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PaperclipPerfector  2d ago (text post)   1860 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for January 25, 2026

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Well, maybe we've had enough about European-American relations for the past week. Let's talk about European-European relations!

We know a lot about gender imbalances in China, hikikomori in Japan, 4B in Korea, and Americans screeching in existential terror at every element of the opposite sex on social media. It seems like many of the most developed parts of the world are struggling to maintain stable relationship norms, and men and women are opting out of relationships altogether at unprecedented rates. That obviously prompts the question: what about Europe?

Europeans: how do you feel about the dating and marriage situation in your part of the world? Do men and women generally couple up ok? Have dating apps caused damage? Are people isolated and on social media, or do romantic connections and friendships form more easily? More philosophically, do men and women in your country generally feel the opposite sex is trustworthy, or do they see them as more dangerous than helpful? Are there tensions over gender norms, or have people where you're from settled on a new accommodation for the relationship between men and women?

Does Scotland count? I can tell you that the social fabric is scuffed, dude.

While the actual numbers are probably lower, it feels like a third of the women there around my age are single moms, and another half unmarried even if they're in longterm relationships.

(I've learned the hard way to never assume that anyone with kids is necessarily married, or ever married, which is a safe assumption to make in India)

That being said, I haven't noticed any obvious tension between the sexes. This is the new normal, even if it strikes me as dysfunctional. The women are generally not afraid of the men, and vice versa. I haven't really seen much of a dedicated incel community, presuming there's anywhere that actually exists. Most people seem content with things.

Edit:

It's worth noting the stark class differences. The middle class usually does things the conventional way. But I seem to rub shoulders most commonly with people living in council housing (or at least they're the people most likely to invite a daft but friendly foreign doctor home from a pub) and oh boy.

There isn't an 'incel' community anywhere, because that would entail the incels being a 'community', which they aren't.

I'll keep that in mind when I stop by the local Warhammer outlet. Maybe I finally have the money for plastic crack...

I can't in good conscience advise you to play Warhammer. The game system itself isn't very good, and it'll put you in contact with...low-quality people. The only way to play Warhammer is to already have friends who play and join them, ideally 20+ years ago.

That's a shame, but I suppose the stigma around the hobby is there for a reason. I'm perfectly content reading the lore and playing the odd good video game that comes out.

It's an unfortunance that also applies to Magic, the Gathering. Expensive, and you'll probably be the coolest person in the room, which is not good.

I'd expected you to be a DIY enthusiast who'd sooner splurge on a high-precision 3D printer and pirated .STLs.

I've been tempted in the past, but back then, I didn't have the money. Now I do have the money, but I live in a shared apartment and I can't justify the hassle of setup and proper ventilation etc. Maybe a Bambu Labs at some point when I've got the room, it's probably cheaper than buying a full Knight Lance or a Forgeworld Titan.

Hell, my preferred way to play 40k would be something like Tabletop Simulator if I wanted to stick to the original rules, or even better, the upcoming Total War: Warhammer 40k game. It's one thing to 3D print the minis, it's another to paint them (how many coats? And how much does that cost?) and then find people to play with. Some GW stores tend to take a hardline stance against third party miniatures, or people hanging around in their stores without ever buying anything.

Don't do it, man. That way leads to homelessness and giving out handjobs to people in exchange for a squad of space marines.

Hey, I presume that providing handjobs at least fixes the incel problem? I'll jizz for AdMech with jezzails any day.

I understand. The Omnissiah's work is demanding, but rewarding. Just make sure to apply the sacred unguents so there's no chafing when you give out the handjobs!

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