How easily have we gotten used to passing people by? We learned to...

How easily have we gotten used to passing people by? We learned to demand the perfect, afraid of the truth. We get lost behind perfect specifications and ideal images. But loneliness is not cured by more swipes. Real intimacy requires the risk of giving space. It requires the bravery of standing in the face of a gaze. Without filters, without tactics, without the exit door open. Essential people are not on lists of requirements. They are found where there is an intention for true sharing.

jcob

This queerling is the most helpful person I’ve ever met. And we met on @collective! We’d been chatting here for some time. When I landed in Toronto, they drove me from the airport to my Airbnb. They invited me to their Thursday vegan potlucks, which was a great way to meet new queers. They offered me an apartment to rent in the house they live in. I lived there all by myself. They helped me navigate Canada. And when I was sick. And many other times. And they drove me to the airport on my last day. I wouldn’t have made it without you. Thanks a billion for everything, @biscuit 🏳️‍🌈🩷

anseo

For the first time in my career I’ve been signed off due to burnout 🫠 My default personality’s friendly golden retriever but damn the past few months have been back to back pressure and I buckled. I need to do a lot of soul searching about what to fix and what career switch is right for me. Unhelpfully, burnout causes brain fog so 🫠 step one is just piecing my brain back together. I’ve no idea what I’m doing but Louie’s gentle friendship has been healing. He doesn’t demand anything from me, he’s just happy to pad alongside me in the woods and keep me company while I figure this out.