Does this bother you?

PhoebeCat comments on Apr 4, 2018:

Kinda but I just say, "Have a good day."

Would you hit your child to discipline them?

PhoebeCat comments on Jan 29, 2018:

Of course. My son likes to make out like he was smacked a lot, but I remember every time he was spanked and why I spanked him.

Age difference dating

PhoebeCat comments on Apr 16, 2018:

I suppose. Personally, I could never date anyone my son's or father's ages because that would just be disgusting. So my perfect person would have to be somewhere between 28 and 72. A lot of options available.

When raising children, is it OK to use corporal punishment (spankings)?

PhoebeCat comments on Jan 29, 2019:

Punishment should be based on what the child responds to best.

Do you "talk with your hands"? Does it bother you if others do?

PhoebeCat comments on Jun 4, 2018:

I do. I teach my kiddos in ST to do the same. Gestures can provide the listeners cues to improve understanding.

President Pence

PhoebeCat comments on Dec 16, 2019:

Pence is worse

The United Way is conducting a fundraising for school supplies.

PhoebeCat comments on Jul 23, 2018:

It says that it's time to stop treating schools like a business with all the money going to superintendents who then provide high paying jobs to their best friends instead to placing the money into the school budgets for supplies and staff.

A big contingent of my wife's bible thumping family is coming to our house for the weekend.

PhoebeCat comments on Jun 1, 2018:

Your house, your rules

You're woken up in the middle of the night by burglars in your home.

PhoebeCat comments on Nov 30, 2018:

Cell phone. Nothing in my bedroom is even close to being a weapon.

What are some songs you like, despite them having religious lyrics?

PhoebeCat comments on Mar 28, 2018:

Religious lyrics don't bother me. I attended church for years because I enjoyed participating in the choir. I just sang the songs and opted out of prayer. Choir was one of the few things my mother and I could do together without arguing.

Someone posted that they can't get along with ex's.

PhoebeCat comments on Jul 10, 2018:

I get along fine with my ex. I just don't care about what happens to him beyond how it affects our son.

A lot of divorces seem to end in acrimony. Why?

PhoebeCat comments on Aug 30, 2018:

Because they tried to save the relationship instead of leaving immediately.

Iran puts an $80m BOUNTY on Donald Trump's head, threatens to attack the White House, tears up ...

PhoebeCat comments on Jan 7, 2020:

Let's not pretend that America is new to terrorist activity. We've been doing it for years.

What is the bible to you?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 21, 2018:

Poorly written historical fiction anthology

What are you thoughts on paying bills in a relationship. Should the man pay all the bills?

PhoebeCat comments on Apr 9, 2018:

In the perfect world, I'd live off the higher salary and put the lower salary into savings.

Kindle worth getting?

PhoebeCat comments on Mar 7, 2018:

I love my kindle for travel. I just throw it in my bag and I'm set for 2 weeks. My son got me 6 months of kindle unlimited one year for christmas. I've kept it up ever since.

Would you eat at The Heart Attack Grill at least once in your life?

PhoebeCat comments on Jul 29, 2018:

I've been by and we even weighed ourselves on the scale. We didn't qualify for the free meal. I'd like to eat there but Fremont is somewhere I only go whete I have out of town company.

I never wanted to have kids, is that weird?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 2, 2018:

That seems perfectly normal to me. I have never understood how someone could do that to themselves on purpose.

So, which odds would you choose?

PhoebeCat comments on Jan 7, 2020:

Neither, I approach most situations with indifference. Too be honest, I lack both compassion and resentment. They both require a level of investment that I'm usually unable to attain or maintain as the case may be.

Lots of Prayer Requests On Facebook.

PhoebeCat comments on Apr 27, 2019:

I ignore them

Anyone else enjoying shark week ?

PhoebeCat comments on Jul 25, 2018:

Best week ever. Thinking of extending my next Florida trip to include Bimini if I can manage it. Gotta learn to scuba dive.

The Black Mamba , Kobe Bryant passed away today with his daughter in a helicopter crash .

PhoebeCat comments on Jan 27, 2020:

Sad for his family, but he'll always be a rapist to me. No great loss to humanity.

I just found out my husband gave a church over $1,700.

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 4, 2018:

I’d cancel payment with your bank, then have an incredibly ugly fight with the husband.

Dating someone with Autism

PhoebeCat comments on Mar 22, 2018:

No, I work with a lot of kids with ASD. There's no way I could take it in my home too. I don't have the patience or kindness needed.

Some say Trump is a puppet. If so, who's pulling the strings?

PhoebeCat comments on Jul 13, 2018:

He's an insecure needy SOB. He's easily manipulated by anyone who's willing to suck up.

Letting people know I'm agnostic?

PhoebeCat comments on Nov 19, 2018:

My exact words were "You know I don't believe in any of that, right?" Subject dropped. I don't remember the exact conversation. It was either about gay marriage or Islam. My dad is a little amazed that I think Christians are as deluded as Muslims. And all marriage is bad.

What do you call your mother-in-law?

PhoebeCat comments on Nov 23, 2018:

I called her by her first name.

Is family as important as we say and think it is?

PhoebeCat comments on Nov 30, 2018:

No. I enjoy them when they're around. Don't miss them when they're not.

How does one know, when a person no longer deserves your attention or Love?

PhoebeCat comments on Jan 7, 2020:

If you're asking the question, the answer is now.

CARE BUT DON’T CARE- Call it what it is.

PhoebeCat comments on Jul 2, 2018:

I define it as not wanting bad things to happen to someone but not really being affected one way or another if they do. Same with what they consider good things.

Had an odd religious debate with a coworker. Where does Good and Evil come from?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

My father thinks I'm nuts because I told him 'sin' does not exist outside of religion and that right and wrong are based on societal norms that change all the time.

Obama: great husband, never cheated on Michelle, amazing father of two Evangelicals: WE HATE THIS...

PhoebeCat comments on Jul 23, 2018:

Trump's a white man. That's generally all it takes. The only socially acceptable black man or woman acknowledges the superiority of white males.

What or Who created the universe?

PhoebeCat comments on Jun 6, 2018:

Don't know or actually even care.

Should it always be taken for granted that people with only 1 profile photo are likely not who they ...

PhoebeCat comments on Jul 29, 2018:

No, I assume they're either the ones taking the pictures or they only have pictures with others, like me. I don't post anyone's picture without permission.

Do you ever miss the religious life?

PhoebeCat comments on Jan 23, 2018:

I miss the routine sometimes. There were times I wanted to buy-in but just couldn't bring myself to mean it when I said it.

Atheists/Non-Believers with Kids- How do you deal with family members trying to shove their ...

PhoebeCat comments on May 23, 2018:

Let my kids (son & niece) know that all religion is an opinion. I shared my lack of belief in Jesus, God and explained details of all religions when the topic came up. Then, I let them make up their own minds.

Pro and cons of homeschool....pour them out if you are able,waiting to read....

PhoebeCat comments on Jul 23, 2018:

I think tbe parents are crazy to do it, but given a actual curriculum that is actually followed with appropriate social activities homeschooling can be good for kids. However, that's rarely what happens. Homeschooling is often another way to say "can't be bothered by our kids".

At his rally in Great Falls, Montana, on July 5, Trump claimed that he has been cleared by Congress ...

PhoebeCat comments on Jul 10, 2018:

Hell, the republicans cleared Hillary Clinton over and over again and they still want more money to investigate again. Obviously being cleared by a congressional committee is useless.

Parents: Do you use punishment?

PhoebeCat comments on Apr 25, 2018:

I did with my kid and I do with my kids during therapy. My expectations and consequences for not meeting those expectations are always clear and consistent. Generally speaking, I give directions one time only. Each time directions are not followed consequences become more severe - loss of privilege. I never threaten and always follow through. For example, my son refused to pick up a favored toy. I gave him the warning: if I pick them up, I'll throw them away. He still refused, so they went straight into the garbage. Never had that problem again. He knew that when I said something I meant it. I spanked him a couple of times once for hiding in a store and once for running into a parking lot and smacked his mouth because he called me stupid.

Do you still lose sleep and worry about your adult children? [news-vine.com]

PhoebeCat comments on Nov 18, 2019:

No, he's capable of dealing with whatever comes his way and smart enough to know when to ask for help.

The 2nd amendment is a part of the bill of rights and should not be changed.

PhoebeCat comments on May 18, 2018:

The police don't even need them. Very rarely I'll run into a police officer who is honest enough to admit that the only difference between the cops and the criminals is one has a badge.

What do you want most out of life?

PhoebeCat comments on Jul 17, 2018:

Peace snd quiet

As an atheist or agnostic, how do you deal with grief?

PhoebeCat comments on Jan 23, 2018:

I get sad, cry and wallow for about 48-72 hours then move on. Sounds cold, I know. But we're born, we live then we die. I see no reason to spend a lot of time worrying about or regretting things that I can't do anything about. I was upset with doctors and the world (politicians) for a while after seeing how easy I was able to give my cat the release from his misery after having to watch my mother die slowly in tremendous pain. I should have been able to do for my mom what I did for my cat. I did feel a lot of anger when I heard 'we know where she is now' or 'at least he's in a better place'.

Anyone have advice on how to come out ofthe atheist closet?

PhoebeCat comments on Aug 30, 2018:

Just tell her. The simplest was is usually the best. Mom, I'm an atheist.

Can you have sobriety without a higher power?

PhoebeCat comments on Jun 18, 2018:

I've never dealt with an addiction but it seems to me that every day there are two choices, either use or not. A higher power isn't providing strength. It comes from the individual.

Got my bi-yearly jury summons and wonder how everyone else handles the oath part.

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 1, 2018:

I’ve always been dismissed before any actual selection occurred.

After a life altering event it became clear that several of my family members had wronged in a ...

PhoebeCat comments on Apr 16, 2019:

I removed myself from my family years ago. These days I control any and all interaction.

Anyone else want in on this?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

Come visit me. I could introduce you to Jesus 10-12 times before lunch. You could choose the one you like best.

How many of you attend services, but are agnostic?

PhoebeCat comments on Dec 5, 2018:

I last went to church on October 28, 2012 with my dad. It was the Sunday after my mom's funeral.

How do you manage to deal with theist people talking about God?

PhoebeCat comments on Mar 12, 2019:

Pull out your phone and start web surfing. If they say something, just respond with, "Oh, were you talking to me?" I've found that being passive-agressive will often make my point without confrontation.

Tell me an unpopular opinion. Me...I do not like sour cream

PhoebeCat comments on Mar 28, 2018:

I don't like melted cheese. Cheese ruins a perfectly good hamburger, minimal cheese on pizza and not a huge fan of mac & cheese. Give me a cold block and I could eat it all.

Today I was encouraged to donate a sum of money to one of the local foodbank/shelter.

PhoebeCat comments on Mar 21, 2018:

I hesitate to donate money to any charity because I think non-profit status operates about 90% of the time as a ways to generate non-taxable income for the people who start them. I absolutely refuse to support any non-profit with the slightest religious affiliation no matter how good the cause.

Pros and cons about having a tattoo/tattoos?

PhoebeCat comments on Jul 27, 2018:

Mine took forever to heal and I have to wear long sleeves to work everyday. No real benefit but I like it and plan on finishing now that it's healed.

When did you first doubt religion?

PhoebeCat comments on Jan 23, 2018:

My mom dragged me to church at around 8-9 years old. It never made any sense to me, but I didn't have a choice. Once I was older, mom bribed me with steak dinners. I was never a believer but as long as I got something out of it, I was willing to attend.

What is everyone doing either fun or productive today?

PhoebeCat comments on Jun 4, 2018:

Continued packing (4 boxes, 6 bags of trash, 1 bag for donation), did laundry, dishes, went to vet for cat food, grocery store and had first Pieology pizza for lunch.

Raising children when one parent is "born again".

PhoebeCat comments on Dec 5, 2018:

I went too church frequently as a child and I took my son. Personally, I credit church attendance for our atheism.

Do we make our fates or is life preordained??

PhoebeCat comments on Jul 17, 2018:

Neither. The only thing an individual has control over is how they react to the consequences of their own and other’s decisions.

Are you pro

PhoebeCat comments on Jun 17, 2018:

I would encourage anyone experiencing an unwanted pregnancy or severe birth defects to get an abortion. But, only if they asked.

Religious holidays?

PhoebeCat comments on Jul 25, 2018:

I don’t celebrate but do get July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day and my birthday off as paid holidays.

Who out there has crippling student debt?

PhoebeCat comments on Mar 20, 2018:

I borrowed the max amount my six semesters of grad school so that I could quit my job and focus on clinicals and internships. I pay an extremely low interest rate and haven't experienced any difficulty making my monthly payments. I also chose a career where the demand is much greater than amount of people qualified to do the work. My starting salary was about $4,000 less than my debt.

Do you fear a possible coronavirus pandemic?

PhoebeCat comments on Mar 9, 2020:

I'm not particularly worried about it. I'm pretty sure I'll get it. I seem to catch everything that runs through my place of work. My only concern is that I might pass it to one of my medically fragile kiddos before realize I'm sick. They've put some new steps as a safety precaution at work. That gave me a shock because I was already doing all but one of them and figured everyone else was too. Washing hands and materials is something we shouldn't have to be told to do. People are nasty.

Their are things that can be proven to be unprovable.

PhoebeCat comments on Jul 29, 2018:

No, I just don't think everything matters. I often wonder why anyone even cares when I see some of the research out there and arguments that happen over some of the most inane topics.

Politicians. Eh?

PhoebeCat comments on Apr 10, 2018:

The desire for power in a definite indication that a person is not fit for public service. I'm not up on politics in other countries but in the US the whole lobbyiest career should be illegal. Imagine a job where you are paid by rich people to bribe politicians.

At what age did you move out?

PhoebeCat comments on May 27, 2018:

I was 18.

Do you patronize religious businesses or do you avoid?

PhoebeCat comments on Jun 6, 2018:

I try to avoid but there's sometimes when it's unavoidable.

Are there any Christian Atheists out there?

PhoebeCat comments on Nov 19, 2018:

Probably about 75%. Most of it's show. Just look at the number of people on this sight who choose to defer to religious family members to avoid a fuss.

I've discovered/concluded that I really can't stand baby talk in a relationship.

PhoebeCat comments on Jun 17, 2018:

I can't stand baby talk, period. The person doing it always looks and sounds like a moron.

Forgiveness

PhoebeCat comments on Nov 5, 2018:

Forgiveness is a worthless idea to me. I don't holld grudges and can honestly say that I don't care enough about others for their actions to have a lasting affect on my well-being. I can only control myself.

Is it more important to be liked or respected?

PhoebeCat comments on Jan 26, 2018:

Respected...I don't care if anyone likes me or not. Chances are I don't like them anyway.

Justice ... What is your personal definition of it?

PhoebeCat comments on Jul 24, 2018:

There's no such thing as justice , only retribution. Retribution is not distributed equitably.

Who is your favorite artist and work by them?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 19, 2018:

I recently saw the Chihuly Collection in St Pete. It was amazing.

Anybody else wish they could just leave the family behind and just drive.

PhoebeCat comments on Oct 16, 2018:

Did it 14 years ago. Best choice I've ever made.

How do you plan on raising your children?

PhoebeCat comments on Jul 17, 2018:

I was very much a free range limited rules kind of parent. There were 5 rules that were never to be broken and everything else was negotiable. Anything other than an unequivocal yes was a no, end of story. The more st aggravating moment of parenthood was when he learned how to tattle in head start. If no one was hurt, I didn’t want to hear it.

Army officer's mom deported; he says he feels betrayed - CNN

PhoebeCat comments on Jan 6, 2020:

While I would never turn someone in for being undocumented, I also have absolutely no problem with them being deported. Especially not after committing the same criminal act multiple times.

I am bored. Need some controversy. Anyone here, besides me, like pineapple and ham on their pizza?

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 9, 2018:

Where I come from it's ham with bbq sauce, nastiest pizza I've ever eaten.

Reading to children can give them a step up as their young brains develop; but is all reading ...

PhoebeCat comments on May 28, 2018:

I vote for the benefit coming from actually having the parents talking to the kids. Very few parents demonstrate an actual interest in spending time with their kids. They give them their cell phones or tablets to avoid actual one-on-one interactions.

How to possibly tell your parents that you do not follow there religious beliefs?

PhoebeCat comments on Apr 20, 2018:

I met with the mormon missionaries on my local campus. My mom freaked out about that so much that everything else I did was a relief.

Would you put this on your vehicle?

PhoebeCat comments on Jul 24, 2018:

Nope, I don't put anything but parking tags on my car.

To all atheists, What are your favourite or go-to arguments against religion.

PhoebeCat comments on Nov 29, 2018:

I don't talk religion much. If I like them, I don't want to think they're stupid. If I don't like them, I don't care what they think about anything.

Do you have to pretend to be religious to fit in?

PhoebeCat comments on Mar 20, 2018:

Most adults that I come in contact with don't make religious comments. I deal with it with children. When they ask I just tell them that I don't go to church, read the bible or celebrate christmas or easter. Working with kids is difficult because you don't want to contradict their parents, but you also don't want to be just another person who lied to them when they find out the truth. Talking santa, easter bunny and tooth fairy, not god. Most of my kiddos will take it as a lie and be upset.

What's everyone up to today?

PhoebeCat comments on Mar 28, 2018:

Going to look at apartments and Costco. Must have money burning a hole in my pocket. And you?

Is it possible for a believer and a non-believer to be compatible in a long term relationship?

PhoebeCat comments on Jan 23, 2018:

It's a matter of respect. Sure, it's possible. I'd think children could very easily be a breaking point. I could never tolerate someone teaching their opinion as fact to my child. I was very clear that I don't 'believe' in god or jesus but that other people do.

Tired of the religious US? Where would you want to move to?

PhoebeCat comments on Jul 25, 2018:

Don't know but I only speak English so that limits me.

Moving for love

PhoebeCat comments on Jul 16, 2018:

I would move if my standard of living remained stable and I had a job. I would never quit my job before securing a new one.

Okay, so ....my son, 15, brings it up to me last night. Do I know Ben Shapiro?

PhoebeCat comments on Mar 11, 2020:

I've watched a few Shapiro videos with my son. I had to laugh at the total lack of self awareness. I saw a self righteous whiner complaining about oversensitive self righteous snowflakes.

I am Secular Pro-Life. Here are my secular arguments to which I'd like you to respond.

PhoebeCat comments on Jan 24, 2018:

I'm pro-choice. I support safe abortion on-demand. Why a woman chooses to get an abortion is absolutely no one's business but her own. I have ended a pregnancy and I have to say that it was an easy decision that I have never regretted.

Swim with the largest Great White Shark? [msn.com]

PhoebeCat comments on Jan 19, 2019:

My dream vacation is to go out with the great whites.

Had Mark Anthony Condit been a guy named Mohammad or Omar, how differently would the media be ...

PhoebeCat comments on Mar 22, 2018:

Terrorist has become as meaningless as hero. The man was a serial bomber. We're, most likely, going to find out he got his jollies from blowing things up.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation is having their national convention in San Francisco November ...

PhoebeCat comments on Jul 18, 2018:

I chose would not be interested because I'm interested but unable to attend. I will have just returned from a 2 week vacation and can't request more time off from work.

I'm having a serious emotional dilemma and was hoping to get some solid advice from rational people.

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 16, 2018:

You ethical dilemma still exists. You maybe single, but she's still married. Wait until her divorce is final, if she gets one, to make your move. If you still want to.

How would you judge a married man or woman

PhoebeCat comments on Jul 23, 2018:

Nothing wrong with attraction unless it leads to lying.

Would you teach your child to stand for the "Pledge of Allegiance"?

PhoebeCat comments on Jan 31, 2018:

I don’t but would never try to stop someone else. That is unless they tried to make me stand.

How is it that so many people believe in a god (or The God)?

PhoebeCat comments on Jul 17, 2018:

Instinctive, non answer. Most people haven’t stopped to ask themselves ‘do I believe?’ They just say yes, of course.

Do You Celebrate Holidays / Why or Why Not?

PhoebeCat comments on May 12, 2018:

I haven't celebrated holidays since I got divorced. I figured I was there everyday for my son, so there was no reason to go nuts few days of the year trying to buy his love. My ex OTOH was the kind of father who never paid child support and rarely used his visitation time except for holidays when he would insist on having him and would not pay his bills to have money to buy an overabundance of presents.

Are there any Gnostic Atheist out there besides me?

PhoebeCat comments on May 13, 2018:

I just read a book where a gay wolf shifter gave birth to twins. I rank the existence of god(s) to be just as probable.

Who gave you the 'birds and bees' lecture

PhoebeCat comments on Feb 20, 2018:

My best friend in 6th grade. Her older brother told her. I tried to discuss it with my mother, but she pretended not to hear me.

When did you know you didn't believe?

PhoebeCat comments on Mar 11, 2019:

As I've said before I'm not sure I was ever a 'believer'. Church was just something my mom made us do. As an abusive, emotional manipulator, once she found a place she could excel I didn't stand a chance. I'm good a faking when it's in my best interest.

What time do you wake up?

PhoebeCat comments on Mar 29, 2018:

Aound 4:30 am no matter what. I've tried to break the habit, but I can't.

At what point do you unfriend Facebook friends who are continually posting shit that isn’t true?

PhoebeCat comments on Oct 20, 2020:

I just block the source of their meme. That way I can still see family events, but everything they political or religious is blocked.

Have you ever been asked, "What Church do you go too?' by your boss?

PhoebeCat comments on Mar 31, 2018:

I just say, "I work over the weekend." I once had a kiddo ask me, "Do you read your bible on your days off?" I told her "Nope, I never read tbe bible."