Rosie Bee, I posted my response to this query before I read anyone else’s, but WOW, have you noticed how very similar so many of ours sound? Looks like you wrote mine! I too could have written your “I feel most like my authentic self when I am alone and not trying to please, or avoid disagreements with others.” That was perfect1 Now that husband is home much of the time, I wish I didn’t have to do whatever he wants to do, but I don’t have the courage to just go out and do whatever I want to do. Seems he never wants to see the movies I want to see, and I hate seeing the dark and depressing things he calls “art.” Wiah I had the means and courage to get a divorce, but with no outside job, I can’t afford to leave. I am stcuk for a shile yet. I wish I could have the courage to go out with friends even when he is in town. I am not there yet.

I absolutely adore being alone for a few days and wish it could happen more often. I own my own small company and work as a teacher/tutor, so it is time of constantly working with people, high energy and some stress (making the company go). My husband is retired and at home much of the time. I would just love it if he would go away for a week or so. …What would I do? Since it would only be evenings and maybe a weekend, I would eat in or out in the evenings, as it suited me, or not eat at all! I would go to movies I wanted to see if I felt like it. I would watch what tv I wanted to, if I felt like it, and I would just read half into the night if I felt like it. I could have friends over for dinner for long and thoughtful talks if I cared to, and I would go to the museums I wanted to go to, or serve at a local church I am fond of (we do homeless ministry work). I would volunteer with hospices I know of in the city, and I could sit with the older folks in the assisted living homes near my home. As you can see, I am not at all afraid of being alone!

Bella Mia, I am SO with you—stop buying Chinese stuff. We will either find the same item somewhere else, make it, or do without? I truly hate seeing my money go to the Chinese. When I am shopping, I only buy Chinese IF it from a second hand store, where the Chinese won’t get my money for the item a second time. Maybe this idea (making it yourself) can catch on, and create a new generation of younger people actually making something again! Wouldn’t that be something we can be proud of again!

I thrill to my Prius! I don’t really consider it driving anymore; it’s more like entertainment. I AM wondering how long you keep your 50. Is that with winter fuels, as well? I am getting 47 or 48, less in winter (CO state mandated additives.) Hurah for the best built automobile in many years. Knowing Engineer

Wendy, Thank you for your input. We all need to speak our minds. This is, fortunately, a free country in which we can cite opinions of our own, without recrimination. What movies? I just won’t go anymore. The cost is ridiculous, and the topic of most movies is not something I want to pass my eyes over, much less enter the brain. Movies are not too entertaining anymore, which is what most are trying to be-entertainment, escape. (I know, I know, some will say movies can be venues for political expression. I just don’t need/want to go to movies for THAT!) And sports??? I believe it is one of the MOST divisive factors in some households (Remember “golf widows, fishing widows, and hocky widows”?) and my husband and I won’t participate. We’d rather do as you suggest—go for a walk. After all, we have the Rocky Mountains to enjoy! Have a great weekend.

Diana, Like you, I can’t stand this man’s rants and have decided when I see the name, I simply scroll past, not even reading what he says. He is not worth the time. Ignore him.

This compilation of contributions today is so enjoyable! I will now be quite engrossed for the next year or so. Thank you everyone. BTW, where is Mugsy today? Hope you are well, dear. The one book I adore, and read time and again, is My Descent into Death by Howard Storm, which is an autobiographical account of a near death experience and its aftermath. Truly one of those books which can (and may!) change the reader’s life. Thank you, Anne Rice, for helping bring out this book. A must read, sisters! You may have to order it at a local bookstore, but it is worth the wait.

OOh, Kate, This book by Jeffrey is good also for former Polical Scientist majors who became paralegals later and then morphed into teachers, too! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Wasn’t too long, was it, and moved right along. I think it should be required reading for those who believe our President “stole” the 2000 election. Not quite!

At first I read the remarks by this one misdirected man who invaded the site about a fortnight ago; now I just scroll past his sorry words. He seems to be nothing more than a nuisance and not worth my time or irritation. Try just passing him up.. I think you will be missing nothing of import.

Stevean Auerbach, I so agree with you. We need to get our heads out of the election mess and get on with the business of running a country and facing the future, replete with all the situations we CAN do something about, once we get together a united front of AMERICAN people, unified to effect solutions to problems around us and around the world.

There wasn’t a category to tick off which would have indicated my choice—don’t care anymore! I am old enough to remember (because I began voting in the 60s) that campaigns began shortly before the New Hamshire primary and ended with the General Election in the Fall of the election year. That was enough time for candidates to get themselves known, people to educate themselves on the issues, and make choices in time. This election has just been TOO LONG! People are weary of all the mongering and badmouthing and fear and distrust of all the candidates. I so want the election to be held soon and “can’t wait” for November. I have made up my mind by now, wish the President all the support in the time he has left, and hope we can get on with the business of looking forward to a better future for this awesome and wonderful country. Surely there are other women out there who feel as I do? Hm?

Oh, no, Mugsy! PLEASE do not ask for another thing to be made by the Chinese. Wouldn’t it be better to encourage some young person to begin such an enterprise? Keep the money IN our country. We NEED to see more American made products!!

Frank! You sound like an intelligent and wise man. I would like to find someone like you. I would love to meet someone of your caliber and love. Also, I am glad because you sound nothing like that other poor misguided half wit who has invaded our forum today. Again, thank you for taking part in this conversation with such lovely and thought-provoking thoughts and sensations.

Dearest Women, Is there anyway to graciously excuse Mark Klein and have him leave? He really is insufferable. I thought this was a women’s forum…he is so very egotistical, rude and self-centered. How can he wonder about women??? Does he think he really knows one besides his mother?

Why can I not have access to the response page?