Thanks for writing. Yes, sounds familiar! We managed a lunch date about a week back, but usually our dates are Saturday afternoons and with our child. The blessing is when we are out with other couples with kids the same age, then the adults can relax and the kids have a great time. At least being in Spain, we can be in a bar, like last night, at 8pm, drinking and dancing with new friends we made, while our kids are eating too many sugary treats and dancing too. Nobody bats an eyelid. That's why the Spanish are happy. They don't let kids get in the way of having fun, and the kids grow up pretty well adjusted, I'd say!

I wonder whether this might be more prevalent the more success one has, or its just a mindset. I'm not massively successful but I am happy with my life and expect good things to happen to me, I kind of expect to land on my feet, because I always have. I could be richer, have a better career, have a better relationship, lots of stuff. But, basically, I'm grateful to be here. Even when stuff goes wrong, I find that it works out in the end, or I look for the lesson, or I see it as something that had to happen for the next good stuff to come along. Seeing the world that way, I believe I am pretty lucky. Or maybe it's just my outlook?

This is the main point I have made to my anxious sister for many years. People are not noticing you in the negative way you think they are, they might see you, maybe even notice your nice smile, but there's nothing about you to have people really focus on you. You can be sure they are worrying about their own stuff. That worry of what people think has blocked her in so many ways, yet it's all in her head. I wish she could see herself in a more positive light.

Sorry that happened, that really sucks. But I enjoyed the article and love your perspective. It's true, stuff like this happens, we never think it'll be to us. Best wishes.

Oh my gosh, thank goodness that was the only damage done. How terrifying for you all. Wishing her a speedy recovery...

No, he doesn't. He doesn't speak English anyway. I risked someone I knew reading it, but I just had to get it off my chest.

Love this! Not what happened, of course, but how you told it. Glad you left.

Great article, thanks for writing.