Friends Cafe - social space for members under 25

[Kazzl]

Hey! Welcome to Friends Cafe.

This is a chill and chat space for young BB members to talk about anything and everything and make new friends.

When school's getting to you, uni or work has got you down, parents, partners, friends don't understand, and especially if you're feeling alone or lonely - come and relax awhile and talk to others who know just how you feel.

Our minds can cause us trouble, but they can also be amazing things that imagine beauty, love and fun. This cafe has everything you can imagine. To start with it's, well, a cafe. So there's chairs and tables, comfy couches for flopping, a big screen tele, unlimited download on computers for games, Spotify (or an old-school jukebox if you prefer), every movie you can think of on instant demand ... whatever you want, it's here. Post and tell us what'd you'd like.

Plus, there's an infinite menu of whatever food or drinks takes your fancy. And it's all free!

To kick it off, today we have a special range of Monster Milkshakes - those thick gooey shakes topped with cronuts, chocolate bars, cake, cookies ... whatever you want. And if you can get through one of them, you're a legend (and probably feeling a little bit sick LOL!)

Welcome friends.

[Zeal]

Hey Demi,

It's nice you have two sisters. My Dad didn't like being the middle child, mainly because his older brother (my Uncle) was a tease and a pain at the best of times. I find him funny, but I can see how it would be annoying to be his younger brother!

A bit about me...

I'm 23, will finish my psychological science degree in November this year, live at home with my parents and sister, and have been with my boyfriend for 1.5 years. I applied today to study postgrad counselling at my uni in 2017, so hopefully I'll get accepted!

I've had OCD since I was 13, and had a bad bout of mental illness at 19. This latter experience with mental illness is what really led to my interest in psychology. I come from a 'stable' and 'sheltered' family, in that my parents are still together and are what I consider to be good role models. They have never suffered from mental illness, and nor has my sister. I am the unique one in our family in that way! My Dad is successful in business, and I really respect his opinions and advice. Mum is really kind and giving. She helps out her parents a lot, as my Grandpa has Dementia. My Dad's Mother died when I was 2, so I can't remember her. She has been described as an amazing woman.

I enjoy reading, though I rarely read for pleasure during uni semesters. This is mostly because I am the sort of person who would start a novel and then read until 4am! I have no musical talent, and I cannot dance or act. However, I really like watching talent show auditions on YouTube. Britain's Got Talent has some good auditions.

It's great you have been able to care for so many different animals. My family got a puppy when I was about four, because Mum was concerned by my fear of dogs. Thanks to Mum's proactive decision to expose me to dogs this way, I don't fear dogs at all now, and cannot even remember being afraid of them! That dog passed away in late 2013 at the age of 16. We got our cat as a kitten when I was about 12, and he's now about a decade old. He is absolutely adorable, and thanks to him, cats are my favourite animal. Two years ago, my sister convinced my parents to get a Golden Retriever puppy. He's a very handsome looking dog, and his tendency to steal food and socks is both amusing and annoying.

I think that's all for now! 🙂

I look forward to getting to know you more too. I've read some of your previous posts in Friends Cafe, so I know a decent amount already I think 🙂

Best wishes,

Zeal

[Demi1]

Hey James 🙂 Wow, you're still at work??? That's commitment! I didn't know banks were open this late haha I'm so glad you're a fellow HP enthusiast... or at least I'm assuming you are? And as for having a nose, I'm glad you also have one; could look a bit odd without it 😛 I also love writing; actually just finished a 5000 word story about my experience with my sister's mental health and submitted it for my Extension English Major work. Do you prefer drawing people or animals? I suck at both and tend to go for flowers/still life/ buildings. Well we can't say you aren't creative with your pet's names 😛 But I guess I'm not one to judge when I have a bearded dragon named Julian haha

Hope work is going well

Demi x

[Demi1]

Hey Zeal,

Yeah, being the middle child is often a struggle for attention, you have an older sister who is the first to experience EVERYTHING, making anything a big deal; then a younger sister who is the baby and the parents NEVER want to let grow up haha then there's me, smack-bang in the middle. But as irritating as it is at times I wouldn't have it any other way 🙂 That's amazing! I really hope the see the potential in you and you make it in!! Please keep us updated? I'm sorry to hear about your Grandma and Grandpa, as well as your own experience with OCD; but I am also so comforted hearing about the supportive family you have by your side 🙂 I also have the shocking habit of not wanting to put books down once I have begun them haha

Wow, what a clever decision on your Mum;s part- getting a dog I mean. I don't believe I have ever hear someone describe their dog as handsome haha but thank you for that, I found it quite entertaining, almost as much as James feeling as though he had to point out that he in fact DOES have a nose haha.

It's great getting to know you both 🙂

Demi x

[james1]

Ah, nah, I can work from home because I do an office job at head office. So I have remote email.

Yep, sure am. Though I prefer Lord of the Rings simply because of the soundtrack (though the HP soundtrack is pretty darn awesome too).

Oh congratulations! That's a big effort. I was doing English Extension 2 as well, but I was trying to do a "modern take on gothic". Yes, it failed miserably. There was a reason why gothic splintered into Romance and Horror, but damn the combination works so well. I love gothic - it's just so... creepy yet emotive. So I ended up dropping it when I realised I couldn't pull it off and I didn't want to cop out and do an essay on gothic 😕

Hmm... people I think, but I have lots of fun with flowers as well. I love taking photos of flowers. But people are just so fascinating to draw because you can really get life in the eyes.

Ah I'd love reptiles, but they creep me out a bit. I'd just always be wary.

[Zeal]

Hey guys,

I am really enjoying these chats on this thread. Today I haven't been doing uni work, as I have a head cold and don't think I'd focus well (that's my excuse anyway)!

James - your comment that "I don't know. You girls are strange creatures. But looking around, it seems I'm surrounded" amused me 🙂 I have to say though, I wouldn't be able to eat on the floor like your sister does!Drawing Voldemort is an interesting idea - perhaps not in the dark though, as that could be kind of creepy for you! When I watched the first Harry Potter movie as a kid, Voldemort's face on the back of Quirrell's head scared me. I also used to have a Cockatiel when I was younger. Between the ages of 9 and 11, I was obsessed with birds, particularly parrots.

Demi- I am impressed by your ability to complete a 5000 word personal story. I wrote some personal stuff in creative writing at uni. It's an enjoyable process, and it can help work through certain experiences. I hope you don't mind me commenting on your words to others by the way. I just find everyone's hobbies and interests a great talking point!

Dottie, ahw, Grace, Tara and anyone else reading, I hope you are having a decent week 🙂

Best wishes,

Zeal

[Demi1]

That's so convenient that you can work from home! I wish I could flip burgers from the comfort of my couch haha. I've never actually seen Lord of the Rings, but I have heard great things! Wow, modern goth, that actually sounds really interesting!!! I wish I could have read it, even if you didn't finish I think it would be incredibly unique 🙂 haha I'm shocking at capturing the realistic features of people; they always turn out like cartoons when I try ahha

I love reptiles also, never really had fear or felt creeped out by them which is lucky. But I guess working in a reptile store made me adapt to them pretty quickly; I mean, after being bitten by a few snakes you kinda get over any fear you had... not that I'm suggesting that in any means

Demi

[Demi1]

Hey Zeal

Sorry to hear you're a bit under the weather, I also have a bit of a cold at the moment 😞 Ahh well, it's a good excuse to rest and chat to you guys 🙂 Yeah, I find writing a very soothing process, and I definitely found it helps organise my thoughts which was comforting. Not at all, comment away, I love that we can all chat so instantly despite being in completely different places... pretty crazy hey?

[Zeal]

Hey Demi,

We must have sent posts at around the same time, as when I went back onto Friends Café, there was a post from you that wasn't there when I was typing my post!

I'm so glad you like your sibling situation - having an older and a younger sister could be fun I imagine. Sometimes I wish I had an older sibling. I used to wonder what it would be like to have a brother. People almost can't help wondering what it would be like if things were different. The main thing is that it doesn't turn into wishing for things to be different. I'm really close to my parents, but my sister and I aren't as close. We were close until our later teens. It is very likely that my mental illness had/has a part in this emotional distance. I feel that she shut me out so she didn't have to experience any of the discomfort. We don't fight or disrespect each other, but just have different opinions and different personalities. I think we might become closer later on in life.

My sister was actually the one who first started calling our dog handsome. He is very much a part of our family, so human ways of describing him are almost inevitable!

I really appreciate your words of support in relation to my postgrad application! I will definitely let you guys know when I do hear back!

It's been great talking to you 🙂

Best wishes,

Zeal

[dark_unicorn]

Morning everyone!
ahw - I've definitely hear about that movie but I've never seen it, so I'll add it to my list of movies to watch 🙂 Sorry to hear about your anxiety, I hope it manages to stay in control, and yes, like Zeal said, check in with your doctor and/or family to let them know how you are. And good on you for making the phone call! I can't really relate as I'm usually pretty fine with phone calls, but I understand it's really tough for you, so good job!!

Zeal - Haha yes, I usually start off by inching my way around the rink holding on to the rail, but after an hour or so I'm pretty good. Now I think about it, it is like riding a bike, how you're wobbly at first, but then you're completely fine eventually. The only difference is that I ride my bike wayyyy more than rollerblading! 😛

Hope everyone else is doing well,

Tara x

[dark_unicorn]

Oh wow, I just realised I was on the wrong page 😂 so my post just before is in reply to page 11....My, you all have been chatty on here! 😝

Dottie - Haha love the nickname 😛 I hope you like Halsey, she's one of my personal favourites (it was her 22nd birthday yesterday woo!) And yes, I'll let you know how everything goes 🙂

Zeal - Thanks for the link, I'll check it out. As I skimmed through the comments I was wondering (this is sort of a question for everyone I suppose) how much of a Harry Potter fan you are? I personally LOVE the HP series, it's my biggest fandom! Hope you're having a good week 🙂

Demi - Hmm, I can't really feel a difference between 14 and 15, maybe I will after my birthday, but yeah, it sort of feels like just another year. I think 16 will be a bit different though, because then I can start driving! I can't wait 🙂 Wow volunteering in a reptile shop sounds so cool! When I was in Darwin/Kakadu recently, I went to a big crocodile centre and I had a mini photoshoot with a baby croc! At one point the photographer put it on my head!!! Haha that was a weird experience. Basketball refereeing also sounds cool, I'm not much of a basketball player, although I played netball for a few years, maybe I could get back into that? I think at the moment I'm looking at working at the same bakery my older sister currently works at. And speaking to your dog in Indonesian is not weird at all! My dad, my sister and myself all speak a fair bit of German so we often speak to Charlie 'auf Deutsch' 😝 Usually he gets the point if we use a lot of hand gestures haha 😛

James - Wow you're are such a brilliant drawer! I tried my hand at drawing once (I went through an art and crafts phase), and I don't think I'll try drawing again...(people especially)...definitely not my forte! I think I'll stick to music haha, and speaking of music, isn't the HP soundtrack great? When I played flute in yr 8, my sister taught me how to play Hedwig's Theme (she's a really good flute player).

Well there's my update! Next time I'm going to check what page I'm on before I reply....😂 I just remembered I only have 3 more days of holidays, these past 2 weeks went so fast! Hugs for all, and I hope the rest of your week goes well.

Tara xo