This is exactly why duolingo owl has so much power over me. Can't lose my 235 day streak and can't drop out of to a lower league after working so hard to get to that league.
I only knew 2 words in spanish. I go to cross english-spanish meetups and I can form basic sentences and ask questions ect and I can understand some if they speak very slowly and give me a pause to interpret it.
I use duolingo as well - and one of the saddest days was when I lost a 100+ day streak. It's funny how a meaningless number can have so much power.
Every time when I am about to lose a streak, I would try hard not to be influenced emotionally, and would regard an opportunity to keep my ego in check. I have lost streaks many times, 50+ maybe three times, 100+ one time, and I still feel fine with myself.
Normally I would practice Duolingo in the morning before coffee everyday, like a ritual.