Thank you so much for enjoying at bit of self-deprecating laughter at our own expense.

As I ate my supper tonight, I reflected positively that I did not allow myself to fall into my lifelong pattern of being "sorry" because someone took exception to something I said or did, and I ***'u'me'd it was my job to try to make everything all better for that person or people.

It is a huge step forward for me, just this once, to take my lumps, not turn tail and run nor get into some awful shouting match with someone. What really helped me was that so many people found a chuckle in this, and perhaps a grain of truth worth considering.

I especially like the way September Morn (#128557) laid things out. As I look back on it, I would not have posted this bit of whimsy to avoid displeasing a minority. Without Pat's strong suggestion to post, I would not have done it. I would have literally "eaten my words" rather than dare to make a single a person even a teeny tiny bit unhappy -- part of my whole routine of, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry I take up space on the earth and breathe the atoms of air that I do."

I'm also rather proud of all of us for not letting the thread get hijacked.

I am 57 years old. It is rather daunting to think of all the times I have cowtowed and not expressed myself because of my fears.

But you here on the Forums lent me a little bit of your courage, and knowing some of you were having a bit of a chuckle gave me so much pleasure. I was able to stick to my point and remain calm because of the love and support and acceptance I've received here -- and that is a gift beyond measure. Aw shucks, I'm tearing up, that's what post-menopause can do to a gal.

Thank you all.