The Juice is Worth the Squeeze

📍 Chapter 14 of Gina's story (Episode 20). New here? Start at Episode 1 → https://daddy-tissues.captivate.fm/episode/im-fcking-doing-this Twenty episodes. Twenty fucking episodes. I can't believe I even did this. So before we get back into the story, grab whatever you've got — your iced coffee, your water bottle, the juice box you just stole out of your kid's lunchbox — one hand on the wheel, please, I need you alive for the next episode. To you, for not deciding I was just some crazy bitch with a mic. Maybe you did. But you stayed. Cheers to you, cheers to me, and cheers to our fucking bodies for dragging us all the way here. This is Chapter 14. Philly. January. Freezing. A random little Northeast bar we never go to, me and Dr. Murray with tequila up to our ears, my favorite little leather jacket, big hoops, lip gloss. I turn to my right and — well, look who the fuck it is. Superman. Seven years of nothing, one summer day in Sea Isle where I couldn't even get a bagel, and now here he is again. And this time I want an answer. A few shots of Mr. Patrón later, I got one. Verizon couldn't help us, but the tequila could. He did get my text. He didn't answer on purpose — because of the neighbor. He and his friends went to high school with him, and his friends basically went, "Dude, are you crazy?" So I made it make sense the only way I knew how: anybody willing to sign up for all that must be amazing. The juice is worth the squeeze. My filtering system. Looking back? That was a pretty dangerous place to put the bar. Then the rock wall, the car, the stairs up to my condo… and the next morning I'm hungover, there are two boys in my apartment, and I'm volunteering to drive them home to South Philly. Imagine spending years hoping a man will come to you and then personally providing the return trip. Turns out I'd never really known who he was. I'd known how he looked. Quiet meant deep. Gorgeous meant romantic. I'd done most of this relationship by myself. So here's the question I wish I'd spent more time on: do I want him, or do I want the feeling I think I'll have when he finally wants me? Before you spend seven years wondering if a man likes you, try having a full conversation with him. Grab your daddy tissues. Till next time, my queens. 🖤 ⚠️ Contains strong language and discussion of heavy drinking, a hookup, a difficult co-parenting situation, and dating as a single mom. 📖 Daddy Tissues is a true story told in order. Start at the beginning. Links to episodes👇🏻 New episodes every Monday. Grab your daddy tissues. Till next time, my queens. 🖤 Connect with Daddy Tissues: Follow along for more brutally honest conversations about dating, divorce, motherhood, daddy issues, toxic relationships, healing, self-worth, and all the emotional junk we somehow inherited without asking for it. 🎧 FOLLOW THE SHOW If Daddy Tissues has ever made you laugh, cry, or think holy shit, me too, hit FOLLOW so you don’t miss the next chapter. Everywhere: https://daddy-tissues.captivate.fm/listen Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033ygF97LFxvu3ZpHysLMb Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daddy-tissues/id1896925409 ⭐ LEAVE A REVIEW That helps more than you know. It tells the algorithm that this white trash right here is worth listening to. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daddy-tissues/id1896925409 Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/daddy-tissues-6514529 💸 THE SWEAR JAR Every “fuck” costs me a quarter. Bail me out here: https://daddy-tissues.captivate.fm/support 📱 SOCIALS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daddy.tissues.podcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTSHPhqwR/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@daddy.tissues.podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ECbqyrWpk/ Website: https://daddytissuespodcast.com Music: “Do It Anyway” by Scarlett Solo, used under license. Disclaimer: Daddy Tissues is a personal storytelling podcast for entertainment, reflection, and connection. It is not therapy, legal advice, medical advice, financial advice, or a replacement for professional support. Names and identifying details may be changed or omitted to protect privacy. 📚 THE WHOLE STORY, IN ORDER: every episode, start to finish