Heyyy...

[Aspasia]

Hey everyone. I don't think many of you on here will remember me but I'm Aspasia. Many moons ago I was a mod on here (I'm the reason for the smiley) and Suzi was a very dear friend.

I drifted away from the forum due to huge life changes including moving abroad/changing career etc., although I continued to follow on FB.

However it's 4 in the morning on NYE here and I'm sat in floods of tears. I can't wait for this year to be over, it's been hell, and the worst part is there is no-one I can really tell how I feel. I've always been self-sufficient and ok with being alone... but I'm at breaking point, I don't think I can cope anymore. 2023 was so damn hard and I'm so damn lonely - and I can't see a way 2024 will be different.

So here I am again, hoping this will help me remember I'm not alone in feeling like this and that it will be ok.

To those who remember me - I have missed you. To those I'm new to, it really is nice to meet you.

[Paula]

Hey gorgeous! It’s so wonderful to see you - I’m just so sorry it’s because you’re struggling.. yeah 2023 has been shit, with a capital S. you’re amongst friends, lovely, you’re not alone

[OldMike]

Hi Aspasia, I joined DWD in the latter part of 2015 and like you am a retired mod, I think this the first time we have met. I'm sorry this year (2023) has been rubbish hopefully next year will be better.

On a lighter note Mr/Ms Panda is my fav smiley

[Jaquaia]

Welcome back! I just wish it wasn't because you're struggling so much

[Aspasia]

Thanks all. OldMike I remember you but I think from the tail-end of my 'lurkers' phase so not sure we ever actually met Paula and Jaq, sending lots of pandahugs to you both!

[SJW180]

Hey there Aspasia. I’m sorry you’ve been having such a tough time lately. I hate New Year and always get emotional just the way you have. It takes time but it won’t be awful forever.

[Aspasia]

Hi SJW180! It's true I've never really liked New Year. I think it comes with a ridiculous weight of expectations, both for the night itself (have fun, be social, drink and be merry) and for the new year itself (be positive, make resolutions, get organised, lose weight, get healthy, get promoted, get narried, whatever). It's impossible to live up to.

[SJW180]

Oh I get ya. Not just the expectations but also the reflection of the past. I don’t have an answer for the emotional side of things cos every year is a struggle, but the expectations, don’t buy into it. If you don’t wanna party, don’t party. If you don’t wanna make a resolution then don’t do it. You only have one life and it’s yours to live how you see fit. Don’t let yourself be bullied into what is the “social norm” if that’s not what you want. Just be you and in time hopefully that will be enough for you to be happy.

[Strugglingmum]

Hi Aspasia, lovely to meet you. I'm so sorry 2023 has been so rubbish and left you feeling so low. My NY is very low key.
Here is to hoping 2024 surprises us all and is a bit easier

[Aspasia]

Nice to meet you Strugglingmum. Wishing you all the best too x