u/BBLZeeZee

I was happily in maintenance at 145 lbs since this summer. My primary exercise is walking and resistance bands, and I maintained all through the holidays.

But recently I’ve gained 6 pounds.

Okay, not rocket science — monitor calories, tighten things up, increase exercise.

But I’m honestly terrified of gaining the weight back.

I’m currently on 5mg every 7 days (higher than some because I was previously on sema and tirz). I’ve noticed I’m much more interested in food lately than I was before, so I’m wondering if, alongside increasing movement, I should increase my dose or shorten my interval to every 5 days instead of 7.

I know this is a tool and I still have to do my part, but the weight literally fell off before and now it feels different.

For those in maintenance: how do you know when it’s normal fluctuation vs the beginning of regain? And has anyone had to adjust their maintenance dose when food noise started creeping back?

47F. Finally went “all the way” with my new boyfriend. Honestly, I thought I had essentially become asexual — perimenopause and all. I was genuinely nervous about whether everything would even still work.

Well, I’m here to inform the collective: after being put through the mattress and turned every which way but loose — I DO have a sex drive.
I went home and slept for six hours. I’ve literally been feeling zen ever since. My mind is clear as a bell, my nervous system feels regulated, and I just feel like 100%.

I’m not doing long-term celibacy again. I’ll do a FWB if necessary, but I’m not doing that to my body again.

It’s Friday. I feel like I survived. I hate feeling like this.

I somehow got suckered into being a long-term sub for the ENTIRE school year. No curriculum, no real plan, all boys….

I’ve done my best and I’ve grown to love my little rowdy bunch, but the closer I get to the end, the more I am giving absolutely no f$&@.

We will be watching a movie every Friday. I will provide snacks. We will be doing art only on block days. We will have study hall on Monday….. It will be easy on me.

One more month. Never again.

All the work of a teacher, plus still having to fill in for other classes during prep periods.

Never again.

I met a man on Bumble that I have a lot of admiration for. He’s smart, stable, and deeply involved in his community. We share similar values around life and relationships—especially wanting to build a legacy and create generational wealth.

I’m just getting back into the workforce after a prolonged illness, so right now I make about a quarter of what he makes. That said, I’m 100% self-sufficient, and I know that’s what matters most. He’s mentioned that in past relationships, he’s had issues with women leading with or flaunting how much money they make, so financial dynamics have clearly been a thing for him before.

Recently, I mentioned wanting to see a musical, and he immediately bought us amazing tickets for our third date. I’m genuinely grateful, but I also feel a little uncomfortable with the level of generosity because I can’t reciprocate at that price point.

To show appreciation, I found a Groupon for mini golf, nachos, and wings for us. I know relationships don’t have to be tit-for-tat, but it matters to me to reciprocate in ways that are meaningful and within my means.

From what he’s shared, it sounds like he’s had experiences with women who were comfortable receiving but not giving much in return.

My question is: how do you navigate generosity and reciprocity early on when there’s a financial imbalance? Is thoughtful effort enough, or should I be thinking about this differently?