18 Comments
User's avatar
Sherry's avatar

I'm feeling this so hard right now. People I have worked, played, laughed and cried with for 4 decades have cancelled me in recent weeks. Either because I said men cannot be women, or that victims of crimes committed by people in our country illegally deserve recognition and justice. It hurts. Not just because they've shunned me, but because they hold my memories. They were there for the events that make up my life. They're the people who can color in all the details when I say "remember when?" We once agreed on most of the big political positions, but I didn't love them for their politics. I loved them because we laughed at each other's jokes. We were in the trenches of local radio together. We could speak volumes and be understood with nothing more than a raised eyebrow or sideways glance. I'm angry and hurt and feel abused and misunderstood and yet I miss them. There's temptation to beg forgiveness for my 'wrongthink' and crawl back into their good graces as the prodigal daughter. But I can't do that, because it would mean betraying my own mind and heart. Thank you for this wonderful essay, Bridget. I feel seen and just a little less lonely. It means a lot.

Bridget Phetasy's avatar

This makes my day! I know the feeling so week and it’s why I wrote this. We aren’t islands alone out there, we just have to find each other.

Kara Dansky's avatar

This might be my absolute favorite thing I have ever read. I'm going to include it in a Substack post tomorrow, above the paywall, and encourage everyone to read it.

Kristen McIvor's avatar

Always appreciate you, Bridget! Us normie women are in this together! Just keep going, ladies. ❤️

Bridget Phetasy's avatar

Normies unite.

Kristen McIvor's avatar

We’ll need meet ups in normie locations. East coast is out🤣

TJ's avatar

Not just America. The same thoughts are happening to women across the western world (the rest are mad in a whole different way)

Yehuda Makowitz's avatar

Not a woman, but I read it and loved it anyway.

Valerie D.'s avatar

I cannot thank you enough, Bridget!!

Dave Kerner's avatar

God bless each and every one of you.

Darcy's avatar

As a former slut living in suburbs, I feel seen.

Bridget Phetasy's avatar

Heyooooooo 😉

Darcy's avatar

Heyooooooooo😜

Jenny San Filippo's avatar

Can relate! Am a 43 soon to be 44 first time mom of a 2 year old! A little hippie left in me still, lover of Jesus, nature, plants and music. Based in reality but often feeling alone in this world of lunacy. My husband and I watch Dumpster Fire on a regular basis --thanka for the laughs and perspective.

Jennifer G's avatar

No words for how much I love this!

Amy's avatar

I love this so much. I was just telling my husband this morning what a relief it’s been to discover Substack. I desperately needed the reassurance that I’m not the insane one!

Marc Horner's avatar

Outstanding, as always! I shared it with my wife and daughters! Thanks.

Page Eaton's avatar

I got here via Kara Dansky's post on X. Yes, I keep saying that the algorithms don't know what to do with me. I actually love that they are confused and can't quite pigeon-hole me!