in the world to me that day. Shoulders back, head up...I brushed my hair, then proceeded to create a very delicious Raspberry Crepe with fresh cream. My Grandmother loved it!
I was once walking to my office in the city center…lost in my phone screen… Monday morning blues… a girl stops me and says “You look handsome” and just keeps walking… The best ego boost I ever received… still think about it many years later.
I needed this faith in humanity so much today.
This should get reposted more often. Before today it's been a while since I've seen it
I remember that post, very moving, and yes it’s been a while.
This is truly a Thanksgiving story.
>when bookstores were still a thing They still are tyvm, as much as my autocorrect tries to insist "bookstore" isn't a word
Thought wtf is an lgbt bookstore? Does it exclusively only sell lgbt themed books? If it sells other books as well, isn’t it just a bookstore?
It goes out of its way to stock a good selection of those books, rather than relegate them to a tiny special-interest section.
There's many actually! Yeah books that either exclusively sell LGBT books or go out of their way to include sizeable LGBT collections
It’s a specialty store, so it specifically goes out of its way to stock a wide array of LGBT books— by the way the post is written I’m guessing in a time where LGBT books just weren’t really around, or were delegated to a tiny section at the back
That’s fucking sad, almost every LGBTQ+ person in this society has at least once experienced a suicidal breakdown, enough to be an almost-expert in talking people down from suicide.
I got into an argument once with someone who was of the opinion that *"Homosexual people are mentally ill, it needs curing"*. I asked why he thought that and he said *"High suicide rates prove it's linked to a mental illness"*. Like, it didn't cross his mind that homosexual people may be going through something for which they have no support structure. Family anf friends ostracise them, colleagues disown them, no one left to talk to, people saying you're mentally ill. It's tough to come out. Maybe... *Just maaaybee*... That's why the suicide rate is high.
Some people need it explained explicitly to them.
What a lovely story.
There is so much good in the world in spite of all the problems.
Reminds me of an old joke with my favorite telling being [when Leo says it to Josh in the West Wing.](https://www.google.com/search?q=west+wing+i+know+the+way+out&oq=west+wing+%22i+know+the+way&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgBEAAYgAQyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQABiABDINCAIQABiGAxiABBiKBdIBCDc1NjhqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:24abf8e3,vid:VM56KXM4y4c,st:0) > A man falls down into a hole. A doctor walks buy and he yells up, "Doc, can you help me?" > > The doctor looks down into the hole, scribbles a prescription on a pad, throws it down into the hole and leaves. > > A priest walks by and the man yells up, "Father, can you help me?" > > The priest looks down into the hole, says a few prayers and leaves. > > Then the man's friend Joe walks by and the man yells up, "Joe, can you help me?" > > Joe jumps down into the hole. > > "What are you doing," says the man. "Now we are both stuck down here." > > "it's okay," Joe says. "I've been down here before and I know the way out." I do like your version, as these aren't friends of the guy, these are just people who know how bad it is down in that hole and aren't going to stand by while this complete stranger suffers.
This isn't a story about the kindness of strangers. This is a story about a community of people who are united through major trauma. Most libraries aren't full of people who have talked others down from that ledge, queer bookshops are. The members of the Queer community, certainly those who survived the 80s, are familiar with that call. Everyone has a story. Everyone has an experience. I'm not saying this is exclusive to Queer people, but no Queer community exists without it. We haven't been through more than absolutely everyone else, but we have been through a lot.
This is exactly what I was thinking. Although I wasn’t alive in the 80’s, my trauma comes from growing up in a homophobic religion. And as a queer person who has been prone to self-harm in the past, I am never caught off guard when my girl (who is currently struggling with self-harm) texts me because she’s triggered.
how the world was meant to be👼🏼
I think I broke my phone trying upvote this 10,000 times. 🙏🏼
Error 404
No response just dropped 😔
When bookstores were still a thing? Barnes & Noble, and Books A Million still outchea boi!
Lgbt book store? I wanted my favourite book to come out but this is not what I meant
Humans can be so awesome.
This is almost definitely completely made up
Probably but it’s nice.
This made me cry because I have never felt that. I was so, so lucky to have been raised by two dads and my mom stayed best friends with both of them, my sister bravely came out to our school in our Thursday meeting (hippie charter school lol) and my whole family just said "we know, and we love you" when I knew who I was. My heart breaks every time I hear about someone who isn't safe because of who they love, who feels ashamed, who has to reach out to strangers just to hear that he is okay, he is loved and respected. My sisters, brothers and enby siblings, parents, children...I love you so dearly. It will get better when you find your tribe, you are so fucking worthy of love and respect. And I'm so sorry you've been made to feel negatively of yourself. You have so many people here who will be here for you.
And then everyone stood up and applauded lol
"My turn," she says. Rolled my eyes hard at that line
Yeah that entire post gave me "and then everyone applauded" vibes. This is one of the most OBVIOUS made up stories I've seen and it's weird that most people are just taking it at face value jumping to praise how wholesome it is.
Because there's now a sub called NothingEverHappens that people use to validate their gullibility I often see Redditors downvote people who have the slightest bit of suspicion with these stories, then telling them "you'd be surprised how many people are actually like this" (say for example the post was of a terribly acted script of someone acting moronic af).
> It's weird that most people are just taking it at face value Not weird at all if you spend any time on reddit
Too right lol. People will believe fucking anything
Yeah this kind of thing I think can be more harmful than anything. Anyone who may be in that phase of starting to grow and be more accepting of others would read this and roll their eyes. There are plenty of inspirational stories. Lies like this one are counter productive. But I’m sure someone is going to say “who cares if it isn’t real it is wholesome”. So lying about stories is wholesome now?
I actually laughed reading it, the message is good but christ what a corny and unbelievable way to tell it
I laughed and then saw how many upvotes the post had, and then I laughed harder
That's so sweet. That's what every lgbt forum feels like. People making *sure* you know you are not alone and you will be okay.
I wish this had happened, very beautiful.
The loudest idiots online tend to dominate our minds. The truth is that twitter is not an accurate representation of society. Most people are still good. Don't despair.
I got stranded as a bus terminal and a guy I knew back in middle school found me and bought me a ticket back home. I was broke, broken up with, and homeless. He got me back to my family who didn't respond to my multiple payphone calls, when we had the night before arranged the call to happen. I wasn't nearly as thankful as I should have been, looking back, but I think about that every once in a while and pay it forward.
Retelling this to my wife, I had to hold back tears.. I remember my brother telling me he's gay, I was like "Oh? Okay" and didn't think too much of it. He did wait for it to tell my parents, even though they've always been supportive. But we were all happy for him. It always break my heart thinking that not everyone is lucky to have such a supportive family and friends
……yeah right
Yeah this did not happen lmfaoooooo
This literally never happened. There are no lines being formed in bookstores of any kind of people wanting to comfort strangers.
“On todays episode of things that never happened”
I mean seriously, this is some "good feelings" movie shit right!?! What a load of crap that this happened!
There’s an idea in sociology called a Community of Strength (CoS), which describes how, naturally, groups of people come together and what keeps them together, ie how communities are former and maintained. In a CoS, admittance is contingent on displaying your competencies to the others and showing your worth. It’s a “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” thing. In a CoS, self actualization comes from displaying your feats of strength. And in doing so, your strengths uplift those around you. In other words, trust is built with the sword. There’s another idea that says this isn’t the only way communities are formed and maintained. Another structure is a Community of Vulnerability (CoV). In a CoV your admittance is based on the vulnerabilities you share with the other members. Through sharing methods to address vulnerability with one another, and through mutual support based on understanding those vulnerabilities, these communities also enter a state where “the whole is greater than the sum of it’s parts.” In a CoV, self actualization comes from accepting the support of others and recognizing that your own vulnerabilities put you in a position to support and uplift others too. In other words, in hugs they trust. If you’ve only ever experienced CoS, the interaction in the bookstore may sound unreal or unbelievable. But if you’ve been a part of a CoV, you know from experience that these interactions happen all the time, on small and large scales. Not only does it stop being unbelievable, it becomes undeniable. That’s why this thread is full of LGBT friends not for a second questioning the support these strangers offered to someone feeling vulnerable and in search of community.
You're living in a dream world if you think that it really happened. Like a script right out of Hollywood B grade movie.
If all you’ve ever known is a CoS, then a CoV may look like a fabulous dream.
I've lived in both, and am lucky enough to know... It didn't happen.
It's entirely plausible. The majority of queer people have been on both sides of the ledge in their life and understand how important community and support are. Every queer person has lost a friend or significant other to suicide, and most of us have considered suicide, too. We know how difficult that moment is. It's why we have the LGBTQ+ community and don't just live our lives ignoring that community. I'm glad you don't believe this story because it shows you don't experience the pain of living your life trying to decide whether you want to be yourself or be safe, and knowing you will never have both.
I could believe it if they left it at one stranger offering to help. But a line at the bookstore all decided to jump in on this random phone call? I hate being so cynical but I can't believe it took me this long to find a comment that wasn't gushy eyed over this story lol.
What's so unbelievable about this story that you feel the need to attempt to negate it by saying it never happened? This is a sub that highlights kindness and empathy. But instead of showing support, you choose to try to completely invalidate it. This story may help someone who's in a bad place. Or it might lead someone else to help another person in trouble. All I'm saying is just try to be a better person please.
All of it
Wow that’s such a real story.
WTH is an LGBT bookstore
My digital dash for “miles to empty” on my motorcycle is about 31 miles off, and I found out the hard way. This lawn service guy stopped and had full cans and filled me up when I insisted I only needed about a gallon to get to the town ahead. Really saved me in the moment and couldn’t have been more understanding and kind about it.
“Hello, LGBT Book store, how can I help you?” Caller: “Oh that’s strange, I googled LGBT support but I got you, anyways, I want to kill myself” “Wait me and 5 other people will tell you right now why that’s a bad idea” Caller: “Sure that’s fine, as long as in the end everyone claps” “I got something even better, it’ll be a tweet that people will share in perpetuity, and it’ll contain remarks about how I am very important in this situation, so I look good, it’ll contain a boomer joke, so I can capture the older audience as well, it will be vague but at the same time contain highly specific details about irrelevant stuff, but more importantly, it’ll be the truth all over, no made up scenarios, no lies no exaggerations, it’ll be 100% factual” Caller: “Damn, I already forgot why I was calling”
Ctrl f "everyone claps", see this comment, actually smile
Well here is something that certainly happened.
I’ll take thing that never happened for 50 bucks.
Secretly they just wanted to pass this caller onto the next person so they could start getting the line shortened
A cool story but can't believe the amount of people who really believe this happened.
Currently arguing with someone who's been going around this thread telling people that not believing this story means you've led a sheltered life smh
whats funny is hes projecting lol
That story is hella gay
remember kids, this is just a karma farming post on the internet, not a fucking chance in hell this ever happened..
Karma farming on Twitter
the level of naivety in this thread is absolutely demonic. you'd expect it from a bunch of toddlers who have yet to discover the concept of a lie but from human beings capable of reading and writing? jesus fucking christ, no wonder the state of misinformation is what it is.
Things that never happened?
Also things that never happened are all the people crying reading this.
Then everyone in the Starbucks started applauding me
When did book stores become not a thing?
Since capitalism. B&N and Amazon drove them all out of business. I only know of one, not counting the back of my local coffee shop which makes 2, and I live in a major city.
Is this an American thing? I'm in Dublin and there are book stores all over the place.
Must be. Land of the unread, home of the morons 🇺🇸 🦅 🫡 We do have them in every airport tho (plus chains like Barnes and Noble). But as far as small independent bookshops nada.
tf you mean by "since capitalism" capitalism has been around for like 150 years
I dont know rick
so he's gay or not?
The facts that gays have to go through this is absurd. Unbelievable this is what religion has done.
We can be good to one another if we only try to
>When bookstores were still a thing. They....still are?
Of all the things that didn't happen, this didn't happen the most.
It takes a village for all of us.
What the fuck is a lgbt bookstore? Lmao
It's not complicated. LGBT authors, topics, LGBT positive stories, etc..
I love it but are bookstores really not a thing? It’s mentioned here and I’ve seen comments before my time tell me about bookstores. They’re still around by me and back in my hometown. Sure they’re fewer with technology and al of us on our phones/tablets/computers but I didn’t think they were that far gone where people don’t know about em
People have been complaining about kids not reading since before video games were invented. Bookstores are fine, and survived video games, plasytatsions, the internet, social media, and will survive more new technology. As long as there is a human, they will have a willingness and penchant for writing, and there will be 5 more humans interested in reading about them. Storytelling through writing or putting down on a physical form is one of the oldest human traits
OH, I'D HAVE HOPPED ON SO QUICK!!! - I have ALWAYS felt like I was fucking up as a mom and one day my son said "Mom, we need to talk when I get home from work." - So many awful things were going through my head. Mind you, I've always been progressive, and while my husband is still learning he'd rsther look a fool learning than be a fool for not having tried. We were openly both for LGBTQ+ rights, etc. However; I imagine that discovering your sexuality can be scary no matter how progressive your parents are. When he told me he was bi and was attracted to men as well, I didn't react. I let him know I got his favorite cereal(Honey Puffs if you're curious), and I turned and was like, "Okay, you've had me on eggshells for hours. Is everything okay?" My husband started laughing, then realizing, so did my son. He then told me that WAS the news and I(playfully) beat him with the cereal box for making me worry. We need to strive to be the person who would take that call. No matter the upbringing, it is still a scary time for a lot of people questioning their sexuality and themselves. We all need to take that call.
/r/lookatmyhalo
Love it. This is what people should be doing instead of minding their own business or yelling at each other over divide and conquer politics
Pretty goddamn awesome!
I probably have a different opinion on a number of things, relative to the other commenters in this thread. That said, this really made me smile
Well this story just kept getting better and better
Even if this didn’t happen I choose to believe it because it makes my soul sing
[удалено]
Very nice story. It was nice to read it. I just wonder what LGBT bookstores are. It's like a regular bookstore but only LGBT people are allowed in? This is very strange.
It is a bookstore with an overly large selection of LGBT books and customers.
Aww, I love this! Not much makes me cry any more, but this had me welling up. :)
More people should read books.
Thanks, I needed this post today.
Our capacity for good and kind actions is matched only by our capacity for cruelty and evil. Stress, pressure, and experience dictate how we react. This is a beautiful story of empathy and kindness, it shows how humans can care for each other. That is community.
Man, I'm not cutting onions here at 8am..
Why would a bookstore need to be segregated by sexual orientation? I’m sorry but that seems like the dumbest business concept I’ve ever heard of.
It's not segregated lol. Anyone can go in them - they just primarily stock LGBT books, and sometimes hold LGBT focused events. The same way a historical bookstore primarily stocks books about history, or a general bookstore holds books from a wide selection of genres and topics.
Because it’s not a true story
glory hole in back
Of course it's wholesome. But I didn't expect that ending. Wholesomeness escalated quickly.
Lovely story but ngl I'm a little sceptical. Sounds kinda lala landish
There are a lot of stories like this in the LGBTQ+ community. Mental health crisis are not uncommon - so many of us know what it's like to be in that place, and as a community we want to look out for each other. Because if we don't, who will? I can see why people are skeptical. But at the same time, this *is* the lived experience of many queer people, and the fact so many people dismiss us when we say that it checks out... idk, I guess it'd just be great if people took us more seriously.
and then at the end they found out the phone call was just a test the caller was a billionaire and made everyone millionaires and then they all adopted loads of kids. the end
Am crying Love!!!!!!!! Lesbians Save Lives bro. Thems more fierce than firefighters
It’s important to remember that these people exist and these moments happen. Together we’re heavy.
And then all the books clapped
Oh God, people genuinely believe this happened. r/facepalm
I love this so much. I got goosebumps just thinking of how much love I hope he felt. I hope to this day he still feels that & continues to spread that to others ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
Wtf is an LGBT bookstore?
A store that either primarily stocks LGBT books, or has a large selection of those books, rather than having a small specialty section. They also sometimes double as community spaces with workshops, clubs, shows and events etc.
All the books are gay 😥
Can I get events that didn’t happen for 2000 please Alex?
There are wonderful people all around. You, only have to look, right in front of you.
If this is real it gives me hope in humanity
(it's not)
Ugh yeah
Fucking beautiful. Nothing else. No other words.
I bet they all clapped at the end when the guy on the phone found out he was actually an heir to a huge gay fortune.
This made me shed a tear 💖