My therapist taught me a tip that really helps-

Do you feel the doubts in your gut or do you feel them from your head/chest (for me, it’s either a convoluted spinning sensation of thoughts and worry floating above my head or an anxious chest feeling that I associate now with OCD).

When I think about how I love my partner I feel that in my gut…that’s my source of truth. My brain thoughts are always a distraction/mess.

Calling out Ethiopia as a top 4 place to live was a hard pivot lol. Haven't heard that one on anybody's wishlist before.

took me 14 years to realize it's not about frequency, it's about what happens when alcohol or substances are in my body. i used to think i deserved a medal for being able to take huge breaks in between. i would have a really bad night, and not drink for 4 months, start again after i felt like i was "good" now, and my drinking would quickly take me downhill after just a few outings. i was never even close to being a daily drinker. but i was messy, or black out drunk, most times i did. i had several rock bottoms and it became abundantly clear i'm not someone cut out for alcohol or substances. currently in AA and at 36 i'm done trying to trying to moderate. if i could moderate, i would've done so 14 years ago.

I live on Melrose off West Hollywood. Roberston, Melrose, Santa Monica Blvd, and Sunset Blvd (albeit less so) are all really enjoyable to walk. For LA levels there's a good amount of pedestrian activity and it's safe, save it for the occasional unstable/unhoused person. It's not Shanghai-level density, but way better than Silverlake. I take long walks and browse stores/cafes. Start there!

6th ave in Koreatown between Normandie and Vermont is also really dense and happening, though it's a better experience at night when it becomes more alive.

It may be too bougie for some, but downtown Beverly Hills is also extremely walkable, very safe, and pedestrian friendly.

Little Tokyo and Arts District is also really nice to explore, as long as you avoid the streets that take you into Skid Row.

God that is depressing.

lol this is too laughable. sorry, but everybody and their grandmother knows austin is extremely safe.

and i wouldn't trust mexican crime statistics, ever. most mexicans do not report crimes, most mexicans don't trust the police to get anything done, or trust them period.

 She refuses to go to his hometown of Austin because of safety.

Lol wtf? Literally one of the safest major US cities...

lol what? sorry but this is an idiotic claim. there are TONS of safe, walkable districts all over the 3 cities you mentioned.

I just don’t see the point of traveling if you’re sitting around lazily at the hotel

Look, if you're ambitious, you can get your hands on it. It's only a matter of time before everyone's on it. Perhaps it'll be the solve for our nationwide obesity problem.

Really? Maybe I should go there. I assumed that was more like a faux farmers market and catered to tourists only

I love the US and not afraid to admit it, and I’m dual citizen of Denmark. Sad that he’s that close minded, there’s a lot of wonderful things about this country

Huh? I live in LA and have lived in Seattle, San Francisco, and San Diego - people looove paying for the best type of produce/meats here. There's a huge wellness culture. Hell, I even pay up the arse to add goji berries to my oatmeal.

We're talking about food selection/grocery store quality though, not eating out

I actually think most people just talk crap about food products in the US, at least from a European perspective. But I just don't agree - sure, there is a LOT of junk and processed foods available at cheaper stores - but we have sooo many high quality stores too - Whole Foods, Sprouts, Trader Joe's, daily farmer markets in every city selling local/organic produce. People keep mentioning MENY in DK here but they're few and far between.

Foetex, Netto, and Rema 1000 aren't tourist traps lol.

Look, I'm half American, half Danish, and grew up in both countries, and always get shit from Danes for having this opinion. I've traveled all around Europe and lived in other countries as well. When it's all said and done, Denmark has pretty abysmal grocery stores - the selection is extremely limited and basic. What Rema 1000 or Foetex or Netto sells is largely the same. A lot of the produce, especially fruits, doesn't seem to be great. Additionally, the experience of shopping in these stores is pretty uninspiring - they aren't particularly nice visually and sometimes stock is running low on many items. I don't love seeing products still in cardboard boxes, it looks low rent to me. I think for Danes who haven't lived anywhere else, they don't have any other expectation so it's not questioned.

The predominant and preferred choice for grocery shopping among Danes seems to be discount stores, which is cultural, and the options reflect that. Say what you want about America, but there are tons of options - whether it's variety (i.e. ethnic food sections), all organic options, or super high quality, it's definitely available and there are many places to go for that of varying price points; conversely, if you want cheap and junky, that's available too. I'm already waiting for the WeLl ThIs IsN't FaTtY 'MuRiCa (I live in California by the way, which has fantastic fruits/veggies grown locally due to our climate), which brings me to my next point. I think what surprises foreigners is that compared to nearby countries, like Sweden (which has infinitely better variety and selection), the difference is extremely stark. If I still lived in CPH I wouldn't put it past myself to drive over the bridge to shop in Malmo, I just find the grocery stores are WAY better there.

For some reason this topic really riles up Danes, who have a tough time accepting anything but constant praise, but I think the criticism is valid. A country of 5.5m surely won't have options like the US, France or the UK, but I do think it could step its game up in this area. I also think the homogenous nature of Danes means that there are few challengers to the status quo.

That said, I don't necessarily think all things are bad - dairy and bread products in Denmark are superb. I actually don't think anywhere can compete with the wonderful baking culture that Denmark has. God Do I miss fresh rugbroed, but I've fortunately learn to make all of this myself. Food quality in restaurants is also really high, and far better than most places. I think Denmark does eating out very well.

I find non-western food in Scandinavia to be very under seasoned and bland though compared to the equivalents you can get in the US. They do Middle Eastern well though.

There's also just a lot of GOOD super tasty food in the states, tons of variety - it's not ~all toxic~ or bad for you. That's the beauty of the States...we have organic Mexican fast casual chains (Tocaya) or delicious Mezze to go style chains like Cava, grass fed burger chains which would kick any European burger joint's ass. Maybe it's because I live in CA but I just really don't relate to this idea that American food is just hot cheetos or Wendy's.

I know exactly the place you’re talking about and I agree! I’ve been there

You can get some truly fantastic and authentic sushi in SoCal and Vancouver, BC