Actually Asten

There was a time I couldn’t say my own name. Not out loud. Not in writing. Not even in my head without a spike of panic. It wasn’t just “I don’t like it” — it was a full-blown phobia. Seeing it, hearing it, being it made me feel weirdly detached from myself. Like I was…

There are some people who change your life forever — even if they’re not here for as long as they should be. For me, that person was Katie. Katie wasn’t just my best friend. She was a whirlwind of warmth, laughter, chaos, and loyalty. The kind of girl who would walk into your life and…

So… I’ve been sitting with this for a while, and I think I’ve finally found the words:I’m demisexual and aceflux — and honestly, it explains so much. Let’s break it down.I’m demisexual, which means I don’t experience sexual attraction unless there’s a deep emotional connection. I’m not wired for quick flings or instant “chemistry.” It’s…

Because not everyone finds their people at school gates or in local cafés — and that’s okay. I used to wonder if online friendships were “less real” than in-person ones. I think we all internalise that idea at some point — that unless you’ve sat next to someone or hugged them or popped round for…

Welcome back to Stimmy Bops – the playlist where vibes are everything and skipping is illegal. These are the songs that made my brain light up like a disco ball this week. 🟢 Video Killed the Radio Star – The Buggles A classic. Retro. Iconic. Every synth pop shimmer is like a happy slap to…

When I was younger, people pretended to be my friend. The boys made it clear they didn’t like me. The girls acted like they did — until I wasn’t useful anymore. They smiled to my face and rolled their eyes behind my back. I spent a lot of time wondering what I’d done wrong. Was…

There’s this idea people love to push:“That school is the best time of your life.” They talk about lifelong friendships, coming-of-age moments, prom, leavers’ hoodies. They paint it like a golden age. A highlight reel. But for me? It wasn’t like that.By the time prom came around, I wasn’t even in mainstream school anymore.Because I’d…

Before I ever wrote a word, I was spinning. Not in a metaphorical “my head was spinning with ideas” kind of way — I mean literally spinning. Arms out. Room a blur. Mind wide open. It started as something that just felt good. Comforting. Regulating. But over time, it became something else entirely: it became…

Some characters live rent-free in your head.Amber and Jonas? They built a loft conversion and moved in with matching pyjamas. It started as a silly daydream — a pop star, a fangirl, a what-if. I didn’t expect it to become this. A whole series. A fictional couple with better communication than some real-life ones. A…