First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

filed in Daily Life

Feeling Invisible? A Few Suggestions

September 2, 2010 ⋅  Email This Post ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

Maybe it’s like this when you’re married, too. The ghostly feeling that you’re not noticed as an attractive, sexual being, no matter how much you get dolled up. I’m aware of it during dating slumps, like now, when even the loser guys on Match who used to wink from small towns in Georgia, have fallen away. Here are 5 tips:

1. Treat yourself to a lavish meal with a friend. Today, I went to the best Osteria in my neighborhood, ate lasagna, and cheered up.
2. Buy something frivolous, let’s say a new lipstick for the fall season. The man at the makeup counter will fawn over you, and never mind that he’s on commission.
3. Think globally, act locally. Help someone in need. You’ll get noticed and appreciated.
4. Stay away from romantic comedies. You might forget that they’re preposterous to begin with, and use it as a tool for self-pity. (except for these)
5. Name 5 things you take for granted. Really do it. e.g. I tore my calf muscle on Monday, and without warning, I could barely walk. Every step was painful. Now on the mend, I’m having an unexpected love fest with the back of my leg.

Image: Untitled, 1974, Larry Bell

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