YOU ARE NOT ALONE - A companion online community discussion board for The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast with Paul Gilmartin

We're having a lovely second summer here. Today, I wore a fun print summer dress with a flippy skirt. As I passed a man (15-20 years younger than me) he said, You look pretty today! There was no sexual overtones. He wasn't commenting on how attractive he found me, but more a kind of "I can see you feel pretty today, rock on!"
It was so warm and human.

6 years ago, I was walking across a parking lot and a man...tipped his hat at me! I suddenly understood what swooning was.
It was romantic, and that was all. I felt safe and seen.

Yay!

More, more!

Agreed!

Thank you for posting these, Heather. Hope to hear more if you have them.

I only have one more.
My partner and I were getting Indian food in a food court. We approached as a couple, and negotiated the items we would get as a couple. The man serving us looked to me the whole time for answers. He didn't even glance in my partner's direction. I was the only one he would take direction from. As we walked away I said to my partner,
THAT NEVER HAPPENS!
and had to explain what I meant. I was walking on clouds. I have never been treated as though I was that important.

Oh, that's beautiful. A seemingly small gesture but the difference between being treated as though you are a child or invisible and being recognized as an adult with your own desires and agency.

Yes, very well said, Rivergirl.

I hope you get many more of these experiences, Heather.

Sometimes it is the little joys of life, the fleeting moments of warmth and connection, that can keep us going.