Tell HN: You are not alone this Christmas • Hacker News Board

Re: Tell HN: You are not alone this Christmas

#141

Post by abzug » Sat, Dec 25, 2021, 1:28 PM UTC

daantje wrote: post #128

abzug wrote: post #46

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Since I'm focusing on the job market, I'm collecting resources to learn C++. From what I gathered the best beginner book is Bjarne Stroustrup's Programming: Principles and Practice Using C++, which I think it'll be good since it's a programming book that uses C++ and not a book solely about C++. But I'm open to any advice.

The is also "A tour of C++" from the same author, which might be a good start. Take care.

From what I gathered, it's a book geared towards programmers new to C++.

Re: Tell HN: You are not alone this Christmas

#142

Post by bartvk » Sat, Dec 25, 2021, 1:28 PM UTC

throwaway_nr_34 wrote: post #134

I ve lost my love and my mental health is deteriorating I really hope things get better

Last year, I got caught in a divorce. If my experience is of any consolation, it will get better, I promise.

Re: Tell HN: You are not alone this Christmas

#143

Post by alektorophobiae » Sat, Dec 25, 2021, 1:29 PM UTC

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!

I'm an only child with a very small family, so our holidays were just me, mom, and dad. Growing up (and even a little bit today) I always felt lonely, especially when comparing our family to all the large Irish and Italian families that I went to grade school with.

But the older I get, the more I focus on just being grateful for the time I still have with them. It does make me sad to think of when they pass away (my dad is 74 with health conditions).

Virtual hugs to you all.

Re: Tell HN: You are not alone this Christmas

#144

Post by leto_ii » Sat, Dec 25, 2021, 1:29 PM UTC

>:D<

Re: Tell HN: You are not alone this Christmas

#145

Post by hohoho2021 » Sat, Dec 25, 2021, 1:32 PM UTC

I have family at home so I’m not alone on a personal level. But in business, my co-founders have been gone for two years now. One silently sulking and one more or less retired. I’ve gone on to keep everything running for the sake of our employees but I feel a bit more like Scrooge in his counting house each year when I’m chugging along on Christmas Eve.

As an ecomm play, the holidays are also mark the end of our busy season. So it’s a lot at once, but I try to keep in mind that I am still happier working for myself than I ever was working for someone else. I am also so grateful for all the joy we bring to the world.

Re: Tell HN: You are not alone this Christmas

#146

Post by charcircuit » Sat, Dec 25, 2021, 1:32 PM UTC

There are a lot of Christmas streams you can go and watch today. Who needs family when you have online friends to hang out with.

Re: Tell HN: You are not alone this Christmas

#147

Post by wiz21c » Sat, Dec 25, 2021, 1:32 PM UTC

wyclif wrote: post #29

There was a Category 5 Typhoon in in the Philippines where I am last week. The power was out and there was no electricity, refrigeration, or internet for a week. One of the transformers in my neibourhood blew out and got destroyed, and at 6pm on Christmas Eve they replaced it and we finally had power! I'm a software developer with a wife and two kids and we have a lot to be thankful for. We survided COVID-19 and a Ca…

Totally OT, but what is it like to be inside a Category 5 hurricane ?

Re: Tell HN: You are not alone this Christmas

#148

Post by hszeeks » Sat, Dec 25, 2021, 1:34 PM UTC

Thank you so much for this.

I just had a Christmas dinner alone spiraling on how much of a failure i am given my horrible social skill. But this really cheer me up!

Re: Tell HN: You are not alone this Christmas

#149

Post by rvnx » Sat, Dec 25, 2021, 1:35 PM UTC

uniclaude wrote: post #132

I vividly remember coding, moderating IRC channels and playing StarCraft while being alone on a Christmas night, lobbies were full of joy and wishes, games were fun, and I felt way less lonely than while spending time with people I didn’t really connect with. Christmas is seen as a moment to be spent with people, but IMO this day is only what you make of it. It is not bad to want to be totally alone, or connected wit…

This Metaverse / NFT thing is depressing, I wouldn't recommend this. If you are alone, better take the "celebrations" as an opportunity to discover people that are a little bit of your usual circle by inviting them for a dinner or movie. The COVID-19 makes more people lonely, and actually, it's a positive thing for people who are usually alone because it makes it easier for them to live with the social stigma of being alone.

Re: Tell HN: You are not alone this Christmas

#150

Post by screye » Sat, Dec 25, 2021, 1:36 PM UTC

I am spending Christmas 'alone' , but together with a bunch of solo travellers on a backpacking trip. My loneliness was a result of US visa regulations cancelling my plans to meet my loved ones, but I do wonder about all of my other co-travellers.

They're bunch of white Americans aged 40-70? for whom Christmas would usually be a big day. I dont know them well enough to ask personal questions about family, but a backpacking crew does feel like comforting place to be 'alone'.

America's holidays are so strongly tied to the last week of Dec (24-31), that not having any plans can feel really isolating even if you don't care for Christmas. Calling friends on that long week to ask to hang out and repeatedly realizing that everyone has 'plans', can make you feel super left out.

For a while I did wonder if I was being actively left out. Then realized that being a single guy without family in the US means having to find the few others like you who WILL make plans in November. Either seek them out or lead the planning efforts. But, trying to find a plan to hop on into in December is a terrible idea.