20 Comments
User's avatar
AMALIA VILLALBA NUÑEZ's avatar

GRACIAS

Expand full comment
Shelley Durga Karpaty's avatar

Lloyd Cole doesn't like it when people sing along? What's up with that? The image of the baggage was a perfectly overwhelming image to go with the overwhelming story from an unfortunate and unaware man.

Expand full comment
Lara Starr's avatar

Thank you so much for reading and your kind words. And yeah, right? I mean, if the audience knows the words to your songs, I think the appropriate response is. "Thank you."

Expand full comment
Linda Hoenigsberg's avatar

I read this and thought about similar times when I've met people who are clearly unhealthy and I thought maybe I was suppose to help and support them. It took me awhile (ok...years) to figure out the whole boundaries thing. That caring about someone is different from allowing them access. And yes...I loved all your suggestions for shows, vinegar, body cream, etc.!

Expand full comment
Lara Starr's avatar

Thank you so much for reading <3 and yes, it sometimes takes a long time and some hard-earned wisdom to learn to set boundaries. It's an ongoing practice.

Expand full comment
Linda Hoenigsberg's avatar

Yes...I still get surprised when something happens with someone and I realized I haven't totally learned this lesson yet.

Expand full comment
aka Stella's avatar

Lovely and funny story. That guy was ick. And now I’ve got some new Lloyd Cole in my iTunes playlist. 🧡

Expand full comment
Lara Starr's avatar

Thank you so much for reading and your kind words <3 I hope you enjoy listening to Lloyd Cole!

Expand full comment
PDX_Yankee's avatar

Bumble Dave does deserve compassion, just not from you :)

The man needs more self awareness. I mean, I can see him sharing all this with you, once you'd gotten to know each, but whoa. This was a lot for anyone to hear on date one. I hope you enjoyed a nice bowl of ice cream with that tasty reduction, when you got home.

Expand full comment
Pat Chew's avatar

What a poor, tortured soul. Glad you kept him out of your orbit. Love the balsamic reduction tip!

Expand full comment
Lara Starr's avatar

Indeed. I wish him well. He's got a long way to go...

Expand full comment
Beth Huizenga's avatar

Loved this piece and the way it captures processing as it happens in your stream of consciousness. So important to think - and feel it - through, as in, what would the "old" self say, what is the "new" self saying and how does that jibe with the "now" self?

Your story also reminded me of meeting a man for a date early on in my dating over 50 history. Within a couple minutes he was telling me how his wife died in childbirth over twenty years ago. I felt it was a practiced ruse to get sympathy and was utterly turned off. It felt like "this is the story that works to get chicks" routine. Yuck!

Expand full comment
Lara Starr's avatar

Thank you so much for reading and your kind words and ugh, no doubt that dude was trying to gain sympathy (and other benefits) from that story. Yuck indeed!

Expand full comment
Jamie Weil's avatar

Shell shock cookie! Totally get that! Love this series and appreciate being introduced to new vocal artist. Awesome story!

Expand full comment
Lara Starr's avatar

Thank you so much <3

Expand full comment
Carol's avatar

“New” Lara makes sense. It takes a lot to not take on someone’s burden when it really is unnecessary. Supporting yourself is not something we learned so I am glad you have. I think we all need to learn that lesson.

Expand full comment
Lara Starr's avatar

Thank you so much <3 It's an ongoing process and practice.

Expand full comment
AMALIA VILLALBA NUÑEZ's avatar

GRACIAS Y FELICES

Expand full comment
AMALIA VILLALBA NUÑEZ's avatar

GRACIAS Y FELICES

Expand full comment
Angie Gascho's avatar

That story! Wow! I really enjoyed how reading how you wrapped things up at the end with the "old Lara" "new Lara" bit. I am hoping you find your fun and distraction! And loved all the recs at the end...especially the balsamic tip. :)

Expand full comment