u/Electric80sPython

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for some reading recommendations to help me navigate a bit of a personal journey. Lately, I’ve been feeling what I can only describe as a "religious hole in my chest." I'm trying to find my place in the world and fill that void with something meaningful.

I’m looking for books—either non-fiction or deeply philosophical fiction—that focus on:

* Compassion and Love: How to cultivate a deeper empathy for others and myself.

* Ethics and Inclusivity: Exploring how to live a good, principled life that embraces everyone.

* Inner Transformation: Moving through personal change and finding a new sense of purpose or spirituality.

I want to better understand how I fit into the bigger picture. Has anyone else felt this way? What books helped you heal or find a new perspective?

Thanks in advance!

Confused about my sexuality vs fantasies ,not sure what it means

Hi everyone,

I’m trying to understand myself better and I’m a bit confused.

I’ve never been in a relationship before, but I sometimes find myself imagining situations involving men, including sexual intimacy (both receiving and giving). It doesn’t always feel like something I want in real life, but it shows up in my thoughts and curiosity.

Because of this, I’m unsure what it means. Does this mean I’m gay or bisexual, or is it just fantasy/curiosity that doesn’t reflect my actual orientation?

I don’t feel ready to label myself, but I also don’t want to misunderstand what I’m feeling.

Would appreciate any perspectives from people who’ve been through something similar.

Thanks.

I’m trying to make this as simple as possible. I’ve been down this train of thought before, but now new fucking in my head keeps coming like a powerful locomotive.

What even is masculinity? What is femininity? Am I a man with femininity, a woman with masculinity, or am I just oversimplifying both or have neither?

I look at the world and see what women go through—violence, harassment, lower pay, general inequality. I already deal with those things being Black; why would I want to become a woman, try to be happy, and just have those extra bad things piled on too? On the flip side, men are seen as threats or monsters capable of great evil, but they benefit from what women don’t.

Am I just imagining things? Am I just a coward estimating pros and cons to make myself feel better about making a mistake either way? Am I just trying to avoid the "cons" of being a trans woman? Or am I just really a man?

Everyone tells me to "find a gender specialist." The thing is, I wouldn't be asking online if I could fucking afford one. I’m a broke teenager in a very conservative area. People also say "see yourself in 50 years," but I can barely imagine myself in the fucking ing present. I can only imagine what I'm doing in the future, not who I am, because I don't even fucking know who I am right now.

That’s why I ask people online, and I usually get no good damn advice. Does anyone actually have some?