Tuning In or Tuning Out?
Yesterday, I spoke with a civic-minded friend who is no longer following the news. He lets his spouse fill him in when something big happens. Post election, my friend found himself spending hours a day consumed with politics, and it was taking a toll on his work and well being. I understand this completely. I walk around enraged and distracted, but I can’t look away. How are you handling the consumption of current events?
Illustration by Marc Johns
Palette Cleanser
Key Lime Pie, one of my favorite summer desserts, captured in a painting by Nancy Featherston
Staying Connected
On Sundays, I go to the Farmer’s Market, catch up on emails that I’ve been neglecting, cook a big pot of something (particularly in the winter) and do laundry. I love my Sundays, which I often spend alone. But this Sunday, I was invited to a brunch to watch the Men’s Finals at Wimbledon with a group of people who are mostly acquaintances. I don’t care that much about tennis, and it was going to throw me off my routine, so I considered declining. It’s easy to stay safe in our ruts. But I pushed myself out of the nest and ending up having a great time. Laundry can wait.
Photo by Benedetto Demaio
Perfect, As Is
As a young adult, and even deep into my thirties, I was told by “well-intentioned” friends that I was too much, and that it impacted my attractiveness to men. I imagined them whispering with each other, “that’s why she’s still single.” And the worst part was I never understood what I could do to remedy it, except become a different person.
Illustration from this isn’t happiness
Coffee is Good For You (redux)
It’s all over the news. According to several studies, drinking 2 to 4 cups of coffee a day can lower your risk of death. That’s what they used to say about marriage. As someone who prefers tea for a morning hot beverage (and is single!) does that mean I’m in trouble? And are you excited about this?
Coffee by Wichoria
Everything Old is New Again
Vinyl is making a comeback with their best sales in 25 years. When was the last time you bought a vinyl record?
Painting by Kyle Surges
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FIRST PERSON SINGULAR is a guide to surviving, thriving and sometimes just getting through a single day. Created by Wendy Braitman (more…)
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