Omg I completely agree. As a teacher, I’m always feeling unprofessional with my curly hair. It’s never ‘hot’ like the other commenter described. You have to look a certain way for that. i look in the mirror and my confidence drops. I always used to straighten it, then decided to embrace it but after feeling slobby for some time, I’m was looking into a specialist hair dryer to quickly ditch the curls every day. BUT I love what you say about the life skill of embracing chaos - so true! More self acceptance. Excellent article. 

Thinking of you and yours! My sister and nephew are flying in there on Monday for a long awaited holiday so will be watching closely. I hear the fires seem to occur all year around there now - must be awful! 

You’ve definitely nailed it for me. But what do I do if my partner has depression / anxiety? His own childhood trauma? He shuts down with even the smallest things. Im definitely falling apart with resentment but feel like perhaps we both need to work on ourselves individually to be able to even consider couples therapy. In the meantime, everything is chilled, but by no means passionate. Can’t have it all I think. Just happy to have a kid, a house and stable jobs. Communication might have to wait… is there another way to look at it? 

My god i freaking love this. Wish I had done that! Hope this becomes a massive movement. - invest in your friends, invest in your health and experience! Just amazing 🥰

@t_sum (carrying on) But your illustration of the impact on your mum’s experience, and now your experience as a wife is so sad. I hope your partner clocks on and helps you to find the right balance for you both so your needs are met too. Thank you for sharing this article, enlightening and seems so genuine and reflective. Wish you and your mum 

So well articulated. I have to admit my first reaction to it was oh he’s trying to get ahead of the shit show and model the decorum he’s hoping for, to help his family as they struggle through, especially the baby, so she doesn’t feel like an ‘other’ and someone not wanted/ neglected / hidden away. Is it possible to express regret without sounding like you regret the baby? (Leading to second comment)

@vipope17 swerving haha love that visual haha

We were queuing up to get into the Melbourne aquarium. We could hear the family behind us (parents and toddler) wondering if they were in the right line. The mum went to check. We overheard the toddler call out for his mum and his dad say ‘why is mum so important? What if she doesn’t come back? You’re with me kid’ something like that… it was sickening. I kept looking for a chance to talk to the wife but my sister said not to get involved. A red flag if ive ever seen one. 

@jodyrana  agree! 

@t_sum should say i love the article and the message, just struggle with the reality of it not being his choice 

Im the one who put on the pounds post kid. It feels very different when the guy didn’t sign up to that. I don’t really know how to move past it. Siiiigh. 

Got me all excited! Partner hasn’t been keen to try Bali but might think differently after reading this! 🤩

 I also find making / hosting stressful so would much prefer to do everything when it was my turn to host - and nothing when it was someone else’s turn (wine no worries of course). I get that isn’t always financially realistic to concentrate the expense like that though. 

It used to drive me BONKERS when id plan 3 courses and someone would show up with an entree that people filled up on / clashed or doubled up with the main and put all my other efforts out of whack. No one ever got it. So to me,  the ‘Im bringing x…’ or even worse - just bring it -is the most bizarre tip ever! 

In response to the comment below… There are so many poor choices that can be covered by ‘in sickness and in health’… it kept me with a gambler for way too long - I was 11 years younger and wasted my twenties because I thought like this. I think it kept my mum with my dad for way too long because ‘it was just due to stress : he wasn’t well’. I back her call. Whichever way she went. Support other women to do what’s right for them. 

So frustrating. And yes, not being able to shop with friends or my mum is awful. And heaven forbid there is a theme. :

My partner wanted to make sure his last name (his mum’s) was honoured, after being rejected by his dad. I couldn’t argue with that. So while my son has his last name, I’m happy with our decision. At least it was a conversation. He has my last name and my mum’s maiden name as his middle - it magically all seems to flow. I adore his name and the nod to those who have come before him. Family connection (when its positive) is such a grounding thing.

Absolutely blown over by the show. Love that its aussie made. Didn’t realise it was a book first - so good! 

I really appreciate this article - I didn’t know about a lot of these brands- and while they are pricey, I appreciate the Australian made, sustainable perspective. Might be able to nab one on sale! Have also appreciated other commenters sharing their favourite labels - will be chasing them up! In need of non- nanna plus size clothes! 

Ok so now we clearly need to see Mia in these outfits!!! Pretty please?