Search Results: let her down easy

At what point can you breathe and not feel afraid about whether you can cover bills for the month on time and make it to the next month?

Let's use USD for the poll, you can post the local amount and reasoning in the comments though. I know the numbers are going to be very different based on what part of the U. S. and world as well.

I started feeling comfortable when our income hit about $55,000 around 10 years ago. That was the point where I was no longer sweating while waiting desperately for the next paycheck to arrive to pay for things. Finally, we could breathe a bit easier. That amount allowed us to pay bills (including two mortgages) and have a bit left over each month to pay down debt.

Now, the amount would be higher. We've experienced a bit of lifestyle creep, two massive teenagers who eat way more, some inflation, and more mortgages. Let me run the math... We would need about $80,000 to hit that same level of ease today.

Sorry if this is confusing, but I (24f) and my guy friend, let’s call him Jake (23m) have been friends a few years, and our relationship has always been complicated. He can be a real jerk to our friend group (he tends to blame this on being autistic), but he’s always let his wall down around me. I first thought he liked me when he started going out of his way for me; like offering to pick me up from work since I don’t drive, or going to workout classes with me, for example. And then again, when we were watching one of our shows, and I curled up under a blanket on the opposite side of the couch and he asked to share, and put his arm around me. Although, he moved after 5 mins.

But what has me believing this is what happened at our group friendsgiving on Friday. First of all, during dinner he tried to take my drink, and then I told him to ask me for a sip, which he did. Then we were discussing his dating life as a group, and then he said something like “I wouldn’t sleep with (insert my name), but I wouldn’t mind second base” and winked at me. Then, we were all talking on the couch, and I was tired, so I told him to move so I could elevate my feet. He told me to just put them on him, then he proceeded to wrestle me off him. He also took my drink out of my hand to drink from it, and then, while I was talking, hugged me.

Later, all the friends were on my balcony, and when we started to go inside I noticed Jake hanging back, so I asked if he was okay, and he said he held himself to too high of a standard, and he said he felt bad pushing me away because he liked talking to me and that it was easy to talk to me. There was a weird tension between us, and I mentioned I hadn’t seen him in a while so I missed him. He said something snarky, but then admitted to missing me too.

All of our friends thought there was something up. He’s also going to a football game with me alone that he originally declined because no one else could go. I feel like he likes me, but I don’t know.

I’ve noticed tyst if you aren’t saying you just want sex or you want to be in a relationship, there’s a lot of sleig View like it’s a game or something. in my opinion if you say you want to get to know someone— it’s the most honest way of communicating.

Unless you really are just looking for sex, how does anyone know if they want to date a person let alone be in a relationship with them if they do 🤷🏻‍♀️ if you still feel the need to get better acquainted I don’t see the problem.

It is funny how propaganda works bc I know when people say this to me I can still hear it as a euphemism for sex BUT only bc people will use it that way & not bc I think there’s anything inherently wrong with _really_ just wanting to get to know someone.

I’m never on the hunt for a boyfriend so if I meet someone I want to get to know better that’s all I know I can honestly say. And I think that should be good.

people don’t take it well it’s as if I’m letting them down easy or being deceptive.

Seriously what more can you ask of a person lol “ I’m interested in getting to know you better.” I think this is much better than jumping into boxes just bc for no particular reason..

Of course if someone knows they want to date then go for it— It’s just not my approach and I find it funny wanting to get to know someone is Suspect 😂