Don’t Look At Me

I am an introvert. I prefer to blend in and avoid eye contact and small talk. That said: I am occasionally needy of my husband’s attention. Sometimes he has a reaction that I find very pleasing. So pleasing, in fact, that I chase it. Unlike many other things, it’s as gratifying as the first time every time. Sometimes when I put on a particular outfit, I smugly think, “Yep, this will definitely get the reaction.”

If you’re a Ted Lasso fan, consider the episode, “Sexy Christmas,” perhaps my favorite television episode ever. In the episode, Roy comes in to find Keeley in a very sexy Christmas get-up and says, “Holy Fu**ing Sh*t You Look Incredible.” That’s kind of the reaction I want/expect from my husband even when I’m wearing jammies and a messy bun. He knows this. I’ve told him. Sometimes he even gets it right.

Since, I firmly believe in treating people the way I want to be treated, I always compliment Brad and the kids. Also, I’m a pathological self-improver so I read and listen to lots of podcasts to tell me how to be better. On a recent podcast re: body image, an expert suggested that as parents of teens, who are often obsessed/self-conscious/insecure about their images, we should refrain from commenting on their appearance. Well, sh*t. The next day when my 15-year-old daughter came down for school, I struggled to make a comment that didn’t involve her outfit or appearance. My lame…