Role Playing

by Cathy Yardley

My best friend from middle school, although married to a guy, is bi. Granted, I don’t think her parents know, and sometimes she feels like she doesn’t represent it well since she’s married to a guy and has several kids, but I tell her that’s total bullshit. It’s not like you have to get verified like Twitter, for fuck’s sake.”

The idea that there might be an explanation for something he’d always felt like a freak about was eye opening. The thought that he wasn’t alone in it was more comforting than he’d ever realized.

Most people drain me like an old cell phone battery. You don’t exhaust me either. I feel better after I hang out with you.”

“If you can’t handle me in sweatpants, you don’t deserve me in stilettos,”

“It’s more than looks. You aren’t like anybody I’ve ever met. You’re snarky and snarly and sweet and generous. You’re helpful and kind and act like a honey badger to anyone who tries to point it out. You aren’t as mean as you think, but you’re not to be messed with either. You’re brave and smart and loyal and funny. You are amazing.”

I’m surrounded by people who are supposed to love me, as long as I somehow become what they expect of me. And I’m done, okay? I. Am. Done.”