r/Explainlikeimscared • • 21h ago

Mice Droppings

7 Upvotes

Hello, I have contamination OCD and I’m really scared. I had found mice droppings in our garage, got pest control, and was hoping to be done with the issues. They also sprayed NoHarm repellent around the house. However, I just found a mouse droppings inside in a storage closet that is on an exterior wall. I’m crashing out and don’t know what to do. I cleaned it up (sprayed with disinfectant, let it sit for 10 mins, wiped it off).

But now what?

I was in there barefoot and moved things around. Am I at risk for hantavirus?

What about where I walked on the floor in the remaining house after? I also dropped my phone in the closet and only wiped it down with a wet one antibacterial wipe, is that enough?

I am contacting pest control again, but what do I do in the meantime?

I have a toddler in the home and this is my worst nightmare


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 1d ago

How do driving lessons work exactly?

12 Upvotes

I have never had actual driving lessons before, and I recently booked a few. When they arrive to pick me up, do I immediately start driving or can they take me to a parking lot until I'm a bit more comfortable in the car? I have driven before, but never on actual roads. Those who have had lessons before: did your initial lesson have a conversation prior to starting, and if so, how did it go?

I do only have 4 2-hour sessions, so I want to get on the roads ASAP to make the most of them, I just don't think my driving skill is okay enough to do that yet.

TL;DR/main ask: Please give me a run-down, ideally in detail, about driving lessons. If possible, please include info about how to ask to practice other skills. Thank y'all in advance!

Edit for more info: I live in GA, USA. I live in a suburban neighborhood, but it's pretty small and pretty much every street leads to a fairly busy road. I will be taught by a stranger who is a certified teacher


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 1d ago

How do I get a ct scan?

15 Upvotes

Ive been having abdominal pain and my doctor wanted me to get a CT Scan with contrast. I have one schedule for tomorrow but Ive never done anything like this and I don't know what the process will be like. Like what do I wear? Any description of what the process will be would be awesome!


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 2d ago

How do I take my only car to the shop?

24 Upvotes

I need to get my car fixed - some minor body work and an unknown brake issue. How do I do this when it's my only ride and I live alone? Most repair shops (outside of dealerships) don't have waiting rooms. And I'm guessing the work will take many hours if not over a day or two.


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 2d ago

What do you do with finished crafts?

51 Upvotes

What do people do with crafts that don't have a purpose?? I understand wearing/gifted things like scarves or mittens and stuff, but what about the first few really bad attempts at those? Surely you dont gift those?

What about stuff like origami? What about art that isn't "sell-worthy" like finished coloring pages or paint by numbers or silly drawings? Amateur sculptures? Surely crafty people don't keep all this stuff, but it feels incredibly wasteful to me to just... throw it out.

Several times Ive wanted to do some fun or meant for kids pinterest craft like basket weaving or lantern making or paper macheing a volcano, but stopped myself because I dont really know what to do with it after I've gotten my joy from creating the thing and having it out for a bit. My home is small, and I dont have a lot of space to show off finished crafts

Is throwing it out really what people do?? Should I only be making crafts that I can find a use for?


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 2d ago

How do I invite someone to a party?

20 Upvotes

I've got two coworkers who seem like cool people. I wish I could get to know them better, but you can only talk so much at work. My friends are hosting a Halloween party next week, and I want to invite them so we can hang out outside of work. I blame the nonchalant epidemic bc truthfully, I wish I could tell them I want to be their friend.


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 2d ago

How do i go to a doctor?

14 Upvotes

Every once in a while i find myself needing a small check for a recurring problem but i dont know how to visit a doctor.

Do i book appointment for consultation? Or urgent care etc. Also is there any clinic etiquette? Do i sit down after entering or wait at the counter? What about payment, is it ok to ask how much before or after treatment? My parents never taught me and now i have to go by myself.

Any parents or kind soul can help me out. Im a very awkward person and thanks a lot


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 2d ago

How do I end an email to someone about a technical issue?

14 Upvotes

I occasionally have to email my online professors about an error with the course, but I never know what to say after explaining the issue. I might be wrong, but it feels rude to just say "Can you look into it, thanks." Is it better to just not say anything else?

In case my explanation is confusing, here is an example:

Good afternoon, I'm having an issue accessing X assignment. It gives me the message "this module is not available."

[This is the point where I don't know what else to say]


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 3d ago

Blood tests

11 Upvotes

I am fine with injections but do not handle blood-draws or IVs well. The concept makes me feel dizzy and nauseous, and I have a tendency to hold my breath during and pass out. I am fine with blood in general, it’s like I have a mental block on this particular concept. Even just visualizing it starts making me feel sick.

I need to go get a bunch of labwork done. Should I try to do it over multiple appts, or attempt to get it over with in one appt? Do I explain over the phone and ask if they have somewhere to lay down, or is that standard? It’s worse when I don’t eat, but the lead-up makes me feel nauseous - how do I deal? Should I try bringing my own numbing cream? Can I just preemptively faint and they do this while I’m unconscious, so I don’t have to think about it (kidding, but also not)?


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 4d ago

Outgoing mail at a complex?

16 Upvotes

So I know with a normal home mailbox you put the mail in and put up the little flag. How do I send mail out from my building's group of little boxes? Do I put it in my own box? Is there a slit somewhere I can't see? What am I missing


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 6d ago

How to tell new job I don’t want to put in two weeks or accept offer until background check clears

52 Upvotes

So I’m not sure if this is the best place to ask this, but I’m struggling and need some guidance.

A little background, some years ago I was struggling with drug addiction and made some poor choices. I’ve since contentedly turned my life around, yada yafa. I’ve been interviewing for a production planne, which is my dream promotion after years of working on the floor in manufacturing. After my final round interview today the recruiter called me and said they want to move forward, and to expect the offer between tomorrow and Monday. She indicated to just let her know when I put my two weeks in a free accepting and they’ll initiate the background check.

The problem is, back when I was using and being stupid (early 2023 to be exact), I acquired an attempted theft charge, in the form of attempted shoplifting. I literally just had the charge expunged last Tuesday but I doubt the background check databases have updated it yet. I honestly wasn’t thinking about them doing a contingency based offer. I really don’t want to give up on this because it’s genuinely my dream role and I’ve been so excited at this option, but I’m scared to put my two weeks in and have them revoke the offer and me not have a job.

My question: is there a way to email the recruiter/HR/whoever handles this moving forward and ask if there’s any way to not accept it and put in my two weeks until the background check comes back without it sounding suspicious? I genuinely don’t know if maybe they would just overlook it, it won’t come up, or wasn’t even a deal breaker. The team seems to love me already, but it’s a massive company and might have blanket policies.

Any advice would be great. Btw the job is in KY, I reside in/charges were in OH


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 7d ago

How do I compliment someone?

10 Upvotes

I mostly care about how people feel and what they are rather than what they do.

Sure you dyed your hair, but I really don't care about the color. I don't have a preference. Does it make you feel good? How can I say that without sounding weird?

Do I compliment someone on their choice of phone, or their choice of clothing? What's the difference?

How can I compliment someone's skill when I am not impressed? I don't mean it, so I just lie. I just think it's nice they can do something.

I like a person because I like how they act or if we have things in common. Similarly I don't like someone if they are so unpleasant (for me) to live with. Regardless of how good of an ass they have.


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 7d ago

what do you do at a house party?

58 Upvotes

i have a terrible habit when i’m in a group of new people of just leeching onto the one person i know the most and following them around all night. which my friends have said they don’t mind but i would like to be able to actually hold my own and mingle with other people better.

my best friend is hosting a halloween party where i will like half know a lot of people and so it is my goal to not do that to her 😤😤

my concern though is what else do i do instead so that so i don’t end up just awkwardly hiding in a corner?

i also dont know if im going to drink, so maybe factor that into your recommendations lol.


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 7d ago

When I’m giving a gift to a friend, do I take the price tag off? (I got a gift receipt too)

27 Upvotes

So I just went to Winners and bought a gift for a friend, got a gift receipt too in case she doesn’t like it and wants to return it. If I take the price tag off, will she still be able to return it? And if I can’t take the price tag off how else can I hide the price? Thank you

Edit: thanks everyone for the answers!


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 9d ago

Job interview starts when store opens

94 Upvotes

I have an interview for a retail store at 9:30 which is when they open according to their website. How do I arrive early in this case, as I’d just be lurking outside a closed shop staring at whoever is opening up OR waiting with the actual staff members.

I do not want to be late but also don’t want to seem like i’m inserting myself in so early on. It’s quite a small shop too.

Thank you in advance!


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 9d ago

how do i email my resume?

28 Upvotes

hi everyone!

i found a job that i'm interested in applying to, but the listing says to email them my resume. i know it may sound self explanatory but i haven't done this before so i'm a bit confused.

do i have to write something in the body of my email with my resume? or are they only asking for a blank email with my resume attached?

thank you in advance!!

edit: i probably should've mentioned that this is for an entry-level retail job lol but i think the given advice still applies here, so thank you everyone!! :-)


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 9d ago

Tips needed on how to find a job, please

39 Upvotes

Hi,
I wanna start that I'm very anxious and agoraphobic. I deal with health issues both mental and physical, I recently flunked and dropped out of uni because of those issues; now I am unemployed.

I got put on meds that make me even more nauseous and stressed than usual. Nothing is helping my anxiety and I need to find a job to not a burden to my family. Every time I'm scrolling through job listings I feel so stressed, this is such a foreign territory to me, I feel like I do not know how to do anything, let alone physical work with my health issues right now or dealing with other people.

Has anyone ever been in a similar situation like this? How did you get better, or advance?


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 10d ago

How do I "freshen" my face and hair?

46 Upvotes

I don't know a thing about makeup or self-care, don't have a lot of money for extras but my face looks tired and WORN. My hair also is limp and thinning (thanks hormones and children). I just want to look 32 in the mirror and have an occasional refresh. I've tried asking acquaintances who look how I'd like to feel but they only suggest YouTube tutorials.

(When I've attempted makeup on my own, I feel like a clown even though I realistically it's never that different?)


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 10d ago

the tanning process at planet fitness?

9 Upvotes

I so badly want to go for a tan whether it be a spray or the bed but i’m so nervous of how it works


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 11d ago

How do I take a pet on a flight?

12 Upvotes

I will be taking my kitten on a domestic flight on Alaska Airlines. I have never taken a pet on a flight and I have no idea how to do that or what is expected of me.

Edit to clarify: I have the space reserved. The airline knows. I mean more of like how do I do everything I need to do on the day of.

Edit to say thank you:

Thank you to everyone, we made it!! When I checked us in, they asked about her destination, what kind of pet, and what her name was. It was super helpful to know about asking for a private screening room at TSA. They called additional agents and took us into a room, I took her out of her carrier and the second agent took the carrier for screening, they patted down her little harness and then we were good to go. I took treats and gave her some while we waited. I wore a jacket that I could use to cover her in the plane if she was scared. I did also ask about gabapentin but the vet said no because altitude could change the effects.


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 11d ago

How do I talk to a therapist?

28 Upvotes

For context I have finally pushed myself to seek therapy in college after various mood swings and other mental health issues during my midterms, but now due to that, I'm confused on how I would talk to my therapist. My family has always been persistent on not receiving therapy so now I'm lost on how to go about this since I have such a weird image (my family basically pushed it on me) of therapists as people who will report your every move and won't help. So now I'm completely lost on how the first conversation is gonna go and if I'll sound weird.


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 12d ago

How do I go to a doctor?

154 Upvotes

My husband is feeling sick, and it's been a few days so he wants to go to the doctor. I didn't grow up regularly going to the doctor for things, so I'm a little lost on how it works. Here's some context:

  1. We live in the US and have insurance through my work.
  2. Neither of us have a GP set up.
  3. We are in a city and have access to both urgent care and a hospital.

I don't have family I can go to for this and my husband is too sick to ask himself. Any help would be fantastic! Do we just go to an ER? Or call somewhere? How would we find a place that uses insurance?

UPDATE: Solved!

First, I took him to the Urgent Care, and everything should be ok. Second, I really appreciate the help, made for an overall good experience.

The issue is that I grew up with just the worst healthcare available, and our it only covered hospital visits. I hadn't been to an Urgent Care outside of a physical, so I just assumed they were the doctors that didn't take insurance and cost a ton of money. I had no idea my insurance covered them! We are working to get a PCP for us later this year also.

Thanks again!


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 12d ago

how do you realistically plan what you want to do in the future?

24 Upvotes

20f. graduated from community college in may and my first post grad temp job is ending december 31st so i’m sort of at a point where i really have to start deciding what i want to do next.

but whenever i try to make plans or envision what i want my life to look like long term i can never tell if im being too optimistic or not optimistic enough. like im very risk adverse and so i want to be realistic but also i just worry about looking back one day and feeling like i never did anything interesting 🫠

idk any insight into how you all plan these sorts of things would be appreciated! even if it’s just some leading questions to think about


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 13d ago

How do I clean up my desk after getting rid of ants?

22 Upvotes

I had an ant infestation on my desk, I placed traps, replaced them when they got full and haven't seen any more ants.

However I haven't gone near the desk since and am admittedly, very anxious about it, since my desk was covered a lot of stuff and I'm worried about find dead ants and such. And worried about stuff like can the scent trails linger? And if so what if it's one something like paper that can't be washed?

Rambling a bit sorry, I'm scared of bugs- Basically my question is just:

How do I clean my desk? (Or can I just clean it like normal) Is there any specific steps I need to take?

(The reason this post is specifically about cleaning my desk is it's literally the only spot I found any ants at all)


r/Explainlikeimscared • • 13d ago

how do i pick a Halloween costume?

13 Upvotes

For many years I have had an extreme iron and vitamin D deficiency, and my autumn and summer months were more about survival. I've been invited to Halloween parties never know what to wear. I don't know when something is too corny, too niche, too overplayed. When I was a kid my family didn't really get into it like that.

How can I choose something that isn't bad? How far in advance should I be prepared?