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Joy Under Wraps: The Art of Self-Preservation
A examination of why women who choose non-traditional lifestyles are often quiet about their joy and accomplishments.
Being a first-time homebuyer at the age of 28 is a big deal. Quite the accomplishment. Very social media-worthy.
The homebuyer I’m referring to is myself.
Did I post the obligatory picture of myself with a giant key standing outside of my new home on social media?
No.
I chose to keep this monumental occasion to myself, with the exception a few friends and my parents, because I knew, according to societal standards, I had skipped some steps on my pathway to homeownership.
Where was the husband?
No kids yet?
The things we, as women, are expected to achieve before buying a home.
I had already deemed my accomplishment as unworthy of celebration and saw it as simply a means to securing my own permanent housing. There was a fear of publicly celebrating my accomplishment, because I was so sure it would be discredited.
Is there space for someone like me to have my joy validated?
