adhd in girls, lessons from priscilla, and advent calendar treats
Hello. Today’s letter is short and sweet (but these articles pack a punch)
Before I get into internet tea, I wanted to share my love for my advent calendars. This year I picked two: The Bonne Maman jam advent (every day I get to try a different jam and they’re kept in mini jam jars and they’re the cutest thing. I need to figure out how I want to repurpose them.) Aimee France has the same one and she makes some pretty good looking sandwiches with them.
The other advent calendar I got is the Fortnum and Mason tea advent. (which is now 50% off) This one is also special because every morning (or evening), I get to try a new tea flavor. Today I had plum apple cinnamon. Yesterday I had chamomile and bee pollen. What a treat.
Okay, news time:
-The Unexpected Cost of Passing as a Trans Woman
This article recounts the personal experiences of Emily St. James, a trans woman, as she navigates the complexities of assimilating into society post-transition. Emily discusses the nuances of her journey, from mundane challenges like facing the "pink tax" to profound realizations about gender identity and the societal expectations of womanhood. She highlights the internal conflict between desiring to blend in for safety and personal affirmation, and the responsibility to challenge and dismantle the restrictive gender binary. The article provides a candid, introspective look into the life of a trans woman adapting to her new reality while remaining cognizant of the broader implications for the trans community.
-The Millennial Vernacular of Fatphobia
The article reflects on the impact of 1990s and 2000s pop culture and teen magazines like Seventeen on young women's body image and self-perception. It discusses the mixed messages sent by media: promoting both unconventional beauty standards and traditional, often restrictive ideals of femininity. The author personalizes the narrative with her own experiences, underscoring the lasting effects of these contradictory messages on self-esteem and body image. The piece also touches on the evolution of these ideals and the ongoing challenge of navigating and dismantling deeply ingrained societal norms surrounding body image.
-How Being Bullied Affects Your Adulthood
The article discusses the long-term psychological impact of bullying, introducing the concept of Adult Post-Bullying Syndrome (APBS). It highlights how experiences of bullying in childhood can lead to ongoing trust issues, low self-esteem, and mental health problems in adulthood. Ellen Walser deLara, who has conducted extensive research on this topic, notes that while APBS is not officially recognized as a psychiatric disorder, it shares similarities with PTSD. The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the long-term consequences of bullying to provide effective support and treatment for those affected.
-What Priscilla Presley Teaches Us About Devotion
An article that examines the complexities of romantic devotion, particularly through the lens of Priscilla Presley's life and relationship with Elvis Presley. It discusses the film "Priscilla" directed by Sofia Coppola and reflects on themes of love, autonomy, and the modern woman's journey in a world defined by romantic and societal expectations. The article interweaves personal anecdotes, cinematic interpretations, and historical perspectives to explore the depth and nuances of romantic devotion.
-I Learned To Love Online. Now Every Romance Leaves An Internet Trail
A reflective piece about how relationships and romantic interactions are increasingly documented and influenced by online platforms. The author shares personal experiences of online relationships, emphasizing how digital artifacts like text messages, social media posts, and playlists become significant remnants of these connections. The article explores the notion that online interactions can shape and sometimes overshadow real-life experiences in modern romance.
-Decades of Failing to Recognize ADHD in Girls Has Created a “Lost Generation” of Women
Girls are increasingly being diagnosed with ADHD, with a 55% rise in diagnoses from 2003 to 2011, compared to 40% for boys. However, girls often face misdiagnosis and negative outcomes. ADHD presents differently in girls, typically with symptoms like inattentiveness rather than hyperactivity. Misdiagnosis can lead to untreated ADHD in girls, resulting in issues like low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. There's a need for greater awareness and understanding of ADHD in girls to provide appropriate support and treatment.
See you tomorrow.
Bye<3
