Family Fights & Tulane Nights

Welcome back to another episode of Hot Mess with Alex. They're all happy Thursday. This week, we are going to New Orleans and I'm taking all of you guys with us. So we're going to Ashton's parents weekend at Tulane and I'm so excited. I've actually never visited Ashton at school besides coming for Mardi Gras, which doesn't really count because I was just with all my friends. But teeny, I can't wait. I'm hopping on my flight tomorrow morning.

Wait did I just turn that off? How do I get that back on? I'm a hot mess.

What is the vibe? Like, I feel like everyone at Tulane dress is cool. You all seem like cool girls. Yeah, everyone here honestly is a cool girl. I feel like that's why I started really... Like, I'm not kidding. Like, everyone here, I go to class, I'm like, damn, everyone looks so good. But, yeah, like, you just called me and asked if you should wear heels to the game? No.

I just called Ash that I was like, is that acceptable to wear heels to the football game? I can't. Well, like, you're not going to want to wear heels. You're going to be breaking your ankle and stepping in mud, especially if we go tailgate up the frats before. It's like muddy, you know, you know how frats get. I just always want to wear heels. I would say like sneakers or a lot of girls here wear like boots or cowboy boots. Okay. If you have any of those.

I do. I think I have an outfit that I think will be good for this. I think I put something together once you said no to my heels. And then like, what should I wear to like dinner or going out? Um, I feel like dinner. I usually do like a jeans and heels vibe. It's still hot here, which is really annoying because I love fall and we have had zero fall weather. It's still in the eighties.

Yeah, wait, I was kind of packing for a fall. I packed like a lot of sweaters and jeans and then I realized that it's hot. Well, that's a thing. Like I can't wear shorts to class anymore. So like I'll be wearing jeans, but I'm sweating, walking to class, but then the classrooms are freezing. So it's, it's really difficult for me right now. But, um, yeah, jeans are fine. Like a light jacket at night, probably it gets, it gets cooler now, but you know,

I'm so excited, and I can't believe the whole family is coming. All 45 of us. I'm actually so stressed. People are like, oh, how many people in your family are coming? I'm like, everyone. They're like, oh, who's everyone? I'm like, there's nine of us. They're like, what? I'm like, yep. We don't travel light. No, no, no. We don't do anything light, unfortunately. I'm like, so stressed, kind of. I'm so excited to see everyone, but I feel like I'm hosting, not really, but like, kind of. So I'm like,

You are. You have to show us a good time. Should we bring the kids to the frats? I think we should. I think they would have a great time. Did I tell you what happened last year during parents weekend?

Um, I don't remember. So it was Dad, Ashley, Mom, the three kids. There was this one like Saturday event at this big venue. It's like an outdoor indoor bar and then there's just this whole like sand lot type thing. It's a really weird venue we have here, but it's fun. And it was three different frats were throwing a darty there. So this was like a big deal. This has never happened before and I was super excited.

So I got brunch with the fam before, and then we went back to our house for a little bit to meet up with my friends and their parents, and we all pre-gamed and hung out a little here. Meanwhile, the kids are still with us. And I was texting all my friends in the frats. I was like, can I bring my little siblings? I feel like they're fine. They're cool. At this point, I'm already drunk. Bad, bad, bad, Ashton, because we were drinking at brunch, and then we were pre-gaming here.

The little kids I was like, yeah, we're bringing all the little kids to white sands It's gonna be so much fun. I still have scariest from this day because I We got there and at first there was like I think they had like freshman boys like running the door and one of them like tried to not let the kids in and then He got yelled at apparently which I feel really bad about and but anyway, they get in and we're just fine Everyone just kind of like chill in

The kids get into the bar, no biggie. And we're all hanging out and I decide I'm gonna run away from everyone. I ran away like six times from everyone and the kids were so mad at me. The kids and dad and Ashley eventually left and mom stayed and me and mom were like dancing on the tables and everything. It was a really dark day for me. And they woke up the next day and the kids were like, you left us. And I was like, I don't know what's wrong with me. So that is not- Is that where the videos of Penelope dancing on like the picnic table came from? Yes.

And they're like standing on the soles. I was, yeah, I was so confused. I was like, why are my little siblings out of front? It was really a cool, fun venue. But for some reason, I was just in a weird mindset and I kept running away from everyone, which is not normal. Actually, no, I do that a lot. I kind of get drunk and like run away from people. But I'm not doing that this year because I actually felt so horrible and bad, especially for the little kids.

Don't leave us. No, I'm not. I don't know. I was in a weird. I was being weird, but no, I think I was like, you're always being weird. I was chasing after a boy. Actually, I was just, I was just, um, I had like just started like hanging out with this guy, like barely knew him. And I was talking to him and dad walks up to him because he had like dad, of course, knows everything. And I was like,

Oh my god, and dad's like, hi, are you blah, blah, blah, nice to meet you. And I was like, this is not happening. And I think that's why I kept running away. Our parents have a problem of doing this. Our parents, sometimes like, cross the boundary. They're like too comfortable with, like. Yeah, because we're so comfortable with them. Yeah. They think that they are our best friends, but sometimes it gets to a point when they end up with like the guys. And I'm like, you still have to act cool. Like you're still the parent. Yeah, don't be like, hi. I've heard so much, you know.

Yeah, and that's another thing I've realized though I've started to get to a point where I feel like I don't care like any guy can meet my parents I'm more embarrassed of the guys than I am of my family now like because like you know you get what you get with our family like we're we're fun like I like introducing people to I know I feel like meeting meeting guys with our family isn't that big of a deal.

because it's just like there are extended friends. Like I have texted dad being like, I'm embarrassed. Like he's giving me the egg. Like don't judge me for this boy. It's kind of backwards, but it's kind of funny. I love our relationship with our family.

Yeah, our parents are like our extended friends and one thing about them is they will go out and that's the one thing about parents weekend is that there's some parents that go to parents weekend and visit their kids at college and it's very like they're there to take them out to a nice dinner, spend some quality time, walk around the campus, see where they go to class and our parents are like parents weekend, we're here to throw down, we're going to the parties, we're going to the frats, like what's the best club in town and

It's just, it's just how our family is. No, I feel like dad has been here so many times and he's like, yeah, you've never walked me through campus. I'm like, well, we've partied here. We've been to the boot multiple times and he's like, yeah, but I don't think I've ever like really gone through your campus with you. I was like, okay, well, let's do that this time. Yeah, and it's always kind of awkward when like sometimes you have friends that their parents are there for like strictly business and strictly to just see their kids and take them to dinner. And like then our parents come in and they're like,

Woo hoo! Let's go out, let's go out, let's do it! And I'm like, let's cool it down, like guys, act cool, act normal, act like we're fitting in with the other parents. But then there are some other parents that are really fun.

And it's always fun when the parents make friends with the other parents that are fun. My parents would make friends with my friends' parents, and it's just funny seeing older versions of us out and about. Yeah, like our dad and Rowie's dad, who've always been my roommate since freshman year, they love to go out together. My dad's always like, I can't wait to see Dan. We're going to have so much fun together. And I'm like, oh.

Oh, it's so fun for them. I know. And honestly, I used to be like, wait, what's wrong with my parents? Why do they want to go out? And now that I'm not in college, I'm like, this is the best time. We're getting to go back and experience college. I'm so excited. I'm going to be the black-doubt older sister at the house. I'm scared for you to be here.

I'm already scared for me to come too because I just know it's going to be embarrassing and it's like just pack it up, Alex. Pack it up. And I know that I'm not going to. I know that I'm going to make a fool of myself. Oh, absolutely. But it's going to be great because we're all going to do it together. Yeah. I mean, it's like one Earl does it. The rest of the Earls are on board. At least there's nine other of us doing the same thing. I think it was my freshman year. We were

It was after a football game during parents weekend and we were at the boot with everyone and it was like me. Which I'm so excited to go to the boot. You have to give the boot is like this bar on campus and that's all I'll say. The boot is literally in campus and Alex is obsessed with it because we have cheap drinks. I'm like go to any other normal college that isn't University of Miami. They have bars with cheap drinks, but the boot's fun because it's literally on campus.

And it's kind of like a freshman bar, but it's also just like a pregame bar that we always go to. It's super close to everything and it's super convenient. What is that? Kristen? What just happened? What just happened? Wait, do you need help?

Um, she said, why literally sounded like her cabinet just fell toppled over and fell out to Kristin. She okay. She said, she said that everything just, I hope that we got that audio, hearing all the cliques. She said that everything in the cabinets just fell out. I just heard like,

but I didn't really know what it was. Oh my God. Wow, that was funny. But yeah, the boo. We love the boo. So much fun. So much fun. And you know what, parents weekend, do you remember my parents weekend, University of Miami, freshman year, when you guys came to visit me, Ashton was still in high school. I got in so much trouble. That was like the best weekend of my life. That was just such a fun weekend for me.

Because I remember the first night, I remember we went to Sandbar, was it? I just remember like dancing with like all your guy friends, and they were all like, ooh, like Alex Little Sister. And I was like, ee, like this is so fun. That's so cool that you got to like visit someone in college when you were in high school.

I begged mom and dad to let me stay in the dorm with you because I wanted to get the full experience. I know, I know. And my parents were like, Ashton's not allowed to stay with you. Like, what are you going to do to her? She would stay in the dorm with me. And I had a, yeah, that part is coming. I had a little twin bed and Ashton would sleep in it with me. And we literally would just like spoon and sleep together. Oh my God. Actually, I don't know if you're going to want to keep this in, but remember that first night you didn't. I slept in your friend's room.

Oh my gosh, yes. Yeah, the first night Ashton came to stay with me, actually. I was with a boy, so Ashton had to sleep on my friend's air mattress. I slept in my denim miniskirt in my pink bra top, and it was great. I woke up at 9 a.m. still in my outfit. I remember taking a selfie bean like this is so college, like waking up in my outfit. It's what college is about. Granted, you were the room next door, though. No, no, it was chill. I had a great time. I wasn't upset.

Yeah, it's a guy. Anywho, I got grounded and in so much trouble because I remember it was that Saturday of parents weekend. We went out, I think, took a pool party or tailgate, whatever, during the day, and then you nap until probably like 10 p.m., 11 p.m., and then you wake up and then everyone goes to the clubs Saturday night.

And I wanted to go out and I wanted to take Ashton to the clubs in Miami and show her what a real club was. I don't think you've ever been to a club before. No, I never been clubbing before. And I was just so excited and I will say like the first year going to U Miami it was just always I was always bragging about it because it was just so cool and such a surreal and you were always at the clubs. I was always at the club.

You owned the clubs of Miami first semester freshman year. I literally was at the club Tuesday through Sunday night. So anyway, I was really, really adamant about showing Ashton and my parents were like, do not take your little sister to the club.

And I was like, I'm not going to do that. Don't worry. And that's why they didn't want Ashton to sleep over at my dorm because they knew I would take her out. And they were like, we have the trackers on your guys' phone. Do not leave the dorm. Do not take her to a club. She's too young. And I was like, OK, yeah, whatever. I won't take her.

Anyhow, we wake up at 11 p.m. And I started getting ready to go out and I was like ash and just come on like it'll be fine It'll be fun and the thing about going out in Miami is you don't have to go out until 1 a.m. Or 2 a.m. Or 3 a.m. Because it just like doesn't really close. So there was really no

There was no rush. I was like, you know what, once our parents go to bed and they put their phone down and they're not tracking us anymore and they think that we're tucked into my dorm bed sleeping in the twin bed together, let's get ready and let's go to the club. So we got ready, we pre-gamed in my dorm with whatever alcohol I had left there and we went out, I think, we left the dorms at like 2 a.m.

I think it was like 2.30 maybe. We're like, OK, they're definitely asleep. Like they're not going to know we're going out right now. They'll have no idea. Yeah, our plan was foolproof. We thought that our parents would never know. So it was me, Ashton, and my other friend. We went to this club.

And we were having so much fun. I have to insert the pictures right now and show you guys just like look at us little babies in the door. It was so funny. Alex dressed me because I was like, I don't have any like cool clubbing outfits. So she put me in like this like tight mini dress and her sparkly high heels that were like three sizes too small on me. I just remember my feet being in so much pain the whole night. But I was like, yeah, like I'm going to a club.

We're having a fun time. I get a text from my dad at probably like 530 in the morning because that's when my dad is waking up and this is the part of the plane that we didn't think through was that we were out so late that it's when my parents were waking up so they woke up and they check the tracker and they see us at South Beach at the club.

And my dad was like, get your asses home right now. You're grounded. And I got talked to like my parents sat me down. And it was like one of those talks where I like actually felt bad. I was like, I fucked up. I was like, I am a genuinely terrible human being. Like I should never be allowed out of the house. I shouldn't even be in college. Like they made me feel so bad about myself, but we were fine. We had so much fun. No, I had a great time. No regrets on my end.

And now looking back it's it's fine, but like my parents I mean you were so yeah When I was a freshman in college I and I guess being the older child you always get like the brutal end of the stick of just like whatever I remember dad was like

If you go out past curfew, I will call the police. I will send a helicopter to the club to pick you up. Yeah. So he would scare me all the time. And now it's like our parents don't care. Like think about Isabel and Penelope going out. They're going to be like, they're going to be clubbing when they're 13. They're already clubbing. They're going clubbing with us this weekend. They're going to the front parties.

I actually took Isabelle to my friend's birthday party last year when they were visiting. It was so cute. It was like a little birthday celebration, and then they were all going to the bars after. And they were like, bring your sister. And I was like, I don't think I should bring her to a bar at night. It was like 11 PM. I was like, I think we're going to go. And my friend was like, no, just bring her. I talked to the bouncer. He said she could. I was like, no, thank you, though. That is the problem with my friends. They're all going to be like,

Bring the little kids everywhere. But Isabel, thank God, was like, I don't want to go. And I was like, good, because I don't want to go. And then we had a cute little, she slept over in my room at my college house that night. Oh, and I love our sleepover. We watched vampire diaries. And then my roommate came downstairs and they were like gossiping about the actors. And I was like, this is girlhood. I love it. And then we snuggled in my bed. And it was great. Oh, I love them. They get to sleep over and do big kid things with us. Because think about she's in sixth grade right now. And she's going to visit colleges. Like she must be the cruel girl in school.

She's definitely the coolest girl in school if I have anything unless we definitely embarrass them a lot Yeah, definitely the embarrassing older sisters, but I don't care But I actually have to go because I have to get packing another thing is I'm going to vlog So we're gonna have a little mini vlog in here because I know you guys loved when we used to do like travel episodes and vlogs So we're gonna bring a little vlog element into this weekend and I'm gonna take you guys all to New Orleans to Tulane to Ashton's parents weekend

Woo! Yay! My last parent's weekend. Okay, I have to pack. Let's go to Tulane. Woo! Okay, well, I'm actually a big fat liar because I said that I was gonna vlog all of parents weekend and I didn't. Did not vlog for you guys. We actually gone.

No content. Well, honestly, to be fair, it kind of flew by. I was expecting like, I just, dealing with our family, it's just, it never goes as planned. It's so chaotic all the time. And then it's like, we do something we planned and then it's like, there's a problem or someone's upset about something or complaining and then we do something else and then we cancel plans and change plans. Yeah. And after this, we were in New Orleans and then we went to LA with my family. And by the end of this trip, I was like, I don't really want to see you guys for like a while.

Yeah, actually me and all my friends were talking about that because like everyone obviously Their families were here for parents weekend my one friend sent me like the first dinner like the first night her family was here when they went to dinner She sent me a picture of her like sobbing and I was like, yeah Like everyone's just like so excited for parents weekend and then it's like everyone's here and everyone's like

Well, it's just family. But I do love my family. We love each other. There's no problems or anything. But just so much at once. And I'm just like, wait a minute. I need a breather. And I need a second from you guys. And it's reminding me right now of I'm watching Tell Me Lies. And I'm on the part where everyone just went home for Christmas break from college. And I'm like, why is this just so accurate? Everyone goes home. And then it's by the third day home, everyone's texting. So stressful. Then they get me out of here.

We started watching this like a month ago or something or whenever it was before Braxton got hurt. You started watching it before I started watching it. It was before Braxton got hurt but then when Braxton got hurt his mom came to stay with him and we couldn't really watch it because

It's not really a family-friendly show. I don't really understand. I don't love that every other scene is like porn. And I'm like, wait, can we? I'm just like, I... No, it's literally porn. I feel like shows and movies these days, they get like two in-depth with the sex scenes and they last like five minutes. It's like, okay, like we get it. They're having sex. You don't need to like... I don't like show them having sex. I don't know. I don't know.

But yeah, so we had to stop watching it for a while, but now we're back on it. And I think we're on episode eight, seven or eight of season one. After this, honestly, I'm probably going to go back over to Braxton's and just keep binge watching it.

Yeah, I think you should keep binge watching it because that's when it gets like it starts to get really crazy. And then it's just it's crazy. It's so crazy how well they can depict a talk to relationship and you you remind me. Okay, anyone who listens to hot mess and when I say like, Oh, Ashley gets close off or like doesn't show her emotions.

the girl Lucy and tell me lies is Ashton. When I try to get through her and she's just like, no, no. No, she's like a bad person in the show. Don't say that. Well, not where I'm at. I don't think she's a bad person, but she's just closed off.

What is it when her friends are like, oh, trying to be like, he's like cheating on you. And she's like, shut the fuck up. Like, don't fucking talk to me. Instead of being like, oh my god, wait, what? Like, tell me more details. And I was like, that's so ash and coated. Shut up. Wait, do you know they're dating in real life? The actors. That makes it so much better. And they're like, so cute. And he's like, seems so nice in real life and like, so fun. And I'm like, I still don't trust you.

Like I still don't believe you. Acting is so cool. You're a bad person. It's crazy. I would love to try acting. You could maybe be good at it. You're good at putting on like a little show. I'm gonna take that as a compliment and then continue on.

What was I going to say? Have you seen all the wicked press tours that like, it's just them crying at everything and everyone's like, oh my God. But yes, and everyone's making fun of them crying. But I just, I don't know. I kind of love it. Like Ariana Grande said that was her dream role and she's like, I cry when I watch the things of them. And I'm like, this is so crazy. I just see people making fun of them crying. And Cynthia shaped her head for the role.

She is just an astonishing, amazing person. I'm obsessed with her. I watch so many videos of actors talking about their roles. I love the chicken shop dates and the hot ones videos where people are always like, they do it before a big movie or something comes out and they're always talking about

their roles and like their perceptions on acting and everything. And I just think it's so cool and admirable, like how like obsessed and like into their roles these people are. Like that's also why I'm obsessed with Paul Mezcal. He's in Gladiator too, he's starring because he's just like, first of all, such a cutesy person and he's gorgeous. But he just like loves acting so much. Like he gave up his like football career to like devote it to acting.

And have you seen Sydney Sweeney who did a full transformation for her new role? Yes. That's so cool. I do think actors deserve the most credit out of anyone in the world. They just, I don't know. They're really cool people. I don't know. I've got to say, after seeing how long it takes to film a little commercial skit that will be 30 seconds, it will take a full

16 hour production day. If I say a line, they have to film it five times from the front, five times from this angle, five times from that angle. And then I was like, wow, this is, I was talking to one of the cameramen on a set that I was on. And I was like, this is so crazy how much production goes into.

Such a small thing. And he was like, I was saying, I can't even fathom how movies are made and how long it takes to make them. And just all what goes on behind the scenes. And he was like, yeah, I mean, filming a fight scene in a movie sometimes takes a month long to film. And it's so crazy. That's crazy.

Yeah, I just watched Paul's Hot Ones where they eat the Hot Wings, which I want to do that so bad. I'm determined because I'm so stubborn. Yes, I'm determined. I just want to know if I can do it. Me too. I wouldn't be choking up like that. I'm like, it's just dramatic. No, I would be probably throwing up on the inside, but I'd be like, I'm fine. I'm okay.

I need to try it though. Did you see they also have one where it's like you can like verse people? Yes. So it's either like two actors. We should verse each other. Like Billy, that's what I was going to say. Billie Eilish and her brother did it against each other. And it's like they ask them questions or if they don't want to answer something, they eat like one of the death wings. I need to do that. No, because I'm determined that like it wouldn't be that hot. Yeah, like we'd be fine. But like I definitely what I was saying was I had a pepper flake on my pad thai last night and I was choked.

No, I'd definitely be like throwing up. But what I was saying was I just saw the one with Paul Mezcal for a gladiator too. And he was talking about how, you know, with like eating and acting, how they always talk about like doing spit takes. Like that's just so, they eat food, chew it and spit it out. So they don't like get full because they have to refilm them eating so much, which I was like, I would never even think of doing that.

Yeah, I mean, there's a lot that we don't think about that that goes on behind the scenes, but wait, we got really sidetracked. I know. Should we like do a little parents weekend recap? Yeah, I think we should. So the first night, wait, I don't remember.

Actually, you came over first because everyone wasn't here yet, but you got here on Thursday, and then you came to my house. Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And then, well, what do you think of my house? What were your first impressions? I love Ashton's house. Ashton's house was perfect and amazing, and it made me really depressed. And then

When the other person just all the college houses in general just make me depressed because when else are you gonna be living in a house with like six of your best friends like it just it doesn't happen and Actually, my college friends from cost them more my senior year house are staying with me right now And it's just it's so nice to be able to walk out into the living room And it's like who wants to go and walk like one out of the five girls will probably want to go on to walk with you or like I just I like not being alone and it's just it's so special and I I'm like really

I was really mad going actually. They put me in a bad mood. Alex the entire weekend, the entire weekend. She's like, can I stay with you longer? I have to come back another weekend. She's like, I miss college so much. And then Alex is like, am I being weird? Am I being too much?

I was like, no, you're fine. Well, I was drunk and talking to some of the girls that you're friends with, but not best friends with. So I was like, wait, am I embarrassing myself? And I just was like, this is the best time of your life. Live it up, say yes to everything. I was like, they probably didn't want that prep talk from me, but whatever. So funny how everyone says that. But then you're like, yeah, yeah, until it actually happens. And then you're like, shit, I want to go back. It's like happened with high school. Just wait. Just wait.

I know. I know. So anyway, so you came over Thursday and then we had a little meeting at my house. Then we went to one of my favorite little spots for brunch, which is Bearcat in New Orleans. If you know, you know, so good. It was really good. So the first night we all went to a big family dinner and it was so much fun.

But even right off the bat, it was like, all right, family, let's do a little phone stack. And everyone put their phones. And especially the kids and Thomas is on the iPad all the time. And I'm editing stuff. I was like, let's just all put our phones down. The family's all together. Ruha. And it was like.

I don't even think we made it 30 minutes without everyone's like the kids start pointing each other's hair out everyone's screaming Then they're kicking me climbing over each other and then dad's like oh my god like get them to be quiet I was like okay. Maybe everyone just like take your phone and be silent

No, I was so excited to see everyone though and honestly that was my first time going to that restaurant. Would you think it was pretty good except it took two hours. That's when everyone started to get antsy because it took like two hours for our entrees to come out and everyone was already really tired from traveling and then everyone was like.

Yeah. I mean, that's the problem is not obviously the adults were fine, but when we do these things with the little kids, it's like there is a point in the night where it's just like once it's past their bedtime, it's like the monsters come out.

So it was like past the point of everyone was tired and just cranky from traveling and then our food wasn't there and everyone just started to get like all antsy and dancy. And I think the kids like fell asleep at the table and then we woke them back up. I was always falling asleep at the table, but she kept being like, we have to go to Cafe Dumont after we have to go. I want piniers and I was like, okay, but she kept like falling asleep. But then she was like in her sleep. She's like, we need to get piniers.

And I was like, okay. So we ended up walking now. No, no, because this next part might be the most triggering part of the whole story is getting my family. You're right. Getting my family. First of all, from the restaurant to the Benite's place was a 10 minute walk.

You would have thought that we had asked our family to walk 85 miles. They were like, let's Uber. That's so far. I was like, guys, it's a 10-minute walk. Let's go outside. You know, after two, like a big meal, I'm like, I want to walk. I feel like I want to walk. I don't want to do something. Or I'm going to get all gassy and bubbly. I'm like, I need to, whatever.

It would be like me and Ashton on one block. My mom was three blocks back. We lost my mom on that walk to a bar. She just dipped halfway through the walk. We were like, hey, where's mom? She didn't even say bye. She's like, I couldn't walk anymore. She went to a bar. Then we're halfway through this walk. We're like five minutes there. And which really took us like 20 minutes to get to the five minute point. My dad's like,

Where's my phone? My dad was drunk and left his phone at the ice cream shop that they went to. So then they had to go back and then we all had to walk back and then it's like we're walking. I was just like, this is gotta be like a joke right now. Also like a 10 minute walk on maps is maybe like a five minute walk. Like it's it's the easiest walk ever. And dad, every second is like how much longer.

He was like, how much longer? And we took us so long because not because the kids were walking, so we had all the kids. We were two blocks ahead. It's the adults. It was our parents. They were trudging along, so every few steps, me and Alex would stop, wait for them to catch up, and then they'd catch up, and we'd all start walking, and then somehow they'd trail behind again, and it took us like...

20 minutes to get there. And then it'll be like Thomas drops his teddy bear and I'm just like, it was crazy. So finally after like 45 minutes, we made it to this place. And I was like, you know what, maybe they were right. Maybe we should have just called an over because this was ridiculous. But the bignettes were great.

Great, and that's the original location, the cafe du monde. I've never had a vignette go for. It was really, really good. Alex kept calling them baines, and I was like, I'm gonna punch you in the face if you keep saying bainé. I was just doing a delish. But then the next day was, oh, and then this was the next problem with the next day was we had a brunch planned, then we wanted to go to a zoo, and then we wanted to go bowling.

I tried to plan things because usually the only things you plan are like dinners and lunches and then it's like we're just eating the whole time so I try to plan events because I don't want everyone to just be sitting around like what are we doing and then you know it just I mean it never works out like yeah again just another time of like we would have two hours in between each of these events and it was like

Everyone was late it takes anyone two hours We went to brunch and then it was like we could have just easily hopped over to the zoo But for some reason no one wore clothes that they could wear to the zoo to brunch So then everyone went home got changed and we were like oh everyone will take five minutes to get changed took everyone like well This is also your fault because oh well then all of a sudden everyone's ready to walk out the door and Alex is like wait guys I have a 30-minute meeting

Well, because by me, my meeting was scheduled for when we were coming back from the zoo, but we were so late that the meeting was by the time we were heading out the door to go to the zoo. So then I had to hold everyone up 30 more minutes and then we got to the zoo. Ashton didn't even come to the zoo.

Well, no, at that point, I was not going to lie. She was like, I'm done with all of you. I was just like, I need a nap. I was like, I need a nap before going out with everyone again. So it's Ashton's family weekend. We're all there to visit Ashton. We get to the zoo. Ashton's not there. The zoo's closed.

The zoo is like two minutes from my house and you guys got there before me and you said it was closed. So then I was like, oh, I am not leaving. And then I fell asleep. So yeah, you guys ended up going through really quickly, right? Yes. So basically we got to the zoo and they were like, we're closed, like tickets are done for the day. Like the, it was, it was like four 45 and the zoo closed up five and they were like,

We're not selling tickets. We're closing down. Then our family came through a wrecking ball. And I think Ashley was like, please, just run through, whatever. And then they were like, OK, so they let us through. It was actually the prettiest zoo I've ever seen in my life. But apparently it's one of the top zoos in America, apparently. I don't like zoos.

Is that zoo? Honestly, I kind of feel like I'm very pro, like animals and whatever. So I'm a little bit. Yeah, I don't think zoos in general are very pro animal. Unless they're like a rehabilitation type of zoo. So yeah.

I don't know. Zoos, the kids really loved the animals and Zoos and Thomas loves them, but I get stressed out because I feel like the animals should be free. It's sad. Anyhow, we ran through this zoo. We sprinted 145 miles per hour. We just ran past every exhibit. By the end, I was like,

We don't need to see everything in the zoo. Let's just do the lab. Obviously, that was not an option for our family because we have to hit every corner of the zoo, every acre. By the end, I was dying. Penelope was dripping in sweat. It's still hot here, which is crazy. It's gross hot, too. It's different than Miami Heat.

Muggy what's the word humid does it was great though great experience i think for graduation weekend we have to book a swamp tour that's what i want to do i want to do i want to take you around on like those little boats and they see all the alligators like through the swamps.

And I've never done one, so I want to do it. I would really love it. I would really love to do that. So for graduation, we have to make that happen, and we have to book off a whole day in advance so that our family can get there. And then, this night was my favorite place that we went. It was this bowling alley that was also a bar, also live music, also an arcade with games, also food. I could have stayed there all night. I never need to leave there. I love you.

I love rock and bowl and I was really really glad I had that idea because a lot of parents weekend is like kids going to bars with their parents and I was like obviously the little kids are here and that's not really gonna fly so I was like what can we do that like all my friends can be at with their parents have fun have drinks that the kids can also do and I was like oh my god my favorite place rock and bowl and so I

Booked like a little like party through them and I invited like all my friends and their families and They gave us like little snacks too, which was so fun because I love snacks But yeah, we rented out some bowling lanes Friday night and I had so much fun. I loved it too and it was kind of like a

They were very relaxed like they did not be like put on a super check like no don't put on bullying she knows everyone's so you bowl in your heels it's great so this is where things started to get a little tricky again with my family because now it's like we have bowling balls involved with the kids with a competition.

The earls were sometimes sore losers. And like. Wait, no, even before this though. This is really funny. I don't know if you saw this. Thomas picked up a bowling ball and he's walking over to the lane and I whip out my phone to take a video. I'm like, Thomas, you're so cute with the bowling ball. Just looking at him, I'm like, oh, he's so cute. And Ashley runs over. She's like, he's gonna drop it on his foot. And I was like, didn't realize the ball was slipping out of his hands.

Oh, Tom is, you're so cute. And she was like, he almost just dropped that and I was like, oh my God, I'm not. I don't know how they were picking up the bowling balls because I could barely pick up these bowling balls. And so Thomas basically, I don't know how they didn't like put a hole through the floor because the little kids were just like picking it up with their two arms and slamming it down and he would throw it. And the one time it went over the bumpers and like would get stuck on the lane. And then again, it started to get late. So they started to get cranky and then

Thomas is a really sore loser. We love Thomas, but he just like, he's a young child syndrome where you're just like, baby in love. Like he does not do well with losing. Like we would play Candy Land and like when he was a super, super little, like a little baby. And if he lost, it was like the board was getting torn in half. So I think it was like Penelope and Thomas were like competing or something. And then it's like the one of them like went to like throw the bowling ball at the other. And I was like,

All right, let's settle it down on the lane here. Take it down a notch. Then the other lane is all of us adults and Todd pulled his hamstring or something. All of a sudden I look over, Todd's in a split, and then he's like, ow, ow, ow. I wish I saw this. All my friends were like, yeah, I thought Todd was doing some fancy bowling move. He just wet and he was like, I don't even know. He tensed up and was like, oh.

He like what he pulled his hamstring or something. Yeah, he got like stuck in like a split or something and like I didn't hear it but mom and everyone said that they heard like a pop and He was like kind of freaky now and he was like my leg is numb and he was like starting to get really nervous So then I was getting nervous and I was like here's water. We got him like an ice bag. I was like a

Can our family just do anything? Did he call Braxton too? Yeah, so then I called Braxton because obviously Braxton knows about all the different type of injuries that can happen or what to do. Because I was like, do we need to take him to the hospital? He was freaking out. So then Braxton calmed him down on the phone. And Braxton was like, yeah, he definitely tore his hamstring, but you can still walk and there's nothing really you can do about that. So yeah, we're just a hazard anywhere we go. You can't take us anywhere. Yeah.

And then that night we ended up going out together. And I ended up- Yeah, mom and Todd came for a little bit too. You got so drunk. I blocked out. I blocked out. That was Joe's fault. It's always Joe's fault. No, it's not. I love Joe. He's perfect. Well, all the parents and everyone's like lemon drop shots, green tee shots.

I forget that they're so sugary and also alcohol. And I'm just like, oh, this is a fun little game. Yeah. Welcome back to college. Yeah, I was not feeling good the next morning. All my friends and their parents and their siblings ended up going to this rooftop bar that we love Friday night. And we had a time. Alex met some of my other friends that weren't at bowling. And we took way too many shots.

And Alex was going cross-eyed by the end of the night. I had to like walk her to the elevator. I was like, okay, Pookie, time to get home. I know. And like, in the moment, I remember, she's like, I miss college, I love it. Ashen always says that there is like a point where like my eyes, you guys know, I always talk about like my, my drunk eyes or just some lights on. I have a drink and like something in my eyes, they just like loosen, like my eyelids. They like, they loosen. I don't know how to explain it, but like, start just going in different directions.

Like my eyes are always so telling. You'll know if I had a drink just by looking at my eyes. And then Ashton always says there's a point in the night where it's like lights on no one's home for me. And I'm not just monitoring that myself. No. That's because the lights are on, but no one's home. So you don't know. But you just kind of like.

Sometimes you go silent and you just kind of like stand there and like look around with your googly eyes and I'm like and she's just Like it's kind of swaying back and forth just like looking but like silent. I've seen this a few times and I'm like okay Time for Alex to hit the hay

I don't know. I'm a pretty functional like drunk though because I know you like are functional. I went out this past weekend and I was like with all my girlfriends and there's like just a certain point in the night where I like I don't remember a thing after and I'm like my friends were like oh my god I didn't even like know you were that drunk.

But like there's like some of my friends who it's like you need to be like wheelchair it out once you've had a few drinks. So I'm pretty good. I always get home. I always have my bag, my purse, my wallet, and I'm always safe sound and I call Braxton before I go to bed. All those things always happen. She's such a good girl. Sometimes she just doesn't remember how they happen though.

Yeah, but sometimes I'm like, I always wake up and I'm like, oh no, is my purse here? It's always there. I'm like, is my phone here? Did I call Braxton and check my call log? I'm like, I'm doing all the things I need to do. It's just like, I don't know where my brain is for these activities, but I'm pretty functioning. Your brain was just taking a nap. She was logging off her a little bit.

The next day, Saturday was game day. So we had to be a bright and early and I wanted to die. I was also pretty hungover. Yeah, I was pretty hungover that day. Yeah, then everyone came to mind for a little bit. We met up and then we went to my other friend's house because they had all their parents over as like a pregame before the frats for the tailgates.

Well, we went to the tailgates, which was very fun and in the backyard of these frat houses. And I will say our little sister, Penelope, is going to be the life of the party. And we've known this and she's been little. But she was standing on the little surface in the middle of this tailgate. It was like a little bench in the middle.

And she kept dancing. And I was like, Penelope, are you OK? I know Dad and Thomas are in the front. Do you want to go back up with them? She's like, no, I want to stay. I want to party. All my girlfriends were like, your sister's so cool. And I was like, I know. All right. Other siblings were by the food truck in the front, sitting in a quiet corner. Then they left early. Penelope was up there dancing on the platform, having the time of her life. And I was like, I just think she brought the party.

She did because the party was kind of like it was very like chill just because it was a lot of like parents standing around Yeah, and they tried to like class it up a little bit for the parents Yeah, they were playing like throwback music and it was definitely not like when I was there for Mardi Gras. I will say those were like two different ends of the spectrum. Yeah

Mm-hmm. But yeah, my little sister Penelope I'm pretty sure was the life of this frat party then we danced and then it was raining so we didn't go to the game and Honestly, probably my favorite night that we all had was we all went which you slept through this Again, like ash and slept through all of the things we're supposed to do for parents weekend

Yeah, I think it was just a culmination of everything I've been doing for the past month had really started to catch up to me and I was so, so tired. And I do feel this, I don't know if this is a bad thing. I feel very, very drained sometimes when I spend time with our family too much. Yeah, you were getting like, you were getting like cranky and I was like, why are you in such a bitch? And you were like, I'm not, you were yelling at me again, like Lucy.

I do notice that sometimes I get, like, snappier when I'm, like, with our family for too long. Well, honestly... And it's only around our family. I'm always the most, like, optimistic friend of my friend group whenever it's, like, everyone's like, oh, like, I don't know if I want to do this or that, or, like, being Debbie Downers. I'm like, no, come on, like, let's have fun, let's be happy, let's be positive. Like, everything's great, blah, blah, blah. But then I don't know what it is about our family that, like, takes it out of me sometimes. I think also the fact that I was, like,

Technically hosting everyone too. So I I could tell Ashton was anxious. Yeah, she's not Ashton's not a good host love you so much But like I could tell that she was getting stressed out about like our family and the plans kept changing and Like she was just getting like really snappy and I was like Ashton like real aback So then that night and actually when we're going to the game cuz everyone's like should we go to the game? Should we not whatever? I literally was like everyone

shut the fuck up i'm ordering subway sit down peace and quiet because there's just with our family there's just so much so many people and so many different voices it's so hard to get everyone together so i i was like this is what we're doing sit down we're not going to the game no one's going to enjoy going to the game the little kids are going to be complaining

We're ordering our subway, we're eating it, we're sitting down, and then I was like, let's all go back to my apartment. I got everyone out, or not my apartment, but my hotel room. We left Ashenat, her house alone sleeping, because I was like, she's being a cunt. And then I took the little girls to my room, and we had a little girls night, we showered, we took a bath, and then we ordered Chinese food. So then, like,

mom or not mom dad, but Ashley, dad, Thomas, Isabelle Penelope all came to my hotel room and we all had Chinese food and we watched some cartoon movie. I forget what it was. It was about like a cat and we had like the best night just chilling in bed together without you. No, I actually did have fun though. I was

I was planning on coming over, but I wanted to shower first and like put on pajamas before I came and I was waiting on my bed because my roommate was showering in our bathroom. So I was waiting on my bed and I fell asleep face down on my bed with my cowboy boots on waiting to shower and then I woke up out and it was like six or six thirty when you guys left to go back to the hotel and I woke up at eleven thirty and I was like, whoa, I was like, what happened?

And then I was awake for an hour, and then I went back to sleep and slept for like nine hours. That's how you know I was not okay. I was drained. I also really thought that you weren't gonna come on our flight to LA the next morning. It was an hour before our flight. You're like, I didn't pack yet. I was like, oh God, she's like in some type of rut, and she's just gonna like- I was at the airport before all of you. I know, but I didn't know. And even at the airport, you were so snappy. I was like, where are you? Like, let's meet up at the airport. And she's like,

at the airport. I was like, well, yeah, but where? And like, I was just like, that wasn't being snappy. That was just me being like, she was cranky. She was cranky. And then see, this is what I hate too. Cause Alex is always like, you're so cranky. You're so cranky. And I'm like, I'm not, but now I am because you're bothering me about it so much. And now I hate you. Sorry. That isn't all that I do that.

Mm-hmm. You're right. And you say it over and you're like, you're so cranky. And then you say to the whole family, Ashton's being cranky. And I'm like, well, now I'm pissed. It's like when someone says like, oh, are you on your period? And like, you actually are. And you're like, fuck off, you know? Anywho.

Continuing on, this next flight to LA, I thought that we were all going to die. I genuinely thought, okay, our whole family line is going to be discontinued because we're all going to die on this flight. That's what I was thinking about because so for context, we're all flying from New Orleans to LA together on Sunday. And it's my mom, her boyfriend Todd, my dad, Ashley, the three little kids, Alex and I.

every single one in person in our family on this flight. And it's, which I was already thinking about this before we got on the flight because my roommate's dad was saying this because her parents flew in separately. And I was like, Oh, why'd they fly in separately? And she was like, Oh, like they have this weird thing about both being on flights together just because they have like a history with like planes going down. And it's like, you know, at least it'll be one parent.

Yeah, it's which is really sad and cryptic. That's really scary. But anyhow, yeah, she just explained that to me before this flight we got on. So I was like, that was prevalent in my mind. I never get anxious flying because I fly every other day. Like I live on airplanes, especially like a big commercial flight. It's just like, it really never scares me. It really doesn't. And we are now like,

three and a half hours into this flight. We're not the like landing coming up or going down. So it's like, you know, the time of the flight when it's just steady, smooth sailing. The flight attendants were in the middle of the aisle with their cards handing out drinks. And all of the sudden,

I thought that we landed because it was like boom. It felt like we hit a wall. The flight attendants. The girl with the cart in the middle, she flew into someone's seat, the cart went. The flight attendants start screeching. And obviously when they freak out, because you know when something happens on a flight and you look to the flight attendant, I'm like, are you OK with this?

She was because they're always just like chill. Yeah, she was screaming and I was like and all the sudden they like got on the microphone and they were like everyone in your seats like whatever and the flight was like this like just Everyone was going like this. Everyone's heads were bubbling and it was like for what like 30 seconds to a minute?

Yeah. Well, it was really bad for like 15 seconds. And then it was like, it took maybe like a minute to like fully stabilize again in the moment that this is all going down. I'm sitting here and I'm thinking, Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God. Like we're going down. Like something's happening. I look out the window because I was freaking out. So I opened up the window. I was like, where are we? And we were over mountains, which scares me even more because like say we had to like emergency land. Like you can't

Really do that on a mountain. You know, I mean like you need flat land So I was like oh my god. Oh my god. I think that's like where the weird wind comes from like yeah So from like the difference nonetheless, this is all happening and I'm thinking oh my god like maybe this is like

Like God put us all on this plane together so that like we could all go out together to suffer Like I literally was so horrible to think of I know so I'm I don't know whatever so I'm I'm like really freaking out on this flight and then all the sudden it stops and they were like So we just experienced some like clear air turbulence and

And I'm thinking, what is clear air turbulence? Because I'm used to the jelly story where I'm like, we're in jelly. We can't go down. So I Google clear air turbulence. And it's like a storm in the sky, basically, that you can't see. So hence, the clear air. And every photo I see online of clear air turbulence is like the face mask down, the seats are dislocated, people are upside down.

I was like well thing God that we were okay and like I But like for the rest of that's crazy. I didn't know that yeah, so for the rest of the flight I Was so shaken up like I wouldn't stop shaking It was the worst like hour and a half of a play of ever like I was just I don't know it was so scary and I really never get scared flying and it was just Every like possibility was going through my mind, but we're okay. Thank God, but

I don't know, I really didn't like that. I really was scared. Ashley was freaking out. She texted, she immediately whips out her phone. Ashley basically said goodbye. She texted my grandma. She was saying goodbye to everyone. She texted the kid's babysitter. She texted everyone. She texted your publicist. She was like, I was like, bitch, we just hit turbulence. How did you already sign off?

to everyone. I was like, she's quick with it. She was ready to be done. But one thing about Ashley is she will get it done. Like I said, like the zoo was closed. She was like, we're getting in that zoo. Like if we were going down, like Ashley would have had like a helicopter, like on the way up with life vests, like before we even were like close to going to the ground, like Ashley will get shit done. So like I really appreciate that about her, but she is a little bit like freaked out. Neurotic.

She was saying her goodbyes. Do you remember in the beginning of COVID when this was like we first got sent home for COVID. It was still called like Corona at this point. And we, she made us wear hazmat suits in the house. Oh my God. Like guys, I kid you not like a full blown like she bought hazmat suits head to toe. We were covered in a hazmat suit. And I was like, this was still like,

before we even knew how bad COVID was. This was before that. She bought these hazmatts. This was, yeah, I don't even know how to explain it. This was like pre, like anyone's gonna die. They found like one case in New Jersey and she was like, buys hazmatts.

She stocked up like our basement looked like we were going into a zombie apocalypse. We had 8,000 cans of ramen noodles. She bought non-perishable foods. I don't know what she was thinking. But that was so funny. One thing about Ashley is she's going to figure it out. And she's also going to be the most freaked out at all times.

she's gonna do the most is what she's gonna be doing the most but honestly it makes me feel like safe like if any situation were to be happening I would like to be with Ashley I had to act calm cool and collected because I had like Isabelle next to me my younger sister who's 12 and I was like yeah I know I know she's probably so scared right now and if she looks at me and sees that I'm scared so I was like

I was like tightening her seatbelt. I was like, it's okay, it's okay. And then I felt bad cause the girl next to me was not a part of our family and like the only person in like three rows that wasn't her family. And she was like, you know, when you're next to a stranger and like there's turbulence and you're looking at them like, what are you thinking right now? Like are you freaking out? And she was like, definitely freaking out. And she was like, can we put up the window? And I was like, yes. And I was like, you're now part of the family.

But yeah, so that was like a really scary flight. And I feel like I really never have scary flights or scary stories like that, but not to make anyone nervous for the girls who read in that are saying they're anxious flyers, but I was a little terrified for my life in that moment. I remember we walked off and Ashley was like to the pilot. She was like, thank you.

I don't want to miss dying. I want to know, like, I don't know. Actually, I don't want to know. But yeah, I mean, I'm getting on a flight tomorrow, so it's got to be fine. It is fine. It's fine. It's fine. Let's just not think about it. That was also Isabel's birthday.

So we went to go to a birthday dinner. We had planned like a birthday dinner in LA for her because it was her birthday. We, me and Alex get there like five minutes after my parents and the kids got there as well as already sleeping on the bench at the table. And we're like, what is the point of even doing this dinner? She slept through the entire birthday dinner. And I think we only went to that restaurant because they have like a really fun birthday dessert, right? Is that what you were saying? Yeah. I don't know. So we didn't get to do that.

I miss everyone already excited for Thanksgiving excited for Thanksgiving next week I just realized I just booked my flights Yesterday, and I was like, oh my god. I'm leaving on Thursday. I know coming to Miami I didn't realize it's already the middle of November wait when did that happen? I thought it was just like Halloween's about to happen I just I'm already prepared that it's like gonna be 2025 by tomorrow

This is what happens. This is what happens. It's always like once the holidays start, everything goes by in like a week because we have like four main holidays so close to each other. So it's like you always have something kind of like going on and you're thinking about and it just goes by so quickly. Like I feel like they should spread out like Halloween, like Thanksgiving, like Christmas, Hanukkah time, New Year's like spread it out a little bit. Let us savor it, you know?

But then when we did it like that was really fun as we went to dancing with the stars and I basically dragged my whole family there with me because I was like, I'm such a fan of the show and we are all going. And no, I was so excited. The little kids didn't even know what was going on. Thomas is like, where are we? And it was like, obviously two hours that it's like you're being filmed. So you can't like leave or do anything. And Thomas was like sleeping in the back. It was so funny. The cameraman would be like right next to us recording the audience next to us and you just hear Thomas going.

Daddy, I'm tired. We're like Thomas. Because it's like they film it live and they like get clips of like people in the audience and like they're also like, you know, you know, clap, you know. It was so fun to see. It was so fun to see. Isabelle and Penelope were like standing there. I was like, guys, like, I'm like, are you having fun? They're like, yeah, this is so cool. I'm like, clap and smile.

there's some family standing like zombies in the back it was so fun it was a long week for us but yeah that i loved it so much everyone is so good i don't understand how they do that i was thinking that too because i was like wait a minute i always thought like

Oh, I used to be a dancer like, you know, I could maybe do this and I was watching what they were doing and I was like, I don't know if I could do that. Like that's crazy that people that aren't dancers are getting out there and like performing these whole dances, memorizing it and then they did like the instant dance and I was

I was very shocked. Oh, the Instant Dance was crazy. It was the 500th episode of Dancing with the Stars. So they did this new thing that they've never done before, was the Instant Dance. And I guess each team knew of four different types of dance that could be that they had to prepare for anything. They didn't know what song. But they didn't know what beat or tempo to do it at.

So on the spot, they got the song and the dance, and then they had to run, pick their costume, change, and they had like three minutes, I think, to rehearse the dance before they did it in front of everyone. And they all did so well. I thought it was going to be a mess, because they were like, we don't know how this is going to be ever done before. I was expecting it to be like everyone was like, no, this is going to be a disaster. Everyone was doing so well. And I was like, how is everyone doing this right now?

No, it was legitimately impressive, especially I feel like the athletes that you would just not expect to be good dancers. They all killed it. And we met Steven, who obviously is perfect. They brought him over because they knew I wanted to be him. And I was like, I think that's the actual first person.

that i've ever asked to like me or be introduced to cuz like i just would never do that but like i literally was just like freaking out i was like hey and i was just so awkward um but yeah i think that's the first person that i've like asked to be introduced to or to me in any situation that i've ever been in as steven cuz i know he's also he's literally Thomas

Did you see that TikTok that someone posted and they were like this? We were like Steven is Thomas in 20 years and they are. They're the same person.

And every time Stephen came out, Thomas was like, oh my God, that's me. I was like, it's you, Dallas. Oh my God. Which is why I thought it was so funny that someone made a TikTok of that, because I was like, yep, they are spot on. We were crying at the end of this. Him and Riley's dance. They're waltz. We were crying. I looked over at Ashton. She was crying and I was crying too. We were like, are you crying? I'm crying. I was like, yeah. Might be my tears. Well, I'm going to kick you off and do a few. What would Alex do? And then we will see you guys next week.

Okay, love you. Love you. Bye. Bye. Bye.

Help. I like this guy a lot, but I don't know if I'm ready to be in a relationship yet. Like I genuinely am stressing over the fact that he's gonna ask me to be his girlfriend soon. What should I do? Okay. I think this is a very relatable, what would Alex do? Question for me because I have been there, been in that position and I have been on both ends of the spectrum. I feel like in college, I kind of would just like

be like, oh, OK, well, just because I didn't really know what to do. And I was like, oh, we're hanging out. But I really didn't want to date. But I also didn't care to see anyone else. So I was confusing myself. And then that's with Braxton is we were talking for nine months before we officially were labeled on it, dating, committed. And partially that was my fault because I had a little bit of just

i was in a little bit of denial i was like i don't really like him or not that i don't really like him i was like i don't really want a boyfriend like i just i'm not gonna do this like i really don't want a boyfriend i was so dead set on like i don't want a boyfriend um and then i was hanging out with him every day and whatever and

Honestly with Braxton that was the first time that I just like told him I was like I really like hanging out with you I was like I'm just kind of stressed about like this label or I don't know why I feel like it's gonna like mentally stress me out like change something in my mind and I don't want it to like things are going so well and he was like okay Well, you just let me know like when you're ready. I'm here like I like hanging out with you like we'll just continue and

hanging out and if it works out if it works out if it doesn't it doesn't and I think like me getting that off my chest and saying that to him alleviated so much stress because right now you're probably just so worried like oh my god like whatever and it's probably getting in your head and messing with you figuring out if you actually like really really like this guy or do want to be with him or don't want to be with him so I would just let him know like where your head is at it's always better to just be open and honest is what I've learned and I think if

He really likes you and likes hanging out with you and I mean I don't know like what really the rush is to date if someone isn't ready besides the fact of It can feel to the other person like like they don't like me because I guess as girls like we've seen it on the other end to where guys like

I don't want to date or whatever, but I think you could clarify, are you seeing other people or not? Or is it just the label that's stressing you out? Because personally, me, I was in therapy. There was some personal stuff that I had to work through. And he just kind of let me

take that time and figure it out for myself and he was very understanding of that so i would say to you whatever your personal thing is and maybe it's just that like you don't know each other that well yeah because i do think that there's some guys that want to rush into a relationship and it's just i kind of think it's like an immature thing to do is like

I don't know. There's some people that you know each other for like a week or two and then you start dating, which is also fine. But that was just not really my speed or how I wanted to like go about things. I was like, I would rather like really get to know this person before like committing to dating someone because I think when you're like really closed off to someone, it's

It's an important special thing. I didn't want to just date someone just to say like I was dating someone, you know, like I want to date someone that I could truly like see myself being with for, you know, a long amount of time or not breaking up ever.

you know so i would say just be honest with him and i think if it's only been like a month or so of you hanging out i feel like that's like reasonable for you to be like i just like want to keep hanging out getting to know each other like i don't want to commit to anything yet if you're more in the range of it's leaning like five six months i think

That's a point where he probably is like, why have we not solidified this yet? And I think if that's something that stresses you out, for whatever personal reason, you just have to tell him and be honest and let him know. And I think honesty is the best policy. It's always going to go over better. You're always going to feel better. And then you don't have to be worried and feel guilty of like, oh my god, I don't know what he's thinking. What is your opinion on men in a relationship watching only fans? Should they be doing that slash allowed? Is it right for me and my friends to be bothered by this? OK.

I don't know if this is a hot take, but this is what Alex would do. That, for me, I think only fans is different than like porn, which I don't... Well, how have we said that word on here so many times this episode?

I just feel like if you're like subscribing to like one person and like personally paying to watch one person like that feels wrong and to me like I would just I would not allow that or like that so I don't know. I don't know if it's like

I think it's relationships, it would go with whatever you feel with. If that's bothering you, then it's bothering you. And you don't need to have this whole big justification. For me, if I found out that Braxton was subscribed to OnlyFans, I would punch him in the face and break up with him. But that's just me, you know? So yeah, do whatever makes you feel good. Hey, Alex, what would you do if you really didn't want to live with your best friend after college, but don't want to hurt her feelings by saying no to her. I love her. We're just better as friends than roommates.

oh my god the roommate thing is always so tricky like that's just never it's never gonna be easy conversation I'm not gonna lie it's never gonna be fun it's it's never a good feeling when you like you don't want to live with someone and they want to live with you and you're like

But I feel like if this is your best friend, and this is a true best friend, then you can be honest with her, and I always say like my best friends, like we can shit on each other, we tell each other our flaws, and like at the end, we're like sisters, you know what I mean? Like at the end of the day, we're not gonna get hurt.

And I did have so I had this happen with some friends after college where they kind of went through the same thing of like maybe they lived together in college but they didn't live together after college and it's like their best friends and I will say these girls are still best friends but they did have to go through that hard part of having that honest conversation of like hey I love you so much but I really don't think that we would be good roommates like personally this is a decision for me I don't want to live together

has nothing to do. Well, I mean, I guess it does have to do with them. But like, I would just be honest, like maybe they're a disaster in a mess. Like, I would be completely understanding if Kristen was like, hey, I don't want to live with someone who keeps their room, like a tornado just went off in there. I'd be like, that's so fair. And you definitely shouldn't live with me then.

because that's how my room is at all states and all times. The living room, I try to keep a little bit better, but it's just like me, clutter, and a mess follows. So you know what? If she said that to me, I would be like, all right, let's check myself, and I would know that that is okay, and she does not need to live with me if that is not what she's looking for.

Honestly, she's probably not looking for that, but she hasn't told me. She hasn't told me that it bothers her yet. So, um, there's different reasons why people don't want to live with one another. And I think you just have to like be honest with her. And if she's being realistic and honest with you, she will accept it and admit to it and like take it and suck it up. And I don't know. I mean, it is different, I guess of like,

Are you going to be living with other girls or you want to live alone? It's probably seeming like you want to live with other girls, but just not with her. And I think whatever that reason is, I'm sure there's a good one. That's okay. You just need to have a conversation and it can what I want you to know is that it can be done tastefully because I do have friends that had to have these conversations after college and they're still best friends. But for whatever reason, the

Sometimes you're just not good living partners, you know, it's like people have different living habits. So Hopefully just telling the truth goes over great. It makes sense and I love you and I'm wishing you the best luck and That is all for our episode today. I love you guys and I will see you next week for another episode of hot mess Don't forget to subscribe and like this podcast. Love you. Bye

Wait, did I just turn that off? How do I get that back on? I'm a hot mess.