DISCLAIMER: I don’t respond to rude, snarky, or otherwise immature and mean-spirited replies. I block and ignore. Adults who want to engage with me in a mature and civil manner (even if we happen to disagree on a topic) are always welcome.
I think culture plays a huge part in this. In heavily industrialized countries (like America, for example), we are taught that more is always better and that living a simple life is somehow shameful or a waste of potential (not everyone believes this, of course - I’m generalizing). Many, many studies have consistently shown that the happiest people on earth are often those who lead the simplest lives. Perspective really is everything.
Life is making mistakes and deciding how to live with them. :)
There have been times in my life where I was happy but didn’t realize it until it was too late, so this checks out.
I’ve been using IMAP with Posteo for years.
I’m not sure I would call using a third-party email client a ‘fringe’ use case. As of yesterday, Thunderbird has 10,992,366 active daily installations. Sure, it’s probably not as many as mobile clients, but that’s still a helluva lot of people using it.
Dating is the ‘trial phase’ of a relationship. Marriage isn’t required, but the more solid your relationship becomes, the more long-term commitments you’re inclined to make. Ending a relationship that isn’t working for you (and understanding why it isn’t) is the mature and responsible thing to do.
I’m quite happy with the Mullvad browser.
What are these ‘friends’ you speak of?
Usually those good choices come from wisdom gained from screwing up. At least that’s been my experience! :D