64 Comments
Apr 3, 2023Liked by Lauren Hough

This one should be published, Lauren. Also, brava.

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You were my favorite on Twitter. Then you wrote a book, which I loved and told other people to read. Then you (and Cate Blanchett) read the audiobook, which I loved and told other people to listen to it. Then I found I could follow you in my mailbox and I get more of you and it beats Twitter. Keep writing. I'll keep reading. I'll keep telling other people to read your work. Also, you pushing back on unsolicited advice has made me a better person. Reminders that opinions or advice doesn't have to be shared is under appreciated. Safe travels. May you find some good laughs, some great dogs, and true friends along the way.

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Thank you so much!

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Apr 3, 2023Liked by Lauren Hough

Those Ted Cruz tweets gave me the same joy I had reading your tweets regularly and reading your book. I’ll miss you.

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I’m right here

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Apr 3, 2023Liked by Lauren Hough

Happy to hear you’ve dumped the bird app. I’m on the fence, as I use it to obtain news, or did. That’s questionable now. Found some other people who are real and have real lives, real concerns, and give a damn. As a small account, I don’t attract much attention.

I never understood how anyone could manage 10k followers, let alone 100k. I used to have a locked account, so I only got news feeds. With SKumbag in charge, it’s hard to see anyone whose feeds I care to read.

Thank you for writing on Substack. I look forward to the items that randomly hit my inbox. It’s my favorite subscription (which I need to make a note to renew soon). And there are no fucking ads to interrupt the flow of words! (Possibly the very best reason to read your work on this platform.)

So, happy trails to you. Be safe and don’t wait until the van breaks down to holler for help if you need it. Seriously. Listen to Woody when he demands to stay in a hotel. He’s no fool.

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Apr 3, 2023Liked by Lauren Hough

You don't know me, but I will always be in your corner, cheering for you. Please, keep being you. And, fuck Twitter. Glad I subscribe here.

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Apr 3, 2023Liked by Lauren Hough

I’m smiling reading this, knowing you’re able to experience some joy and maybe even some peace. Well done.

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You know what? I loved your fucking book. Wait, no, I fucking loved your book. (I am not a writer, clearly.) I loved that I could ping you on twitter be like "FUCK YEAH I LIVED IN SHAW TOO!" and I also love that twitter forced me to think harder about where I spend my energy, and I love that I got to the right answer.

I'm glad there was a platform with which to find you. I'm glad that there are better ones to use now.

I fucking loved your book.

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Fucking Shaw. I remember that. And thank you!

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I left two years ago. It was an addiction. I definitely had withdrawal for a month or two, but I'll never go back. Glad you got out!

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Apr 3, 2023Liked by Lauren Hough

Thanks for this. You’ve given me the push I needed.

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Apr 3, 2023Liked by Lauren Hough

Thank you so much for sharing this. I found you and bought your book because of Twitter so I will be thankful for that! I found you after the dog pile and have given the same advice about ignoring the trolls so many times. I have kept reading not only because I enjoy your writing but because we sadly have a few things in common. I don’t however have a Twitter addiction but I have an 18 year old with what I believe is a social media addiction. You sharing this is going to help, it has already helped me understand it better because I am no stranger to addiction. I just need to look at it like that.

Thank you. You DESERVE to be happy and I love that you are focusing your energy on that.

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Thank you!

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It was a funny way to go out, but I'm so much happier that you're doing well and spending time with someone special.

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Apr 3, 2023Liked by Lauren Hough

Congratulations for ditching the birdie. Hoping I have enough love for myself to do the same. I'm an addict and it's very hard but I swear, someday soon, I'll quit too.

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Amen.

I abandoned Twitter (and my blue checkmark) a few months ago. The fun was gone — and there was a growing meanness that I just didn’t want to be part of. Here’s to life beyond Twitter!

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Apr 3, 2023Liked by Lauren Hough

I’m happy for you, both for finding someone worthwhile to connect with and for leaving Twitter. I had no professional reasons to be on Twitter and had far fewer followers but my Twitter trajectory is similar to yours. The day Musk tweeted “prosecute Fauci” I deleted my account. I’ve been happier and more productive since then.

Know that many people out here love you; seeing you pop into my inbox is always one of the good parts of my day.

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Apr 4, 2023Liked by Lauren Hough

I wish for you to have love and joy and contentment.

Also, the Ted Cruz tweets were exceptionally hilarious.

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Apr 4, 2023Liked by Lauren Hough

This is goddamn gorgeous. You deserve all the good things.

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