My
letter to my younger self for International Women’s Day 2015:
Dear
Conni,
It
is nice to have manners. Saying please and thank you at the dinner table,
opening doors for others, apologizing if you mess up…. courtesy for those
around you can go a long way in promoting kind respect.
But
know this…sometimes you should not be polite! You should be downright rude.
Do
not say, “yes please” to the old man offering you a glass of vodka. And a kiss.
When you are fourteen. March out the door and slam it in his face. And then
tell somebody you trust what he has done.
Do
not say, “I’m sorry” to the person that slaps you across the face. When you
have been hurt, scream and rant. Whenever you need to. And you will need to
sometimes.
Do
not allow harmful people into your life because you feel socially obligated.
Some folks are just plain nasty. You do not have to try and fix them. It’s okay
to say, “no, you are not welcome here.”
Walk
on the grass.
Disagree
with teachers.
Stand
up.
Speak
your mind.
Say
no. Without explanation or apology.
Manners.
Use only as needed.
Love
always,
 |
| Young Conni |
Conni
©Conni Cartlidge, 2015
©Conni Cartlidge, 2015
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