To repeat what I said to Estel: I don't mind the goof but I feel this is the sort of thing that should be between friends or at least between "FediFriends."

I don't appreciate the fact that it was done anonymously. "Shipping" is fun and harmless but it's usually considered out of bounds to do it openly (it's always fine in your mind) with actual people instead of merely fictional characters. Unless, of course, it's among people who are close or have that kind of online friendship established, as I mentioned.

While didn't take the question as anything offensive (why would I? we don't know each other well but they're lovely), the same can't be said about Estel. That they responded in such a measured manner speaks volumes of their politeness but does not necessarily imply that it didn't make them feel uncomfortable and THAT really bothers ME. It reminds me of the cheap schoolyard taunts of "You like [insert kid considered ugly]!" 😒

If only you had done it on your own name, we probably could've taken it in the spirit in which it was (hopefully) intended. As it is, I still don't believe it was done maliciously, just mishandled.

I'm sorry for the dry, lengthy response. Again, it's not a huge deal but I felt it appropriate to give a serious response. I hope this doesn't make you, whoever you might be, feel discouraged from interacting with me in the future.

Not much of a movie gal but I guess the first two Hobbit films sort of count? I don't love them and I definitely see some mediocre parts (Thorin SUCKS out loud, worse character in the series) but for me they're... fine? while everyone else seems to hate them. If my partner and I ever get to the LotR movies, (they haven't seen them) and they like them, I'll show them these when we're bored.

I can't think of a series that fits right now.

Now, games, oh boy:

• Dark Souls II: I won't go into detail but I love it and most of the criticisms the Souls fanboys throw at it are total horsecrap, in my opinion. I actually love Scholar of the First Sin, which even among Souls II fans is hated. 😆

• Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition: My absolute favourite version of D&D, flaws and all, and it's not close. Again, won't elaborate but it's another game that got so much hate from "3.5e" whiny grognards. Almost everything thrown at it was bad faith, garbage fallacies at best; outright lies at worst.

Those are the ones I feel most passionate about and that always come to mind so I'll leave it there 'cause this is long enough already. Look forward to my 4-hour Youtube essay in the future, where I'll EVISCERATE these philistines. 🤭

Eeeehh... sort of? I see what you're saying. There are all sort of different cuisines influencing each other but there are dishes that can be reasonably considered "traditional" Mexican food.

We don't have to get all obnoxiously pedantic as to demand for something to have been "originally created somewhere before ANYWHERE else in the history of humanity" but also, there's no need to go full post-modern hipster and declare that there's no such thing as [DEMONYM] food.

Yes, I can think of several examples of certain foods that are considered very Mexican and are actually gastronomical features of several Latin American countries with variations on ingredients, preparation and even presentation. Who knows who "invented" them? But by the same token, a goddamn chalupa is not a thing and neither is whatever the hell an "enchirrito" may be. 😆

At least it's not Mexican. I'd be happy to accept it as "Tex-Mex," "Mexican fusion" or "Mexican-inspired." 🤭

I'm not exactly sure. Not because I'm so goshdang humble or anything. Over the years, I've learned that I'm a bit of an acquired taste personality-wise. Even my loving partner openly says that I have a "strong" temperament or that I can sometimes have a "difficult" disposition. I won't mince words, they've even said I can be kind of jerk. 😅 There's a phrase I like that feels like it fits me: "I'm not nice but I'm kind."

I also do my best to never fall into gate-keeping garbage. So, what am I snob about?

• I have a very unsophisticated palate, but I will point out how our local popular "sushi" is an abomination (it can be fried, have beef and be stuffed full of avocado and cream cheese)

• I don't really know anything about music, but I literally feel sick listening to some Mexican genres that are surrounded by a culture of homophobia, misogyny and toxic masculinity.

• I feel like cringing out of my skull and will constantly hate on what constitutes "successful" Youtubers, streamers and (vomit) "influencers." Raking in millions sometimes, for vapid trash while actual content creators who contribute something meaningful struggle to get a couple views.

• Lastly, I guess anything related to supernatural beliefs, conspiracies, superstitions, "faith" or "spirituality" or even more trivial things like astrology, homeopathy, etc. A core part of me has been learning the importance of rationality. Not that we all have to be Spocks and "logical bros" but we should strive to base our beliefs and decisions on evidence that's as solid as possible. "You must know what is true in order to do what is right."

So, yeah, that's a big one for me. And though I have learned to value people's political/social beliefs more than what they might think about say, an afterlife (i.e: I'd rather have religious super lefty friends than atheist right-wingers) I do admit that I take a couple "respect points" off when someone tells me "I'm a Sagittarius so I'm really X" or they praise their bloody chiropractor.

I can never "respect your beliefs" because I respect you too much to humour you. I DO respect your right to have them and always will as long as they don't hurt anyone.

Umm... grown apart but on friendly terms with it? like, we see each other every day, say "hi" and how we totally need to get together soon and catch up. We're both so busy, though, and like, the pandini and all, y'know? 😅

Up until a couple of years ago, I thought I was pretty boring in that category and my queerness came from being gay and a bit non-monogamous. Then I started to realise (after being a few month on Fedi, big surprise) there was actually more to it in that area.

I definitely don't feel trans or female nor even some flavour of full "They/Them-ness" but I know for sure "cis" is too narrow.

So, I've graduated to Pan, Poly and Demigender, for what it's worth. 😁