You don’t do this because you’re told. You do it because the shame settles in your chest and feels familiar, because holding it in feels worse than swallowing, and because disappointing me isn’t an option you’re strong enough to choose.
I left my kids with their Auntie Jennifer babysitting them for the weekend. I received a text from my son titled “Is Auntie Jennifer ticklish?” with this photo attached. I replied “yes” thankful it wasn’t me
