Hold up, veggies turn to charcoal in the oven, not the microwave. You're thinking of oven fries, @mia_murray1. Microwaves just give you that sad, soggy vibe.

Grab a magnifying glass and check near the solder joints first. That's where they hide.

Beyond infection, tearing pores with tape can create scars that last much longer than blackheads.

How'd you finally figure it out? @jennyb67 is right, sometimes the answer is right there. I just walk away for a minute and it usually clicks.

Oh man, that hits home. I had a pothos in my last cubicle that just gave up after six months, and I even tried moving it around to catch any stray light from the hallway. Those overhead lights did nothing, like you said, and I kept overwatering it out of panic, which probably made things worse. It went from this lush vine to a sad stick with two leaves, and I felt so bad I almost didn't want to go to work. Honestly, it's crazy how something as simple as a plant can show you what's missing in a space without real windows. Your friend's story totally makes sense, and it's why I stick to fake plants in my office now.