‘Handsome’ is an adjective that has been applied to me. Handsome rather than beautiful. Insufficiently feminine, some men – and women – have thought. I was known to my first colleagues – some of them – as Brünnhilde. This was overheard in the toilets. I have been thought ‘blunt’ or ‘uncompromising’ or ‘rude’, according to taste. A perfectionist. A straight arrow. A strong oar. The combination of temperament and build has been professionally advantageous. ‘Arouse and Intimidate’ might have been my personal motto, Tom said. On our very first date he told me I could be a Swedish or a Dutch woman
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