"Embodying Our Situations"

I recently visited a friend in another city. She is striking, tall, and a natural beauty. She and I are both single at the moment and neither of us have children. While I have felt considerable angst about this, she said something that made me reassess, and appreciate my situation. We were discussing women we knew, in various marital situations who have kids. She was struck by the way we embody our situations. . .that is our appearance reflects the way we are oriented towards life - those of us with children and supportive husbands look sort of young and well-taken-care of, if a little bland. Those of us with more precarious situations also seem to be struggling and fighting others in our words and deeds, and sort of look the part as well.

What do I look like? Well. . .after a few years of working out regularly and cleaning up my eating habits, I look pretty good! Though I certainly continue to work on it. I bought the highest heels I've owned while I was visiting her, a pair of sexy black boots. Of course, I had to break them in as well, and wear them all around the city (ouch).

So, there we were, two attractive tall women. Needless to say, we sort of stood out - it was fun and empowering!

She also mentioned during one of our many conversations that she would sometimes stop herself from charming men into giving her what she wanted (whether a free pass, or a discount, or whatever) she said she felt too ashamed. "That is a shame!" I thought. Why should a woman hold herself back from being her fully charming self? Men certainly don't seem to - make it a fair game at least.

However, tonight, while deciding what to wear for my date, I almost held back from putting on those boots. . .until I thought better of it, and put those babies on!  In the past I would have held back - I never wanted to look like I was trying to impress a man. But when else is there a better time to dress in a way which makes me feel beautiful? Why not "embody my situation?"

I even reapplied my lipstick in the bathroom. This may not sound like a big deal, but it was for me. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it, and the idea I was being appreciated. Shallow? Maybe...but perhaps I am reflecting the inside of me more completely now.