First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Petra says:

Wendy, as a little girl, I assumed I’d be married as an adult, because that’s all I knew, all I saw. As I think back to my later childhood, something about that didn’t “take”–I had Barbies but no Kens. This was the time of second-wave feminism and perhaps I got my consciousness raised at that time (I was quite the little feminist in elementary school!)

Fast forward to the other day, when I went to my annual eye doctor visit. Of course, I had to verify address, insurance, etc., on a form and then sign it. I noticed that under Marital Status, there were three options: Single, Married, Other. The “Other” box was already checked. I thought about it and decided that I was in a relationship with myself and with the world, so I left the “Other” box selected. And I’m glad I did!