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I’m Fine with How People Perceive Me
It took some letting go and self-ownership, but I’m here.
I was having dinner with some friends and the conversation about dessert inevitably ensued. Engaging in such a discussion is one of the glories of going out to eat.
When the waiter came by and asked us if we wanted something sweet I quickly retorted that we had all we need because I am all the sweetness. I tried to keep a straight face while I said this. But, my friend Joe? Oh. The look.
He told me that I am a lot of things but, sweet? Nope. He would never describe me as sweet. Salty. Yes? Sweet. No. He added fierce and hilarious but hard pass on the sweetness.
This took me a minute. I would venture to guess that if you asked the people in my life where this adjective ranked in descriptors of me, they would have similar reactions to Joe. It’s in there somewhere but reserved for special occasions, not unlike dessert.
I know plenty of sweet people. My friend Aimey is the sweetest person you will ever meet in your life. She is pink and sparkly and a damn unicorn with a rainbow mane. There’s some sass in there, too, but it’s covered in glitter.
I admire her for this. I adore her unflinching positivity and the perpetual joy she exudes. There was a time in my life…
