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At IKEA I Met A Woman Who Was Paying For A Mirror. And Her Words Nearly Made Me Cry
It was a summer Friday evening after work. I made my way to IKEA to purchase a few decorations and small pieces of furniture for my new studio. After two years of living in a building where loud, inconsiderate neighbors reigned supreme with very little intervention from the building’s management I was more than ready to get acclimated to my new neighborhood and settle into my adorable, quaint studio where plenty of sunlight poured in through my windows each morning.
As I browsed the aisles and reluctantly carried my cart that felt too heavy for my petite body everywhere, I couldn’t help but feel relieved that I was moving forward into a new chapter in my life, not only through location but also mentally and emotionally. I spent a lot of time challenging the aspects of my existence that benefitted everyone else but me. I grew tired of the old identity that everyone else was used to. I believe that I can call this woman, or the old me, The Pleaser.
The Pleaser’s childhood was downright confusing, and served as a rocky foundation that allowed her to be taken advantage of by strangers, boyfriends, coworkers, and even friends. Her parents meant well when they disciplined her through spankings. Because they both grew up in the Caribbean and were disciplined in this way they adapted…
