Random Series

I think that scene didn't wring true. I think it was there just to show us few things. It was more of a plot device than a genuinely believable thing.
Also, do office kitchen really that equipped?

All that said, I think we can classify it under "I will let it slide" lol, because while it wasn't good, it wasn't horrible either.

Thanks for sharing :)

I might be in minority, but I am on the whole happier with episodes 5-8 than 1-4.
We started to get more into the meat of the drama.
My major complaint is the misuse of time, and giving certain stories way more time than they should while neglecting the 2nd couple, or at least fleshing the 1st couple story more.
But, I think the characters and their dynamics are interesting. The FL family in particular (Yes, including the much hated mother lol) is the most interesting.
The mothers group is also nice to watch (nowhere as good as in Reply 1988), but still very refreshing.
The Dads are Okiesh, but I really don't like how they always end up drunk. I want more meaningful conversation between them. And that last time was an attempt on humour that fell very flat for me.
But, of course our 4 leads are all great.
The exes don't seem to be so bad either.
Not thrilled about that cancer. I think they could have gone for something much less dramatic, but I am not mad either.
To me the show is good at the moment, but not very good yet.

While I do think the drama exaggerate their behaviour, I still think it is within aceptable limits, and as we moved on, they luckily calmed down.
But, I totally agree one what you said about your dad. When I visit my friends and play with their children (I don't have any), I certainly don't act my age. We chase each other and pull stuff . It is very liberating actually lol

During weekdays, while waiting for LND, I started watching "One Dollar Lawyer". She is the clear Female Lead. I have watched only few episodes, but I don't think there is romance if this is an issue for you.
But, if you are after Kim Ji Eun, she is there, and fun to watch.

I am not a psychatrist , but my limited knowledge of what is generally regarded as narcissist doesn't fit her behviour (tangent note: The Greek story about Echo and Narcissus is interesting).
That said, I am more than willing to accept my ignorance, and if there is a spectrum and she is on it, then fair enough. Consider me being educated (I mean it sincerly, not sarcastically....so hard to communicate without facial expression).

The other points you are making are really worth a discussion. Believe me I have spent more than half an hour writing replies and deleting them, because the answer is way too long, and branches into a lot of historical and social points.
But, I will just say that the FL didn't tell anybody about her cancer. Not even her best friends. So, it is a bit harsh to single out the mother.

Btw.. just to clarify. I am not a parent trying to defend this behaviour because I do the same. I don't have children.

I disagree on your characterisation of the mother.

But, what I 100% disagree with you is your view of mothers.
Parents all over the world push their children to far worse situations. Sometimes they literally sell them.
Where did you get the notion that parents are always great to their children?

As for the mother in this series, I dislike a lot of her behaviour and action, but I don't see her as greedy.
Also, very importantly, the mother doesn't know that the ex cheated on her. She asked multiple times, but never was told so.
How she was supposed to know ?
Also, if you think the ex is such a horrible person, why are you not upset with FL? Her rebutal to him is very soft. If I was an outside observor, I would certainly believe that they still have a chance.
It is fairly common for people to break up, but then get back together.

For me this one is better.
I dropped QoT after 6 episodes.
This drama is not perfect, but it is much more realistic, and much more relatable. I am interested in all side characters (even if I don't always agree with them).
in QoT I had zero interest in all side characters.

That is fine :)
I understood you were making a general observation, and it is a fair one.

I just wanted to highlight these two in case you want to watch a drama with non-toxic exes (the second one some of her behaviour is not super likeable, but to me she wasn't toxic, and the resolution was actually beautiful)
Btw..they are both really very good dramas on their own (at least in my opinion).

Yes. And I for one consider this a strength.
Kdramas most of the time are multi-genres. I admit that I hate serial killers plots mixed with romance, but on the whole I like that it is not all rom-com.

I don't think she is.
Yes, she might not always behave well, but she is not a narcissit.
Bragging about childern is VERY common (I don't think it is a good thing, but it is common neverthless). If anything the drama open with these two mothers bragging about their children.
She also doesn't have a high opinion about herself. On contrary, I think she is unhappy with herself, that is why she kind of want to live through her daughter.
Also, contrary to appearence, she actually care about her children, and her husband.
I agree that her behaviour, and her reactions are often not the best, but I don't see narcissistic behaviour.

Because This is My First Life (incidently also starring Jung Somin)- more than nice actualy!
Tell Me That You Love Me.

There are some dramas where the exes are actually nice.
I will mention two, but put it as a spoiler...

Oh! My pleasure :)
And thank you for letting me know :)
My Mister is now my favourite in any language. It is even better on the re-watch. Because you are no longer focused on the plot and what is going to happen, you start to notice things better (If you have time try to watch on YT a series of videos by Man vs. Drama).
Park Hae Young is certainly my favourite Korean screenwriter. I wish this lady start writing novels as well (..and hopefully someone translate them :) )
By the way, I checked your Watchlist. I can see that we have a lot of similar favourites (Because This is My First Life, IOTBNO, EAW, Our Blues, etc), but also some big differences (Doctor Slump). So, it looks like hit and miss.
...and finally, I see that you liked "The Handmaiden". The Book that is based on (but with different progression in the second half) "Fingersmith" is also really good. But, it won't hit as strong since you know what you know :)

The show is moving in the right direction imo. But, it really needs to give us more second couple. They are charming and can offer us different type of relationship.
I didn't think this whole dad mini story was a very good use of time. I don't think it told us anything new.
The Dad's insecurities could have been expressed and his scenes with his daughter and wife could have been done without all that story.
E5 also had longer than needed time spent in the ex house, although I can see purpose more there.
I don't think they needed to do drastic changes, but 10 mins here, 15 mins there can add up. Use it on the second lead.

About the cooking thing.
Did she join a school that gives certificate? because they showed her to be a good cook.
I know you can always learn more, but those classes looked a bit basic. So, I was thinking maybe she joined to get a certificate to prove that she can cook well.
Or did I miss something?

lol.
I had the same thought about the nosebleed, although I expected a handkerchief that will turn out she gave him when they were teenagers lol.
You can tell I have watched too many dramas lol.

Do you know a place where one can have an adult conversation about dramas? I don't use a lot of social media.
I enjoy our exchanges even if we don't agree 100%. It is nice to exchange opinions without shouting and name calling.

First of all, thank you for giving a measured reply :)

I think I can agree on that additional clarification. There is a distinction between stating an opinion about a drama, and actively criticising people for enjoying it and asking to go and watch another one.
Especially when it is done in a hyperbolic and provocative way.

That I can largely agree with :)