Since The Holiday Toy Drive Post Is Circulating Again, I Figured This Would Also Be Helpful! Food Insecurity

when this is animated i’m gonna need 5 whole business days to recuperate

im ackualy cryin rigt noe o mu god

I'm so glad someone else brought attention to this! Firstly, I think you're referencing the Still Face Experiment by Tronick. As far as psychological experiments have gone, I will say this one isn't as bad as others are, especially because there was a point afterwards to ensure the babies in the experiment were comforted by their parents to work on reversing the affects there. (as far as I remember, at least, I'm working on my master's in counseling so my brain's sometimes fried)

Anyways! So to me, this experiment did a lot to help show that neglect is, in fact, a form of abuse that ends with psychological and emotional issues in the person/child.

A big thing I think they do well (intentional or not) is showing how Maomao is in her relationships. She loves and cares for the people in her life, but she shows it in what we end up seeing as a "Maomao way". I think, however, she has an avoidant attachment style. Many adults who have this style tend to come from neglect, emotional or mental abuse. There's also two subtypes of this; dismissive and fearful. I don't see Maomao falling into the fearful category, so let's look at dismissive.

Signs in adults tend to be higher levels of self-sufficiency, and independence. They also tend to be far more mature faster because they have had to rely on themselves. Vulnerability isn't easy to come by, in any type of relationship. There's a lot of need for space and alone time.

Now I think a lot of that can be seen in Maomao, but not overly so. Why? Because people can have more than one type of attachment style, and because she also had Loumen, I believe she also has some level of secure attachment style in her.

That looks like: feeling comfortable trusting those one's close with (we see several strong friendships she has and maintains, even if she appears semi-closed off in them, with her internal monologue she trusts these people, cares for them, and enjoys being around them), strong emotional regulation (she slips a few times throughout the show (I'm guilty of s1ep4 when she slaps the one lady in waiting in the crystal pavilion) but overall she has a great level of control over her emotions), feeling comfortable with their independence as well as in their relationships.

Overall Maomao is a very well written character, and I could go in further detail psychologically picking her apart (I've done it with other characters lol) and the way she is as we see her is a mixture of her struggling with her biological parents, with her sisters from the verdigris house, and her adopted father, Loumen.

Not sure if any of my word vomit made sense, but if it did and you've never looked into the things I mentioned before, I say do so! It's also rather interesting, and considering I've dedicated my entire college career to psychology, I'm not biased at all!

Still Face Experiment Video

Interesting Reddit thread for SFE

Attachment Style Test

Man, sometimes i wish i hadn't taken Psychology in high-school-

TW//mentions of unethical psychological experiment involving babies-

So, we learn something new about MaoMao's childhood.

And that is, by the time she was a toddler, she was left alone till the cortizans where done with work. And that could take, a while...

Because of this our MaoMao learned from a young age crying wouldn't do her any good. Thus causing her to have trouble telling if people are interested in her, in almost any context.

And there is like, a psychological reason for this outside of 'character with a sad backstory'

So there was this 'Forbidden Experiment' performed on young children, babies to be exact, a long time ago, where the caretakers where only allowed to tend to their physical needs, and not the emotional.

It was a psychological study of sorts for emotional deprivation

I won't get into the heavy details, it's honestly a disturbing case all things considered.

But the reason why I bring it up is that those babies shut down. They stopped crying to have any of their needs met. And nearly half passed away simply from emotional neglect. Those who survived were left with lasting truama that still impacted them for as long as they lived.

And honestly?

I can't help but feel MaoMao is feeling those same effects the kids that survived did.

Obviously, her situation wasn't as bad,

But it left lasting scars on her psychologically.

And we see it in the way she handles affection from those who do care about her.

She responds to it, gives affection herself when prompted, or has a reason(like getting rare medicine ingredients), but when it comes to getting it herself, MaoMao is apathetic.

She is not ungrateful but keeps a respectful distance.

This is also probably what caused MaoMao to be as independent as she is now. Or at least contribute to it.

-

All in all, I love the show and its commentary. It doesn't truly sugarcoat things and doesn't blatantly spell stuff out for the viewer or reader. It's trusting us to be smart, make connections and figure the mysteries out ourselves, and determine how these bits of information influence the characters and their choices.

God, why did I take psychology-

i’m re-reading the manga and have some comments :) slight spoilers ahead i guess?

i wanna know 1. does someone at the school paint these and 2. WHO???

i just love him

they’re so proud/fond of their little first year

i love this trio

BOYFRIENDS YOUR HONOR! SOULMATES EVEN!

kiryuu said “you WILL be in this heart felt moment”

i know all his tattoos may have some type of meaning but… who is Frank? Franky? is this equal to when americans try and get things in different languages tattooed but get it wrong?

i just love all the little tidbits of the class being friends and silly goofy

anzai

anzai please you’re choking him

So why are you looking at Nanami like that? 🤨

⋆˚｡⋆୨✧୧˚ 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒅 ˚୨✧୧⋆｡˚⋆

⋆˚｡⋆୨✧୧˚ 𝑺𝑫𝑽!𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒚 𝒙 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓 ˚୨✧୧⋆｡˚⋆

The winter chill this year was far harsher than it had been years prior. The town was covered, coated in a thick snow, blanketing the buildings and dead trees. The falling snow had lightened considerably, a soft flurry now. The air was crisp and biting, almost painful to breath. Even just the brisk walk from your farm to the clinic proved to be more annoying than anything. You stepped into the clinic, an unsettling feeling taking over as you took in how quiet it was. Normally Maru was up front, greeting you, the two of you chatting before you went off to see your husband. And sure, the clinic was never hustling and bustling, but this time of year there was at the very least soft music playing throughout the waiting room. 

Now it was just eerily silent. 

“Harvey?” You called out, pushing the door open, voice laidened with concern.

You knocked once, just to fully announce your entry, the wood creaking as you pushed it open. Harvey was inside, hunched over his desk, papers scattered about him. His normally well put together appearance was more dishevled now, hair messy, and the part of his face you could see through his arms appeared pale. It took a moment for him to notice you, but when he did, he sat up, pushing his glasses up.

“Hun?” You stepped closed.

His shoulders were slumped, posture off; you could hear the whistle of his breathing from where you stood. He looked the definition of drained. 

“Hey,” He greeted you, voice gruff, “I’m just going over some files. Do you need something, dear?”

He tried to cover the cough that followed, and you felt a pang in your chest. He may be the doctor in your relationship, but it was beyond evident that your husband was sick. 

“Yes,” You said softly, crossing to stand right before him, “I need you to come home.”

He tried to stand, pushing himself up from where he was seated, his legs wobbly. He winched, coughing some more, body trembling from the force. You steadied him, feeling the unnatural heat emanating from his body. He shook his head, looking ready to argue. 

“Don’t even try that,” You chidded gently, forcing him to sit before he got dizzy, ignoring the weak attempts to resist, “Dear, you’re running a fever. You can’t work like this.”

“I’m fine,” He tried sounding put together, “It’s just a cold. I can’t leave the clinic unattended, especially during the winter.”

You frowned, running your fingers through his hair. His skin was burning under your touch, his hair unkempt and sweaty.

“You’re not fine,” You argued, keeping your voice light, “If anyone needs something, they can contact Maru. I’ll call and let her know you’re out of remission.”  

“I can’t just—”

You interrupted him, voice more firm than it had been before, “Harvey, you need to go home. You can’t work like this.” 

He sighed, though it sounded rather rough; he knew there was no use in arguing with you over this. Even so, he tried.

“I can just finish up some paperwork,” He trailed off, his argument hanging off his lips as his body sank further into his chair, exhaustion clearly taking the reins. 

“I’ll just stay here, finish up a few things…” he trailed off, his eyelids heavy as his body sank further into the chair, exhaustion clearly taking over. 

“Come on, we’re going home, and you’re going to rest, no arguments.”

He looked like he wanted to protest, but whatever words he had died on his lips. He didn’t have the energy to fight you on this, instead opting to sigh weakly, allowing you to help him up.

“Fine,” His voice was even quieter now, “But I’m coming back when I feel better.”

You smiled, cupping his cheek, thumb brushing against his cheek bone,”Of course, dear. Now bundle up, we’re going home.”

You were glad you had overdramatically bundled yourself up, being able to take off your own scarf to wrap about your husband, the cloth muffling his argument to this movement. Once you deemed him bundled up securly, the two of you left, locking up behind you. You knew Maru had a key, and you’d call her once you got Harvey settled into bed. The walk back took longer, your husbands walk sluggish, and you were worried he’d stumble and fall. Nothing like that happened, thankfully. Once you two got inside, Harvey looked even worse, cheeks red, and you weren’t sure if this was due to the cold or his fever. You helped him to your bedroom, making sure he laid down, propped up on the pillows. 

“Bedrest, no arguments,” You said, tucking the blanket around him snuggly.

You moved to the kitchen, grabbing the phone to call Maru as you poured some water into the kettle, already pulling out all the ingredients to make some green tea with lemon. You informed your friend, who wished your husband a speedy recovery, before you two hung up. You debated making some soup, but you’d rather him rest for a bit before you woke him up to eat. The house felt colder, and as you waited you moved to the fireplace, replacing new wooden blocks on the hearth to make sure it was burning as hot as it could without risking catching anything on fire. 

Once the kettle went off and you steeped the tea, you wandered back into the bedroom, Harvey perking up even just a little when he heard you come back in. He gave you a weak smile when he saw the tea cup in hand. 

“You don’t have to go out of your way,” He started, voice hoarse but so familiarly loving. 

“I do, actually. It was in the vows. In sickness and in health,” You replied, sitting next to him, “Besides, I owe you for all the times you’ve taken care of me after a bad run in the mines.” 

He chuckled weakly, accepting the mug from you with a quiet thank you. Sipping the tea slowly, you noticed how his hands were still trembling, though less so. He hurried to take his glasses off when the steam fogged them up. For a moment the room was quiet, the only sounds the fireplace crackling in the distance. 

“Thank you,” He whispered, the mug now half empty, and you moved to place it on the side table, “I’m not used to being taken care of, I suppose. Doctors truly do make the worst patients, and all that.”

You smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead, the warmth on his skin still present, “Well get used to me taking care of you, it comes with the marriage territory.” 

He leaned into your touch, eyes closing for a moment, the clear exhaustion evident on his face, “I’m so lucky to have you.”

It was silent after that, a comfortable, warm silence, “I think I’ll make some soup later, bring you some more tea and water. You need fluids.”

He nodded absentmindedly, already starting to drift off, the warmth of the bed and the tea, and you presence relaxing him greatly, “Alright… promise me something?”

“Anything.” 

“When I’m better, we’re going to go on a winter date,” His voice was thick with sleep, eyes still shut as he spoke, “We can take a walk in the snow, maybe get some hot cider at the saloon.”

You smiled, chuckling quietly, “I promise.”

He smiled, faint and tired, his breathing slowing down as he finally fell asleep. You watched him silently for a few moments, your heart swelling unbearably in your chest. Your husband was far too kind and too good sometimes, you were truly the lucky one to have him.

ive got thoughts about how so much of dandadan revolves around the ways women are hurt by society but i dont have the power to articulate that rn

okay I was here for johnny yong bosch and that was it… I don’t like the way they wrote Lady, and also apparently the creator is an avid Tr*mp supporter

nothing lost I suppose— I’ll just rewatch Trigun and Trigum Stampede to get my JYB fill

so I gotta say uhhhhh I’m lowkey on the rabbit’s side

Hiya scarlet darling! Hope you’re doing well and that the weather is just how you like it (since everyone’s got a different favorite kinda weather) I’m here for a matchup if that’s alright! Please and thank you uwu)/

About me hmmm I’m always running around doing something whether it’s working or finding another hobby (that i have way too many of) I’m really relaxed (despite the chaotic schedule) and easy going and I love to take care of people!

Hobbies-wise I like to travel the most but baking and gardening are close seconds! Special interests are animals probably? I know a ton about them and tons of fun facts. Also I could talk about baking, eating, food for days and days.

I have a cat that is so clingy I could throw him and he’d shoot back like a boomerang lol. My style is girly and colorful i guess? and anything sparkly is good! a wonderful mix of cute but comfortable so there’s gotta be pockets on everything. I love a good overall too but…😩 im getting off track

I actually love period pieces like bridgerton or the gilded age and old black and white movies are so fun! I love fantasy too especially in books (i read TONS) and theres a movie called stardust that’s also a book? One of my all time favs. But old 80’s movies with the special effects are also delightful for me (and another special interest i forgot.)

important stuff ahh I’m affectionate with the people i love but when people show it back i get all flustered about it I’m like what do mean you love me 🫣 how bold despite clinging to them and gushing praises at them on the regular. I do end up blushing a lot even just when I get excited talking about what I like and I don’t come up for air while chatting a mile a minute. I love spending time with the people I care about to the point where I’ll drag them everywhere with me if im able to. I also tend to worry about them quite a lot even when there’s really nothing to worry about. I’m a little airheaded and daydream-y when I’m not busy doing something. Thats probably the only time I’m quiet tbh

SORRY IF I WROTE TOO MUCH I hope something in it was helpful ヽ(；▽；)ノ anyways I love you you’re the sweetest!!!<3 have a seriously awesome day!

NEVER APOLOGISE FOR WRITING! There can never be too much! (*＾▽＾)／

Also Stardust? Literally changed my life when I first watched it! Amazing movie! Never read the book but I'm adding that to my list!

MOVING ON!

I match you... with Umemiya!

The gardening hobby definitely caught my attention, but there are other reasons! Umemiya strikes me as the type of guy who takes care of everyone first before even thinking about himself, so having someone who cares for others means he has someone who will care for him! Making sure he rests, making sure he takes his glasses off before he sleeps, helping him in the garden, helping him style his hair, etc. All the little things you do to help him has his heart fluttering!

He loves hearing you talk about animals, even listens about different birds in the area and what their diets are, researches different veggies and seeds to add to the garden to try and get more birds visiting so you can see them!

Plus someone who loves cooking? He sends you home with fresh veggies almost weekly! You're saving money whenever you go grocery shopping, and if you bring him bentos with that food he eats it all! He brags about it to everyone too!

He would love your cat, but he would also have silent stare-downs with said cat for your affection. He goes to lay his head in your lap, but your cat's already there. Now they're silently staring at each other, neither blinking. You have to adjust both of these big babies to cuddle both of them.

I also can see you getting him to watch Bridgeton with you, and he is SO enthralled! You have nights where you eat snacks and binge episodes, he plays the soundtrack when on the roof tending to the garden. You created a monster, that's what you've done!

Ume also would love someone as clingy as he is, and even more so if he can fluster you while the affection happens! He gives me cute aggression energy, so if you're blushing whenever he proclaims he loves you or you two share a kiss, expect to have your cheeks squished between his hands.

I hope you enjoyed this! HAVE A GREAT DAY!

i tried queing one thing and i think i broke my whole app