What people are asking

I would want to know if other parents have had that too, a hot stretch where their kid suddenly seemed years older.

How do I tell when protecting or guiding him is truly necessary, rather than interrupting his choices because I am uncomfortable or want him to obey?

I am parenting my very young son, and after shouting when he explored something I considered dirty, I realized that trying to shape him can become emotional control. I want to stay peaceful, keep him safe, and give him room to explore.

How can I make sense of this loss and move forward after giving so much of myself to a dream that did not find a market?

I spent about five years building a working robot device and funded a company around it, but after several years no customers bought it, and we are now closing the company. I understand that we failed to test whether users actually needed it, but I still invested much of my life in the dream.

Why do I react so strongly to other people's awkward moments, and what might this reaction mean about me?

At work, when colleagues are sharing their opinions and suddenly cannot continue speaking, I feel intense secondhand embarrassment for them.

What small, realistic steps could I take to ease this state and gradually regain some energy or interest?

For about six months, I have had very little energy or interest in things, and when I am idle I mostly stare blankly. I find it difficult to seek professional help.