Imaginary Friends

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 27, 2018:

I have an imaginary friend. She........oh never mind.

So I've made it to Level 7.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 27, 2018:

You are now a role model for us lower level lads and lasses.

I am too lazy to look at all of your posts and comments on mine.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 27, 2018:

I have the opposite problem. It is my laziness that keeps me online and not doing what needs to get done.

Do most older men prefer a younger model?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 27, 2018:

Well I wouldn't say we have no one. We always have ourselves, always, so I've worked hard at getting along with myself. The only one we are guaranteed to be with our entire life is ourselves. That being said, I ain't proud of it, but looking back I can't deny there has always been a shallow side to my choices in relationships. Don't worry. I paid for those "sins". I have minor children now, their mother can be difficult, so my focus is on them now.

What do you give instead of thoughts and prayers?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 27, 2018:

I heard you, and it has to be scary knowing you might have MS. I hope you have some supportive people around and can keep some peace of mind. Best wishes in dealing with it.

"The things you own end up owning you" - From Fight Club A rail against capitalism and for always...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 27, 2018:

I get what you are saying. I also did take in the comments of it being a first world problem. What can really be mentally imprisoning, and cast a dark cloud over one's serenity, is getting yourself in so much debt that there is no way out of it. My ex was a spend thrift, and I remember day after day thinking of the debt we acquired and the money we owed. I would think about it first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Bankruptcy was a relief. We divorced soon after that. Other than my car, I have sworn off using credit for anything. I just live in a cheap apartment now and do not buy anything unless I can pay cash. I sleep better at night.

When did you know you had found your life partner?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 26, 2018:

In 2020

Send in the clowns?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Life is a tragic comedy isn't it?

FOOD AS CRACK Mostly succeeding on my diet but man some foods tempt me almost as bad as some free ...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 26, 2018:

I'm an overeater. I can relate to this. Wish they didn't make food taste so good.

I had a good day yesterday.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Ok this made me smile. Right over might.

Many have placed blame on the military! Does the soldier or the politicians who put them in harms ...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Of course the soldiers are not to blame.

Archaeologists Uncover Jesus's Gulfstream Jet

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Excellent

Morality?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 26, 2018:

http://www.psychologycharts.com/kohlberg-stages-of-moral-development.html (I agree with this. Hence, behave so you don't go to hell, is not very high on the stages of morality)

Ever just feel intensely angry and have no clue why or actual reason?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Watch children. Kids just let their emotions run through them...They can be crying and hate you one minute and the next minute they are hugging you and calling you the best daddy in the world. I'm not saying we should be exactly like kids, but we lose something when we become adults and have learned to shut down, or at the very least learned to not express, our negative emotions. I'm not offering a clear cut answer but rather an observation. When we begin to learn how to "behave" that is when the neurosis starts to set in..

How chivalrous are you?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Not at all, but I play a chivalrous guy online sometimes, who happens to be thirty pounds lighter and full of muscles.

Who is to blame for the government shutdown?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 26, 2018:

I blame Trump's parents and Putin

"This place could be beautiful, right? You could make this place beautiful."

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 26, 2018:

We could start by not putting narcissistic sociopaths in charge of everything

I am attending Sex We can event

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Is there one for people suffering from ED? Is it called, ok you guessed it, Sex We Can't"?

Teach the children well

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 26, 2018:

It appears the devil is the reasonable choice here. Although I don't know if my kids need to learn about witchcraft, but who knows it might come in handy some day.

I turned a guy down for a date - busy at work and decided not to date.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Maybe he thought you became ready in that brief moment between you turning him down and him throwing out the cliche.

Frustrated

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 25, 2018:

The old "fight or flight' mechanism us humans have was useful, even necessary, when we were in a daily battle to stay alive. In dealing with modern day human interactions, it is usually harmful. I'm pretty sure over 99 percent of us have been there, wanting to calmly make our case, but that uncomfortable surge of anxiety gets in our way. The more I live the more I believe meditation and practicing mindfulness is the most helpful way to work on overcoming it.

Psychotic Break As some of you know I recently had a bad bout with my depression (don't really ...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 25, 2018:

I'm glad you are feeling better.

I dislike living in a highly conservative area.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Yes, I have that issue. Tons of Trump signs were out during the election. I'm going to barricade myself inside my apartment if he is impeached. Almost everybody around here has a rifle.

Just for fun.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Damn! You got some talent

At least this feller understands his faith... [baptistnews.com]

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 25, 2018:

His mistake was thinking that for the majority of his fellow evangelicals, it was really about peace and love and helping the least among us.

Because some things need to be posted. Shame to who ever Shame.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 25, 2018:

I dream of a day they throw that putts out of the Whitehouse

Part 1 of 2 I was born into an Evangelical Christian household and got “saved” at age twelve.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Welcome home

What if?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 25, 2018:

Come on now. Have you seen the state of the world? If there was a God, and that God wasn't a complete socio-path, he or she or it would have blown their head off by now. If that God is a complete socio-path, they would not follow through on that whole, "Adore and worship me and you can go to heaven" deal. "Make the World Great Again", yah come on God I'm not falling for that again you orange douchebag.. wait, I got off subject.

To sleep together or to not sleep together?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 25, 2018:

I think it depends. With a past girlfriend I had it seemed to work best when we slept in different cities.

My faith in humanity has taken a hit over the last couple of years.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 25, 2018:

How come I can't I edit my posts? Now I can't remove the non-word "civilly" from my post.

Have you ever experienced an odd set of coincidences?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 24, 2018:

Ok. I have one life event that still baffles me. I was working as a case manager for people with major mental illnesses. A friend of mine, who was also a case manager for the same agency, had a client who died. Anyway, I was helping him clean our that client's apartment. When the client was alive he was always playing the flute. The clients flute was on the table while we were moving the furniture out of the apartment. I remember we were moving the sofa when a very distinct sound/note came out of the flute. We both stopped and looked at each other. We both had a surprised look on our faces. Then another resident of the apartment complex came bouncing down the stairs. We had the door open while moving his possessions. She just nonchalantly said, "Oh that's just David." Then she just went on her way. The problem was I shared the experience with two other people, which rules out my imagination. My best bet is a gust of wind blew through the flute. However, it is why I'm only 90 percent an atheist - rather that 99.9 percent.

My faith in humanity has taken a hit over the last couple of years.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 24, 2018:

Woooo hooooo! Double points for first comment on my own post.

What's other people's thoughts

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 24, 2018:

"Changes upon changes we remain, more or less, the same."

I have a couple of suggestions (or maybe just questions): First, if there is a way to disable the...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 24, 2018:

I think it is like almost ten cents with inflation.

Pascal's Wager is bullshit.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 24, 2018:

I think the below comments about covers it. Therefore, I don't have anything to add, which is good because I'm lazy af also. Actually I'm sfl I didn't read all the comments.

What cheers you up when you’re feeling down?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 24, 2018:

Pretty sure I'm in the minority here, but watching sports.

"Capitalism was built on the exploitation and suffering of black slaves and continues to thrive on ...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 24, 2018:

Those words are even truer today in America. Income disparity continues to increase, corporations and Wall Street are completely buying our politicians (thanks "Citizens United") , and the G.O.P. is trying harder than ever to displace the blame onto immigrants and minority groups. This will not end well for anyone.

Saw a post on Facebook that Americans can't read. Is it true or just another secular media post?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 24, 2018:

I can't understand what this post says.

Dysfunctional Patterns & Relationships

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 24, 2018:

You have now entered the "Discomfort Zone" (play spooky music).

Huh. No confetti or balloons when I hit Level 5.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Level 5. Oh I remember those days. Seems like it was just last week

"It's all chaos.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Good read. Only thing we can have any sense of control over is ourselves.

Michigan man threatens to gun down staff for 'fake news'

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Sure, electing a moronic, man-child narcisist is all fun and games until someone gets hurt.

The more you weigh,the harder you are to kidnap, stay safe.eat cake!

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Stay hungry my friends

First, let me say I'm not promoting segregation here.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 23, 2018:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2015/02/18/map-the-most-religious-states-in-america/?utm_term=.6fa5ef066281 Map: The most religious states in America - The Washington Post

Does anyone know which Football team, the Patriots or the Eagles, that god wants to win the super ...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 23, 2018:

That son of a bitch god allowed Aaron Rodgers to be injured, thus denying the greatest football team ever of a Superbowl ring. Don't trust that God Fella.

Unpopular Opinion 1: When I hear that the military is protecting our freedoms with the Forever ...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 23, 2018:

The U.S. military budget is about as big as the next eight countries combined. I suspect our politicians are doing the bidding of the military industrial complex. They sell it to the American people as freedom and patriotism. Want to understand how politics works in America? Always follow the money.

Profile pictures, people! You have smart phones, otherwise you wouldn't be here.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Did you ever consider they might be wanted by the law? Geez..you trying to put people at risk?

Age. Does it come to one defining moment when you realize you have gotten older?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Nice writing

Some say that the earth(modern civilization as we know it) has lived and died before.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Given an infinite amount of time and an infinite number of universes, I guess anything is possible.

I have a friend who doesn’t have any friends.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Oh I got it! You are talking about yourself. Your friend is yourself! Ding! Ding! Ding! What do I win?

I have a friend who doesn’t have any friends.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 23, 2018:

I have one friend. I'm not sure he has any other friends left. He burned some bridges with his alcoholism.

Have you noticed that some of the people whom commented on a lot of your posts when you first ...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 23, 2018:

Perhaps they have switched from active participants to stalkers

Are you able to allow others to be who they are with out judgement?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 23, 2018:

I believe there is value in mastering the art of being able to view/observe things without judgement. Yah it goes against our natural instincts but sometimes it is a good skill to have. Of course at other times it could get you killed- hence our natural instinct.

If you could teach everyone in the world one concept, what concept would have the biggest positive ...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 23, 2018:

That EVERYBODY else's life is as valuable as your own. Also, to drink coke so we can live in perfect harmony.

Hello! I'm basically trying to get enough points to actually use the site... hows everyone doing?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 22, 2018:

Points? We don't need no stinking points. I have an odd since of humor

Are you more open and honest online than in person?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 22, 2018:

I will admit I have had the thought that I have less to lose online being open and honest. Also, finding more like minded people online has increased my confidence in speaking my mind face to face, in a community where my views are definitely in the minority. Online communication can lead to more aggressive debates. I'm learning not to do that.

What do you think is the common link in this "group"?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 22, 2018:

For me it is to take the place of an actual social life. At 55 I no longer have the tolerance to listen to the bullshit of the local goons in my area. At least not on my own time, only for work or my kids activities. "No Billy Bob, I don't think Trump tells it like it is." " No Betty Joe, I'm not mad at God. For the last time I don't believe in him.". "Hey you damn theists, get out of my yard!"

ARE WE ALONE. So the question,are we alone in the universe?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 22, 2018:

I think the problem is that everything is so spread out.. Even if one could travel at the speed of light, it could take millions if not billions of years to pay our fellow universe inhabitants a visit. Plus, life forms do not exist forever. It is fun to think of distant civilizations though.

What do you consider cheating?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 21, 2018:

I don't have a partner but I liked the post because it's a good question.

Are there others here, who have felt the loneliness in your soul, that feels like a kind of hell?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 21, 2018:

I believe I have and they are different feelings. The deep sense of loneliness that life gives all of us. Tennessee Williams put it this way, "We are all sentenced to a life of solitary confinement within our own skin."

Proud mama bragging here: My youngest son signed a letter of intent to play tennis for Midway ...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 21, 2018:

Very cool

Do you skirt around the issue of out right saying you’re an atheist when people start talking ...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 21, 2018:

If I'm counseling someone I let them talk of their faith and try and figure out what it means and how it affects their life. If they ask me my beliefs I tell them I'm an atheist. Therapy, and I guess human interactions in general, ain't worth doodly doo doo if it isn't honest and open. It is surprising how well people take it when I tell them. I don't believe in being aggressive about it, but I think it is important for the acceptance of atheism that we let others know it is an acceptable option, and to show them that people without faith are decent human beings.

Hopefully soon, there'll be a proper shift wherein intelligence, education, science and freethought ...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 21, 2018:

One can always hope

What is your take on Satanism? a taboo subject never as far as I know reported in the media.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 21, 2018:

It's fine, but they aren't going to steal us atheist's rep as baby eaters are they?

Hyper Religiosity, Psychiatry still has no clue. - Atheist Nexus

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 21, 2018:

I'm a therapist. I have seen how religion has affected people in regards to guilt and fear, I think for obvious reasons. Also, it is, for lack of a better word, interesting working with people diagnosed with schizophrenia who are having religious based delusions. My own personal experience, I was never religious. However, I spent several years looking for some indication I would exist in some form after I died. Now that I have given up on that useless pursuit, I actually fear death less. And yes, psychiatry is not immune to negative influences from social norms - dysfunctional belief systems.

Hi. Here is a question: have you changed a cherished opinion you held based on new evidence?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 21, 2018:

Ohhhhhh. I don't want to start any arguments but it is a big example for me. I will start by saying it is just a big shift in my personal thinking. A change in my opinion. I used to think the Democratic Party was all in for helping the average worker, and not corrupt. My entire life I was a proud Democrat, and I'm 55 years old. After the 2016 primary my views had changed and it broke my heart. I went through a lot of cognitive dissonance and anger and sadness.....the stages of grief. Let me end by saying that what the GOP has become causes me even more pain than that, and since I put it out there feel free to voice your opposition to this comment. I will only respond if I read something I haven't heard or thought of before.

Do People Understand That DACA Recipients Are Not Illegal Immigrants?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 21, 2018:

What annoys me is the Orange Douchebag keeps pushing the idea that illegal immigration from the southern border is increasing. That is untrue. It has been slowly declining since 2009. I hate how statistics are not looked at and "facts" are based on emotions. The freaking rich keep getting richer, and the "common folks" are hurting, and the politicians convince them it's immigrants faults....I hate how people keep falling for the same bullshit http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/04/27/5-facts-about-illegal-immigration-in-the-u-s/ 5 facts about illegal immigration in the U.S. | Pew Research Center

Embarrassed

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 20, 2018:

I get along ok with my ex and her husband. They are holy rollers. Well at least my ex is now, I suspect he just goes along to keep the peace. They know where I stand. Anyway, I was having dinner with them and my children. After they got finished with their little prayer, my six year old son takes it on himself to announce, "Daddy doesn't believe in God.". Another time they did their prayer and afterwards he asked me, "Do you even understand these prayers?" I said, "No. Now please pass me them potatoes." I don't think my 12 year old daughter really believes in any of that crap. They asked her to say the prayer once and she refused. I remained quiet but in my mind I was saying, "You go girl."

I need a little advice, can you help me?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 20, 2018:

I suppose hiring some goons to rough the man-child up is not a good Idea.

Why isn't our voting day a National holiday? Why can't we mail our votes in like absentee voters?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 20, 2018:

It's almost like they don't want us to vote.

Making new 'friends' after age 50

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 20, 2018:

I'm not sure, but in the meantime get a pet if you don't already have one....

Our government is now shut down.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 20, 2018:

If they don't resolve this soon tough choices will have to be made. Which non-essential government agencies will have to be defunded? Hmmmm...tough choice: The Congress, the Senate, or the White House?

God as literatures greatest villain.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 20, 2018:

I sleep better at night knowing the bastard isn't real

We always heard the scientists say "the universe is expanding" and since there is "nothingness" ...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 20, 2018:

I don't know but it is fun to think about

I have never understood Christianity in the Black community.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 20, 2018:

I know I'm generalizing, but I think as a whole African Americans have had more than their fair share of struggles and pain in this country. I believe when people are in pain and struggling they look for something to hold on to, to give them comfort.....Even to the point they overlook the ways religion played a part in their oppression. When I'm working with someone trying to get clean from an addiction that has been tormenting them for years, there is a good chance they will try and grab on to religion

How do I increase my level???

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 20, 2018:

It would be cool if it was like at the arcade, and we could trade our points in for toys or liquor

MeToo Backlash | January 17, 2018 Act 1 | Full Frontal on TBS - YouTube

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 20, 2018:

I think I have just figured out my thoughts on the "me too" movement. It is a movement our society needed. It also was inevitable. Men using power to coerce women is obviously wrong and obviously has been happening. Men making ongoing comments that make someone uncomfortable, but the person is in jeopardy of losing their job if they object, obviously is a problem also. I think everyone can understand it sucks to have to work in a hostile environment day after day. That being said, the human element always complicates things. I don't think it is a good idea to take every allegation on blind faith. I have my doubts about some of the allegations against Franken. There is also a few where it is questionable that it was harrasment or abusive - like in the case of Aziz Ansari. I can only compare it to people receiving government help. Are there a small number of people who game the system and get benefits they do not really need or are entitled to? Of course there is but that is not a reason to get rid of government benefits that are needed. The problem is, the people who do not like the idea of the "me too" movement will use possible false allegations as a way to discredit the entire movement. That puts everyone in a quandary. We have two bad choices...Say I question the legitimacy of Franken's first accuser, then I run the risk of feeding those who want to discredit the entire movement. If I take every allegation on blind faith, I discredit truth and fairness.....now I'm rambling....I know the "me too" movement is important because I've worked with too many women who have been affected by various forms of abuse by men.

They told me to use the brain God gave me. Now I'm an atheist. Ironic, isn't it?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 20, 2018:

"stoled". Not really a word.

Where in the world is Mike Pence?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 19, 2018:

Pretty funny

Voting one's conscience? Good, bad, indifferent?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 19, 2018:

Yes. However, that is discriminatory towards sociopaths

Who has the best profile?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 19, 2018:

Whatever you do don't get rid of that profile photo.

Hello everyone, glad to be here! I just signed up today

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 19, 2018:

Welcome

Do any of you look to Comedians for insight on political, religious, or societal topics?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 19, 2018:

Sometimes people are willing to swallow a little truth when they can wash it down with humor. Also, humor is a good way to disarm, bring down people's defenses. The current political climate in America might not be so great for the country but it is gold for commedians. I'm thinking people were telling a lot of jokes right before the Titanic went down.

If ghosts are real, do they have mass?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 19, 2018:

Well I don't know about all that, but I know they're real because I saw them on Ghost Busters. Who you going to call?

Are ppl become more annoying or am I become more angry!chapterofmylife

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 18, 2018:

As I get older I seem to have less patience for people. It is either because I'm becoming a cranky old man or my kids and job takes it all. In my personal time I'm less tolerant of a lot of behaviors. If only I had a yard I could yell at kids to get off of it.

What's Sacred to You?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 18, 2018:

Honesty

What is the scariest thing you've ever done.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 18, 2018:

I was going to give an example, but after reading some of the comments, decided my adventures might seem lame

10 things you didn't know about men

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 18, 2018:

I'm just confused now. Is that because I'm a man?

Had a thought: If we are wrong, we - this community- will all end up in hell together.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 18, 2018:

Boy. I can't wait to get there!

Wow now at level 5 in 4 days so at this rate it will take me 8,000 days to reach level 10.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 18, 2018:

By the time you are 100 you will be there.

Why is it the Catholic funerals have to be so damn depressing, I don't want to see my loved one dead...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 16, 2018:

I heard of a funeral in which someone had put a landline phone in the casket, next to the guest of honor. It was off the hook. Next to the phone was a small sign that said, "Jesus called and Bill answered." Evidently, it was not meant as humor. For awhile it did make me think twice before answering my phone.

I've just been informed that a fairly well known author (locally, at least) is doing a review of my ...

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 16, 2018:

Very cool

What Have Your Relationships Taught You?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 16, 2018:

That although Freud often gets maligned, he had some good insight. After several failed relationships, and a mother who had a very limited ability to be compassionate or loving, I'm forcing myself to connect the dots even though I'm not crazy about the picture it is forming.

If you can pick any living famous person to live at your house, who would it be? Why?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 16, 2018:

Bernie Sanders

What a relief.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 16, 2018:

I'm stealing that quote, "So tired of feeling like a freak for being sane."

Stephen Colbert is so awesome!

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 16, 2018:

At first I resented him. From college on I was a huge David Letterman fan. When Colbert took over I think I had the same response that a child would have to a step-parent (you're not my parent). However, I have to admit, step-dad is a comedic genius.

I used to be a Capricorn, but then I got born-again… Now I'm a Libra.

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 16, 2018:

Funny

What do you do for the world?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 16, 2018:

I do my best to to help raise my children so they will turn into happy and kind adults. I listen,and give respect and validation, to the downtrodden is society.

Marijuana’s Long Term Effects On The Brain Finally Revealed

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 15, 2018:

I want to read the article when I get a chance. Will someone please comment on my comment so I can find this post?

Best and worst experience with or as a babysitter?

Rudy1962 comments on Jan 15, 2018:

Oh boy. I have two stories. When I was like four or five I accidentally locked myself in the bathroom at the babysitters. I don't remember much about it but my older sister did. She said the babysitter was very crabby and might have had early dementia. Evidently the babysitter kept yelling at me and saying I wasn't going to get my snack if I didn't get out of the bathroom. My 7 or 8 year old sister had to help me get out. As an adult, we had the police come and haul our babysitter off to jail. The babysitter had no license, though she said she did, and was watching too many children at once. I should have figured out there was a problem when after a month or two the babysitter started having my son ready to go and would meet me at the door when I went to pick him up. Looking back it is clear she started watching too many kids and then didn't want me coming in her house and seeing all the kids.