Majel > HAL 9000
IMO if you are using a companies VPN then the larger the company, the more chance it’s data is being exfiltrated. Looking at you Nord.
If you know how to host your own then your risk goes dramatically down. Although for anonymity you should choose a cloud that you don’t need to give your personal info to. Good luck with that.
This is why criminals rely on hacked devices. No credit card needed.
If you are simply torrenting some media then no one is looking at you anyway. Pretty much any VPN or location would be fine for that.
Your security posture should relate to your risk.
All I can say is try be your best self. Try respect and love yourself. Try live up to your own standards and try to achieve the goals that you set for yourself. That kind of energy is attractive. Don’t fuss with people who couldn’t give a damn about you.
We are more than our instincts. But sure, I acknowledge that following some instinctual drives can give some satisfaction.
For example: I made a choice to not have children and I am happy with my choice. I don’t feel like I am missing out on anything. It’s actually quite the opposite. While I see my peers raising little shits, I get to stay a little shit and embrace my inner child. It’s half a selfish choice because I want my life to be better, and half a compassionate choice because the world doesn’t need new children for its meat grinder.
If I had little choice and was forced onto a path, that would be disheartening. So I get you.
The grass always looks greener in the neighbors yard.
Being desired is OK. Having sex is OK. Feeling deeply understood is unmatched.
I was in a 12 year relationship and I didn’t feel that. I am in a new 1 year relationship and I don’t feel that. Do I appreciate my partner? Yes. Am I attracted to them? Yes. But I crave to be understood.
I’m seconding this recommendation