Stuff 3

By J. J. Atwell

Yet Again

It’s JJ with more stuff. I’d like to think that there is no end to stuff. This is the third installment of “Stuff” and I’ve got more to come. I hope you’ll continue following along. 

Being Cautious

Women grow up hearing that they need to be careful when out in the world. Guys are taught how to take care of themselves. So guys develop a sense of confidence when out. Women have to be aware of their environment and their approach to certain situations is different. Things that women worry about wouldn’t even cross our minds as guys.

An interesting experience was JJ’s first time going to a restaurant. The group I joined was having a girls night out at a restaurant in a mall just before Christmas. She was nicely dressed in a pleated black skirt, a red top and black patent flats. Flats, because she wasn’t confident in her walk to chance heels on this outing.  

Arriving at the mall in daylight, I saw clusters of people standing outside the entrance. The lot was crowded, but I found a parking spot several rows back. The big moment was upon her. JJ took a deep breath and stepped out of the car. 

Wow!!! She was out in daylight in the middle of the general public!! What a rush! Then I realized that I would have to walk past those groups to get to the restaurant. Adopting my best girly walk, I made it to the restaurant without anybody noticing. At least if they did, I didn’t hear any comments.

All of that was good. The group had a nice meal in the restaurant with no indication that any of the other patrons noticed anything unusual. But at the end of the night, when it was time to leave, exiting the restaurant I saw that my car was in a dark area of the parking lot and I would be a lone “woman” walking over to it.  

Guys wouldn’t give this a second thought. Fortunately, nothing untoward happened, but I did learn a lesson from that experience. Next time I’ll be more conscious of my surroundings when JJ is out. I’ll also adopt habits that women do when out. Have my keys in my hand.  Have my bag slung tightly to my body. That’s some important stuff.

I’ll be back

Today’s blog is more cautionary than the previous two. That’s because although the world has become more accepting, there are still too many that don’t want “us” around. I really hope everybody will consider their environment when venturing out. I want you back, too.

As before, comments are welcome either here on the blog or by email to Jenn6nov at-sign gmail.com. JJ is always looking for more stuff!

Wearing London Times

He and She becomes She and She