Inside lemmy, yes. Pops up as a message.

Phone notifications would depend on your client. Voyager provides notifications for replies, but I’m not sure about others.

Depending on your instance, you may be able to get email notifications as well.

Throwing money at a problem works, when you are actually throwing money at the problem and not at a symptom.

For me currently, my car is a good example.

Problem: I need reliable transportation.

My car is almost old enough to vote here in the US and while it has been a reliable ride now things are starting to fail left and right. I could spend money replacing the parts that break as they break. Or I could simply replace the car.

My solution: Just replace the car. More expensive short term, but it’ll be cheaper and far less headache long term.

I won’t speak for anyone else, but Google has a 20 year track record of quietly breaking a fair chunk of promises they’ve made. Especially anything that gets in the way of them making a profit.

I remember back when their core tenet was “Don’t be evil”.

After a certain point, continuing to trust them, continuing to do business with them is consenting to be in an abusive relationship.

Not my jam, sorry.

Considering how bipolar we are as a nation, it could range anywhere from “eh, no one got hurt” to wiping everyone off the face of the planet.

“Hi, my name is…”

Admittedly, most of my friends are made at work, however it’s not impossible to meet people in other places. It really just boils down to going places other people are, smiling, and saying “Hello” or “Cool <whatever you find interesting about them>” to a lot of people. If you’re at a store and see someone struggling to load their car or truck, ask if you can give them a hand.

Probably will go no further than that most of the time, however, it might just make their day. Which they will remember. Might have been the first compliment they’ve gotten in a while. Might have been the first time anyone has offered to help them without asking anything in return.

Ever now and then, though, you’ll find yourself with a new friend with a common interest. Probably just for the moment, but if you see them again, say “hi” again. If you’ve got something you think is cool that they might also find interesting, perhaps show it off.

And remember their name. It can help to work it into the conversation. Seriously, Bonje. People like hearing their own name in friendly contexts.

Relationships are really just a longer term version of this with people you already have met.

If this sounds a bit like sales, you ain’t half wrong. What you are selling is you. The payment you are asking for their time, their attention.

Don’t be pushy. Accept no as an answer. But say “hello” to everyone.

Depends where you are and how old the place is. Newer places (last 15ish years or so) will have the auto flush toilets but most businesses only upgrade the bathrooms when things brake.