# This is easily my worst Christmas ever. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 24, 2010, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-easily-my-worst-christmas-ever/565321 "2010-12-24T23:32:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Slit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2010, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-easily-my-worst-christmas-ever/565321/41 "2010-12-25T18:51:35Z")
**phouka** , I do understand that depression is a serious thing, and I don’t mean to come off unsympathetic. But is it really a surefire thing that being responsible for another thing will help someone with depression? Because if it’s a case of the person slowly getting better as they have to do more to be responsible for the kid, it doesn’t seem to be fair to the child. Not saying that the OP’s ex is great or anything (just outright ignoring his texts seems pretty immature). But if I were in that situation, there’s no way I could let my kid spend time with her father if that’s the state he’s in. I think he has to improve so that it’s safe to let him spend time with the child. ---
**Author:** ![Bam\_Boo\_Gut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8c91f0/32.png) [@Bam\_Boo\_Gut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bam_Boo_Gut)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2010, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-easily-my-worst-christmas-ever/565321/42 "2010-12-25T19:17:54Z")
Hugs for you **duffer** and all dads who don’t get to see their kids for Christmas. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Nader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Darth\_Nader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Nader)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2010, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-easily-my-worst-christmas-ever/565321/43 "2010-12-25T19:40:55Z")
Hey, **duffer**. Don’t kill yourself. My wife just left with my son. She didn’t even get me a card, let alone any presents. I don’t think she’s coming back. The way she drove the car over my foot was kind of a giveaway. I’m not sure if its broken, but it hurts like hell, and right now it’s like twice as big as it should be. My mom’s dead, and I’m out of touch with my father. No family around here. So I’m having a rotten Christmas too, but it would be even worse if I didn’t have everyone here. Things could always be worse. Don’t forget that. If someone tossed a gallon of kerosene and a lit match at me, then I’d be pretty much fed up. And crispy. Take care, okay? ---
**Author:** ![Bam\_Boo\_Gut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8c91f0/32.png) [@Bam\_Boo\_Gut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bam_Boo_Gut)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2010, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-easily-my-worst-christmas-ever/565321/44 "2010-12-25T19:58:19Z")
I hugged you in your own thread Darth, don’t push it. Ok, c’mere \<\<\< **Darth** \>\>\> ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Nader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Darth\_Nader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Nader)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2010, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-easily-my-worst-christmas-ever/565321/45 "2010-12-25T20:02:51Z")
Stop it. ---
**Author:** ![phouka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c5a1d2/32.png) [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2010, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-easily-my-worst-christmas-ever/565321/46 "2010-12-25T20:27:49Z")
NEVER! /hugs Darth. ---
**Author:** ![phouka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c5a1d2/32.png) [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2010, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-easily-my-worst-christmas-ever/565321/47 "2010-12-25T20:29:56Z")
> [@Freudian\_Slit](#): > > **phouka** , I do understand that depression is a serious thing, and I don’t mean to come off unsympathetic. But is it really a surefire thing that being responsible for another thing will help someone with depression? Because if it’s a case of the person slowly getting better as they have to do more to be responsible for the kid, it doesn’t seem to be fair to the child. Not saying that the OP’s ex is great or anything (just outright ignoring his texts seems pretty immature). But if I were in that situation, there’s no way I could let my kid spend time with her father if that’s the state he’s in. I think he has to improve so that it’s safe to let him spend time with the child. Oh, heaven’s no, it’s no surefire thing, just something I’ve found to work in my own life and the lives of others I’ve known with depression. Just like it’s easier to be brave when you have someone to be brave for, it’s less impossible to make life work when you’re making it work for someone else. And that’s why I included the Catch-22. There are definitely times when depression is so severe, the person shouldn’t be in charge of a potted plant, let alone a child. But that’s something that has to be decided on a case by case basis. ---
**Author:** ![Rilchiam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2010, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-easily-my-worst-christmas-ever/565321/48 "2010-12-25T20:52:15Z")
> [@Darth\_Nader](#): > > Hey, **duffer**. > My wife just left with my son. She didn’t even get me a card, let alone any presents. I don’t think she’s coming back. The way she drove the car over my foot was kind of a giveaway. I’m not sure if its broken, but it hurts like hell, and right now it’s like twice as big as it should be. Is this because of the rock? ---
**Author:** ![MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c0e974/32.png) [@MPB\_in\_Salt\_Lake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MPB_in_Salt_Lake)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2010, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-easily-my-worst-christmas-ever/565321/49 "2010-12-25T20:56:00Z")
> [@Rilchiam](#): > > Is this because of the rock? It’s undoubtedly because of the Vegemite. ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Nader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Darth\_Nader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Nader)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2010, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-easily-my-worst-christmas-ever/565321/50 "2010-12-25T21:22:49Z")
God Damn It. Not gonna hijack **duffer** ’s thread. okay? ---
**Author:** ![AClockworkMelon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aclockworkmelon/32/10803_2.png) [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2010, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-easily-my-worst-christmas-ever/565321/51 "2010-12-25T21:38:35Z")
Hey, **duffer** , my Christmas was awesome! Have a good day. ---
**Author:** ![CanvasShoes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/74df32/32.png) [@CanvasShoes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CanvasShoes)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2010, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-easily-my-worst-christmas-ever/565321/52 "2010-12-25T22:03:57Z")
> [@duffer](#): > > One more thing because I’m too lazy to start a Pit thread. Why do some people immediately respond to a complaint with “Toughen up, others have it worse.” Yes I’m blessed in many ways. So fucking what?!? If I’m in the ER with a broken leg and another guy comes in with his leg cut off should I pack up and go home? Sure, I got him beat in the number of limbs and would be considered luckier than him, but that doesn’t negate the fucking pain I’m in. I agree. It’s stupid of other people to use that argument. Just because there are others who may have it worse, doesn’t make the person in pain feel less horrible. As to the hungry part, do you have transportation? There must be a bunch of food kitchen type places in a city as big as Milwaukee. As it is, I’m so sorry you’re having a rough time. I’ve been there. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2010, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-easily-my-worst-christmas-ever/565321/53 "2010-12-25T22:33:31Z")
Wow - some of you folks are really a-holes. **Duffer** , I hope your day/month/year gets better. I hope you have a Merry Christmas despite your woes, and if you would prefer to wallow in self pity - well, that’s OK too. Take care - your child needs you. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2010, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-easily-my-worst-christmas-ever/565321/54 "2010-12-25T23:26:19Z")
> [@AClockworkMelon](#): > > Hey, **duffer** , my Christmas was awesome! > > Have a good day. This seems pretty gratuitous. No warning issued, but please avoid coming into a thread for the sole purpose of being a jerk. **twickster** , MPSIMS moderator ---
**Author:** ![Digital\_Stimulus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@Digital\_Stimulus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_Stimulus)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2010, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-easily-my-worst-christmas-ever/565321/55 "2010-12-26T17:37:16Z")
> [@alice\_in\_wonderland](#): > > Wow - some of you folks are really a-holes. Oh, my, yes. As an atheist who doesn’t really celebrate the holiday, I’m glad that I _still_ do better than some in expressing well-wishing during “the season”. Despite the stupid swipe at “liberals” by the OP in post #15. **duffer** , I hope your Christmas was better than expected, and I hope the coming days bring more happy times. Take care of yourself and do the best you can to take care of those you love. ---
**Author:** ![SleepyDuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@SleepyDuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SleepyDuck)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2010, 6:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-easily-my-worst-christmas-ever/565321/56 "2010-12-27T06:36:59Z")
> [@twickster](#): > > This seems pretty gratuitous. No warning issued, but please avoid coming into a thread for the sole purpose of being a jerk. > > **twickster** , MPSIMS moderator Really? :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2010, 10:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-easily-my-worst-christmas-ever/565321/57 "2010-12-27T10:18:36Z")
I’m not getting into a pissing contest with anybody over who has had the worst Christmas. I’ve been there too, and have had a few crappy Christmases of late, so I can sympathize with **Duffer**. **Duffer** , I hope you found what you needed at Mass and you came away with a feeling of hope and peace. This is what this season is about more than the presents and the toys. I’ve lapsed in my faith, too, and maybe I should take a page from your book and go out and look for it. Whatever happens to you, I hope things look better for you in the future. ---
**Author:** ![thegirlwholived](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ee59a6/32.png) [@thegirlwholived](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thegirlwholived)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2010, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-easily-my-worst-christmas-ever/565321/58 "2010-12-28T04:45:39Z")
I’m really sorry, Duffer. Wish I could help. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2010, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-easily-my-worst-christmas-ever/565321/59 "2010-12-28T05:05:41Z")
> [@Mister\_Owl](#): > > Duffer, I’ve decided that I am done with this thread. Follow the advice offer or peruse the path offered howsoever you choose. I can’t change your mind nor can I even offer real evidence indicating a path you might opt to choose. All I can show are my opinions, but in truth they are only worth what you’ve been required to pay to know. > > Good night and good luck. Don’t let the thread door hit you in the ass on the way out. If you find yourself living under a bridge eating ketchup over dry ramen noodles you can wish for more compassion under the hope-springs-eternal-karma-repayment-plan. To the Op. Hang in there and look for the help that is in your area. I’ve been unemployed for 3 years and appreciate my friends who have fed me from time to time. ---
**Author:** ![flickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7bcc69/32.png) [@flickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flickster)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2010, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-easily-my-worst-christmas-ever/565321/60 "2010-12-28T05:25:08Z")
Well, Duffer, you’ve received more than enough of the “Poor Baby” responses. To be honest, all I could picture while reading your OP was the current commercial with the whiner visiting his shrink and the shrink giving him the drill sergeant response… Man up, get out of your abode and do something positive. If for no other reason than to change your sniveling attitude. If nothing else, volunteer at a shelter. But for god’s sake, get the F out of the house and start living again. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-easily-my-worst-christmas-ever/565321.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-is-easily-my-worst-christmas-ever/565321.md?page=4)