Self-Awareness | Ask Uncle Gary

New Post

Eleven Months Later

Altadena, CA. Nearly a year after the Eaton Fire carved its way through the foothills, the town is still living in its shadow. Eleven months sounds like enough time for life to snap back into place, but for many families, the calendar doesn’t match reality. People are still scattered across borrowed bedrooms, spare couches, and motel rooms that were never meant to be home. Entire neighborhoods feel like they’re holding their breath.

Dec 30, 2025

I'm 23, still living at home and going to school, taking a full load and working part-time.

Dear Uncle Gary, I'm 23, still living at home and going to school, taking a full load and working part-time. Is it selfish to want space from my own family? Signed, Leave Me Alone Dear Leave Me Alone, You’re not selfish. You’re human. You’re juggling school, work, and the emotional weight of figuring out who you are and where you’re headed. That’s a full plate. Wanting space doesn’t mean you don’t love your family; it means you’re trying to breathe while carrying all that. No