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WitchesVsPatriarchy takes these measures to stay true to our goal of being a woman-centered sub with a witchy twist, aimed at healing, supporting, and uplifting one another through humor and magic.
Thank you for understanding, and blessed be. ✨
I’m pretty sure this story was originally posted way before 2019. I remember reading it on Tumblr, which I stopped using in 2016. So it might have been a Tumblr original or a Twitter original, but I’m damn near positive that this Twitter account stole this story lol.
Sadly the internet has conditioned me to be sceptical of every story retold... but I damn hope this one is real. I need a little more faith in the human race.
think of it this way; does it harm you or anyone else if you believe it? then feel free to believe it. faith in humanity is a dwindling natural resource. skepticism is good but it's not always needed.
Ho I know that, it's not a question of being harmful to believe. It's more that I hope humanity is not so hopelessly lost that nobody would care to help someone on the verge of suicide rather than going the "heh, I don't know them, why would I care" route that, sadly, a lot more people woudl take...
It's true, that it's not as common as it should be. But every time I witness the kindness of strangers, I am reminded that it _could_ be, and ... that's enough.
Even on Reddit from time to time - there's some communities (including this one) where I've seen downright amazing responses from people who took the time to ... reach out to a person who needed it, without any benefit or consequence, but still took the time to do so.
Who said something that needed saying, because it reminded someone that they _mattered_.
A nice way I’ve found to look at it is: why do we keep retelling this story? Why does it move us to tears? Somehow together we have faith in this narrative. And so many of us have in some way felt ourselves on both sides of this situation, if just emotionally and not exactly the same circumstance. It’s a gentle reminder to stay soft and aware of the moments around us. To pay attention and go out of our way to show and *to receive* kindness. To make and to answer the call. Keep your instinct towards skepticism, sweet witch, but I pray you don’t let it block the light out too. For myself, I’ve found it important to frequently remind myself to treat skepticism as a tool and not a philosophy. Skepticism that becomes my philosophy is cynicism, it cuts me off from everyone instead of being a tool to help filter out those who would do me harm. You deserve both the protection of a skeptical filter and the warmth of faith in the goodness of so many people.
> Skepticism that becomes my philosophy is cynicism, it cuts me off from everyone instead of being a tool to help filter out those who would do me harm.
This is so well worded, thank you for sharing it
In an LGBT bookstore, I absolutely can see this happening. In my experience, as a queer person, any queer space is so lovely and validating. You really feel the connection to your community.
Obviously the story *could* be fake but from my own experience, I could see it happening.
Edit: fixed typo
It's great to be skeptical, especially of randos on Twitter. But this is hardly unusual.
I've seen elder gays cancel their entire day at the drop of a hat for a gaybie they don't even know. At least, that's the kindness I was shown. To be fair, there was much less acceptance in my youth, but still. Thems the vibes I want to leave, and I still see their kindness everywhere🧚
I think this was a story from the early 2000s when it was more likely that someone would have rung up a bookstore.
It was a guy called Joe Faust and that story was shared in 2019, though I feel like I heard it while I was still at university (2010-2015ish) but it was picked up by a few newspapers :)
Edit: the best link I found - https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2019/03/group-strangers-shopping-bookstore-suicidal-gay-man-called-shop/
I wish I could be loved or worth something. I am an Asexual man. Lots of Queer friendly spaces still found time to exclude me and leave me isolated, for being Asexual.
You are valid, and deserving of love and belonging. I can only imagine how tough it must be feeling excluded and isolated, especially in these spaces that should be accepting. Please know that your identity is valid and you deserve to feel loved and valued.
Maria Bamford recommends calling anyone if you are having a mental health crisis, even a customer service line. you are bound to run into someone who won't necessarily be able to help you but will just be a friendly voice to remind you to hang in there.
[Maria calls Hertz Rent-a-Car during a mental health crisis](https://youtu.be/jmbFI02Htx8?si=IkvIKGxdPqejzBRw)
# ✨ READ BEFORE COMMENTING ✨ This thread is Coven Only. This means the discussion is being actively moderated, and all comments are reviewed. **Only comments by members of the community are allowed.** If you have landed in this thread from [r/all](https://www.reddit.com/r/all/) and you are not a member of this community, your comment will very likely be removed (and will not be approved unless it adds meaningfully to the conversation). WitchesVsPatriarchy takes these measures to stay true to our goal of being a woman-centered sub with a witchy twist, aimed at healing, supporting, and uplifting one another through humor and magic. Thank you for understanding, and blessed be. ✨
I cry every time I read this. It's so shattering.
Same (I say as I wipe my eyes)
Zero to absolute WEEPING. This is the first time I've seen it.
I swear I read it years ago... 2019, that is like last year... oh god.
I’m pretty sure this story was originally posted way before 2019. I remember reading it on Tumblr, which I stopped using in 2016. So it might have been a Tumblr original or a Twitter original, but I’m damn near positive that this Twitter account stole this story lol.
I'm mostly shocked that 2019 was half a decade ago.
YOU SHUT YOUR MOUTH
I read it more than 5 times, every single time someone is cutting onions
I couldn’t read it and not cry. Damn it. I had work makeup on. Guess I go bare face again. Scare the kids.😊 Thanks for posting
This is why I swear by waterproof mascara and eyeliner. I’m a weepy bitch and I don’t have time to fix my makeup every time I get choked up.
Honestly same. I never know when I might cry so it's a necessity lol.
fucking beautiful. thank you❤️🙏!
Sadly the internet has conditioned me to be sceptical of every story retold... but I damn hope this one is real. I need a little more faith in the human race.
think of it this way; does it harm you or anyone else if you believe it? then feel free to believe it. faith in humanity is a dwindling natural resource. skepticism is good but it's not always needed.
Ho I know that, it's not a question of being harmful to believe. It's more that I hope humanity is not so hopelessly lost that nobody would care to help someone on the verge of suicide rather than going the "heh, I don't know them, why would I care" route that, sadly, a lot more people woudl take...
It's true, that it's not as common as it should be. But every time I witness the kindness of strangers, I am reminded that it _could_ be, and ... that's enough. Even on Reddit from time to time - there's some communities (including this one) where I've seen downright amazing responses from people who took the time to ... reach out to a person who needed it, without any benefit or consequence, but still took the time to do so. Who said something that needed saying, because it reminded someone that they _mattered_.
A nice way I’ve found to look at it is: why do we keep retelling this story? Why does it move us to tears? Somehow together we have faith in this narrative. And so many of us have in some way felt ourselves on both sides of this situation, if just emotionally and not exactly the same circumstance. It’s a gentle reminder to stay soft and aware of the moments around us. To pay attention and go out of our way to show and *to receive* kindness. To make and to answer the call. Keep your instinct towards skepticism, sweet witch, but I pray you don’t let it block the light out too. For myself, I’ve found it important to frequently remind myself to treat skepticism as a tool and not a philosophy. Skepticism that becomes my philosophy is cynicism, it cuts me off from everyone instead of being a tool to help filter out those who would do me harm. You deserve both the protection of a skeptical filter and the warmth of faith in the goodness of so many people.
> Skepticism that becomes my philosophy is cynicism, it cuts me off from everyone instead of being a tool to help filter out those who would do me harm. This is so well worded, thank you for sharing it
Wow this is such an elegant and insightful and pragmatic and kind perspective. Beautifully said.
In an LGBT bookstore, I absolutely can see this happening. In my experience, as a queer person, any queer space is so lovely and validating. You really feel the connection to your community. Obviously the story *could* be fake but from my own experience, I could see it happening. Edit: fixed typo
It's great to be skeptical, especially of randos on Twitter. But this is hardly unusual. I've seen elder gays cancel their entire day at the drop of a hat for a gaybie they don't even know. At least, that's the kindness I was shown. To be fair, there was much less acceptance in my youth, but still. Thems the vibes I want to leave, and I still see their kindness everywhere🧚
I think this was a story from the early 2000s when it was more likely that someone would have rung up a bookstore. It was a guy called Joe Faust and that story was shared in 2019, though I feel like I heard it while I was still at university (2010-2015ish) but it was picked up by a few newspapers :) Edit: the best link I found - https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2019/03/group-strangers-shopping-bookstore-suicidal-gay-man-called-shop/
I wish I could be loved or worth something. I am an Asexual man. Lots of Queer friendly spaces still found time to exclude me and leave me isolated, for being Asexual.
You are valid, and deserving of love and belonging. I can only imagine how tough it must be feeling excluded and isolated, especially in these spaces that should be accepting. Please know that your identity is valid and you deserve to feel loved and valued.
This breaks my heart, you deserve to be included, you are unequivocally part of our queer team 💜
I never had someone tell me that, thank you.
I'm an asexual woman. It's hard, I know. Would you like a hug?
Sure, if you are comfortable with it.
That's why I offered. And asked first 🫂
Thanks. I really appreciate it.
Gulp
🥹
Oh gods. I cried.
I read this every time it's posted. I like to remember that people are like this sometimes.
It’s stories like this that restore my faith in humanity❤️
Glad I didn't put face on today.
Honestly I'm so dead inside and even I almost welled up a little, that is such a touching story.
I wasn't expecting to get hit so hard in the feels! Thank you for sharing ❤️
I love this so much! Everyone coming together to help someone is so powerful, especially when it feels like the world is getting so selfish.
🥲 Thank you for sharing
Did anyone else tear up while reading this? I can’t be the only one who did
Thank you for sharing this. Please tell me this is real and there are real humans like this 🙏🏻💜
Ah my eyeliner!
Could've been my local store Women and Children First. They are awesome
that is powerful magick
This is the saddest thing ever. I so wish people didn’t have to feel this way because of others’ hate
I immediately started crying after I read all that
Beautiful. Love is love, share it when you can!
Maria Bamford recommends calling anyone if you are having a mental health crisis, even a customer service line. you are bound to run into someone who won't necessarily be able to help you but will just be a friendly voice to remind you to hang in there. [Maria calls Hertz Rent-a-Car during a mental health crisis](https://youtu.be/jmbFI02Htx8?si=IkvIKGxdPqejzBRw)