Oh, fudge! When things don’t turn out the way you hoped
Published 11:00 am Sunday, December 24, 2023
- PHOTO BY BRAD CAMPBELLHomemade fudge
Just the other day I picked up the necessary ingredients, got busy in the kitchen, and worked diligently to stir up a batch of old-fashioned homemade fudge. I measured everything precisely.I followed the directions to the letter.I stirred constantly. I did everything I was supposed to do.
It wasn’t long before the wonderful aroma of the thick hot chocolate mixture filled the house. It smelled great. I finished the product, poured it into the prepared pan, and waited.And waited.And waited.And waited some more.I finally gave up on seeing the gooey stuff set up, I covered it, and put it in the fridge for the night.
The next morning I retrieved the pan full of the prettiest looking fudge you’ve ever seen.I tried cutting it, and it just oozed back together. It never set up. So much for taking it to a family gathering that day.I began texting my sister asking for her opinion and helpful hints.First of all, this was not my first fudge rodeo. However, the results had always been the same.Beautiful to look at.Wonderful to smell.But never set up like it should.
My sister’s kind suggestion was to just pour it in a jar, call it “spoon fudge,” and pretend I meant for it to be like that!So I took her advice, and the jar you see here is the result.
This year is very quickly coming to an end (or may have already, depending on when you see this). The brand new year of 2024 is appearing with all of its possibilities and promises of a grander tomorrow. So my point to this rambling is simply this —
Maybe 2023 didn’t turn out like you meant for it to.Maybe you believe you did everything just right.You followed His direction, you did everything you could to make sure all was right. And yet, it still didn’t set right.Maybe the year looked beautiful, but you feel fooled by how it turned out.My advice to you is to just pour it in a jar, call it something else delicious, and pretend you meant for it to be that way.
The nice thing about my “failed” fudge is that it tastes absolutely delicious!A spoonful of the delectable treat will make you want for more.It’s all in your perspective.I could have dumped the “mistake” and started over or even given up completely.Instead, I came up with a wonderful result, even if it was unintentional.
Maybe 2023 hasn’t come together like you hoped.Aw, fudge!Maybe, just maybe you need to take a different look at it, grab yourself a spoon, and just enjoy the fruits (or fudge) of your labors! You may find that it has turned out so much better than it could have!
FAQs
Tell them straight
Like an ultimatum, you could tell them they need to step up to keep your interest – because right now it's waning. If you do this, be prepared to walk away or have them do the walking if they can't be bothered (which should tell you all you need to know).
When you like someone but you know it won't work? ›
Try to prevent talking to them if possible. Focus on other things in life that make you happy. It will help take your mind off of your crush and encourage a productive way to get over them. Talk to a person you trust about your feelings to get another perspective.
How to respond to a low effort text? ›
Best Ways to Respond to a Dry Texter
Restart the conversation by bringing up his interests. Use a playful question to fix a texting rut. Mention a fun memory to remind him of your connection. Send a photo to give you more to talk about.
How to tell a guy he is low effort? ›
Let your boyfriend know as soon as you start feeling like you need more attention or effort from him. Address him calmly and tell him directly what you want using I-statements, like "I feel like I haven't gotten the attention I need in the relationship."
When to stop fighting for a relationship? ›
If you invest meaningful time and energy into resolving an ongoing conflict without any progress, then it's possible that the relationship simply isn't right. Another sign that it's time to break up is if your arguments escalate to physical or emotional abuse.
When should you stop putting effort into a relationship? ›
If your relationship and bond with your partner are deteriorating, then sit calmly and think about the good things in your partner and your relationship. If you find yourself unable to find one good reason, then it's time to stop making efforts to improve your relationship with your better half.
What does lack of effort look like in a relationship? ›
However, consistently failing to appreciate your partner's efforts or taking them for granted can create feelings of resentment or neglect. For example, if one partner consistently fails to express gratitude or acknowledge their partner's contributions, it can indicate a lack of effort in appreciating the relationship.
What is the bare minimum in a relationship? ›
When someone gives the bare minimum in a relationship, it means that they are putting in the least amount of effort or investment required to maintain the relationship. They may not actively contribute to the emotional or practical aspects of the relationship, and their actions may lack enthusiasm or genuine care.
How do you know if someone doesn't like you anymore? ›
They cancel plans without rescheduling, no longer initiate date nights, or consistently choose to spend their weekends with people other than you. They evade interaction with less texts, calls, and FaceTimes, or don't wait up to walk together after class.
How do you know if someone doesn't actually like you? ›
"Believe it or not, the distance someone keeps from you, whether or not their arms are crossed, lack of eye contact, forced smiles and other nonverbal behaviors can and sometimes are indicators as to whether or not someone likes you," she said.
If your partner manipulates you emotionally, attempts to control your decisions, or undermines your individuality, it's a red flag that warrants serious introspection. Such controlling behavior can be emotionally draining and detrimental to your mental and emotional well-being.
How do you tell a guy you appreciate his effort? ›
Be specific when you tell your partner that you're thankful for them. “You're the best, babe.” “Thanks so much for everything.” “I don't know what I would do without you.”
How do you reject a low effort date? ›
State it straight and calm, as a statement of fact, like a news reporter: “I don't like/do last-minute dates.” (Do NOT say, “Thank you, but…”) Then quickly walk away. No discussion. He can figure out a good way to apologize later, and it is up to you whether you will or not.
