Both Are True

Both Are True, by Alex Dobrenko, juxtaposes humor with vulnerability in essays addressing addiction, parenting, technology, societal pressures, and the quest for meaning. It explores personal growth, the importance of authenticity, and the impact of art, while debating modern concerns like the digital obsession and consumerism.

Addiction Parenting Technology and Society Personal Growth Consumerism Creative Work Mental Health Digital Platforms Personal Identity Social Media

The hottest Substack posts of Both Are True

And their main takeaways
236 implied HN points β€’ 12 Mar 24
  1. The story shares a humorous yet heartfelt exploration of relationships through the lens of weird situations and masks, highlighting the importance of active choice and acceptance in love.
  2. The use of the term 'wowies' symbolizes fear of the unknown and transition in relationships, becoming a way to navigate difficult conversations or express deep emotions.
  3. Despite the surreal experiences, the story emphasizes finding joy and gratitude in the journey of building a life and a family together, even amidst unexpected challenges.
344 implied HN points β€’ 05 Mar 24
  1. Rom-coms are not dead, they are alive and thriving, often reflecting real-life moments of love and connection.
  2. Relationships can have quirky and unique beginnings, like meeting on the set of a film and starting a flirtatious interaction through a phone prank.
  3. Love stories often have unexpected twists, like the moment of realization and confession that sets the stage for the next act in the romantic journey.
198 implied HN points β€’ 07 Mar 24
  1. In a relationship, communication and effort matter - like ending things with other people for the one you care about.
  2. Long distance relationships can be tough but manageable with support and commitment.
  3. Self-criticism can be damaging in a relationship, learning to let go and accept differences is important for personal growth and peace.
770 implied HN points β€’ 06 Feb 24
  1. Having a baby can bring up fears about identity and self-worth.
  2. Social media can amplify feelings of pressure and anxiety around life events.
  3. Parenting experiences can vary widely, and it's okay not to feel joy all the time.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
484 implied HN points β€’ 13 Feb 24
  1. Consider creating unique, age-appropriate gifts for the over-30 crowd during holidays like Valentine's Day.
  2. Traditional candies and gestures may not be as fitting for individuals in long-term relationships or older demographics.
  3. Personalizing gifts and celebrations based on age and life stage can make occasions more special and meaningful.
295 implied HN points β€’ 20 Feb 24
  1. Parenting can be tough and full of ups and downs. It's okay to experience feelings of rejection or failure as a parent.
  2. Modeling emotional vulnerability and resilience is important when raising children. Kids learn from how you handle difficult emotions.
  3. Building a strong relationship with your child takes time and effort. Moments of connection and love amidst challenges are what truly matter.
357 implied HN points β€’ 15 Feb 24
  1. Participating in a murder mystery dinner theater can be a thrilling and unique experience, blending acting with interactive storytelling.
  2. Stepping into a different persona at work or in social situations can bring a sense of liberation and freedom from societal expectations.
  3. Embracing the opportunity to be whoever you want to be every day can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling existence.
568 implied HN points β€’ 23 Nov 23
  1. The post suggests a new holiday called Fearsharing where instead of being thankful, people share their fears.
  2. Fearsharing is described as a time to openly discuss fears, such as fear of failure, death, and even being cancelled.
  3. The author expresses gratitude towards readers and acknowledges the importance of the audience in their writing journey.
543 implied HN points β€’ 07 Nov 23
  1. Many of us hate being constantly on social media but find it hard to stop.
  2. Our constant need for achievement and validation online can lead to anxiety and a sense of never doing enough.
  3. Taking breaks from social media and setting boundaries with technology can help regain self-control and focus on other fulfilling activities.
745 implied HN points β€’ 13 Sep 23
  1. It's common to worry about loved ones and overreact when they don't respond.
  2. Parents can sometimes have behaviors that irritate us more than we expect.
  3. As a parent, you may find yourself experiencing new and unexpected anxieties about your children.
531 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jul 23
  1. The author posted over 300 threads in 3 days on Threads app, narrating the experience and reflecting on the impact.
  2. Threads can be a platform for sharing thoughts and experiences, but the author also highlighted its distractions and questioned the significance.
  3. The text encourages reflecting on the meaning and impact of digital platforms like Threads, urging readers to consider their choices and values.
2 HN points β€’ 27 Feb 24
  1. It's okay to feel unsure about your life path and make changes to find your true calling. Sometimes trying different things can help you narrow down your options.
  2. Life is not a straightforward journey and it's normal to face challenges and uncertainties along the way. Embrace the chaotic nature of life and be open to exploration.
  3. Seek advice and guidance from people in fields you are interested in to gain insights and clarity about your career path. It's okay to ask for help and learn from others' experiences.