I wouldn’t say there’s a norm, everyone varies. What would probably help a bunch is some sort of validation for how that fight sucked for the other person, no matter who’s right or wrong.

“Hey, I’m sorry we fought. I hate it and I know you do too. I don’t ever mean to make you feel bad. I love you and want us to be ok. Is there anything else you need me to understand?”

Just curious, what are his reasons for not wanting to upgrade?

A narcissistic collective intent on shit-stirring for lulz, immune to logic or any sense of morality? Suddenly Star Trek TNG makes a lot more sense

But God forbid you kneel during the anthem…

I am in the US so I don’t know much about the UK specifically, but generally speaking I would think about starting small and working your way up.

For example, in the US there are many state or national parks that offer campsites where you could rent a basic cabin so you don’t have to worry about a tent. Or you could get a site with a covered pavilion with tables and benches so you don’t have to worry about seating or shade. Many have built in charcoal grills and fire pits. I would also recommend you start with somewhere that has access to plumbing and maybe even electricity for your first few go rounds.

There are also privately owned parks that cater to the “glamping” crowd where you can have access to a fancier cabin and other amenities like swimming pools, sports equipment, etc.

As far as camping equipment I would highly recommend you start off buying used gear. Good equipment can be pricey because it is meant to last, and you are not even sure if this is something you’re going to stick with yet. Try out some used gear and see what you like and don’t like about it. If you decide to stick with this you can always invest in better gear later. The basics should include a sleeping bag, tent, and maybe a propane stove. There are many things you probably already have or can make do with something. For example you don’t need to go buy specialty camping cookware when you can just bring a pan and utensils from home. You don’t need a backpack unless you plan to do some actual backpacking; a trunk or duffel bag is fine if you’re driving into your site.

Anyway, hope this helps! Enjoy your journey!

In the US there’s the saying “you can’t squeeze water from a stone”

The Expanse made other sci-fi seem like fanfic

I have lived in Texas my whole life. My knee jerk reaction is no, absolutely not.

First off, what part of Texas?Texas is a huge state with several metro areas, smaller cities, and lots of rural areas. Eas h has their own quirks.

There are parts of Texas that are so racist that POCs shouldn’t drive there at night. There are parts that are as progressive as any other metro area in America (at least within the limitations of the state government). There are parts that are essentially artist communes. Texas is huge and diverse. No one viewpoint can capture it all.

Arcane. Hands down 10/10 on practically every possible metric, but the thing that really got me was the way they portray trauma and the subsequent impact on mental health. I work with folks who have experienced trauma and I thought this was one of the best depictions of the aftermath I had ever seen in media.

Also, this is a perfect depiction of a Greek tragedy, in the sense that everything ends in tragedy not despite, but because of everyone’s best intentions. As the story unfolds you understand everyone’s motivations and they all make sense. There’s no perfectly good or bad characters, just a lot of people doing the best they can with the cards they were dealt.

His Dark Materials

Here’s a good discussion on why you should vary your news sources along with some charts to show how sources vary and specific examples given. Maybe you can find what you’re looking for in there.

I agree with Parable of the Talents. It continues the story but from a few different perspectives.

Also, I really enjoyed Wild Seed by Butler. It is chronologically the first book in the Patternist series.

If you’re looking for something by a different author with some similar themes but with a more sci-fantasy edge, then the Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin. It is the first book in the Broken Earth trilogy.