I was intrigued that you thought having sex was stupid. Coming from the 70s as a teenager, everyone I knew was having a lot of sex, including me. Being stupid meant getting pregnant, or picking up nasty diseases. With aids, a lot of fun got taken out of it and I don't think it's ever come back and that's a great shame. It's definitely better than swiping right in a lonely room.
I think it’s the "getting pregnant" bit that terrified me. I knew given my home situation I’d be utterly shamed, probably kicked out, I would’ve lost everything. So yeah, it would’ve been a stupid thing, for me! And to be honest, the potential candidates weren’t really worth the risk anyway! Small pond, a lot of frogs…
Dear Izzy, what a fabulous piece of writing, I loved it! I’m still trying to learn to rebel but I’m not very good at it. I will be 66 next month and an only child, always a good, well behaved, do as I was told child. My parents loved me dearly but were quite traditional and looking back now my only rebellion was to stop eating when I was 16. I didn’t realise then how rebellious this was and the anguish I put my parents through. It was the only thing I could control but I’m not blaming them at all. It was my choice, a bit of a cowardly rebellion I feel.
Anyway I am now very happily married (58 when I got married) to the most wonderful man who supports and encourages my creativity.
This is wonderful writing Izzy! I loved that you did this with the negatives- "fiercely wrote a list of their opposites, laminated it, and it’s still on the corner of my shelf where I see it every day."
P.S I think that emerald green shirt looked lovely on you :)
I was intrigued that you thought having sex was stupid. Coming from the 70s as a teenager, everyone I knew was having a lot of sex, including me. Being stupid meant getting pregnant, or picking up nasty diseases. With aids, a lot of fun got taken out of it and I don't think it's ever come back and that's a great shame. It's definitely better than swiping right in a lonely room.
I think it’s the "getting pregnant" bit that terrified me. I knew given my home situation I’d be utterly shamed, probably kicked out, I would’ve lost everything. So yeah, it would’ve been a stupid thing, for me! And to be honest, the potential candidates weren’t really worth the risk anyway! Small pond, a lot of frogs…
Oh yes, getting pregnant would have been appalling. My parents would have kicked me out and never spoken to me again!
Dear Izzy, what a fabulous piece of writing, I loved it! I’m still trying to learn to rebel but I’m not very good at it. I will be 66 next month and an only child, always a good, well behaved, do as I was told child. My parents loved me dearly but were quite traditional and looking back now my only rebellion was to stop eating when I was 16. I didn’t realise then how rebellious this was and the anguish I put my parents through. It was the only thing I could control but I’m not blaming them at all. It was my choice, a bit of a cowardly rebellion I feel.
Anyway I am now very happily married (58 when I got married) to the most wonderful man who supports and encourages my creativity.
I think you are wonderful, Izzy.
Love Ju x
Oh wow, thank you so much Julia! Thank you for your very kind words, and for reading, and your support. I think you’re wonderful too ☺️
This is wonderful writing Izzy! I loved that you did this with the negatives- "fiercely wrote a list of their opposites, laminated it, and it’s still on the corner of my shelf where I see it every day."
P.S I think that emerald green shirt looked lovely on you :)
Thanks Jodie! I very nearly bought that one, but dithered too long to be able to judge colours any longer 🫠
Challenging the list of negative adjectives is brilliant! Love you still have the laminated positives in your sightline ❤️
Absolutely! I heartily recommend it.