Have you ever stood at a controlled intersection at a cross-walk and waited for the red hand to turn to the walking signal? I have. I've also been narrowly missed by cars who only turn their head the opposite direction of where I'm starting to walk from. Did they not teach you in driving school that first, you need to stop at a red before you can turn right? Didn't they tell you to ensure the intersection is clear before you lay on the gas? This is the third time in the past week that I've almost been hit by idiot drivers who don't know how to turn their heads and look for people crossing the damn road! —A Pedestrian Who Knows the Rules Of the Road Better Than You

I’m feeling pretty darn used. Like a balled up piece of trash. I’m not new to the world of polyamory but I’ve never been treated quite like this. You decided to open up your relationship. YOU suggested me and your partner spend time together and when we did you became emotionally abusive. Casting threats and shade- after one date. I’m a human being with feelings and dealing with this emotional violence is not what I consented to. I’m not a play thing. I’ve been reading back over our text messages to get some kind of signal that I missed but I hit a real dead end. I was vulnerable and open. You folks lied and put yourself in a bad spot. But discounting my feelings just because you feel hurt is compassion-less living. And you should probably make that pretty clear before you “invite” people into that mess. —Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys

Dear thoughtless dog owners,

STOP LETTING YOUR DOGS PEE ON GARBAGE BAGS! You know people have to handle those things, right? Our streets don't just magically clean themselves, people! Our garbage doesn't just levitate into the truck without any human contact! FFS, those poor people already have a gross enough job as it is without having to touch garbage bags dripping in piss. How about you show a little thought for them? —Considerate Dog Owner

To the assholes on the bus today that had to detour around to the Mackay Bridge due to the Macdonald not opening on time. Your concerns for being late were valid but your concern for human life left me disgusted. You all assumed that the closure was due to a Jumper, yet every one of you had some comment about how this would be jumper, “should jump already” or “could have waited till rush hour was over” because you might not have time to get your morning coffee. Wow! hope that when you got home, you didn’t find out that someone you love, who was hiding his or her depression or problems was the one on the bridge.  You may want to think twice before you open you fucking mouths again! —Just Upset By Mindless People

I am kind, down-to-earth, professional, and attractive. Oh, and yes, a single father. Does the last thing really negate all the things before it? So much so that I can't even get one date? Really? Not one interested woman? I have kids ladies, not small pox. I know that the idea of being in a long-term relationship with someone who already has kids is a hurdle. But love is love. Why not get to know the person before making any decisions? You never know, you might find that a package deal is a great deal! Or, just keep searching for Mr. Right at your local dive bar. I'm sure that will go well. —Stop Saying Where Are All The Good Men

Dear straight white men,

If something happens in the world relating to gender, sexuality or race identity that you feel you need to defend yourself against…don't. I'll be the first to say that I have a hard time understanding a lot of the injustice in the world. I sometimes find myself confused about why certain repressed groups/individuals do some of the things they do. Then I realize that the privileges society has automatically given me at birth might not allow me to fully understand, so I check those at the door.

If you find yourself in the same situation I find myself in from time to time, here are five “easy" steps to becoming a better citizen of the world:

1. STFU and soak it all in.
2. Reach out and educate yourself through conversation and research.
3. Go home and think about it, go to work and think about it, go play sports and think about it, go to the movies and think about it, go walk your dog and...(that's right) THINK ABOUT IT!
4. Accept that this movement isn't against you, nor “for you.”
5. Be an ally.

You can be offended that you were sent to the back at a concert, that you don't have a parade, or that you were yelled at for wearing a “meninist” shirt, but always ask yourself why you feel that way and why it made others feel another. It’s about respect, mindfulness, love and equality.

My challenge to you is to always ask yourself, “How can my actions and thoughts be mindful of others while staying true to myself?”…and if you can’t, you still have a lot of thinking to do. —An Ally

To the driver of the Colby bus to Dartmouth, your comment to me was asinine. Do you know why telling me to not say anything was exactly that? I heard you tell those getting on the bus after me they would have to get behind the yellow line. I made it no further than just past the yellow line because passengers don't have the common sense to move to the back of the bus and that's why I shouted for everyone to move to the back. It is your job, but many bus drivers, including you, fail to make it a comfortable and easy bus ride for all by ensuring this happens for passengers.The result, usually a crowd of people at the front while people struggle to navigate the ride. Maybe, you were showing off to your buddies you had the conversation with and didn't like a woman speaking up or didn't realize people were not moving to the back, I don't really know. All I know, I meant it when I said "You're welcome" as I got off the bus, what I should have added was, "I don't really want to do your job for you but I like a little room to breathe. Try a little harder at your job." Here's tip: ask the bus driver whose is always cheery, tells the time and stop locations, plus tells people to be careful because the bus is moving. He's made for this  customer service bus driving job. —Fed Up With Useless Jerk Bus Drivers

Hey north end beer bar. You're cool, and I like your beer. I stop by fairly regularly to enjoy pints with friends, because your place is pretty chill. You know what isn't cool tho? Your shitty tactics of follow-unfollow on Instagram. You're like the new friend that's trying too hard. Guess what? I already liked you! But your silly attempts at growing social media followers is leaving a bad taste in my mouth. —Domo Arigato

Specific money bills lost somewhere in my travels on Spring Garden Road while doing errands the Friday before Halloween. To whomever found it, sure would be nice to somehow get it back but I doubt I will unless you read this and respond with a kind, return to owner heart.  I can tell you more specifics about the money. Do you realize how hard I have to work for the money I make at my job? —Didn't Make My Weekend Or Life

I just used the public washroom at the Alderney branch library. The ladies’ room is small with two toilet stalls.  To the woman in the other stall:  it is incredibly rude and a violation of people's privacy to carry on a loud, detailed cell phone call while having a copious pee, wipe, 'n flush—with me stuck on the other side of the partition needing to do the same. Your behaviour is astonishingly vulgar and disrespectful of any other persons using a public space for a private function.  Were you raised in a slum? —Library Lover