Dr Gloom

I think that depends if you’re physically addicted, or not. You’re right, of course, that going teetotal might be the only solution for some problem drinkers. High functioning alcoholics (I imagine there are several of us on this board) might also opt for total abstinence, but some might try and regulate their behaviour instead.

exercise is your friend. 100%. half my mates are on antidepressants or in therapy, or both. It’s a good way to keep the demons at bay. For me, training helps provide “balance”. I could probably do with the former too but unlike you I’m too afraid to admit I have addiction problems. Mainly because a life without occasionally getting of my nut is too depressing to contemplate. It’s a crutch I’m not prepared to let go. I’m addicted to exercise too but at least it’s a positive thing to channel that part of my personality into. Lean into it. Total abstinence is the only workable solution for some people. It may be that is the case for you, it may not. From what you described, I don’t think it’s as bad as you think it is and that you actually sound like you’re fully aware that you have a problem with addiction and are doing very well at managing the situation. Things are rarely as bad as they seem inside your own head man. Hangxiety doesn’t help with that either. I’ve been through a bit this year which has helped me come to terms with that. We’re all our own worst critics when the reality is the people who we worry we might have offended aren’t giving half as much headspace to our actions. Just keep on trying and don’t beat yourself up too much when you fall off the wagon. And remember you always have this group of faceless online friends to sound off to.

Solidarity Renton. You’re a good egg and shouldn’t beat yourself up too much. You’re a human being man, no one is perfect and we all fuck up from time to time. I’m wired in a similar way to you. I’ve got an addictive personality, I don’t know what an civilised drink means and I’m either all in or nothing. The relentless boozing/partying at this time of year tends to get me down too if I’m honest and I look forward to a period of abstinence/routine and structure in January.

100%. It’s what he does. We’ll never know now but it’s clear from his comments in the interview he did with Simon Jordan that Howe didn’t want to lose Minteh or Anderson. PSR forced us

Who the fuck is this cunt?

3-1 to us. Goals from Andy Cole, Nicky Butt, Ronny Johnsen and Gabriel Obertan

He clearly didn’t have to land his foot o n Schar’s back. Clear red

Happy Christmas everyone. Hope your other halves all get you prostate exams for Christmas too

There have been rodents at old Trafford for ages man

I wonder if HMHM being too poorly to watch the match will bring the same good fortune as when he’s at work.

Looks like a plum sauce base too

It’s no surprise that the filthy standers bullshit more than most

I don’t get it

sorry to hear that man. It’s horrible seeing people you love grow old, frail or die. Nothing fucks you up the arse like time

Sounds like bliss tbh

Wait till you get to the peak

the carnivores are welcome to bring their leftover carcasses

Probably sound advice. I’ve done most of the prep already: three pies already made and in the fridge ready to be warmed in the oven: 1 Gruyère, onion and time tart 2 Meera Sodah’s Potato, onion and saffron pie 3 Yotem’s cheese and herb filo pie Plus I’ve made Nigela’s cheesy Christmas dips and nuts 😳 Got a massive cheese board. And a winter slaw and a big salad, so we can kid ourselves we’re not being gluttons. The only things remaining to make on the day are the dauphinois (piss easy) and these potato stack things, if I’m feeling brave/sober enough.

That’s sort of where I’m at too but they look absolutely banging so I might still give it a go.

Has anyone ever had a bash making these fried potato stack things? We’re having about 15 family over o n Boxing Day for a big all day boozy feast. I was thinking about doing these after seeing them on social media and drooling at how good they look. I got all the ingredients but as the day gets closer I’m starting to have second thoughts. Pissing about with deep frying while a few cocktails deep might not be the best idea where dauphinois are a good easy alternative. Has anyone ever bothered? And if so, is it worth the effort? https://www.thekitchn.com/i-tried-the-fried-potato-stacks-all-over-tiktok-23220621

bullshitting, mostly

I’m not suggesting for a moment that a bullshit artist such as me knows more than Eddie Howe btw. If he didn’t think Tonali was ready for that role at first then fair fucks. We can both now agree he is ready because he’s been one our best players in that position in our recent run

I don’t think Howe did know that his best midfield was Tonali in the six role and Bruno back in the eight, or he would have tried it sooner. I’m glad he has given it a go as it appears to the best way to get the best out of them both in his preferred 4-3-3. The other way might be to play both of them sitting in a 4-2-3-1, but we don’t have the personnel to play that way - a proper number ten, in other words, and Howe has shown no signs he wants to set up like that. One thing is clear - Tonali looks much, much more comfortable in the deeper role than as the right sided eight, where as Bruno can seemingly perform both roles brilliantly. The team, which is the most importantly thing, functions best the way Howe has it set up now.