When survival becomes a routine, but you just want to live.

A word of caution: why is our patience during air-raid sirens not a sign of strength, but a cry for help?


Hi girls! Let’s talk about the things we usually keep quiet about—hiding our eyes behind beautiful Zoom makeup and upbeat social media posts.

Tonight, Kyiv turned into a horror movie once again. I sat on the bathroom floor, clutching my head, while the thunderous noise outside made it feel as though the ground was giving way beneath me. In moments like these, your mind works at its limit: you calculate escape routes, check power banks, calm your cat, and try not to lose your mind in the silence between explosions. We have learned to be made of iron. We have become masters of survival.

But tell me honestly: why do society and those so-called "real men" assume that just because we’re holding it together, it doesn’t hurt? Why are we expected to shoulder this burden of war and then smile on dating sites, pretending to be carefree kittens?

I didn’t post my profile on the site just for fun. I am sick and tired of being strong. I’m fed up with falling asleep to the sound of air defenses and waking up with gray streaks at my temples.

Let’s discuss this in the comments:

Where is the line between support from men and the run-of-the-mill pity we all hate so much?

And most importantly—how do we stop being afraid to trust those who are relatively safe, while we’re here staring fear in the face every day?

I look forward to hearing your thoughts—let’s support each other!