Charli XCX has been an “it” pop girlie for a while now and has the classic hits to back it up. But ever so often, she needs to remind those trolls and overall nasty people who diminish her accomplishments. On her forthcoming album, Brat, she’s aiming to do just that. The track “Von Dutch” is all about that.
But she wasn’t done dragging the jealous folks. So she’s back with Addison Rae and frequent producing partner A.G. Cook with a sweat-inducing remix to continue the conversation. The remix (officially titled “The von dutch remix with addison rae and a.g. cook”) is a fuzz frenzy of Charli’s best electronic and pop sensibilities riddled with nostalgic references.
The duo valley subtle jabs at their hates on the track’s opening verse. “I’m just living that life / Von Dutch, cult classic, but I still pop / Every time my track drops, you’re jealous / I’m just living that life,” sings Charli as Addison layers on, “While you’re sittin’ in your dad’s basement / Bet you’re disappointed that I’m shinin’ / I’m just living that life.”
Brat is sure to follow this confident thread of sass.
Listen to the “Von Dutch” remix above.
Charli XCX is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
After lusting after the Maldives for over a decade — and feeling like I was seemingly the only travel journalist who hadn’t visited the ultra-luxe beach destination — I finally experienced what the hype was all about while staying at one of the newest properties in the region. I spent a few blissful days frolicking around on the serene heart-shaped Baa Atoll (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) at Avani+ Fares Maldives, located on the western edge of the atoll and encircled by a reef that’s home to vibrant aquatic creatures. Avani+ is situated on one of only 61 islands in the marine-protected waters of the reserve and boasts white sand and turquoise waters. It’s the newest property of the Minor Hotels groups, opened in May 2023, and still feels brand-freaking-new.
The Island of Fares is the place to stay in the Maldives to unwind in a modern fun-centric atmosphere that attracts a young crowd of international travelers. Situated on what was once a coconut plantation, the island is full of shady groves that are fully protected by sustainable building regulations — meaning trees cannot be cut down when building new properties. It also boasts the largest collection of rum in the Maldives.
Read my full review below.
WHY IT’S AWESOME
Courtesy of Avani+ Fares Maldives
At the laid-back 5-star tropical island you’re quite literally encouraged to leave your shoes behind. Beyond enjoying the beauty of white beaches, there are daily DJ sets, moonlit dance parties on the beach, and otherworldly excursions around the aquamarine Indian Ocean. Throughout 2024 there will be coveted events including an upcoming music festival, a ballet retreat, and an adults-only month.
Speaking specifically on the hotel, Avani+ Fares Maldives is simply the very picture of paradise. Of course… that can probably be said for most Maldivian resorts with overwater bungalows. While many properties in the Maldives offer astronomical all-inclusive room and board packages, Avani+ can be booked on an a la carte basis, which helps reduce expenses and makes the luxurious property more accessible than other nearby resorts. While packages are available, by creating a bespoke itinerary you can ensure you’re only paying for what you want to experience while on the atoll from meals, cocktails, and experiences.
IN HOUSE FOOD + DRINK
Courtesy of Avani+ Fares Maldives
Like most private island resorts guests are limited to drinking and dining on-site. Not to fret, Avani+ has many establishments offering a variety of cuisines. Each restaurant utilizes locally sourced, sustainable, organic produce. Breakfast is a buffet at the Ocean Terrace which is also open for dinner and has an abundance of dishes on offer including local and international items. Lunch is at Skipjack, the poolside bar that offers poke bowls ($28-$34) and cocktails such as the Miami Vice which is a pina colada with strawberries ($22).
Out of all of the restaurants, I enjoyed the offering at Charcoal the most — if you’re vegan like me, don’t skip the charcoal grilled leeks ($15) and coconut sorbet ($8). Both are special and both feel light for a day spent on the beach and in the water.
Drinks, such as spiked coconuts, can be enjoyed at all establishments. If you love rum, you’re in luck. Smuggler’s Shack has the largest collection of rum in The Maldives. If you gom, order my favorite drink, the Shark Tooth ($22) with cherry, lime, lemon, and white rum. Into bubbles? Don’t miss sipping on something fizzy with your toes in the sand at the Veuve Clicquot beach. The most innovative cocktails can be found at Tribe which is open a few nights a week and drinks are served in pits sunken into the sand as guest DJs set the mood.
AMENITIES
Courtesy of Avani+ Fares Maldives
If you don’t splurge for a room with a private plunge pool don’t worry — the massive infinity pool is fantastic and drinks are encouraged (served in plastic glassware for safety). If you’re feeling sporty, there’s an on-site gym with Technogym equipment, tennis, football, and badminton courts, complimentary yoga classes, and sound bowl healing.
Unwind at the AvaniSpa with a vinotherapy treatment ($160) of hot wax from a red wine candle to soothe your muscles after traveling quite far to reach this slice of paradise. Aroma, Thai, and Swedish massages are also available. Carve out some time before or after your treatment to enjoy the complimentary sauna and steam room.
My favorite amenity was Island Bazaar, the resort’s boutique. Resort shops are usually full of junk that has nothing to do with the destination, but that’s not the case at Avani+. Island Bazaar is the second outpost of the boutique which is locally owned and offers a collection of handcrafted Maldivian fashion, beauty, and decor items.
ROOM TYPES
Courtesy of Lola Méndez
Avani+ feels intimate with a collection of only 176 beach-front villas and overwater villas. The rooms are full of comfortable amenities including Bluetooth sound systems, Nespresso machine, and glass water bottles featuring seawater that’s treated onsite to become potable — an eco touch that really impressed me.
I stayed in the entry-level Over Water Villa (no private plunge pool) which starts at $870/night including breakfast. The spacious villa was complete with a sitting area, a day bed, an indoor and outdoor waterfall shower, and a private outdoor soaking tub. My patio was equipped with two lounge chairs and a sitting area. It looks directly out over the Indian Ocean with its endless hues of blue and nearly constant aquatic life sightings. Without even getting into the lagoon I saw sharks, sea turtles, various rays, and countless fish species from my villa.
BEST THING TO DO WITHIN A 15-MINUTE WALK
Courtesy of Lola Méndez
Fares means “the land on the reef” in the Maldivian language, Dhivehi. The heart-shaped Baa atoll has 105 coral reefs. While I saw an abundance of marine life from land — what drew me to the Maldives was the chance to get in the water and see the tropical residents up close and personal. I borrowed a complimentary snorkel set and jumped straight into the water from my overwater villa to peruse the house reef.
I encountered many incredible creatures on the house-reef every time I got in the water including a rare guitarfish and a massive eel. I’d regularly see some of my favorite marine life creatures including spotted eagle rays, parrot fish, and black-tip sharks. The water was consistently crystal clear making it superb for visibility while snorkeling. As Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with many marine protected areas, it’s important to be conscientious and use reef-friendly SPF. (If you forgot to pack sun protection there are options from local brands in the Island Bazaar boutique.)
THE BEST THING TO DO/EAT/DRINK WITHIN AN HOUR’S DRIVE
Lola Méndez
Many of the Avani+ excursions take some 45 minutes to reach such as the Dolphin Quest and Turtle Quest. I partook in both experiences and had the magical experience of swimming with over a dozen critically endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtles. It’s well worth the long journey to get there — the Avani+ boats are equipped with Bluetooth speakers and you can bring a few bottles of champagne to enhance the journey. Although we attempted unsuccessfully to find manta rays to snorkel with at Hanifaru Bay, we were greeted by a massive pod of spinner dolphins.
Wildlife activity can’t be predicted and regardless of your sightings, it’s fantastic to get out on the water and go by Maldives’ many blue holes.
BED GAME
Courtesy of Avani+ Fares Maldives
Jet lag was defeating me until I laid down on the decadent bed in my overwater villa. Maybe it was the set of four plush pillows, the sound of the ocean lapping underneath me, or the faint starlight, but I finally got in a solid eight hours after a massive travel day, so the bed gets all the gold stars from me.
Due to the time change, I was waking up around 6 am most mornings, and watching the sunrise from bed made for the best start of the day.
Rating: 9/10
SEXINESS FACTOR
Courtesy of Avani+ Fares Maldives
Let me just stress how private the overwater villas are — no one can see into your villa unless they happen to swim by. This is unlikely, as the current around the villas is actually quite strong so folks tend to just swim outside of their villa or off the beach around the island. I took full advantage of this and enjoyed a few hours of letting the sunshine where it normally doesn’t daily by sunbathing in the nude.
Since the property allows kids, we had to knock one point off.
Rating: 9/10
THE VIEWS & PICS SPOTS
Courtesy of Lola Méndez
Paradise is picturesque — full stop. You can’t take an ugly picture here but if I had to recommend a few spots they’d be the stretches of white sandy beaches, the overwater nets on the arrival jetty, the infinity pool, and the poolside cozy round beds—with a fresh coconut in hand.
Rating 9/10
BEST SEASON TO VISIT
Lola Méndez
Early March was an absolutely perfect time to visit — occupancy was low, the heat was bearable, and it was the tail end of the dry season. Dry weather in Baa Atoll lasts from January to April and then June to September. If you’re basing the timing of your visit around wildlife sightings, consider that the best time to swim with mantas at Hanifaru Bay is from late June and October and that May to December is the best time to try your luck at swimming with docile whale sharks.
IF I HAD TO COMPLAIN ABOUT ONE THING
Lola Méndez
I was a bit disappointed by the lack of cultural experiences available during my stay. When there’s higher occupancy there are fire shows and drumming sessions. Avani+ is formulating new cultural experiences including an on-site museum dedicated to Maldivian history and lore.
BOOK HERE
Rates currently start at $352/night for a minimum of three nights when booked directly here. This rate includes daily breakfast and a USD 100 spa credit per room per stay.
Back in 2022, Adam Sandler teased that he has an idea for a Happy Gilmore sequel. If a recent report is to believed, the Sandman may have followed through on his pitch. According to a new interview with Christopher McDonald, who played Shooter McGavin in the 1996 comedy classic, Sandler is sitting on a script for Happy Gilmore 2.
Here’s what McDonald told Audacy’s 92.3 The Fan, via Variety:
“I saw Adam [Sandler] about two weeks ago, and he says to me, ‘McDonald, you’re gonna love this.’ I said, ‘What?’ He says, ‘How about that,’ and he shows me the first draft of Happy Gilmore 2. Maybe you should cut that out [of this audio] because I don’t wanna be a liar, but he did show me that, and I thought, ‘Well, that would be awesome.’ So, it’s in the works. Fans demand it, dammit!”
Unfortunately, a Happy Gilmore sequel would be missing two memorable fixtures from the original film: legendary actor Carl Weathers and iconic game show host Bob Barker. Weathers died in February 2024, while Barker passed away not that long ago in August 2023.
As for Sandler’s idea for a Happy Gilmore sequel, the actor floated his concept while appearing on the Variety Awards Circuit podcast back in October 2022.
“Wouldn’t that be fun to do the senior tour of Happy Gilmore, and hang out with all those guys and try to write a great script about Happy as an older guy, and having to calm down his temper and all that stuff?” Sandler said. “But, I never know. Maybe one day, something like that.”
Today (March 22) is a big one for Nourished By Time for two reasons. First, the Baltimore singer/songwriter/producer just shared Catching Chickens, a new EP that’s his first release on XL Recordings. The second is that he also announced a headlining tour today. Included in the run are his first headlining dates in the UK.
The artist also just released a limited-edition white-label vinyl pressing of the project, which can be found here. As for the tour, find more information about tickets here.
Check out all of Nourished By Time’s upcoming tour dates below.
Nourished By Time 2024 Tour Dates
06/08 — Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brendas
06/11 — New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
06/12 — Boston, MA @ Red Room @ Cafe 939
06/14 — Montreal, QC @ Bar Le Ritz
06/16 — Toronto, ON @ The Baby G
06/17 — Chicago, IL @ Schubas Tavern
06/18 — Minneapolis, MN @ Turf Club
06/20 — Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
06/23 — Portland, OR @ Polaris Hall
06/24 — Vancouver, BC @ Fox Cabaret
06/26 — San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop
06/27 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
08/02 — Poland @ OFF Festival *
08/03 — Denmark @ O Days *
08/08-10 — Sweden @ Way Out West *
08/12 — Switzerland, @ Winterthurer Musikfestwochen *
08/14-17 — Portugal @ Pardes De Coura *
08/22-25 — Lincolnshire, UK @ Lost Village *
08/24 — London, UK @ RALLY Festival *
08/29 — Dorset, UK @ End of the Road Festival *
09/01 — Leeds, UK @ Headrow House
09/03 — Glasgow, UK @ King Tuts
09/04 — Manchester, UK @ YES
09/05 — London, UK @ ICA
09/07 — Bristol, UK @ Strange Brew
* festival appearance
Catching Chickens is out now via XL Recordings. Find more information here.
My first visit to Disney World in Orlando, Florida, came at the right time with the right people. I was six, maybe seven years old, and I went with my grandparents. My memories of the trip are fuzzy decades later, but I do remember shaking with nervousness while waiting in line for Mickey Mouse to sign my autograph book. I can also recall the excitement I felt getting into a Mad Tea Party tea cup and riding Dumbo the Flying Elephant.
This trip has been on my mind lately because my grandparents, who moved from New York to Florida in the mid 1990s, recently returned to the northeast. It’s a necessary transition for them, but selfishly, I’m bummed that my reasons to visit the Sunshine State have been cut in half. It’s gone from family and theme parks to just theme parks, although I, someone who could now be considered a Disney parks veteran, did recently visit the Disney World with another relative — and, in a full-circle moment, it was his first time.
My half-brother David turned 21 years old last month. I’m 36 years old, so there’s a generational divide between our references, although because we’re our father’s sons, we can both quote every line of Young Frankenstein. There’s another big distinction between me and David despite our shared lineage: he grew up with my dad, stepmom, and his brother (and my other half-brother) Michael, and I lived with my mom. The most one-on-one time the two of us spent together before this trip was going to the grocery to pick up whipped cream for the pie on Thanksgiving. But we always got along, so I figured he would be a fun person to spend multiple days at Disney World with.
My hunch proved correct.
Our trip began the way all the best vacations do: with a plane delay. But once I arrived in Orlando, where David was already waiting, we took a shuttle to our hotel: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (always stay on property if you have the means). After allowing ourselves a few minutes to take in the Victorian-style resort (and listen to this exceedingly pleasant song on the TV on a loop), we headed to the outdoor shopping and dining complex, Disney Springs. Did we hit up the rooftop beverage bar at the Coca-Cola Store? You’d better believe it. It was when we both expressed interest in tasting the famously divisive Beverly (a carbonated, non-alcoholic aperitif) that I knew this was going to be a fun vacation.
Our first full day at Disney World kicked off in the Magic Kingdom with a meet-and-greet with Mickey Mouse (I should have apologized in advance for eating his delicious face), followed by a ride on the Tron Lightcycle Run. At least for David. As previously established, I am a theme park wimp, so I let him do this one solo. He’s more of a thrill seeker than me, someone who enjoys the themed experiences. So while he was whipping around curves at 60 MPH, I waited on a bench in excitement for the animatronic adventures (Carousel of Progress) to come. Once David returned, we spent the rest of the day exploring the Magic Kingdom.
I felt like an expert as I guided him through the layout of the park, the intricacies of Lightning Lane entrances and mobile ordering, and why you should always turn off your wifi. We took a boat ride on It’s a Small World, flew over London on the timeless Peter Pan’s Flight, and I destroyed his score on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. With David’s help, I even got over my silly roller coaster fears and rode Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Twist: I loved it. I had my eyes closed most of the time, however, so we got back in line and rode it again. This time, I took in the impressive show and appreciated the smooth turns. When the ride was over, I took a selfie with David to memorialize this big moment for me.
Now that I’d faced my fears, was I ready to try Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or Space Mountain? Uh, no. But it’s a start, and I couldn’t have done it without some gentle goading from David.
The next day was spent at EPCOT (that’s us in the image above pointing at Spaceship Earth; I’m the one in the Taylor Swift shirt, naturally) . While I was thrilled to finally meet Figment after decades of hearing about the lil’ purple imagination-loving dragon (he’s a rascal, and I love him), David was most excited to take the Drink Around the World challenge. Did I mention he just turned 21?
A section of EPCOT is split into 11 countries, known as the World Showcase, with pavilions, restaurants, and bars themed to each region. There’s wine in France, beer in Canada, plum wine in China, whiskey in the United Kingdom, and so on. To pass the (not officially endorsed) challenge, you need to finish one drink in each country. David made it through nine countries (he’s going to be so mad I put him on blast), while I completed 10 countries, everything except for Germany… due to, let’s say, solidarity with my half-brother.
A tip for Drink Around the World challengers: don’t save the heavy beer for last.
But while we didn’t complete our mission, David and I had fun just exploring EPCOT. These in-between moments, the times when we were walking around the park and talking in between rides and drinks, are some of my most cherished memories from the trip. EPCOT is the place to do it: it’s the most chill of the Disney theme parks, especially during the lovely EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Come for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (widely considered the best Disney ride, period); stay for the conversation and relaxing atmosphere. And frozen drinks.
Our third and final full-day together was split between Animal Kingdom, where we went on an elephant tour (and saw baby Corra) and visited the Hallelujah Mountains of Pandora, and Hollywood Studios. Among the Disney World parks, Magic Kingdom is the most nostalgic; Animal Kingdom is the most aww-inducing (and awe-inducing on Avatar Flight of Passage); and EPCOT has Frozen, Figment, and France, home of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. But Hollywood Studios might be my most cherished. For one thing, it’s got Muppet*Vision 3D (which better run forever), Star Tours, and instant classic Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, but most importantly, it’s the home of my favorite attraction in any Disney theme park: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
I wish I filmed my reaction the first time I went on the ride years ago. I probably had the biggest, goofiest smile on face; it was pure, uncynical joy. But I’m thrilled I got to experience it again with a Rise rookie. Unfortunately, we first had to deal with a lengthy line. I felt personally responsible for the wait — as if it was something I did. You know when you introduce an album or a show to someone and you’re nervous that they won’t enjoy it — won’t get it — like you do? That’s how I felt in the Rise of the Resistance queue. But eventually, we received a hologram from Rey (and a cameo from BB-8) and we were off.
I won’t spoil any surprises, but I could ride Rise once a week for an entire year, and not get sick of it. I have a new favorite moment every time. This time, it was after it was over when I asked David if he liked it. His “whoas” and laughs of delight during the ride itself were a tip-off: he did. I hope in a year, five years, 20 years, whenever, he gets to experience his favorite Disney ride with another first timer and feel the same delight that I did with him.
Uproxx was hosted by Disney but they did not review or approve this editorial. To learn more about our press trip policy, see here.
Remember when Elmo broke everyone simply by asking how people were doing on X? The viral check-in prompted a flood of responses in which people poured their hearts out onto the beloved Sesame Street character, and the wave of woes was so great all the other Sesame Street friends chimed in with their own words of support.
The folks behind Sesame Street have always incorporated kids’ feelings and emotions into it educational programming, but a new initiative is taking a direct approach to mental health awareness. Teaming up with Huntsman Mental Health Institute, Sesame Workshop and the Ad Council have launched the “Love, Your Mind” campaign with a kid-friendly PSA.
It begins with Elmo humming a familiar tune, the “Sunny Days” theme song from Sesame Street, before his friends join in. Then Elmo explains how humming is a good strategy for managing big feelings. Watch:
It may seem simple, but Dr. Amanda Fujiki, an expert in child and adolescent psychiatry, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, tells Upworthy that humming can be “a calming experience for the brain that can give kids a pause from intense emotions and feelings.”
“Humming is one of many coping activities that help kids identify and regulate emotions,” says Dr. Fujiki. “Humming, deep breathing, engaging kids with their senses by listening to music, touching a cold item, like ice, or engaging in brief intense exercise, are all mindfulness based practices that can help kids take a pause to identify and regulate their emotions.”
“There is research to show that mindfulness practices have positive influences for children and adults,” she continues. “For example, studies show that mindful practices can reduce anxiety, depression, and improve physical health in children. By engaging in developmentally appropriate media focused on emotions, parents can offer young children opportunities to engage in dialogue where they can teach emotional literacy and validate big emotions when they come up by referencing examples, like Elmo.”
The “Love, Your Mind” campaign comes at a crucial time as young people face an epidemic of mental health struggles. Feelings of persistent sadness and hopelessness were rising rapidly even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Since 2020, it’s been clear that we need more resources to help youth manage their mental well-being.
“The growing mental health crisis is one of the most pressing issues for parents today and children’s needs can so often be overlooked,” said Samantha Maltin, EVP, Chief Marketing & Brand Officer, Sesame Workshop. “We know that caring for a child means supporting their whole circle of care, whether that’s parents, teachers or other caregivers. We’re grateful for our partnership with the Ad Council and ‘Love, Your Mind’ campaign through which we can reach even more children and caregivers with these emotional well-being resources.”
The Ad Council announced a Mental Health Initiative in November of 2022 to unite brands, marketers, media companies and nonprofits in addressing the mental health crisis for people of all ages throughout the U.S. “We all have a role to play when it comes to supporting and destigmatizing mental health, and parents and caregivers are an important part of that equation,” said Heidi Arthur, Chief Campaign Development Officer at the Ad Council.
Parents and caregivers can find more resources to support children’s emotional well-being, from managing big feelings to coping with more acute mental health challenges, at sesame.org/mentalhealth and follow Sesame Workshop on Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok for more.
There are very few things that would make people nostalgic for the 1950s. Sure, they had cool cars and pearl necklaces were a staple, but that time frame had its fair share of problems, even if “Grease” made it look dreamy. Whether you believe your life would’ve been way more interesting if you were Danny Zuko or not, most would agree their technology was…lacking.
All eras are “advanced” for their time, but imagine being dropped off in the 50s as someone from the year 2023. A recent post by Historic Vids on Twitter of a 1956 commercial advertising a refrigerator, however, has some people thinking that when it came to fridges, maybe they were living in the year 2056. I don’t typically swoon over appliances, yet this one has me wondering where I can purchase a refrigerator like this.
Of course, there’s no fancy touch screen that tells you the weather and asks how you’d like your ice cubed. It’s got more important features that are actually practical.
Like a fruit drawer that not only pulls down so you can quickly check your inventory, but also pulls completely out.
“A big picture window hydrator for fruits and vegetables,” the actress says while demonstrating. “It tilts down to show you your supply at a glance, and it also lifts out, so you can take it over to the sink when there’s a fresh supply to be washed and put away.”
Yeah, that could be helpful and reduce the clutter in your fridge from all those clear storage bins companies designed to essentially do the same thing but maybe in a more cumbersome way. But the cool factor of the vintage refrigerator didn’t stop there. You know how sometimes it’s like playing Jenga removing leftovers? Well, this fridge has shelves that slide out nearly completely. Oh, the amount of reduced stress that would give folks sneaking a late snack after a holiday meal.
Watch the fascinating video below:
u201cThis refrigerator from 1956 has more features than modern day fridgesu201d
One commenter said, “Can we vote to bring this back?” and I have to agree. Take my money.
For a little extra fun, check out the full commercial below and marvel not only at the refrigerator but at how our attention spans for advertisements have diminished over the decades.
A story that recently went viral on Reddit’s AITA forum asks an important question: What is a parent’s role in taking care of their grandchildren? The story is even further complicated because the woman at the center of the controversy is a stepparent.
The woman, 38, met her husband Sam, 47, ten years ago, when his daughter, Leah, 25, was 15. Five years ago, the couple got married after Leah had moved out to go to college.
Leah’s mom passed away when she was 10.
Last year, Leah became pregnant, and she wanted to keep the baby, but her boyfriend didn’t. After the disagreement, the boyfriend broke up with her. This forced Leah to move back home because she couldn’t afford to be a single parent and live alone on a teacher’s salary.
Leah’s story is experienced by many young mothers who are facing difficulties. The father isn’t involved in the baby’s life as a caretaker or financially. Sadly, 33% of all children in the U.S. are born without their biological fathers living in the home.
The new mother is a teacher and can’t afford to live on her own with a child. A recent study found that out of the top 50 U.S. cities, Pittsburgh is the only one where a new teacher could afford rent.
The stressors of taking care of the baby made Leah realize she needed help.
“But once she had the baby around 4 months back, Leah seemed to realize having a baby is not the sunshine and rainbows she thought it was,” the woman wrote on Reddit. “She barely got any sleep during the last four months. All the while Sam was helping her with the baby while I did almost all chores myself.”
“Now her leave is ending. She did not want to leave the baby at daycare or with a nanny,” the woman continued. “Sam and I both work as well.”
Leah asked her stepmother if she would stay home with the baby. The stepmother said no because she never wanted to have a baby and she has a job. “I asked why Leah can’t stay home with the baby herself,” the woman wrote. “She said how she was young and had to build a career. I said many people take breaks to raise kids, and she broke down crying about how she was so tired all the time being a mom and needed something else in her life too.”
After the woman told her stepdaughter no, her husband pressured her to stay home with the baby. But she refused to give up her job to raise her stepdaughter’s child. “Leah said yesterday how she wished her mom was alive since she would have had her back. She said I didn’t love her, and my husband is also mad at me,” the woman wrote. The woman asked the Reddit community if she was in the wrong for “refusing to help my stepdaughter with the baby,” and the community responded with rapturous support.
“[The woman] should tell her husband to knock it off and stop trying to pressure her into raising his daughter’s baby. If he wants a family member to look after her baby while she works, then he can do it,” Heavy_Sand5228 wrote.
“This is Leah’s baby that she alone chose to have. That doesn’t obligate you to change YOUR life to suit her desires. The whole business of saying you don’t love her because you won’t quit your job to watch her baby is manipulative and messed up, and I’m shocked your husband is siding with her,” SupremeCourtJust-a** added.
Leah and many women like her are in this situation because, in many places, teachers are underpaid, rent is high, and not all dads pay child support, even those required by law.
Another commenter noted that the baby is much more the father’s responsibility than the stepmother’s. “To add, Leah should consider seeking child support from her ex. Her kid should be getting that money,” Obiterdicta wrote.
We recently asked our Upworthy audience on Facebook, “What’s something that you really enjoy that other people can’t seem to understand?” and over 1,700 people weighed in. Some people shared things like housework, cleaning and laundry, which a lot of people see as chores. Others shared different puzzles or forms of art they like doing, and still others shared things like long car rides or grocery shopping.
But one answer dominated the list of responses. It came in various wordings, but by far the most common answer to the question was “silent solitude.” Here are a few examples:
“Feeling perfectly content, when I’m all alone.”
“Being home. Alone. In silence.”
“That I enjoy being alone and my soul is at peace in the silence. I don’t need to be around others to feel content, and it takes me days to recharge from being overstimulated after having an eventful day surrounded by others.”
“Enjoying your own company. Being alone isn’t isolating oneself. It’s intentional peace and healthy… especially for deep feelers/thinkers.”
Spending time by ourselves is something some of us relish, while some of us hate being alone. Naturally, this points to the common theory of introversion vs. extraversion, but in some ways, that’s overly simplistic. Even the most peopley people among us can enjoy some quality alone time, and not all introverts see time alone as truly enjoyable. (It might be necessary for an introvert’s well-being, but not necessarily something they truly revel in.)
Interesting, studies have found that people who enjoy being alone are not any more or less extraverted than those who don’t, though they do tend to be less “sociable.” They are also less likely to be neurotic (tense, moody, worrying types) than the generally population and more likely to be open-minded. Those characteristics are the opposite of what social norms often tell us about people who want to be alone.
“If our stereotypes about people who like being alone were true, then we should find that they are neurotic and closed-minded. In fact, just the opposite is true,” writes Bella DePaulo, PhD.
There may be lots of reasons some people like to spend time by themselves while others don’t. We are naturally social creatures and need social interaction, but some of us find ourselves overstimulated by being around other people all the time. On the flip side, some people find being alone not just unenjoyable, but extremely uncomfortable, which can be a problem.
“Ideally, we should be comfortable with ourselves, alone or with others,” writes psychologist Tara Well Ph.D.. “If you are uncomfortable being alone, it means you are uncomfortable being with yourself without distraction, engagement, or affirmation from others. This can be a liability in life. If you cannot be alone, you may stay in situations or make life choices that aren’t good for you in the long run, like staying in a job or a relationship, mainly because you can’t tolerate being alone while transitioning to a better situation.”
Dr. Well also points out that people can make the most of their alone time, even if it’s not something they naturally enjoy. One way is to make it purposeful, setting aside a little time daily to write in a journal, meditate, go for a walk or otherwise engage your mind and body in some form of reflection. Another is to pay attention to self-judgments that might make alone time uncomfortable and challenge them with some compassionate confrontation and counteraction with positive thoughts about yourself.
Alone time can be refreshing and rewarding, especially if it’s something you naturally crave. Some people even like to take themselves out on dates or enjoy traveling by themselves. That kind of self-care can be just as important as connecting with others for our overall health and well-being. Being alone doesn’t mean being a loner and it doesn’t mean being lonely. Some of us genuinely like having quality time with ourselves, whether it makes sense to other people or not.
Part of the appeal that has helped Memphis rapper GloRilla become such a fan favorite in the past 24 months is her down-home relatability and unpracticed earnestness. Every interview or social post brings a new gem; from inspirational messages encouraging fans to persevere through hard times to hilarious but unembarrassed admissions about her blind spots in life, Glo is willing to share exactly what she thinks in the moment and often packages her observations in easily digestible soundbytes.
For instance, the comment she’s currently going viral for comes courtesy of an interview with CNN regarding her recent visit to the White House, of all places. Appearing on Laura Coates Live, Glo declined to “talk politics” — again acknowledging one of those unlearned blind spots of hers — but her conversation-ending quote earned fans’ admiration for its philosophical airs. “I’m not gonna talk politics, I love the president, I love everybody,” she said. “But at the end of the day, the day gotta end.”
And although she didn’t get into any political beliefs, she seemed pretty enthused to get the opportunity to meet President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. “Everybody don’t get to meet the President and the Vice President,” she gushed, “So just being able to be in the White House == like I never in a million years thought I’d be in the White House. Then I was in the White House and got to meet the President and Vice President? Oh, they can’t mess with me.”
“It means everything to me, because we really did come from absolute nothing,” she continued. “When we was living in that blue house with all my brothers and sisters, nobody never would’ve thought nobody would have been in the White House. It was just a proud moment for my mama. She called me so happy, she was super excited and that’s one of the reasons I be more happy about my accomplishments than anything else, because of how proud my mom and my dad be.” Check out some responses to her interview below.
“At the end of the day, the day is gone end.” – Glorilla
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Not on CNN 
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