There are drawbacks to both. I liked being unemployed, in a way, even though I had to budget a lot more and there was always that feeling of uncertainty. But I really did enjoy applying for jobs, imagining myself in various positions, and then going out to see the worksites in person when I was called in for interviews. I traveled all over the region and met lots of interesting people on those interviews. Job fairs and networking events, though mostly worthless for the job search, were still fun as well. I even got a free trip to Las Vegas for a hiring event. I was still practically on a full-time schedule, with all the applications and interviews and such, but it was a lot less stifling than being in the same office every day.

A find that a good barometer of friendliness is whether or not people hold doors open for one another, and if so, for how long.

Midwesterners will almost always hold a door open for someone behind them. Here in the District, many people will let the door slam shut in your face.

I always hold the door for people, and rude people who don’t piss me off. I usually give them the evil eye.

Chicago is super-friendly. People will randomly chat with you in elevators.

so so so glad you survived. I have what my boyfriend thinks is an irrational fear of being struck by lightning, but maybe I’ll hang onto it.

Actually, having children is perhaps the most selfish act of all: the idea being to create a new version of yourself and pass your selfish genes to further generations.

I don’t care for children, and I wish people would have fewer children in general. The world is already overpopulated as it is.

But by all means, have more children. In twenty years, when I’m retired with no kids, your kid can clean my swimming pool.