A Small Act

Today I made a decision. A small decision, but one I am proud of all the same.

As I paged through the latest issue of Good Housekeeping (I have a gift subscription - from whom, I still have no idea after a year of receiving magazines), I noticed something that made me slightly uncomfortable. I continuously happened upon the words "your husband" or "my husband" throughout the articles I read. Perhaps it was because I do not yet have a husband or perhaps I was just extra sensitive today, but I couldn't get over the number of times I read those words. There is obviously nothing wrong with having a husband, but what about those women who do not have husbands? What about women who have wives? What about women who are not looking for any sort of life partner? Women of all dimensions and lifestyles are keeping up homes and looking for housekeeping tips (as are men, but I do understand this is a magazine targeted toward women) and deserve to feel represented in such a magazine.

I made the small decision to write a letter to the magazine. I do not expect to start a revolution or anything, but I wanted the editor to know how I felt. I suspect I am not the only person who has reflected upon this issue, but for all I know, I could be the only one to say something. I would much rather be the fortieth person to say something than the fortieth person to not say something.

I have started to examine my actions and decisions a bit more in depth as of late (perhaps I am developing a greater confidence in myself or perhaps I am just getting more reflective) and I know that I need to start acting when I am uncomfortable with a situation or an issue rather than thinking about it or ranting about it to my ever-patient boyfriend. I am hoping that by blogging, I can not only hold myself accountable, but also put my thoughts out in a more public domain. I am not always sure what the right thing to do is, but I hope that this will encourage me to do what is necessary, even if it takes a little bit more work.

-Jackie